Impact of Baduanjin exercise combined with rational emotive behavior therapy on sleep and mood in patients with poststroke depression: A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Poststroke depression (PSD) is one of the most common stroke complications. It not only leads to a decline in patients' quality of life but also increases the mortality of patients. In this study, the method of combining Chinese traditional exercise Baduanjin with psychotherapy was used to intervene in patients with PSD and to explore the improvement of sleep, mood, and serum levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels in patients with PSD by combined treatment. METHODS: A total of 100 patients with PSD who met the inclusion criteria were randomly assigned to Baduanjin group (n = 50) or control group (n = 50). The control group received treatment with escitalopram oxalate and rational emotive behavior therapy, while the experimental group received Baduanjin training in addition to the treatment given to the control group. Changes in sleep efficiency, sleep total time, sleep latency, arousal index, Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale, Hamilton Depression Scale score, serum BDNF, 5-HT, IL-6 levels, and Modified Barthel Index were measured at baseline, 4 weeks and 8 weeks after intervention, and the results were compared between the 2 groups. RESULTS: Significantly improvements in the sleep efficiency, sleep total time, serum 5-HT, BDNF levels, and Modified Barthel Index score were detected at week 4 in the Baduanjin group than in the control group (P < .05). Additionally, the sleep latency, arousal index, Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale, Hamilton Depression Scale scores and IL-6 levels in the Baduanjin group were lower than those in the control group (P < .05). After 8 weeks of treatment, the above indexes in the Baduanjin group were further improved compared with the control group (P < .05), and the above indexes of the 2 groups were significantly improved compared with the baseline (P < .001). CONCLUSION: Baduanjin exercise combined with rational emotive behavior therapy effectively improves the mood and sleep status of patients with PSD; It increases the serum levels of 5-HT and BDNF while reducing the level of serum proinflammatory factor IL-6; additionally, the intervention alleviates the degree of neurological impairment, upgrades the ability of daily living, and improves the quality of life.

Acute resistance exercise combined with whole body vibration and blood flow restriction: Molecular and neurocognitive effects in late-middle-aged and older adults.

Limited research exists regarding the effects of resistance exercise (RE) combined with whole body vibration (WBV), blood flow restriction (BFR), or both on the neuropsychological performance of working memory (WM) in late-middle-aged and older adults and regarding the physiological mechanisms underlying this effect. This study thus explored the acute molecular and neurophysiological mechanisms underlying WM performance following RE combined with WBV, BFR, or both. Sixty-six participants were randomly assigned into a WBV, BFR, or WBV + BFR group. Before and after the participants engaged in a single bout of isometric RE combined with WBV, BFR, or both, this study gathered data on several neurocognitive measures of WM performance, namely, accuracy rate (AR), reaction time (RT), and brain event-related potential (specifically P3 latency and amplitude), and data on biochemical indices, such as the levels of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), norepinephrine (NE), and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Although none of the RE modalities significantly affected RTs and P3 latencies, ARs and P3 amplitudes significantly improved in the WBV and WBV + BFR groups. The WBV + BFR group exhibited greater improvements than the WBV group did. Following acute RE combined with WBV, BFR, or both, IGF-1 and NE levels significantly increased in all groups, whereas BDNF levels did not change. Crucially, only the changes in NE levels were significantly correlated with improvements in ARs in the WBV + BFR and WBV groups. The findings suggest that combining acute RE with WBV, BFR, or both could distinctively mitigate neurocognitive decline in late-middle-aged and older adults.

Impact of social isolation on corticosterone release and recovery after stroke in aged rats: A behavioral and biochemical analysis.

