2011 Volume 21 Issue 4 Pages 237-244
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is involved in neuronal proliferation, differentiation and survival during development. BDNF and its tyrosine kinase receptor (TrkB) are expressed in hypothalamic nuclei associated with eating behaviours. Furthermore, mice heterozygous for the BDNF gene exhibit hyperactivity and higher levels of anxiety in response to stress. The aetiology of eating disorders (ED) is complex and evidence indicates that both biological/genetic and psychosocial factors are involved. We investigated serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in individuals with current anorexia nervosa (AN), bulimia nervosa (BN) and those recovered from AN. Serum BDNF concentrations in the AN group and those in the BN group were significantly lower compared to the HC group. Serum BDNF concentrations in the AN group were significantly lower compared to the ANRec group. We proposed that serum BDNF may be a biological marker for eating-related psychopathology and of recovery in AN.
