Serum brain‐derived neurotrophic factor levels were reduced during methamphetamine early withdrawal

Abstract

Methamphetamine (METH) abuse is an increasing public health problem worldwide. Many of the METH-induced physical and mental problems are associated with the neurotoxic effects of METH. Animal studies have shown that brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) decreased after repeated amphetamine administration and increased at 30 and 90 days from psychostimulant withdrawal, suggesting that there might be a psychostimulant-induced neuroprotective dysfunction followed by a neuroadaptive process in the brain. However, current research on the role of BDNF in human METH addiction is limited, particularly during early withdrawal. The aim of this study was to assess the serum BDNF levels in METH abusers during the early withdrawal stage. Two groups of subjects were enrolled: (1) 59 DSM-IV METH abusers confirmed by board-certified psychiatrists during the first 3 weeks of withdrawal; (2) 59 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. We found that serum BDNF levels were significantly and constantly lower in the METH abusers during early withdrawal than those of the healthy controls. This indicates that METH abusers might have severe BDNF dysfunction and an impaired neuroprotective function after repetitive METH misuse.

Effect of the environmental enrichment on the severity of psychological dependence and voluntary methamphetamine consumption in methamphetamine withdrawn rats

“…Thus, we conclude that exposure to EE decreases the rewarding effects of METH which can reduce the risk of sensitivity and drug seeking after withdrawal [40]. The dopaminergic dysfunction [39], the low level of glutamate [2], and reduction of BDNF [6,14] may play a significant role in relapse of METH-seeking after protracted abstinence. In this regard, it has been shown that EE prevents methamphetamine-induced decrease of BDNF level after cessation of treatment with METH [6,14,15].…”

“…The dopaminergic dysfunction [39], the low level of glutamate [2], and reduction of BDNF [6,14] may play a significant role in relapse of METH-seeking after protracted abstinence. In this regard, it has been shown that EE prevents methamphetamine-induced decrease of BDNF level after cessation of treatment with METH [6,14,15]. Also, it seems that antidepressant and antianxiety effects of enriched environment decreased voluntary METH consumption in withdrawn rats.…”

Dose-Dependent Effects of Binge-Like Methamphetamine Dosing on Dopamine and Neurotrophin Levels in Rat Brain

“…Some studies have shown that plasma BDNF levels are increased in drug addicts [46], and that serum levels decline with withdrawal [47]. However, other studies have shown that BDNF levels in the serum of methamphetamine addicts during withdrawal were lower than in controls [48]. Timing is a factor in these conflicting conclusions.…”

The Effects of BDNF Val66Met Gene Polymorphism on Serum BDNF and Cognitive Function in Methamphetamine-Dependent Patients and Normal Controls

“…7 However, one study reported the opposite result with decrease of serum BDNF during acute withdrawal in methamphetamine abusers. 12 It seemed that BDNF decreased first and then increased after methamphetamine withdrawal in humans. They explained that the neurotoxicity of methamphetamine could induce an impairment of neuroprotective function followed by a neuroadaptive process in the brain.…”

“…11 In clinical research, the change of BDNF during methamphetamine withdrawal has been reported in 2 studies, but the results were inconsistent with each other. 7,12 Addictive drugs will also change the BDNF gene transcription, such as promoting BDNF exon IV expression in rat prefrontal cortex. 13 It has been reported that the BDNF gene might be an important factor in susceptibility to drug dependence or abuse.…”