Brain-derived neurotrophic factor in gastroenterology oncology – short review of current literature

Abstract

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a member of the neurotrophins group which plays a crucial role in brain development and neurogenesis. In the hypothalamus it is described as playing a role in energy metabolism and feeding behaviour. The hippocampal concentration of BDNF is believed to play an important role in learning and memory, it has a protective role in neurodegeneration and stress responses. BDNF is also known to take part in many other processes, e.g. angiogenesis, proliferation, cell migration and apoptosis. With its receptor TrkB, neurotrophins are important agents that playa role in neural diseases, as well as in cardiovascular and metabolic disorders, such as diabetes mellitus or acute coronary syndrome. Over the last few years, BDNF interaction with TrkB has also been found to be involved in cancer development, including brain, breast, urinary and gastrointestinal cancer. TrkB expression itself has been described as an aggressive neural tumour. BDNF/TrkB signalling takes part in promoting tumour growth and metastasis. The presented review focuses on gastrointestinal cancer and presents the current literature concerning influence of BDNF and TrkB receptor in cancer progression. Special attention is also paid to data confirming the possible role of BDNF/TrkB interaction in chemotherapy resistance. This might present the opportunity to assess the BDNF and TrkB pathway as a possible novel target for anticancer therapies.

The Relation of the Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor with MicroRNAs in Neurodegenerative Diseases and Ischemic Stroke

“…Moreover, studies showed that BDNF plays a crucial role in neurodegenerative disorders. Apart from neurodegenerative disorders, the importance of BDNF in many other diseases such as diabetes and cancer was also investigated [1,119]. However, limited studies showed the BDNF-miRNA interactions and the modulation of BDNF signaling by miRNAs.…”

The role of brain derived neurotrophic factor in central nervous system

“…We discussed the alteration of BDNF level and BDNF-based therapies in different disease models. Apart from the disorders above mentioned, the role of BDNF was also investigated in many other diseases such as diabetes and cancer ( Eyileten et al, 2017 ; Guzel et al, 2021 ). Understanding the role of BDNF and its signaling as well as how they regulate repair or regrowth of CNS will be useful.…”

Expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor and formation of migrasome increases in the glioma cells induced by the adipokinetic hormone

“…Previous studies have demonstrated that BDNF plays a role in growth, invasion, and metastasis in several types of tumors, such as gastric cancer, lung cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma, and ovarian and prostate cancers. The BDNF binds to tropomyosin-related kinase B (TrkB) receptor and triggers the production of pro-migratory, pro-survival, and anti-apoptotic proteins 2 , 3 .…”