Brain-derived neurotrophic factor: role in depression and suicide.

ABSTRACT: Depression and suicidal behavior have recently been shown to be associated with disturbances in structural and synaptic plasticity. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), one of the major neurotrophic factors, plays an important role in the maintenance and survival of neurons and in synaptic plasticity. Several lines of evidence suggest that BDNF is involved in depression, such that the expression of BDNF is decreased in depressed patients. In addition, antidepressants up-regulate the expression of BDNF. This has led to the proposal of the "neurotrophin hypothesis of depression". Increasing evidence demonstrates that suicidal behavior is also associated with lower expression of BDNF, which may be independent from depression. Recent genetic studies also support a link of BDNF to depressi

SUBMITTER: Dwivedi Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2732010 | biostudies-literature | 2009

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature