Role of BDNF in Neuroplasticity Associated with Alcohol Dependence

Abstract

Chronic alcohol consumption is characterized by disturbances of neuroplasticity. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is believed to be critically involved in this process. Here we aimed to review actual experimental and clinical data related to BDNF participation in neuroplasticity in the context of alcohol dependence. As has been shown in experiments with rodents, alcohol consumption is accompanied by the brain region-specific changes of BDNF expression and by structural and behavioral impairments. BDNF reverses aberrant neuroplasticity observed during alcohol intoxication. According to the clinical data parameters associated with BDNF demonstrate close correlation with neuroplastic changes accompanying alcohol dependence. In particular, the rs6265 polymorphism within the BDNF gene is associated with macrostructural changes in the brain, while peripheral BDNF concentration may be associated with anxiety, depression, and cognitive impairment. Thus, BDNF is involved in the mechanisms of alcohol-induced changes of neuroplasticity, and polymorphisms within the BDNF gene and peripheral BDNF concentration may serve as biomarkers, diagnostic or prognostic factors in treatment of alcohol abuse.

A Rat Model of the Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Val66Met Polymorphism Shows Attenuated Motivation for Alcohol Self-Administration and Diminished Propensity for Cue-Induced Relapse in Females

“…On the other hand, in an operant ethanol self-administration paradigm, subchronic administration of DHF enhanced reinstatement in rats [ 20 ]. These and other findings [ 8 , 21 ] suggest that the role of BDNF in AUD may vary between different aspects of the disorder.…”

Sex-dependent factors of alcohol and neuroimmune mechanisms

“…Similarly, immune factors that are recruited during alcohol dependence (e.g., TNF-α, IL-6, BDNF, etc.) have been shown to modulate inhibitory and excitatory synaptic transmission via the modulation of neurotransmitter release and receptors ( Roberts et al, 2019 ; Li et al, 2022 ; Peregud et al, 2023 ; Coleman and Crews, 2018 ).…”

Alcohol and the Brain–Gut Axis: The Involvement of Microglia and Enteric Glia in the Process of Neuro-Enteric Inflammation

“…In this study, the GDNF serum levels were found to be significantly decreased in patients with alcohol dependence, while a decrease in the BDNF levels is associated with alcohol withdrawal [111,112]. In another study, it was shown that alcohol-related changes in the BDNF levels are related to the macrostructure and the processes of polymorphism and neuroplasticity in the brain, whereas increases in the levels of this neurotrophic factor are correlated with cognitive impairment, anxiety, and depression [113][114][115]. Neurotrophic factors regulate the corelease of neurotransmitters and dictate the cholinergic and adrenergic properties of the neuronal cells.…”