Social isolation (SI) after stroke reduces recovery. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of SI on corticosterone release and recovery after stroke in aged rats. A total of 64 male Wistar rats (aged 24 months) were used in the present study. All rats were housed in pairs for two weeks. After two weeks, rats were randomly assigned to one of four groups: (1) rats underwent sham surgery and kept socially isolated (control/social isolated (CO/SI) group); (2) rats underwent sham surgery and kept pair housed (control/pair housed (CO/PH) group); (3) rats underwent middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) surgery and kept socially isolated (stroke/isolated (ST/SI) group); (4) rats underwent MCAO surgery and kept pair housed (stroke/pair housed (ST/PH)) group. Behaviors were assessed using the adhesive removal test, rotarod test and social interaction test at 1st, 7th, 14th and 21st days after stroke. Serum biochemical analysis was also performed on the behavioral testing days. Results showed THAT serum corticosterone and MDA levels in CO/PH group were significantly lower than CO/SI group. Serum BDNF levels in CO/PH group was significantly higher than CO/SI group. Serum corticosterone and MDA levels in ST/PH group were lower than ST/SI group. In ST/PH group, serum Total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and BDNF levels were significantly higher than ST/SI group. Biochemical analysis of certain regions of the brain (hippocampus, striatum and cerebral cortex) was performed on 21st day after stroke. In the hippocampus of CO/PH group, BDNF and TAC levels were significantly higher than CO/SI group. The hippocampal MDA level of CO/PH group were significantly lower than CO/SI group. BDNF and TAC levels in the hippocampus, striatum and cerebral cortex of ST/PH group were significantly higher and MDA level was significantly lower as compared with ST/SI group. Both ischemic groups showed sensorimotor recovery over a 21-day period, but recovery of ST/PH group was significantly greater than ST/SI group. Total social interaction time in ST/PH group was significantly longer than ST/SI group. Based on the results of this study, social interaction after stroke enhances histologic and sensorimotor recovery through reduction of HPA activity and corticosterone release, leading to increased TAC and BDNF levels.

Impact of remote ischemic postconditioning on acute ischemic stroke in China: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

OBJECTIVE: Acute ischemic stroke (AIS) is a significant health burden in China, affecting a sizable portion of the population. Conventional pharmacological treatments frequently fall short of desirable outcomes. Therefore, exploring alternative therapies is crucial. Remote ischemic postconditioning (RIPostC) is a noninvasive and cost-effective adjunctive therapy. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of RIPostC as an adjunctive therapy for AIS to inform clinical practice. METHODS: A comprehensive search was conducted across the PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), WanFang, Weipu (VIP), and China Biology Medicine disc (CBM) databases up to October 2023. All included studies underwent bias risk assessment using the Cochrane risk-of-bias assessment tool. The primary outcome measure was the National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), with secondary outcomes including the Barthel index (BI), D-dimer, C-reactive protein (CRP), fibrinogen (FIB), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), modified Rankin scale (mRS), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) levels. The data were analyzed using fixed-effects and random-effects models in Review Manager, with mean differences (MDs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) calculated for each outcome. The grading of recommendations, assessment, development, and evaluations (GRADE) approach was used to evaluate the level of evidence for each outcome measure. RESULTS: This meta-analysis included 38 studies, encompassing 4334 patients. Compared with the control group, the RIPostC group had significantly lower NIHSS scores, serum CRP, D-dimer, IL-6, TNF-α, and FIB levels, and increased BDNF levels. Moreover, it improved the patient's BI and mRS scores. According to the GRADE approach, the quality of evidence for mRS was deemed "moderate," while the NIHSS, BI, and CRP were rated as "low" quality. IL-6, TNF-α, FIB, D-dimer, and BDNF received "very low" quality ratings. CONCLUSION: The findings suggest that RIPostC activates endogenous protective mechanisms, providing benefits to patients with AIS.

Associated between cognition, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and macronutrients in normal and overweight postmenopausal women.

BDNF is a protein associated with cognitive dysfunction. The aim of the study was to determine the relationship between BDNF and cognitive functions and the intake of macronutrients in postmenopausal women. For this purpose, 72 postmenopausal women were recruited to the study and divided into two subgroups: overweight/obese and normal weight. Using a 3-day food record, nutrition was assessed. The markers studied were the level of BDNF, which was determined from the venous blood serum collected from women, and selected cognitive functions. We observed that in the normal BMI group macronutrient intake was correlated with BDNF levels, and only total fat and carbohydrate intake were inversely correlated with BDNF levels. There were inverse correlations observed among selected parameters of cognitive functioning. In the Ov/Ob group, macronutrient intake correlated with the BDNF level for several variables, e.g. vice versa with total protein, fat and carbohydrate intake, as well as dietary cholesterol. It has also been noted that there are links between the BDNF factor and excessive body weight.

