Decreased serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor concentration in young nonobese subjects with low insulin sensitivity

Objective: Insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes are associated with an increased risk of neurodegenerative diseases. Decreased brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels might play a role in the pathogenesis of neuropsychiatric disorders. The aim of our study was to estimate serum BDNF concentration in nonobese women divided into subgroups according to their insulin sensitivity. Design and methods: We studied 46 young, healthy, nonobese women. Insulin sensitivity was estimated with the euglycemic-hyperinsulinemic clamp technique. Then, participants were divided into subgroups of high (mean, 12.79 +/- 2.01 mg/kg fat-free mass/min) and low insulin sensitivity (mean, 7.33 +/- 1.66 mg/kg fat-free mass/min). Results: We observed decreased serum BDNF concentration in women with low insulin sensitivity in comparison to high insulin sensitivity group (3306.11 +/- 603.10 vs 4141.91 +/- 755.37 pg/mL, p = 0.001). Serum BDNF was positively related to insulin sensitivity (r = 0.43, p = 0.003). This correlation remained significant after adjustment for other estimated parameters. Conclusions: Serum BDNF is decreased in young nonobese women with low insulin sensitivity. Early detection and prevention of insulin resistance might be useful in the prevention of neurodegenerative disorders. (C) 2011 The Canadian Society of Clinical Chemists. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.