Skip to main content
PepStack
Hormone · Profile

BDNF

Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor · Abrineurin

Growth Factors

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a neurotrophin produced primarily in the brain, particularly by neurons and astrocytes, and plays a crucial role in neuronal survival, growth, and synaptic plasticity. Researchers primarily study BDNF to understand its involvement in cognitive processes, mood regulation, and its potential implications in various neurological disorders. Key findings indicate that exercise can significantly increase BDNF levels, which may mediate improvements in cognition and mood, while deficits in BDNF have been linked to conditions such as post-stroke depression and diabetes. Current research is exploring the physiological roles of BDNF in astrocytes and its therapeutic potential in neuroprotection and recovery following spinal cord injuries. Clinical evidence indicates that targeting BDNF pathways may offer promising strategies for addressing cognitive and mood disorders, highlighting its relevance in both basic and applied neuroscience.

Overview

Übersicht

Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF), also known as Abrineurin, is an endogenous protein predominantly produced in the central nervous system, particularly in the brain. It belongs to the neurotrophin family, which is a group of growth factors known for their role in neuronal survival, development, and function. BDNF is synthesized by neurons and glial cells, including astrocytes, and is the most abundantly expressed neurotrophin in the brain. Researchers have extensively studied BDNF for its critical roles in neuroplasticity, cognitive processes, and mood regulation. BDNF is involved in various physiological functions, such as promoting neuronal survival, enhancing synaptic plasticity, and supporting learning and memory. It is also implicated in mood disorders, with evidence suggesting its involvement in conditions like depression and post-stroke depression. Exercise has been shown to increase BDNF levels, which may mediate improvements in cognition and mood. BDNF exerts its effects primarily through binding to the TrkB receptor, initiating a cascade of intracellular signaling pathways that promote neuronal growth and survival. These pathways include the PI3K/Akt, MAPK/ERK, and PLCγ pathways, which are crucial for synaptic plasticity and neuroprotection. The pharmacokinetic properties of BDNF are not well-documented, with limited data on its half-life and metabolism. Its clinical applications are still under investigation, with potential therapeutic roles in neurodegenerative diseases, mood disorders, and acute spinal cord injury. Regulatory approval for BDNF-based therapies is currently limited, and further research is needed to establish its clinical efficacy and safety.

Mechanism

Wirkmechanismus

BDNF acts primarily on the TrkB receptor, a receptor tyrosine kinase, leading to the activation of downstream signaling pathways such as PI3K/Akt, MAPK/ERK, and PLCγ. These pathways are involved in promoting neuronal survival, differentiation, and synaptic plasticity, contributing to cognitive and mood-related functions.

Mechanism

Signalweg

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) primarily exerts its effects through the activation of tropomyosin receptor kinase B (TrkB) receptors, initiating signaling cascades such as the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt pathway and the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway. These pathways are crucial for promoting neuronal survival, differentiation, synaptic plasticity, and neurogenesis. While the role of BDNF in neuronal physiology is well characterized, its precise mechanisms in astrocytes and other cell types remain less understood.

Half-Life & Pharmacokinetics

POOral

Poor bioavailability due to first-pass

Pharmacokinetic data for BDNF is limited; further research is needed to determine its half-life and bioavailability across different routes.

Storage

Temperature

Refrigerate at 2-8C

Light

Protect from light

Form

Aqueous solution: use within specified period after opening

Notes

Ensure proper storage conditions to maintain stability and efficacy.

Solubility

Löslichkeit

BDNF is soluble in aqueous solutions, which is relevant for its formulation in therapeutic applications.

Legal Status

🇩🇪DE

Data limited

🇺🇸US

Data limited

🇦🇺AU

Data limited

🇬🇧UK

Data limited

Legal status information is provided for general reference only and may not reflect the most current regulatory changes. Always verify with official government sources before making any decisions.

Open Questions

Offene Forschungsfragen

Current evidence is limited regarding the specific physiological roles of BDNF in astrocytes, particularly in different brain regions and developmental stages, necessitating further research to elucidate these mechanisms. Additionally, the relationship between BDNF levels and cognitive or mood improvements in diabetic populations remains ambiguous, highlighting the need for larger randomized controlled trials that explore the effects of exercise on BDNF in individuals with diabetes. Furthermore, the mechanisms linking BDNF expression to post-stroke depression are not well understood, indicating a need for studies that investigate the temporal changes in BDNF levels following stroke and their correlation with depressive symptoms in diverse patient populations.

62 Research Publications

3,461

Total Citations

6

Human/RCT

3.9

Avg. Influence

2025

Latest

Sort
Filter
#01

A meta-analytic review of the effects of exercise on brain-derived neurotrophic factor.

