Brain-derived Neurotrophic Factor and Its Clinical Applications

Abstract

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a protein found in human beings. This protein is a member of the neurotrophic family of growth factors that relates to the canonical nerve growth factor (NGF). Its main biological process in human is on neurons of the central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system. This protein supports the survival of neurons and promotes growth and differentiation of new neurons and neurological synapses. This protein plays a role in many clinical disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease, epilepsy, and aging. In this review, the authors summarize and provide insight into the molecular characteristics and clinical association with the objective to highlight and explore the potential clinical usefulness of BDNF in clinical medicine. The alteration of BDNF is seen in many disorders, especially for neurological diseases. The change of BDNF level is associated with clinical presentation of the patients. The increases or decreases of BDNF expression occur and further play a role in phenotypic expression, the clinical presentation. BDNF might be a new useful laboratory investigation for managing of patients, especially for those with neurological problems.