| Abstract | Moždani neurotrofni čimbenik (BDNF, engl. brain derived neurotrophic factor) je protein koji igra ključnu ulogu u održavanju neuroplastičnosti, sinaptičkoj plastičnosti, razvoju mozga i preživljavanju neurona. Zbog toga je predmet različitih istraživanja zbog potencijalne uloge kao biomarker u neurološkim i psihijatrijskim bolestima poput depresije, shizofrenije, posttraumatskog stresnog poremećaja, poremećaja hranjenja, Huntingtonove, Parkinsonove i Alzheimerove bolesti. S patogenezom ovih bolesti povezane su smanjene ili povećane razine BDNF-a u krvi i mozgu, sugerirajući da bi praćenje i prilagodba njegovih razina moglo biti koristan alat za uvid u dijagnozu i razvoj bolesti, kao i njihovo liječenje. BDNF putem p75 neurotrofinskog receptora (p75NTR) i tropomiozin-receptor kinaza B receptora (TrkB) aktivira različite signalne puteve koji reguliraju funkciju i preživljavanje živčanih stanica, a njihova disfunkcija doprinosi razvoju neuropsihijatrijskih oboljenja. Štoviše, niže razine BDNF-a često su povezane sa smanjenjem veličine hipokampusa koji igra bitnu ulogu u pamćenju i učenju. Osim razina BDNF-a, bitnim faktorom patogeneze ovih bolesti smatra se i Val66Met polimorfizam nukleotida u BDNF genu. Međutim, postoji nekoliko ograničenja u korištenju BDNF-a kao biomarkera koja uključuju spol, dob, tjelesnu aktivnost, okolinu i nedostatak standardiziranih protokola za mjerenje. Istraživanja predlažu da bi modulacija signalizacije BDNF-a, kao i regulacija njegove koncentracije u krvi i mozgu mogla biti potencijalna terapeutska strategija. Stoga se predlažu lijekovi koji povećavaju razine BDNF-a i/ili stimuliraju njegove receptore. Osim lijekova, predlaže se i fizička aktivnost koja dokazano prirodno povećava razine ovog proteina. Zaključno, BDNF ima veliki potencijal kao biomarker u dijagnostici i neinvazivnom liječenju neuropsihijatrijskih bolesti. Stoga je potrebno razviti nove preciznije metode kako bi se prevladala postojeća ograničenja s ciljem korištenja ovog otkrića u budućim terapijskim i dijagnostičkim pristupima. |
| Abstract (english) | Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a protein important for its role in maintaining neuroplasticity, synaptic plasticity, brain development and neuron survival. As such, it has become the focus of various studies due to its potential role as a biomarker in neurological and psychiatric disorders such as post-traumatic stress disorder, schizophrenia, depression, eating disorders, Parkinson's, Huntington’s and Alzheimer’s diseases. Altered levels of BDNF in the blood and brain are linked to the development of those diseases, suggesting that monitoring and adjusting its levels might serve as an effective tool for understanding diagnosis, disease progression and treatment. BDNF activates various signaling pathways through its receptors, p75 neurotrophin receptor (p75NTR) and tropomyosin receptor kinase (TrkB), regulating the function and survival of nerve cells. Dysfunction in those pathways contributes to the development of neuropsychiatric disorders. Moreover, lower levels of BDNF are often linked to a decrease in hippocampal size, which is crucial for efficient memory and learning. In addition to BDNF levels, a key factor in pathogenesis of these disorders is the Val66Met nucleotide polymorphism in BDNF gene. However, there are several limitations to using BDNF as a biomarker, including factors as sex, age, exercise, environment and the lack of standardized measurement protocols. Research suggest that modulating BDNF signaling, as well as regulating its concentration in the blood and brain, could be a promising therapeutic strategy. Therefore, medications that elevate BDNF levels and/or stimulate its receptors are proposed. In addition to medications, physical activity is also suggested, for its proven impact on natural increase of this protein levels. In conclusion, BDNF holds great potential as a biomarker in the diagnostic and non-invasive therapy for neuropsychiatric disorders. Regardless substantial supporting research, new and more precise methods need to be developed to overcome existing limitations and to make this discovery applicable in future therapeutic and diagnostic approaches. |
