Effects of psychoplastogens on blood levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in humans: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Peripheral levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) are often used as a biomarker for the rapid plasticity-promoting effects of ketamine, psychedelics, and other psychoplastogens in humans. However, studies analyzing peripheral BDNF after psychoplastogen exposure show mixed results. In this meta-analysis, we aimed to test whether the rapid upregulation of neuroplasticity seen in preclinical studies is detectable using peripheral BDNF in humans.

Methods

This analysis was pre-registered (PROSPERO ID: CRD42022333096) and funded by the University of Fribourg. We systematically searched PubMed, Web of Science, and PsycINFO to meta-analyze the effects of all available psychoplastogens on peripheral BDNF levels in humans, including ketamine, esketamine, LSD, ps

SUBMITTER: Calder AE 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11753367 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature