Aims

To support the free and open dissemination of research findings and information on alcoholism and alcohol-related problems. To encourage open access to peer-reviewed articles free for all to view.

For full versions of posted research articles readers are encouraged to email requests for "electronic reprints" (text file, PDF files, FAX copies) to the corresponding or lead author, who is highlighted in the posting.

___________________________________________

Sunday, April 13, 2008

Alterations of Serum Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Levels in Early Alcohol Withdrawal
Alcohol and Alcoholism Advance Access published online on March 7, 2008


Alcohol withdrawal-enhanced neurotoxicity contributes to the addictive process. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) plays an important role in neuronal plasticity and learning. In this study, we explored the changes of serum BDNF levels in alcoholic patients at baseline and after one-week alcohol withdrawal.

Serum BDNF levels did not differ significantly between alcoholic patients and control subjects. But BDNF levels were found to be significantly increased one week after alcohol withdrawal (from 13.9 ± 3.8 ng/ml to 15.4 ± 3.8 ng/ml, P = 0.03). A significant positive correlation was found between baseline BDNF level and baseline withdrawal severity (r = 0.45, P = 0.03).

The present study suggests that elevated serum BDNF levels were found in early alcohol withdrawal, implying that BDNF may involve in neuroadaptation during the period.

Read Full Abstract

Request Reprint E-Mail: cmbsycl@tmu.edu.tw .

________________________________________________________


at