BDNF and nicotine dependence: associations and potential mechanisms

Abstract

Smoking is the leading preventable cause of death worldwide and tobacco addiction has become a serious public health problem. Nicotine is the main addictive component of tobacco, and the majority of people that smoke regularly develop nicotine dependence. Nicotine addiction is deemed to be a chronic mental disorder. Although it is well known that nicotine binds to the nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) and activates the mesolimbic dopaminergic system (MDS) to generate the pleasant and rewarding effects, the molecular mechanisms of nicotine addiction are not fully understood. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is the most prevalent growth factor in the brain, which regulates neuron survival, differentiation, and synaptic plasticity, mainly through binding to the high affinity receptor tyrosine kinase receptor B (TrkB). BDNF gene polymorphisms are associated with nicotine dependence and blood BDNF levels are altered in smokers. In this review, we discussed the effects of nicotine on BDNF expression in the brain and summarized the underlying signaling pathways, which further indicated BDNF as a key regulator in nicotine dependence. Further studies that aim to understand the neurobiological mechanism of BDNF in nicotine addcition would provide a valuable reference for quitting smoking and developing the treatment of other addictive substances.

Plasma Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor and Opioid Therapy: Results of Pilot Cross-Sectional Study

“…Many conclusions are based on BDNF concentration studies in heroin-, methamphetamine-, cocaine-, and cannabis-dependent patients. [35][36][37][38][39] Similarly, changes in BDNF levels have also been reported in nicotine-dependent patients. 36,39 The results are not consistent.…”

“…[35][36][37][38][39] Similarly, changes in BDNF levels have also been reported in nicotine-dependent patients. 36,39 The results are not consistent. Luan et al 37 described a mean serum BDNF level in the group of heroindependent patients of 1692 pg/mL, which was significantly higher than that in the control group (1194 pg/mL).…”

“…Similar results were presented by other researchers. 36,39 Moreover, serum BDNF levels <1251 pg/mL were associated with an increased risk of developing depression during withdrawal therapy. 37 Increased serum BDNF levels were observed in patients with schizophrenia with an addiction to cannabinoid or addictive substances.…”

A Genome-Wide Association Study Reveals a BDNF-Centered Molecular Network Associated with Alcohol Dependence and Related Clinical Measures

“…By binding to its receptor tropomyosin receptor kinase B (TrkB), brain-derived neurotrophic factor, encoded by BDNF, regulates neuronal development and function and is important in synaptic plasticity [ 79 , 80 ]. Levels of this growth factor are altered in a number of psychiatric disorders and substance use phenotypes: for example, they are reduced in AD [ 81 ] and schizophrenia [ 82 ], but are increased in nicotine dependence [ 83 ]. BDNF is associated with problematic alcohol use [ 7 ], alcohol consumption [ 9 ], general risk tolerance and externalizing behavior [ 21 ], as well as various smoking behavior phenotypes (for example, [ 22 ]).…”

A Genome-Wide Association Study Reveals New Genes in a Molecular Network Associated With Alcohol Dependence and Related Clinical Measures

“…By binding to its receptor tropomyosin receptor kinase B (TrkB), brain-derived neurotrophic factor, encoded by BDNF, regulates neuronal development and function and is important in synaptic plasticity [81,82]. Levels of this growth factor are altered in a number of psychiatric disorders and substance use phenotypes: for example, they are reduced in AD [83] and schizophrenia [84], but are increased in nicotine dependence [85]. BDNF is associated with problematic alcohol use [6], alcohol consumption [8], general risk tolerance and externalizing behavior [53], as well as various smoking behavior phenotypes (for example, [52]).…”