Orienteering combines vigorous-intensity exercise with navigation to improve human cognition and increase brain-derived neurotrophic factor.

Exercise enhances aspects of human cognition, but its intensity may matter. Recent animal research suggests that vigorous exercise, which releases greater amounts of lactate, activates more brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the hippocampus and, thus, may be optimal for supporting cognitive function. The cognitive benefits of exercise may be further augmented when combined with cognitive training. The sport of orienteering simultaneously combines exercise with spatial navigation and, therefore, may result in greater cognitive benefits than exercising only, especially at vigorous intensities. The present study aimed to examine the effects of an acute bout of orienteering at different intensities on cognition and BDNF compared to exercising only. We hypothesized that vigorous-intensity orienteering would increase lactate and BDNF and improve cognition more than moderate-intensity orienteering or vigorous exercise alone. Sixty-three recreationally active, healthy young adults (Mage = 21.10±2.75 years) with no orienteering experience completed a 1.3 km intervention course by navigating and exercising at a vigorous (80-85% of heart rate reserve) or moderate (40-50% of heart rate reserve) intensity or exercising vigorously without navigation. Exercise intensity was monitored using peak lactate, heart rate and rating of perceived exertion. Serum BDNF was extracted immediately before and after the intervention. Memory was assessed using the Mnemonic Similarity Task (high-interference memory) and the Groton Maze Learning Test (spatial memory). Both exercising and orienteering at a vigorous intensity elicited greater peak lactate and increases in BDNF than moderate-intensity orienteering, and individuals with higher peak lactate also had greater increases in BDNF. High-interference memory improved after both vigorous-intensity interventions but did not improve after the moderate-intensity intervention. Spatial memory only increased after vigorous-intensity orienteering, suggesting that orienteering at a vigorous intensity may particularly benefit spatial cognition. Overall, the results demonstrate the benefits of vigorous exercise on human cognition and BDNF.

Job burnout, cognitive functioning, and Brain-derived neurotrophic factor expression among hospital Mexican nurses.

AIM: To analyze the relationship between burnout syndrome, cognitive functions, and sBDNF (Serum Brain-derived Neurotrophic Factor) in Mexican nurses. METHOD: A descriptive cross-sectional design was used. This study target staff nurses working in hospitals in Guanajuato, México. Demographic and working condition data were collected via questionnaire. The Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) was used to evaluate burnout. A blood sample were collected and processed by ELISA technique to measure sBDNF. Finally, the General Cognitive Assessment (CAB) of the Cognifit© neuropsychological battery was used to evaluated cognitive functions. RESULTS: Findings showed that there are sociodemographic characteristics and working conditions associated with burnout syndrome among nurses. Furthermore, the data demonstrated a significant decrease in sBDNF levels in burnout nurses and a negative correlation between BDNF levels and burnout syndrome. Additionally, these burnout nurse also revealed significant cognitive impairment in reasoning, memory, and attention as well as total scores of CAB. Interestingly, we found a positive correlation between sBDNF levels and the cognitive deficits in burnout nurse. CONCLUSION: Reduced BDNF levels could be a biological indicator or part of the pathological process of burnout, which could affect cognitive abilities. Reduced cognitive function in nurses has relevant implications and emphasizes the need for specialized preventive strategies because nurses make clinical decisions concerning their patients, whose situations are constantly changing.

Pre- and postoperative levels of serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor in neonates with congenital heart defects.

