Factors related to serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor level in chronic hemodialysis patients

Background Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) may play a role in glucose and lipid metabolism as well as mental health. We previously reported a negative association between BDNF levels and mental health in hemodialysis (HD) patients. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a common cause of death in patients undergoing HD. However, we have not yet evaluated the associations between serum BDNF levels and risk factors for CVD in HD patients. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted to evaluate the factors associated with serum BDNF levels in HD patients without active mental disorders. Seventy-seven HD patients were divided into two groups according to their serum BDNF levels: (i) the high BDNF group (BDNF>12 ng/mL: n=39), and (ii) the low BDNF group (BDNF < 12 ng/mL: n=38). Demographic and laboratory parameters were compared between the two groups. Results The values for total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) - cholesterol, body mass index, white blood cell count and platelet count were higher in the high BDNF group than in the low BDNF group. Higher serum total cholesterol levels, white blood cell counts and platelet counts were associated with an increased risk of higher serum BDNF levels even after controlling for age and sex. Furthermore, a higher platelet count remained a significant risk factor for higher BDNF levels even after controlling for higher total serum cholesterol levels and white blood cell counts. Conclusions Since platelets are suggested to play important roles not only in the initiation but also in the progression of atherosclerosis, BDNF might play a role in the development of atherosclerosis in patients on HD.