Serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels are associated with dyssomnia in females, but not males, among Japanese workers

Depression, anxiety, and sleep quality in childhood onset systemic lupus erythematosus and relationship with brain-derived neurotrophic factor

Background

The association between brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is controversial, and no study investigated the clinical associations of BDNF in patients with childhood onset systemic lupus erythematosus (cSLE). In this study, we aimed to investigate the serum levels of BDNF in patients with cSLE and examine whether a relationship of BDNF exists among depression, anxiety, and sleep quality.

Methods

Thirty patients and age-sex matched healthy controls were included. Depression, anxiety, sleep quality and quality of life were assessed by relevant questionnaires. Disease activity was assessed according to the SLE disease activity index (SLEDAI) and serum BDNF level was measured by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method.

Results

Serum BDNF level was significantly lower in cSLE patients than healthy controls (21981 vs 29905 pg/mL, p = 0.001) and significantly decreased level was observed in active cSLE (SLEDAI >0), then those with SLEDAI = 0 (17110 vs 26852 pg/mL, p = 0.005). Although the scores of the depression, anxiety, sleep quality and quality of life questionnaires were strongly correlated with each other, no correlation was observed with serum BDNF levels.

Conclusions

In patients with cSLE, serum level of BDNF was significantly decreased compared to healthy controls. Our results suggest that serum BDNF levels were not associated with the presence of anxiety, depression and poor sleep quality and might be dictated by the pathophysiological process of SLE rather than mood disorders.

Association of Sleep, Body Weight and Physical Exercise with Plasma BDNF Levels in Healthy Male Saudi Smokers

Introduction

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) has been shown to impact neural function and development. The BDNF plasma levels may be affected by a smoker’s behavior. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the association between sleep, body weight and physical exercise with brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in healthy male Saudi smokers.

Methods

A cross-sectional study, with a convenience sample, was conducted during personal visits to the Anti-Smoking Clinic and Family and Community Medical Center of Imam Abdurrahman Bin Faisal University (IAU) in Dammam at the end of 2018. Blood samples were taken from participants to measure the BDNF plasma levels. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to examine the relationship between plasma BDNF levels and participants’ background characteristics, such as smoking index, physical activity, body mass index (BMI) and Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI).

Results

A sample of 73 (31 smokers and 42 non-smokers) males took part in the study. The results demonstrated a significant relationship between plasma BDNF levels with physical activity, smoking age, smoking index, PSQI and BMI 25–29.9 (overweight). However, the results showed no significant relationship between plasma BDNF levels and BMI (healthy weight) and obesity.

Conclusion

This study shows that physical activity and sleeping quality can provide a positive impact against smoking-associated variation of the BDNF plasma levels, which may affect the health of Saudi males. Further investigation is needed to understand what other potential background characteristics are best predictive or correlated with BDNF plasma levels.

Comprehensive 16S rDNA Sequencing and LC-MS/MS-Based Metabolomics to Investigate Intestinal Flora and Metabolic Profiles of the Serum, Hypothalamus and Hippocampus in p‑Chlorophenylalanine-Induced Insomnia Rats Treated with Lilium brownie

Gut microbiota homeostasis in the organism and insomnia have been reported to influence each other. In the study, a method of 16S rRNA gene sequencing combined with ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-mass/mass spectrometry was adopted to evaluate the effects of Lilium brownie (LB) on intestinal flora and metabolic profiles of serum, hypothalamus and hippocampus in insomnia rat induced by p‑chlorophenylalanine (PCPA). It was observed that the imbalance in the diversity and abundance of gut microbiota induced by PCPA was restored after LB intervention. Among these, the Porphyromonadaceae, Lactobacillus and Escherichia were significantly adjusted at the genus level by PCPA and LB, respectively. It was also found that the most of metabolic phenotypes in serum, hypothalamus and hippocampus perturbed by PCPA were regulated towards normal after LB intervention, especially 5-hydroxy-L-tryptophan of the hypothalamus involving in 5-HT metabolism. Moreover, the arachidonic acid metabolism in serum, hypothalamus and hippocampus, and the serotonergic synapse in hypothalamus and hippocampus were the most fundamentally and significantly affected pathways after LB intervention. The results of correlation analysis showed that several floras including Pseudoruegeria have an outstanding contribution to the change of differential metabolites. In brief, the results confirm that gut microbiota is significantly returned to normal and may interact with the corresponding metabolites to relieve insomnia under LB intervention.

Influence of excessive daily sleeping and sleep quality on BDNF and NGF serum levels in adolescents

INTRODUCTION

The brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and neural growth factor (NGF) are widely expressed in the brain and play an important role in neuroplasticity, neurogenesis, and increased neuronal connections. Previous studies have shown that reduced serum levels of these proteins are associated with disorders in human sleep.