BACKGROUND: The objectives of this study were to assess the preoperative and postoperative serum brain- derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels in neonates undergoing surgery for congenital heart defects (CHD). Also to explore the relationship between changes in BDNF levels and the impact of perioperative factors including intraoperative body temperature, aortic cross-clamp time, perfusion time, operation time, inotropic score, vasoactive inotropic score and lactate levels. METHODS: Forty-four patients with CHD and 36 healthy neonates were included in the study. Blood samples for serum BDNF levels were collected three times: preoperatively, and at 24 and 72 hours postoperatively from each patient in the operated group. Additionally, samples were collected once from each individual in the non-operated case group and the control group. Serum BDNF levels were analyzed using the Elabscience ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay) commercial kit. Cranial ultrasonography (USG) was performed on all infants with CHD. Following cardiac surgery, patients underwent second and third cranial USG examinations at 24 and 72 hours postoperatively, respectively. RESULTS: Forty-four consecutive patients with CHD were divided into two groups as follows: the operated group (n=30) and the non-operated group (n=14). Although there were no differences in the baseline serum BDNF levels between the case and control groups, the preoperative serum BDNF levels were significantly lower in the patients operated compared to the non-operated patients. The serum BDNF levels at the 24th hour postoperatively were higher than the preoperative levels. However, no significant correlation was found between the serum BDNF levels at 24 and 72 hours postoperatively as well as the cranial USG findings at corresponding times. CONCLUSIONS: Serum BDNF levels were initially lower in neonates with CHD who underwent surgery, but increased during the early postoperative period. These results suggest that serum BDNF levels are influenced by CHD and the postoperative period.

Effects of antidepressant and antipsychotic medication on peripheral brain-derived neurotrophic factor concentration: Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is an important regulatory protein in the pathophysiology of psychiatric disorders. Several studies have reported the relationship between peripheral BDNF concentrations and the use of psychoactive drugs. However, the results remain controversial. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of psychoactive drugs on BDNF concentrations and to explore the association between changes in BDNF concentrations and improvements in clinical scores. A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted. Six electronic databases, including PubMed, Scopus, Medline, Web of Science, Google Scholar and Science Direct, were searched. Changes in BDNF concentrations were compared before and after psychoactive treatment, using the standardized mean difference (SMD) and 95 % confidence interval (95 % CI). Twenty-three studies were included. A significant increase in serum BDNF concentrations was observed after treatment with antipsychotics (SMD=0.43; 95 %CI: 0.26, 0.60) and antidepressants (SMD=0.49; 95 %CI: 0.23, 0.74). However, the plasma BDNF concentration was not affected by antidepressant and antipsychotic medication. Although an improvement in clinical scores was observed after treatment, no significant association was observed between changes in BDNF concentrations and the changes in the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) and the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D) scores. In conclusion, antidepressants and antipsychotics increase serum BDNF concentrations.

Association of anhedonia with brain-derived neurotrophic factor and interleukin-10 in major depressive disorder.

BACKGROUND: Anhedonia, a core symptom of major depressive disorder (MDD), manifests in two forms: anticipatory and consummatory, reflecting a diminished capacity to anticipate or enjoy pleasurable activities. Prior studies suggest that brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and interleukin-10 (IL-10) may play key roles in the emergence of anhedonia in MDD. The specific relationships between these biomarkers and the two forms of anhedonia remain unclear. This study investigated the potential links between BDNF, IL-10, and both forms of anhedonia in MDD patients. METHODS: This study included 43 participants diagnosed with MDD and 58 healthy controls. It involved detailed assessments of depression and anxiety levels, anticipatory and consummatory pleasure, cognitive functions, and a broad spectrum of plasma biomarkers, such as C-reactive protein, various interleukins, and BDNF. Using partial correlation, variables related to pleasant experiences were identified. Stepwise multiple linear regression analysis was applied to pinpoint the independent predictors of anhedonia in the MDD group. RESULTS: Demographically, both groups were comparable in terms of age, sex, body mass index, educational year, and marital status. Individuals with MDD displayed markedly reduced levels of anticipatory and consummatory pleasure, higher anxiety, and depression scores compared to healthy controls. Additionally, cognitive performance was notably poorer in the MDD group. These patients also had lower plasma diamine oxidase levels. Analysis linked anhedonia to impaired delayed memory. Regression results identified IL-10 and BDNF as independent predictors of anticipatory and consummatory anhedonia, respectively. CONCLUSION: These findings demonstrate that anticipatory and consummatory anhedonia are influenced by independent factors, thereby providing critical insights into the distinct neuroimmunological mechanisms that underlie various forms of anhedonia. Clinicl Trial Registration Number: NCT03790085.

