Reduced serum levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor in adult male patients with autism

K Hashimoto, Y Iwata, K Nakamura, M Tsujii… - Progress in Neuro …, 2006 - Elsevier
K Hashimoto, Y Iwata, K Nakamura, M Tsujii, KJ Tsuchiya, Y Sekine, K Suzuki, Y Minabe…
Progress in Neuro-Psychopharmacology and Biological Psychiatry, 2006•Elsevier
BACKGROUND: The precise mechanisms underlying the pathophysiology of autism are
currently unknown. Given the key role of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in brain
development, we hypothesized that BDNF may play a role in the pathophysiology of autism.
In this study, we studied whether serum levels of BDNF are altered in patients with autism.
METHODS: We measured serum levels of BDNF in 18 adult male patients with autism and
18 age-matched healthy male control subjects. RESULTS: The serum levels of BDNF in …
BACKGROUND
The precise mechanisms underlying the pathophysiology of autism are currently unknown. Given the key role of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in brain development, we hypothesized that BDNF may play a role in the pathophysiology of autism. In this study, we studied whether serum levels of BDNF are altered in patients with autism.
METHODS
We measured serum levels of BDNF in 18 adult male patients with autism and 18 age-matched healthy male control subjects.
RESULTS
The serum levels of BDNF in patients with autism (25.6ą2.15 ng/ml (meanąS.D.)) were significantly (z=−4.42, p<0.001) lower than those of normal controls (61.6ą10.9 ng/ml (meanąS.D.)). Nevertheless, we found no correlations between BDNF levels and clinical variables in autistic patients.
CONCLUSIONS
This study suggests that reduced BDNF levels may play a role in the pathophysiology of autism.
Elsevier
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