Brain derived neurotrophic factor, cardiopulmonary fitness and cognition in patients with coronary artery disease

Objective: To assess serum brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) concentrations as a correlate of cardiopulmonary fitness and as a predictor of cognitive performance in subjects with coronary artery disease (CAD). Methods: Serum BDNF concentrations were assayed by ELISA and fitness was assessed using a standardized exercise stress test. The Mini Mental Status Examination (MMSE), California Verbal Learning Test 2nd Ed., Stroop, Trail Making Test B and the Digit Symbol-Coding task were administered. The val66met BDNF genotype and serum interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) concentrations were determined as potential confounders. Results: In subjects with CAD (n = 88; 85.2% male, mean age 62.8 +/- 10.5 yr), cardiopulmonary fitness was associated with higher serum BDNF concentrations (beta = .305, p = .013). Higher serum BDNF concentrations were associated with higher MMSE scores (F(1, 87) = 15.406, p < .0005) and better performance on the Digit Symbol-Coding task (F(1, 87) = 9.620, p = .003). IL-6, INF-alpha and the val66met genotype did not influence these results. Conclusion: Serum BDNF concentrations were associated with cardiopulmonary fitness, psychomotor processing speed and overall cognition in subjects with CAD. (C) 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.