LAUSR

Background: Brain-derived neurotropic factor (BDNF) plays fundamental role in the regulation of neuronal survival, differentiation and synaptic plasticity in the peripheral and central nervous systems. BDNF levels were reduced in drugnaive, first-episode schizophrenia and increased with antipsychotic treatment. In addition, circulating BDNF levels were lower in individuals with obesity than those without obesity and weight reduction program significantly increased BDNF levels. However, very few studies have explored gender differences in the relationship of serum BDNF levels and obesity in chronic schizophrenia patients. Methods: Using sandwich ELISA, we compared the serum BDNF levels in 20 obese chronic schizophrenic patients (male/ female59/11) and 113 non-obese patients (male/female589/ 24). Regression studies were used to assess the association of BMI with BDNF levels in both genders. Results: There was a significant difference in serum BDNF levels between male and female patients (6.9965.44 vs 5.8264.08 respectively, p50.006). Obese female patients has a significant lower BDNF levels compared to non-obese female patients (4.9261.32 vs 6.2062.16, p50.04), while there was no significant difference between obese and non-obese in male patients. In female, the serum BDNF levels was inversely associated with changes of BMI (r520.61, β5-0.21, p50.04), while there is no association between BDNF levels and BMI in male patients. Conclusions: Out results indicate significant gender differences in the association of peripheral BDNF levels with BMI. BDNF levels were inversely associated with BMI in female chronic schizophrenia patients while there was no such association in male patients.