Plasma Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Levels in First-Episode and Recurrent Major Depression and before and after Bright Light Therapy in Treatment-Resistant Depression

Kosanović Rajačić, Biljana; Šagud, Marina; Begić, Dražen; Nikolac Perković, Matea; Dvojković, Anja; Ganoci, Lana; Pivac, Nela (2023) Plasma Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Levels in First-Episode and Recurrent Major Depression and before and after Bright Light Therapy in Treatment-Resistant Depression. Biomolecules, 13 (9). ISSN 2218-273X

PDF - Published Version - article Available under License Creative Commons Attribution. Download (768kB)

Abstract

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is implicated in the etiology and treatment response in major depressive disorder (MDD). However, peripheral BDNF concentrations have not been compared across different MDD stages. Bright light therapy (BLT) offers some potential in treatment-resistant depression (TRD), but its effects on BDNF levels are unknown. This study included a cross-sectional analysis of plasma BDNF concentration in females with TRD, unmedicated MDD patients, and healthy controls (HC), and measurements of longitudinal BLT effects on plasma BDNF levels in TRD patients. The present study included 55 drug-naïve, first-episode patients, 25 drug-free recurrent-episode MDD patients, 71 HC participants, and 54 TRD patients. Patients were rated by Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD)-17 and the Montgomery–Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS). Patients with TRD received BLT during 4 weeks. The total HAMD-17 and MADRS scores decreased following BLT. All patient groups had lower plasma BDNF than HC, but BDNF levels did not differ between first- and recurrent-episode BDNF patients and TRD patients before or after BLT. However, responders and remitters to BLT had higher post-treatment plasma BDNF concentrations than patients who did not achieve response or remission. The changes in plasma BDNF levels may be candidates for biomarkers of treatment response to BLT in TRD patients.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	brain-derived neurotrophic factor; bright light therapy; major depressive disorder; plasma concentration; remission; treatment-resistant depression; treatment response
Subjects:	BIOMEDICINE AND HEALTHCARE
Divisions:	Division of Molecular Medicine
Projects:	Project title Project leader Project code Project type Cirkulirajuće ekstracelularne vezikule kao prediktori antidepresivnog odgovora: Praćenje mehanizma djelovanja novih terapijskih pristupa u depresiji Matea Nikolac Perković IPS-2022-02-2497 HRZZ
Depositing User:	Ivana Vuglec
Date Deposited:	16 Apr 2026 12:29
URI:	http://fulir.irb.hr/id/eprint/11736
DOI:	10.3390/biom13091425

Actions (login required)

View Item