Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Serum Levels in Alcohol-Dependent Subjects 6 Months After Alcohol Withdrawal

Abstract

Our data confirm that serum BDNF levels do not correlate with either chronic alcohol consumption or peripheral toxicity but may be linked to neuronal aspects of alcohol consumption and dependence. The increased serum levels of BDNF may reflect the concomitant activation of BDNF synthesis that accompanies the neuronal remodeling triggered by alcohol withdrawal and suggests that BDNF synthesis may have a role in the long-term maintenance of abstinence. Monitoring the serum BDNF levels of alcoholics undergoing treatment could help to characterize alcohol dependence profiles and predict relapse.

Serum BDNF and NGF Modulation by Olive Polyphenols in Alcoholics during Withdrawal

“…However, no differences in plasma BDNF levels were observed in the same two previous groups [27]. Long-lasting withdrawal (6 months) elicits also high serum BDNF [44] as well as one week after alcohol withdrawal [48]. As for NGF our findings indicate a serum NGF potentiation during the first week of withdrawal, data in line with a previously published observation showing elevated NGF levels in human plasma during alcohol withdrawal [28].…”

“…Changes in circulating BDNF following alcohol addiction or withdrawal have been widely demonstrated in previous studies [26,27,[44][45][46][47]. In particular, decreased serum BDNF concentrations was found in patients suffering from alcohol dependence which dramatically increase after acute withdrawal [26].…”

Serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels in relation to comorbid depression and cytokine levels in Nepalese men with alcohol-use disorders

“…It is tempting to speculate that binge-pattern drinking may even correlate better with the 'successful self-medication' category of AUD individuals in the Nepalese setting. Abstinence leads to increases in serum BDNF levels following alcohol withdrawal (Costa et al, 2011;Köhler, Klimke, Hellweg, & Lang, 2013;Lee et al, 2009). Nonetheless, we did not find associations between abstinence duration and serum BDNF levels.…”

“…Long-term exposure to alcohol also engenders neurodestructive changes, which are reflected in reduced BDNF expression in the hippocampus (Davis, 2008). The few studies that have investigated BDNF in AUD patients indicate that BDNF levels increase in early withdrawal and that this lasts for several months into abstention (Costa, Girard, Dalmay, & Malauzat, 2011;D'Sa, Dileone, Anderson, & Sinha, 2012;Huang et al, 2008;Joe et al, 2007;Lee et al, 2009;Umene-Nakano et al, 2009). Indeed, it is plausible that abstention and subsequent recovery from alcohol-induced damage follows neuroregeneration, with the involvement of BDNF.…”

A comparison of dexmedetomidine and placebo on the plasma concentrations of NGF, BDNF, GDNF, and epinephrine during severe alcohol withdrawal

“…Upon initial exposure to alcohol, acute releases in protective BDNF are seen; however, this effect tends to degrade during chronic alcohol consumption, which may increase the severity of withdrawal symptoms (Jeanblanc et al, 2009;Logrip, Janak, & Ron, 2009;Ting-A-Kee et al, 2013). In recently abstinent individuals after chronic alcohol exposure, BDNF tone is increased and may represent relapse-free treatment success through its modulation of the dopaminergic reward pathway (Costa, Girard, Dalmay, & Malauzat, 2011;Köhler, Klimke, Hellweg, & Lang, 2013). Mixed evidence exists regarding the association between measured BDNF levels and acute withdrawal severity (Heberlein et al, 2010;Huang et al, 2008;Köhler et al, 2013).…”