Brain-derived neurotrophic factor: Findings in schizophrenia

Peter F. Buckley, Anilkumar Pillai, Kristy R. Howell

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

117 Scopus citations

Abstract

Purpose of Review: To review the role of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in neuroplasticity related to schizophrenia and the recent findings that have been reported on the status of BDNF in patients with schizophrenia and its association with the clinical measures. Recent Findings: Peripheral BDNF levels have been found altered in first-episode patients with psychosis and also in chronic schizophrenia patients. A few studies have reported changes in peripheral BDNF levels following antipsychotic treatment. The role of Val66Met polymorphism in BDNF has been shown to play an important role in structural and functional plasticity in schizophrenia. Summary: Although peripheral BDNF levels hold promise for providing new perspectives for the development of novel therapeutic strategies for the treatment of schizophrenia, additional studies including efforts to prove its potential as a biomarker are warranted.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)122-127
Number of pages6
JournalCurrent Opinion in Psychiatry
Volume24
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Mar 2011

Keywords

  • Val66Met
  • antipsychotic
  • brain-derived neurotrophic factor
  • neuroplasticity
  • peripheral
  • psychosis
  • schizophrenia

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Psychiatry and Mental health

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