Brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels under chronic natalizumab treatment in multiple sclerosis. A preliminary report

Aim of the study: Our main purpose was to investigate if the chronic treatment with the disease-modifying drug natalizumab shows quantifiable effect on BDNF levels in multiple sclerosis patients. Materials and Methods: BDNF plasma concentration was evaluated using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in healthy individuals, not treated multiple sclerosis patients and patients treated with natalizumab. Results: Multiple sclerosis patients have a significantly lower amount of peripheral BDNF than healthy individuals. Patients treated with natalizumab have significantly higher BDNF levels than not treated patients. Conclusions: Chronic natalizumab treatment is associated with significantly increased plasma BDNF concentration in multiple sclerosis. (C) 2017 Polish Neurological Society. Published by Elsevier Sp. z o.o. All rights reserved.