Study of brain-derived neurotrophic factor in the serum of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus

Abstract EN

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is an important mediator of neuronal development, survival, and function.

It is related to the pathogenesis of several neuropsychiatric disorders.

The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between serum BDNF (sBDNF) level and neuropsychiatric status in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients.

Patients and methods This study included the following groups: group I included 35 SLE patients with neuropsychiatric systemic lupus erythematosus (NPSLE) manifestations, group II included 30 SLE patients without neuropsychiatric manifestations, group III included 15 patients with neuropsychiatric disorders due to causes other than SLE, and group IV included 15 apparently healthy volunteers.

All groups were matched for age and sex.

SLE disease activity was assessed using the SLE Disease Activity Index.

A Structured Clinical Interview for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th ed., Axis I was used for the assessment of psychiatric disorders, whereas neurological disorders were assessed by an expert neurologist.

sBDNF was measured by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Results There was a statistically significant increase (P<0.05) in the mean titer of sBDNF in group I compared with other groups (314.9±162.1, 151.1±188.2, 218.1±198.4, and 141.9±130.2 ng/ml in groups I, II, III, and IV, respectively), as well as in group III compared with groups II (P<0.05) and IV (P<0.05).

The mean serum titer of BDNF was statistically significantly elevated in active NPSLE patients (320.7±156.2 ng/ml, P<0.05) comparedwithinactiveNPSLE(210.6±141.89.6 ng/ml,P<0.05), activeSLE (142.8±162.7 ng/ml,P<0.05), andinactiveSLE(139.8±174.8 ng/ml,P<0.05) without neuropsychiatric manifestations.

Conclusion Variation in sBDNF level between SLE patients with and without neuropsychiatric manifestations indicates that it has a particular role in NPSLE disease process.

Likely, it could be used as a biological marker for determining NPSLE disease activity.