Protective role of BDNF in Alzheimer's disease pathophysiology and its correlation with new biomarkers: Can the role of BDNF be re-discussed?

Abstract

Background. The pathophysiology of Alzheimer's disease (AD) is not fully understood and that new biomarkers for the condition should be presented. Objectives. Our study aimed to determine the blood levels of some biochemical molecules and peptide proteins in AD, which is accepted as the most common cause of dementia in the world, and to elucidate the relationship between them.Materials and methods. The study consisted of 2 groups: 40 newly diagnosed AD patients and 40 healthy individuals. Plasma levels between the 2 groups and the correlation between them were statistically analyzed.Results. The median brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) level in the AD group was found to be higher and statistically significant compared to the control group (p = 0.033).Conclusions. According to our literature review, this is the first article in which these molecules have been studied together in AD patients. In this study, we revealed the importance of these parameters and especially the instrumental role of BDNF in the form and function of the brain in AD patients. Interestingly, in the patient group, all parameters in our study showed a positive and significant positive relationship with one another (p < 0.001).