Correlations between personality traits, personality disorders, and immunometabolic markers.

Evidence links immune system alterations to major psychiatric disorders. The few previous studies on personality traits or personality disorders (PDs) indicate that immunometabolic dysregulation may be prevalent in this population. This study aimed to investigate relationships between personality traits, PDs, and immunometabolic markers in peripheral blood. We hypothesized that neuroticism would be correlated with elevated leptin. Participants were recruited as young adults seeking care for general psychiatric disorders. They responded to a personality inventory and were assessed for PDs, and reevaluated again at a 12 years follow-up. Blood samples were collected at the follow-up and analyzed for 29 immunometabolic markers. A positive correlation was found between the personality trait neuroticism and leptin (ρ = 0.31, p = 0.02). An exploratory analysis also revealed a positive correlation between brain-derived neurotrophic factor (ρ = 0.36, p < 0.01) and neuroticism. These findings remained after adjusting for other variables in general linear models. There were no relationships between PDs and any immunometabolic markers. Results both confirm previous findings of correlations between the immunometabolic system and personality traits and suggest directions for future research.

Investigating the role of TGF-ß and BDNF in cancer-related depression: a primary cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Cancer-related depression is a well-documented condition that significantly impacts long-term quality of life. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a neurotrophin essential for neurogenesis and neuronal plasticity, has been implicated in various neuropsychological disorders including depression associated with cancer. Cytokines, on the other hand, play a crucial role in regulating depression, potentially by influencing BDNF expression. Transforming growth factor-ß (TGF-ß), a key immune regulator within the tumor microenvironment, has been found to elevate BDNF levels, establishing a link between peripheral immune responses and depression. The study aims to investigate the correlation of TGF-ß and BDNF in cancer-related depression. METHODS: This study involved a cohort of 153 gynecological patients, including 61 patients with gynecological cancer and 92 patients without cancer. Depression levels were assessed using the subscale of Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS-D), and TGF-ß and BDNF plasma levels were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). RESULTS: The study revealed elevated plasma TGF-ß levels in patients with cancer (32.24 ± 22.93 ng/ml) compared to those without cancer (25.24 ± 19.72 ng/ml) (P = 0.046). Additionally, reduced levels of BDNF were observed in patients presenting depression symptoms (44.96 ± 41.06 pg/ml) compared to those without depression (133.5 ± 176.7 pg/ml) (P = 0.036). Importantly, a significant correlation between TGF-ß and BDNF was found in patients without cancer but with depression (correlation coefficient = 0.893, **P < 0.01). Interestingly, cancer appeared to influence the association between TGF-ß and BDNF in patients with depression, as evidenced by a significant difference in the correlation of TGF-ß and BDNF between cancer and non-cancer groups (P = 0.041). CONCLUSIONS: These findings underscore the active involvement of TGF-ß and BDNF crosstalk in the context of cancer-related depression.

Altered serum levels of neuronal proteins and antibodies to them in occupational diseases of the nervous system.

Aclinical and immunological examination of men with occupational pathology, including vibration disease (VD), occupational sensorineural hearing loss (SHL), and chronic mercury intoxication (CMI), was carried out. The comparison group consisted of men comparable in age and total work experience. Serum concentrations of neurotrophins (S100ß, MBP, BDNF) and antibodies (ABs) to S100ß and MBP proteins were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. An increase in the level of the S100ß protein was shown in CMI, VD, and a tendency for its increase was found in SHL. In parallel, an increase in AB to the S100ß protein in VD and SHL and a decrease in AB in CMI were noted. A comparative assessment of MBP levels indicated a pronounced increase in its serum concentrations in patients with CMI and VD versus the comparison group. At the same time, an increase in the level of serum ABs to MBP in individuals with VD and SHL, and a decrease in patients with CMI were noted. In patients with CMI, a significant decrease in the BDNF concentration was found, while in SHL and VD, no statistically significant differences were found in comparison with the comparison group. The results obtained confirm importance of assessing serum concentrations of neurotrophic proteins and ABs to them in the case of occupational damage to the nervous system caused by exposure to physical and chemical factors.

