Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) Levels In Relation To Depression in Egyptian Diabetic Women: A Pilot Study

Background: Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a crucial moderator of neuronal plasticity in adults, a potential association between BDNF and depression has been reported. Besides BDNF plays a role in glucose and energy metabolism. Methods: This work included 180 women (25-55 years old). Ninety diabetic patients with the clinical diagnosis of depression and 90 were normal controls. Plasma BDNF was evaluated using ELISA. The Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS) consisting of 20 objects with a Likert-type scale after each was used. HbA1c were measured in each patient using a clinical auto-analyzer. Results: BDNF levels in serum decreased significantly in diabetic depressed women compared to controls. Moreover, BDNF levels were inversely proportional to age, BMI, HbAc1 and LDL.Conclusion: The study suggests that age, BMI, HbAc1 have a definite impact on the circulating levels of BDNF in peripheral blood. The outcomes delineate that BDNF could participate in glucose impairment and lipid metabolism in diabetic patients.