Regulation of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) during sleep apnoea treatment

Abstract

Background: Patients with obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS) often display persistent cognitive dysfunction despite effective treatment with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a key mediator of memory and cognition, but its regulation in OSAS and during CPAP treatment is unknown. Methods: Serum and plasma BDNF concentrations, BDNF secretion by peripheral blood mononuclear cells, and overnight polysomnography were evaluated in 17 men with newly diagnosed OSAS (as defined by a respiratory disturbance index of .10/hour with .70% obstructive events and corresponding daytime symptoms) and 12 healthy control men. In the patients all the parameters were monitored after 1 night and 3 months of CPAP treatment. Results: There was no significant difference in baseline serum BDNF, plasma BDNF, or spontaneous BDNF secretion by peripheral blood mononuclear cells between untreated patients and controls. After 1 night of CPAP treatment there was a steep fall in median serum BDNF (from 18.0 ng/ml to 4.1 ng/ml) and plasma BDNF (from 58.7 pg/ml to 22.0 pg/ml) concentrations. Following 3 months of treatment BDNF concentrations did not return to baseline. In contrast, BDNF secretion was not suppressed by CPAP treatment. Conclusions: Patients with untreated OSAS have normal serum and plasma BDNF levels. CPAP treatment is associated with a rapid decrease in serum and plasma BDNF levels which may reflect enhanced neuronal demand for BDNF in this condition.

The Association of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Gene Polymorphism with Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome and Obesity

“…Although BDNF gene polymorphism has not been previously studied in OSAS patients, some studies investigated the serum and plasma levels of BDNF protein in this patient group. A marked decrease was observed in the serum and plasma The remaining data are shown as mean ± standard deviation Lung BDNF levels of OSAS patients following an overnight CPAP therapy [9]. Before therapy, serum and plasma BDNF levels of these patients were similar to the healthy individuals, and the authors attributed the significant BDNF decrease noted after CPAP therapy to the enhanced neuronal demand [9].…”

“…A marked decrease was observed in the serum and plasma The remaining data are shown as mean ± standard deviation Lung BDNF levels of OSAS patients following an overnight CPAP therapy [9]. Before therapy, serum and plasma BDNF levels of these patients were similar to the healthy individuals, and the authors attributed the significant BDNF decrease noted after CPAP therapy to the enhanced neuronal demand [9]. In another study, serum and plasma BDNF levels of children with OSAS were found to be significantly decreased 3 months after adenotonsillectomy [10].…”

“…In a German study, a marked decrease in serum and plasma BDNF levels were reported after continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy in OSAS patients overnight [9]. In another study, serum and plasma BDNF levels of children with OSAS were found to be significantly decreased 3 months after adenotonsillectomy [10].…”

Changes of Serum Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor in Children with Obstructive Sleep Apnoea–Hypopnoea Syndrome following Adenotonsillectomy

“…26 Brain-derived neurotrophic factor is also involved in the cognitive dysfunction that occurs in patients with OSAS. 30 In addition,…”

Effects of obstructive sleep apnea on serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor protein, cortisol, and lipid levels

“…It is characterized by repeated and/or periodic cessation of breathing during sleep due to partial or complete upper airway, oropharyngeal, obstruction. In addition, OSA also causes significant sleep disturbances resulting in daytime sleepiness and exhaustion which may lead to traffic accidents [2] or cognitive dysfunction, including memory, problem solving, and behavioral performance deficits [3]. Additionally, OSA and metabolic syndrome are related.…”