Proteins can be thought of as the building blocks of the brain. They provide it with the necessary amino acids for it to function. One type of protein, Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), belongs to family of proteins called neurotrophins which regulate growth, connection, differentiation and survival of neurons. BDNF is expressed in the brain in reaction to sensory stimulation, contributing to neuronal plasticity, learning and memory. It has been investigated among individuals with a range of psychiatric conditions, specifically those with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and depression have lower levels of BDNF in blood compared to the controls.
In a recent study by Raluca Armeanu, Mikael Mokkonen, and Bernard Crespi, they used a meta-analytic method to see whether peripheral amounts of BDNF is altered in autism. There has been some studies done beforehand on this relationship, but they range from having higher levels of BDNF to lower or non-significant differences. They tallied and analyzed 15 studies totaling 1242 participants finding that there is a small to medium size statistical effect, meaning that there was higher levels of BDNF in autistic subjects compared to controls. They then compared them to people with Angelman syndrome, where it also exhibits higher levels of BDNF. This suggests, according to the authors, that the model of autism being diametrically opposed to psychotic-affective disorders is correct and consistent.
By monitoring this protein level, the data suggests that peripheral BDNF levels are a potential biomarker for autism. BDNF is the most abundant neurotrophin in the central nervous system that can cross the blood-brain barrier. We can then measure the level in the blood and have confidence that it is in the cerebrospinal fluid. Having increased BDNF levels could result in overgrowth of brain tissue, which is also found in autistic children. Being able to analyze this brain development in children with autism relies on accurate detecting of BDNF levels.
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-imprinted-brain/201608/key-brain-protein-has-implications-psychiatric-disorders
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ReplyDeleteI've heard of numerous studies done on Brain-derived neurotrophic factor recently, and it seems like this protein does a lot for us. That being said, I thought you did a great job describing what neurotrophins do for our brain and what may happen when your levels are too high or too low. On the subject of high levels and its link to autism , I know the causes of autism have been widely debated over the years. As it stands, researchers haven't determined one set cause. It would be interesting if these finding were studied even further and what the results would be.
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