Brain-derived neurotrophic factor serum levels in heroin-dependent patients after 26weeks of withdrawal
Abstract
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) has been implicated in the pathophysiology of heroin dependence. BDNF expression is dramatically changed during drug withdrawal, and is associated with drug withdrawal syndrome. This study aimed to explore (1) alterations of BDNF serum levels in heroin-dependent patients after long term abstinence; and (2) the association between BDNF serum levels and protracted withdrawal syndrome. Fifty-three male heroin-dependent patients and fifty-two gender-matched healthy controls were enrolled in this study. We measured BDNF serum levels at baseline and 26 weeks after heroin abstinence. Moreover, protracted withdrawal symptoms, depression and anxiety symptoms were measured by Protracted Withdrawal Symptoms of Heroin-dependent patients (PWSHA), Self-rating Depression Scale (SDS) and Self-rating Anxiety Scale (SAS), respectively. We found that baseline BDNF serum levels were significantly lower in heroin-dependent patients compared to controls (p<0.01). There was also a significantly difference in BDNF serum levels among heroin-dependent patients at baseline and 26-week follow-up (p<0.01). The BDNF serum levels were not associated with age, BMI, years of education, age of initial use, or duration of...Continue Reading
References
Neuroplasticity in the mesolimbic system induced by natural reward and subsequent reward abstinence.
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This feed focuses mechanisms underlying addiction and addictive behaviour including heroin and opium dependence, alcohol intoxication, gambling, and tobacco addiction.