BDNF

Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor
A member of the nerve growth factor family of trophic factors. In the brain BDNF has a trophic action on retinal, cholinergic, and dopaminergic neurons, and in the peripheral nervous system it acts on both motor and sensory neurons. (From Kendrew – The Encyclopedia of Molecular Biology, 1994)

BDNF / Glial Cells / Mercury / Neurons / Toxicants

Assessing the health hazards of low-dose ethylmercury: Neurochemical and behavioral impacts in neonatal mice through matrix metalloproteinase activation and brain-derived neurotrophic factor release

Highlights
•Exposure to ethylmercury (EtHG) poses neurotoxic risks in children.
•Behavioral abnormalities were induced by EtHg exposure in neonatal mice.
•Changes in neurite length and BDNF expression were observed.
•EtHg induces physiological changes in the brain by activating microglia.

Excerpt
“Our findings revealed that EtHg exposure led to significant alterations in brain development, including increased brain size and cortical thickness. These structural changes were accompanied by notable impairments in social interactions and behavioral patterns. Further analysis indicated that these effects were likely mediated by increased microglial activation and elevated BDNF expression in the cerebral cortex. Overall, our study suggests that EtHg disrupts neurodevelopment by activating microglia, leading to physiological and morphological changes in the brain.

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  • March 15, 2025
Autism Biomarkers / BDNF / Cytokines / Genes / Immune / Males

Prenatal Exposure to COVID-19 mRNA Vaccine BNT162b2 Induces Autism-Like Behaviors in Male Neonatal Rats: Insights into WNT and BDNF Signaling Perturbations

Excerpt:

“Our findings reveal that the mRNA BNT162b2 vaccine significantly alters WNT gene expression and BDNF levels in both male and female rats, suggesting a profound impact on key neurodevelopmental pathways. Notably, male rats exhibited pronounced autism-like behaviors, characterized by a marked reduction in social interaction and repetitive patterns of behavior. Furthermore, there was a substantial decrease in neuronal counts in critical brain regions, indicating potential neurodegeneration or altered neurodevelopment. Male rats also demonstrated impaired motor performance, evidenced by reduced coordination and agility. Our research provides insights into the effects of the COVID-19 mRNA BNT162b2 vaccine on WNT gene expression, BDNF levels, and certain neurodevelopmental markers in a rat model.”

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  • January 10, 2024
Autism Biomarkers / BDNF

Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Levels in Autism: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Excerpt:

“A meta-analysis of blood BDNF in 887 patients with ASD and 901 control subjects demonstrated significantly higher BDNF levels in ASD compared to controls with the SMD of 0.47 (95% CI 0.07-0.86, p = 0.02). In addition subgroup meta-analyses were performed based on the BDNF specimen. The present meta-analysis study led to conclusion that BDNF might play role in autism initiation/ propagation and therefore it can be considered as a possible biomarker of ASD.”

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  • January 30, 2017

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