Ketogenic Diet Induced Shifts in the Gut Microbiome Associate with Changes to Inflammatory Cytokines and Brain-Related miRNAs in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

In this interventional pilot study, we investigated the effects of a modified ketogenic diet (KD) on children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). We previously observed improved behavioral symptoms in this cohort following the KD; this trial was registered with Clinicaltrials.gov (NCT02477904). This report details the alterations observed in the microbiota, inflammation markers, and microRNAs of seven children following a KD for a duration of 4 months. Our analysis included blood and stool samples, collected before and after the KD. After 4 months follow up, we found that the KD led to decreased plasma levels of proinflammatory cytokines (IL-12p70 and IL-1b) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Additionally, we observed changes in the gut microbiome, increased expression of butyrate kinase in the gut, and altered levels of BDNF-associated miRNAs in the plasma. These cohort findings suggest that the KD may positively influence ASD sociability, as previously observed, by reducing inflammation, reversing gut microbial dysbiosis, and impacting the BDNF pathway related to brain activity.

Pro-Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF), but Not Mature BDNF, Is Expressed in Human Skeletal Muscle: Implications for Exercise-Induced Neuroplasticity.

Exercise promotes brain plasticity partly by stimulating increases in mature brain-derived neurotrophic factor (mBDNF), but the role of the pro-BDNF isoform in the regulation of BDNF metabolism in humans is unknown. We quantified the expression of pro-BDNF and mBDNF in human skeletal muscle and plasma at rest, after acute exercise (+/- lactate infusion), and after fasting. Pro-BDNF and mBDNF were analyzed with immunoblotting, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, immunohistochemistry, and quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Pro-BDNF was consistently and clearly detected in skeletal muscle (40-250 pg mg-1 dry muscle), whereas mBDNF was not. All methods showed a 4-fold greater pro-BDNF expression in type I muscle fibers compared to type II fibers. Exercise resulted in elevated plasma levels of mBDNF (55%) and pro-BDNF (20%), as well as muscle levels of pro-BDNF (∼10%, all P < 0.05). Lactate infusion during exercise induced a significantly greater increase in plasma mBDNF (115%, P < 0.05) compared to control (saline infusion), with no effect on pro-BDNF levels in plasma or muscle. A 3-day fast resulted in a small increase in plasma pro-BDNF (∼10%, P < 0.05), with no effect on mBDNF. Pro-BDNF is highly expressed in human skeletal muscle, particularly in type I fibers, and is increased after exercise. While exercising with higher lactate augmented levels of plasma mBDNF, exercise-mediated increases in circulating mBDNF likely derive partly from release and cleavage of pro-BDNF from skeletal muscle, and partly from neural and other tissues. These findings have implications for preclinical and clinical work related to a wide range of neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's, clinical depression, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

Expression Patterns of miRNAs in Egyptian Children with ADHD: Clinical Study with Correlation Analysis.

