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

Background We believe that the pathophysiology of Alzheimer's disease is not fully understood and that new biomarkers of the condition should be presented.

Objectives It is aimed to determine the blood levels of some biochemical molecules and peptide proteins in Alzheimer's disease, which is accepted as the most common cause of dementia in the world, and to elucidate the relationship between them.

Material and methods The study consisted of two groups: 40 newly diagnosed Alzheimer's patients and 40 healthy individuals. Plasma levels between the groups and the correlation between them were statistically analyzed. Results The median brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) level in the Alzheimer’s group was found to be higher and statistically significant compared to the control group (p<0.05). Neurokin B, agmatinase, spermidine synthase, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), angiotensin 1-7 and serum amyloid A levels were not statistically significant (p>0.05).

Conclusions According to the literature review, this is the first article in which these molecules have been studied together in Alzheimer's patients. In this study, we revealed the importance of these parameters and especially the instrumental role of BDNF in the form and functions of the brain in Alzheimer's patients. Interestingly, in the patient group, all parameters in our study showed a positive and significant positive relationship with one another (p<0.001).