Role of BDNF in neuroplasticity associated with alcohol dependence

Abstract

Chronic alcohol consumption is characterized by disturbances of neuroplasticity. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) may mechanistically participate in this process. Here we aimed to review actual experimental and clinical data related to BDNF involvement in neuroplasticity in the context of alcohol dependence. As shown in experiments on the rodents alcohol consumption is accompanied brain region-specific changes of BDNF expression and by structural and behavioral impairments. BDNF reverses aberrant neuroplasticity during alcohol intoxication. According to clinical data indices characterized BDNF demonstrate close relationship with consequences of alcohol dependence. Polymorphism rs6265 within BDNF gene interacts with macrostructural changes in the brain, while peripheral BDNF concentration may reflect anxiety, depression and cognitive decline. Thus, BDNF is involved in mechanisms of alcohol-related aberrant neuroplasticity, while polymorphisms within BDNF gene and peripheral BDNF concentration may be biomarkers, diagnostic or prognostic factors in clinics of alcoholism.