ADHD has huge knowledge gaps concerning its etiology. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) provide promising diagnostic biomarkers of human pathophysiology and may be a novel therapeutic option. The aim was to investigate the levels of miR-34c-3p, miR-155, miR-138-1, miR-296-5p, and plasma brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in a group of children with ADHD compared to neurotypicals and to explore correlations between these measures and some clinical data. The participants were children with ADHD in Group I (N = 41; age: 8.2 ± 2) and neurotypical ones in Group II (N = 40; age: 8.6 ± 2.5). Group I was subjected to clinical examination, the Stanford Binet intelligence scale-5, the preschool language scale, and Conner's parent rating scale-R. Measuring the expression levels of the miRNAs was performed by qRT-PCR for all participants. The BDNF level was measured by ELISA. The lowest scores on the IQ subtest were knowledge and working memory. No discrepancies were noticed between the receptive and expressive language ages. The highest scores on the Conner's scale were those for cognitive problems. Participants with ADHD exhibited higher plasma BDNF levels compared to controls (p = 0.0003). Expression patterns of only miR-34c-3p and miR-138-1 were downregulated with significant statistical differences (p˂0.01). However, expression levels of miR-296-5p showed negative correlation with the total scores of IQ (p = 0.03). MiR-34c-3p, miR-138-1, while BDNF showed good diagnostic potential. The downregulated levels of miR-34c-3p and miR-138-1, together with high BDNF levels, are suggested to be involved in the etiology of ADHD in Egyptian children. Gender differences influenced the expression patterns of miRNAs only in children with ADHD.

[Associations of serum neuromarkers with clinical features of Parkinson's disease]. / Assotsiatsii syvorotochnykh neiromarkerov s klinicheskimi osobennostyami bolezni Parkinsona.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical and laboratory correlation of biomarkers with anti- and pro-apoptotic activity with the severity of motor and non-motor symptoms depending on the progression rate of Parkinson's disease (PD). MATERIAL AND METHODS: A wide range of non-motor symptoms (emotional-affective, cognitive, psychotic and behavioral disorders, fatigue, sleep disorders and autonomic disorders) was evaluated using validated scales and a number of serum neuromarkers responsible for neuroplasticity and neuronal survival processes (BDNF, PDGF, cathepsin D) in 71 patients with PD (mean age 65 (55; 70) years, disease duration 7 (4; 9) years, age of onset 57 (49; 62) years). RESULTS: The concentration of biomarkers (BDNF, PDGF and cathepsin D) was the lowest in the group of patients with a rapid PD progression rate (p<0.001, p=0.001 and p=0.031, respectively), the severity of motor and most non-motor symptoms was higher (p=0.023 and p=0.001, respectively) compared to middle and slow progression rate. There were correlations between BDNF concentration and the severity of depression (r=-0.63, p<0.001), apathy (r=-0.48, p<0.001), impulsive behavioral disorders (r=0.500, p<0.001), level of cognitive functions (r=0.54, p<0.001), motor symptoms (r=-0.43, p<0.001); between PDGF level and the severity of motor manifestations of PD (r=-0.30, p=0.011), depression (r=-0.70, p<0.001), apathy (r=-0.460, p<0.001), the degree of severity of behavioral disorders (r=0.742, p<0.001). No significant correlations were observed between the level of cathepsin D and the severity of clinical manifestations of PD, which indicates the connection of cathepsin D with the general pathogenesis of PD. CONCLUSION: The possibility of using serum proteins of the neurotrophin subfamily and the protein associated with autophagy, cathepsin D, as biomarkers that determine the prognosis of PD, is considered.

Serum levels of IL-9 and IL-11 serve as predictors for the occurrence of early neurologic deterioration in patients with cerebral infarction.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Early neurological deterioration (END) is a common complication of cerebral infarction and a significant contributor to poor prognosis. Our study aimed to investigate the predictive value of interleukin-9 (IL-9) and interleukin-11 (IL-11) in relation to the occurrence of END in patients with cerebral infarction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 102 patients with cerebral infarction and 64 healthy controls were collected. Patients were categorized into two groups based on the development of END following admission: the END group (n = 44) and the non-END group (n = 58). Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to determine the serum levels of IL-9, IL-11, and BDNF. RESULTS: Serum IL-9 was higher and IL-11 lower in the END group than those in the non-END group (P < 0.01). IL-9 correlated positively with NIHSS score (r = 0.627) and infarction volume (r = 0.686), while IL-11 correlated negatively (r = -0.613, -0.679, respectively). Logistic regression identified age, NIHSS score, and IL-9 as risk factors (P < 0.01), and IL-11 as protective (P < 0.01). Combined IL-9 and IL-11 had an ROC curve area of 0.849. BDNF correlated negatively with IL-9 (r = -0.703) and positively with IL-11 (r = 0.711). CONCLUSION: Serum IL-9 and IL-11 levels can predict the occurrence of END in patient with cerebral infarction and are correlated with serum BDNF levels.

