Brain-derived neurotrophic factor is elevated in the blood serum of Crohn's disease patients, but is not influenced by anti-TNF-α treatment-A pilot study

Background Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is associated with depression, pain, or sleep disorders, factors that are thought to be involved in the pathogenesis and clinical course of Crohn's disease (CD). Therefore, the study aimed at assessing the BDNF serum level in patients with CD and evaluates the effect of anti-TNF-alpha therapy on the BDNF level and its impact on sleep, mood, and pain parameters. Methods Fifty-eight CD patients and 26 healthy controls (HC) were included in the study. The severity of insomnia symptoms was assessed by the Athens Insomnia Scale (AIS). Subjective pain intensity was estimated by the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and Laitinen Pain Scale. Mood level was measured using the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). Seventeen patients were treated with anti-TNF-alpha therapy for 14 weeks and were re-examined after treatment. Key Results CD patients had a higher serum BDNF level than HC (P = .010). No correlation between clinical severity and BDNF was found. There were positive correlations between the BDNF level and the results of AIS (r = 0.253,P = .020), the severity of pain measured using the VAS (r = 0.251,P = .021) and the Laitinen Pain Scale (r = 0.218,P = .047), but not BDI. No differences were observed in the BDNF level before and after 14 weeks of anti-TNF-alpha therapy. Conclusions and Inferences Increased BDNF level in CD patients suggests that it may be involved in the pathogenesis and clinical course of the disease. Further research into BDNF might contribute to a better understanding of the effects of sleep and pain on the course of CD.

Automated summary

BDNF level is higher in CD patients compared to healthy controls, with positive correlations with insomnia, pain severity, but not mood. Anti-TNF-alpha therapy did not significantly affect BDNF levels. Further research into BDNF's role in CD may shed light on its relationship with sleep and pain outcomes.