The impact of antidepressant treatment on brain-derived neurotrophic factor level: An evidence-based approach through systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

OBJECTIVES:Antidepressant treatment alters brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels, but it is not well established whether BDNF can be used as a marker to prove the efficacy of antidepressant treatment. The present systematic review and meta-analysis aim at assessing the influence of antidepressant treatment on BDNF level and the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS) score, thereby to establish the rationale of utilizing BDNF as a predictive biomarker and HDRS score as an indicator for antidepressant treatment efficacy.MATERIALS AND METHODS:Search was conducted in PubMed, Science Direct, and Cochrane databases using the key words “BDNF” and “Depression” and “Antidepressants.” On the basis of the inclusion and exclusion criteria, studies were filtered and finally 6 randomized controlled trials were shortlisted.RESULTS:Comparison of serum BDNF level before and after antidepressant treatment was performed and the result showed that antidepressant treatment does not significantly affect the BDNF levels (confidence interval [CI]: −0.483 to 0.959; standard mean difference [SMD]: 0.238, P = 0.518). Egger's regression test (P = 0.455) and heterogeneity test (I2 = 88.909%) were done. Similarly, comparison of HDRS scores before and after antidepressant treatment indicated improvement in HDRS score suggesting positive outcome (CI: 1.719 to 3.707; SMD: 2.713, P < 0.001). Egger's regression test (P = 0.1417) and heterogeneity test (I2 = 89.843%) were performed. Publication bias was observed by funnel plot.CONCLUSION:Changes in BDNF levels do not occur uniformly for all the antidepressants. Hence, to use BDNF as a biomarker, it needs to be seen whether the same is true for all antidepressants.

Reduced serum BDNF levels are associated with the increased risk for developing MDD: a case–control study with or without antidepressant therapy

“…Another study found no significant alterations of serum BDNF levels between MDD patients and HCs [18]. Some studies reported no significant difference in serum BDNF levels before or after antidepressant therapy [19,20]. Moreover, long-term antidepressant therapy stimulates the expression of BDNF and neurogenesis in the animal model [21].…”

<p>Sleep, a Governor of Morbidity in PTSD: A Systematic Review of Biological Markers in PTSD-Related Sleep Disturbances</p>

“…[63][64][65] In the context of psychiatric disorders, trophic factors have demonstrated altered expression levels in both PTSD and depression, although their exact functional role remains ill-defined. [66][67][68] The literature surrounding trophic factors and PTSD remains particularly unclear, with findings often opposing one and other. [69][70][71] The intertwined relationship between trophic factors and sleep is particularly interesting in this case.…”

Reduced serum BDNF levels are associated with the increased risk for developing MDD: A case-control study with or without antidepressants therapy

“…Another study found no signi cant alterations of serum BDNF levels between MDD patients and HCs [18]. Some studies reported no signi cant difference in serum BDNF levels before or after antidepressant therapy [19,20]. Moreover, long-term antidepressant therapy stimulates the expression of BDNF and neurogenesis in the animal model [21].…”