Cognitive dysfunction, depression and serum level of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in Egyptian patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

AIM OF THE WORK: To evaluate serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in Egyptian patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and its relation with cognitive dysfunction. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study was carried out on 60 RA patients; 30 were active (group A) and 30 were non active (group B); and 30 controls (group C). RA disease activity was assessed via DAS28 tool, cognitive function via The Montreal Cognitive Assessment and depression via the PHQ depression scale. Serum BDNF levels were measured. RESULTS: The mean age in group A was 37.8 (±9.37) years with 83.3% females, in group B was 39.97 (±8.04) years with 86.7% females and in group C was 33.17 (±3.6) years with 93.3% females. Abnormal cognitive functions test was detected in 66.7% of group A, 66.7% of group B, and in 23.3% of group C. There was a statistically significant difference in BDNF serum level between both groups of patients (1.58±0.9ng/ml for group A, 1.81±1.17ng/ml for group B) compared with the control group (3.01±1.25ng/ml, p<0.001). There was no statistically significant difference between BDNF and both disease duration and cognitive function, also no statistically significant difference regarding cognitive function, depression, and BNDF levels in patients with and without fibromyalgia. At a cut-off value of <2ng/ml, BDNF detected RA patients with cognitive dysfunction with a sensitivity of 80%, specificity of 96.67%. CONCLUSION: BDNF can be a potential biomarker of cognitive dysfunction in RA patients.

How does maternal anemia affect the levels of umbilical cord brain-derived neurotrophic factor?

OBJECTIVE: In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effect of maternal iron deficiency anemia on the umbilical cord level of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which plays a very important role in the central nervous system. METHODS: Our research was planned as a quantitative, prospective, and analytical type of study. A total of 90 volunteers, term, singleton pregnant hospitalized in the Health Sciences University Ümraniye Training and Research Hospital Gynecology and Obstetrics Clinic between September 2021 and August 2022 were included in this study. While 45 of these pregnants were pregnant women with iron deficiency anemia (hemoglobin ≤ 110 g/L and serum ferritin level ≤ 12 µg/L), 45 cases were in the control group without iron deficiency anemia (hemoglobin > 110 g/L, serum ferritin > 12 µg/L). When pregnant were admitted to the hospital, blood samples were taken to analyze hemoglobin, mean cell volume (MCV), iron, unsaturated iron binding capacity, total iron binding capacity, serum ferritin, transferrin, and CRP levels. Also, we noted the maternal age, gravida, parity, birth weight, head circumference, type of birth, 1. minute Apgar score, and 5. minute Apgar score. During the delivery; after the umbilical cord had been clamped and cut, we took 5 cc of umbilical cord blood. Then, we put it in the serum-separating laboratory tubes. After we centrifuged these blood samples, we put the serum parts in the Eppendorf tubes to be stored at -80 degrees Celsius. At the end of the study, we calculated the level of BDNF using special human brain-derived neurotrophic factor ELISA kits. The umbilical cord BDNF levels of the maternal iron deficiency anemia group and the control group were compared statistically. RESULTS: When we evaluated the fetal umbilical cord BDNF values of 90 participants, the median value BDNF in the babies of 45 anemic mothers was 3.16 (IQR 0.73), and the median BDNF value of the babies of 45 healthy mothers was 5.37 (IQR 1.02). We found a statistical difference between BDNF and hemoglobin, hematocrit, MCV, and iron values between these two groups. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, the BDNF value of the babies of healthy individuals is higher than that of anemic individuals. Our study showed that the amount of BDNF in the umbilical cord blood was significantly affected by maternal iron deficiency anemia.