BDNF Unveiled: Exploring Its Role in Major Depression Disorder Serotonergic Imbalance and Associated Stress Conditions

• Published in: Pharmaceutics Vol. 15; no. 8; p. 2081
• Main Authors: Correia, Ana Salomé, Cardoso, Armando, Vale, Nuno
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Basel MDPI AG 01.08.2023; MDPI
• Subjects: Alzheimer's disease; Antidepressants; B cells; Biomarkers; Brain research; Brain-derived neurotrophic factor; Cognition & reasoning; Exercise; hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis; Kinases; Major depressive disorder; Medical research; Medicine, Experimental; Memory; Mental depression; MicroRNAs; Nervous system; Neurogenesis; Neurons; Oxidative stress; Peptides; Physiology; Proteins; Review; Roles; Serotonin; Portugal
• ISSN: 1999-4923; 1999-4923
• DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15082081

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a neurotrophin that plays a significant role in the survival and development of neurons, being involved in several diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease and major depression disorder. The association between BDNF and major depressive disorder is the subject of extensive research. Indeed, numerous studies indicate that decreased levels of BDNF are linked to an increased occurrence of depressive symptoms, neuronal loss, and cortical atrophy. Moreover, it has been observed that antidepressive therapy can help restore BDNF levels. In this review, we will focus on the role of BDNF in major depression disorder serotonergic imbalance and associated stress conditions, particularly hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis dysregulation and oxidative stress. All of these features are highly connected to BDNF signaling pathways in the context of this disease, and exploring this topic will aim to advance our understanding of the disorder, improve diagnostic and treatment approaches, and potentially identify new therapeutic targets to alleviate the heavy burden of depression on society.