Szuhany Kristin L, et al. · Journal of psychiatric research · 2015

HumanInfluence40.0
784
The meta-analysis demonstrated a moderate effect of exercise on increasing BDNF levels in humans, with variations based on sex and exercise paradigms.

Key findings

  1. 01A single session of exercise increases BDNF levels moderately.
  2. 02Regular exercise further enhances the BDNF increase from a single session.
  3. 03Women showed a smaller increase in BDNF levels from exercise compared to men.
#02

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor in mood disorders and antidepressant treatments.

ReviewInfluence6.0
323
The study demonstrated that reduced serum BDNF levels in depressed patients are reversible with successful antidepressant treatment, implicating BDNF in the pathophysiology of depression.
#03

Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor and Major Depressive Disorder: Evidence from Meta-Analyses.

ReviewInfluence9.0
185
Researchers observed that while the Val66Met polymorphism is not a risk factor for major depressive disorder, lower plasma BDNF levels correlate with the disorder's severity and treatment response.
#04

Brain-derived Neurotrophic Factor in Megakaryocytes.

In VitroInfluence7.0
165
The study found that megakaryocytes express BDNF, suggesting that changes in serum BDNF levels may reflect alterations in these cells rather than brain levels.
#05

Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF): Novel Insights into Regulation and Genetic Variation.

Notaras Michael & van den Buuse Maarten · The Neuroscientist : a review journal bringing neurobiology, neurology and psychiatry · 2019

ReviewInfluence3.0
132
The review discusses the complex biology of BDNF, including its gene structure and signaling pathways, and highlights ongoing questions in its research.

Key findings

  1. 01BDNF is the most studied neurotrophin due to its significant impact on brain health.
  2. 02The research reviews BDNF's gene structure and signaling pathways.
  3. 03New insights include the effects of genetic variations on BDNF function.
#06

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor and mental disorders.

Lin Chin-Chuen & Huang Tiao-Lai · Biomedical journal · 2020

Review
123
The review outlines the diverse roles of BDNF in psychiatric disorders, emphasizing its involvement in neuroplasticity and genetic variations associated with conditions like schizophrenia and major depressive disorder.

Key findings

  1. 01BDNF protein levels vary in individuals with mental disorders.
  2. 02Genetic variations, such as the Val66Met polymorphism, are associated with BDNF function.
  3. 03Epigenetic changes may affect BDNF expression in psychiatric conditions.
#07

Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor and Diabetes.

Rozanska Olga, et al. · International journal of molecular sciences · 2020

ReviewInfluence5.0
121
The review summarizes ambiguous findings regarding the relationship between BDNF levels and diabetes, particularly in the context of insulin resistance and physical activity.

Key findings

  1. 01Diabetes increases the risk of impaired brain function and psychiatric disorders.
  2. 02BDNF levels and function are disrupted in diabetes, linked to insulin resistance.
  3. 03The impact of physical activity on BDNF in diabetes is not well understood.
#08

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) regulates glucose and energy metabolism in diabetic mice.

AnimalInfluence5.0
120
Researchers observed that BDNF reduces food intake and blood glucose levels in obese diabetic mice, enhancing insulin's hypoglycemic effects and increasing energy expenditure.
#09

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor and post-stroke depression.

Zhang Eric & Liao Ping · Journal of neuroscience research · 2020

ReviewInfluence3.0
109
The review highlights lower serum BDNF levels in patients with post-stroke depression and suggests that BDNF may play a critical role in the disorder's development.

Key findings

  1. 01Patients with post-stroke depression have lower BDNF levels compared to those without depression.
  2. 02Antidepressants may boost BDNF expression in the brain, helping to reduce depression symptoms.
  3. 03The relationship between stroke, BDNF levels, and the development of depression is not fully understood.
#10

Astrocytes and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF).

Albini Martina, et al. · Neuroscience research · 2023

ReviewInfluence3.0
105
The review discusses the active role of astrocytes in BDNF physiology, highlighting their involvement in synaptic plasticity and potential as therapeutic targets in neuropathologies.

Key findings

  1. 01Astrocytes actively participate in the physiology of BDNF.
  2. 02Astrocytes respond to BDNF through specific receptors and vary their responses based on brain area and development stage.
  3. 03Deficits in astrocytic BDNF are linked to several brain disorders.

Track your hormone research in PepStack

Log cycles, set reminders and visualize serum levels.

Legal Disclaimer

This page is for informational and research purposes only. All information is based on published scientific literature and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendations. Many substances listed may not be approved for human use and may be subject to drug regulation laws (e.g., AMG in Germany, FDA in the US). PepStack does not encourage the use of any substance on humans. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions. Use of this information is entirely at your own risk. PepStack assumes no liability for the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of the content provided. Full disclaimer