OBJECTIVE

Current study evaluates the prevalence in adolescents of excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) and sleep quality, and analyzes the influence of these factors on BDNF and NGF serum levels.

METHODS

A cross-section population-based study was conducted with data from a Brazilian birth cohort, with a sample of five hundred and thirteen 18-19-year-old adolescents. Sleep quality was assessed by the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and EDS by Epworth Sleepiness Scale. Neurotrophins serum levels were measured by Luminex™ technology kits. Analysis consisted of marginal structural models which compared people who were exposed and not exposed to sleep quality and EDS.

RESULTS

Poor sleep quality and EDS were detected in 62.57% and 36.35% of the sample. Adolescents with poor sleep quality and EDS had -0.39 (p-value = 0.049) and -0.51 pg/ml in NGF (p-value = 0.009). Individuals with self-reported sleep disorder had lower serum levels of NGF (Coef. -0.41, p-value = 0.045).

CONCLUSION

High prevalence of EDS and low sleep quality in a population of adolescents were evidenced. Poor sleep quality and EDS were associated with lower NGF levels, whilst adolescents with self-reported sleep disorder had lower serum levels of NGF.

Sex difference in blood pressure, a combinatorial consequence of the differential in RAAS components, sex hormones and time course

The longitudinal increment of blood pressure (BP) with age is attributed to lifestyle, internal and external environments. It is not limited to systemic brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), signaling to allow the individuals to better adapt to the developmental and environmental change. This regulation is necessary for all lives, regardless of sex. Basic levels of renin-angiotensin- aldosterone system (RAAS) components in males and females define the fundamental sex difference in BP, which may be set by prenatal programming and profoundly influence BP after birth. The innate sex difference in BP is magnified during puberty growth and further modified by menopause. At the age of 70 or older, blood pressure was similar in men and women. The understanding of the prenatal setup and development of sexual dimorphism in BP may provide preventative therapeutic strategies, including timing and drugs, for individuals with abnormal BP.

Association of sleep duration and sleep quality with hypertension in oil workers in Xinjiang

Objective

The aim of this study is to explore sleep status and hypertension among oil workers in Xinjiang, China. It may provide new ideas and basis for the precise prevention and treatment of hypertension in occupational population.

Methods

Sleep status and hypertension were investigated in 3,040 workers by a multi-stage cluster sampling method in six oil field bases in Karamay City, Xinjiang. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index was used to evaluate the sleep status of workers. Logistic regression was used to analyze the relationship between sleep duration and sleep quality, and hypertension. Stratified analysis was also performed.

Results

Our results show: 1. Insufficient sleep duration (OR = 1.51, 95% CI [1.19–1.90]) and poor sleep quality (OR = 1.78, 95% CI [1.33–2.38] were positively associated with hypertension. 2. Stratified analysis indicated insufficient sleep duration was associated with increased risk of hypertension in females (OR = 1.54, 95% CI [1.16–2.04]) than males (OR = 1.49, 95% CI [1.00–2.23]), and the risk of hypertension in the group <30 years old (OR = 9.03, 95% CI [2.32–35.15]) was higher than that in the group of 30–45 years old (OR = 1.59, 95% CI [1.14–2.20]). However, in the group > 45 years old, sleeping > 8 h was associated with increased risk of hypertension (OR = 3.36, 95% CI [1.42–7.91]). Oil workers doing shift work had a higher risk of hypertension (OR = 1.55, 95% CI [1.16–2.07]) to no shift work (OR = 1.48, 95% CI [1.02–2.15]). The risk of hypertension in the group with < 10 years of service (OR = 4.08, 95% CI [1.92–8.83]) was higher than that in the group with length of service of 10–20 years (OR = 2.79, 95% CI [1.59–4.86]). Poor sleep quality was associated with risk for hypertension in females (OR = 1.78, 95% CI [1.26–2.49]), those doing shift work (OR = 1.70, 95% CI [1.17–2.47]), those with length of service of > 20 years (OR = 1.64, 95% CI [1.18–2.27]). The risk of hypertension in the group 30–45 years old is higher than that in the group > 45 years old (OR_{30–45 years old} = 1.71, 95% CI [1.10–2.66]; OR > 45 years old = 1.60, 95% CI [1.09–2.34]).

Conclusion

Insufficient sleep duration and poor sleep quality are the potential factors affecting hypertension in Xinjiang oil workers.

The Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor: Missing Link Between Sleep Deprivation, Insomnia, and Depression

The brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) mediates the plasticity-related changes that associate with memory processing during sleep. Sleep deprivation and chronic stress are associated with propensity to depression, anxiety, and insomnia. We propose a model by which explain alterations in the CNS and serum expression of BDNF associated with chronic sleep deprivation, depression, and insomnia. Mild sleep deprivation activates the cerebral cortex and brainstem to generate the physiologic drive for non-rapid eye movement (NREM) and rapid eye movement (REM) sleep drive respectively, associated with BDNF upregulation in these regions. This physiological response loses effectiveness with longer episodes or during chronic of total or selective REM sleep loss, which are associated with impaired hippocampal BDNF expression, impaired memory and cognition. Chronic sleep deprivation and insomnia can act as an external stressors and result in depression, characterized by hippocampal BDNF downregulation along with disrupted frontal cortical BDNF expression, as well as reduced levels and impaired diurnal alterations in serum BDNF expression. Acute REM sleep deprivation breaks the cycle by restoration of hippocampal, and possibly restoration of cortical and serum expression of BDNF. The BDNF Val66Met polymorphism alters susceptibility to depression, anxiety, and insomnia by altering availability and expression of BDNF in brain and blood. The proposed model is testable and implies that low levels and low variability in serum BDNF are associated with poor response to anti-depressive medications, electroconvulsive therapy, and REM sleep deprivation, in patients with depression. Our mode is also backed up by the existing clinical evidence but is yet to be investigated.

Metabonomics Study of Ginseng Glycoproteins on Improving Sleep Quality in Mice

The changes of brain metabolism in mice after injection of ginseng glycoproteins (GPr) were analyzed by gas chromatography mass spectrometry- (GC/MS-) based metabolomics platform. The relationship between sedative and hypnotic effects of ginseng glycoproteins and brain metabolism was discussed. Referring to pentobarbital sodium subthreshold test, we randomly divided 20 mice into two groups: control and ginseng glycoproteins group. The mice from the control group were treated with normal saline by i.p and GPr group were treated with 60 mg/kg of GPr by i.p. The results indicated that GPr could significantly improve the sleep quality of mice. Through multivariate statistical analysis, we found that there were 23 differential metabolites in whole brain tissues between the control group and the GPr group. The pathway analysis exhibited that GPr may be involved in the regulation of the pathway including purine metabolism, nicotinate and nicotinamide metabolism, glycine, serine and threonine metabolism, arginine and proline metabolism, alanine, aspartate and glutamate metabolism, and steroid hormone biosynthesis. This work is helpful to understand the biochemical mechanism of GPr on promoting sleep and lay a foundation for further development of drugs for insomnia.

Association of serum BDNF levels and the BDNF Val66Met polymorphism with the sleep pattern in healthy young adults

BACKGROUND

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is widely expressed in the brain and plays an important role in neuronal maintenance, plasticity, and neurogenesis. Prior studies have found that decreased serum BDNF levels are associated with perceived stress, depression, or sleep disturbances in humans.

STUDY OBJECTIVES

To elucidate whether the serum BDNF levels and BDNF genotype were associated with the sleep pattern in healthy young adults.

METHODS

The study group consisted of 79 healthy paid volunteers (45 men, 34 women) aged 20 to 29 years. Serum BDNF levels were measured with an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and a single-nucleotide polymorphism (Val66Met) in the BDNF gene was assessed with a TaqMan assay. Details of the sleep pattern were obtained from 1-week sleep/wake records.

RESULTS

Serum BDNF levels were significantly associated with sleep parameters on weekends, whereas no such association was found on weekdays. On weekends, longer total sleep time and time in bed, and later mid-sleep time were associated with lower serum BDNF levels. The difference between mid-sleep time on weekdays and that on weekends, otherwise known as social jetlag, was negatively associated with serum BDNF levels. Met/Met homozygotes of the BDNF Val66Met polymorphism had significantly longer time in bed on weekends than Val/Val homozygotes. Heterozygotes did not differ from Val/Val homozygotes.

CONCLUSIONS

We first found that serum BDNF levels and the BDNF Val66Met polymorphism in healthy young adults were associated with the sleep pattern on weekends but not with that on weekdays, suggesting that the systems involved in BDNF control may be linked to endogenous sleep characteristics rather than the socially constrained sleep schedule in healthy young adults.

Sleep, Health and Wellness at Work: A Scoping Review

Many occupational factors may interfere with sleep. Sleep disturbances can, in turn, endanger the health and safety of workers. This rapid review of the literature identifies the main factors that alter the quantity and quality of sleep, indicates the effects these alterations have on the wellbeing of workers and suggests some health promotion measures.

Serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in sleep-disordered patients: relation to sleep stage N3 and rapid eye movement (REM) sleep across diagnostic entities

Experimental and clinical evidence suggests an association between neuroplasticity, brain-derived neurotrophic factor and sleep. We aimed at testing the hypotheses that brain-derived neurotrophic factor is associated with specific aspects of sleep architecture or sleep stages in patients with sleep disorders. We included 35 patients with primary insomnia, 31 patients with restless legs syndrome, 17 patients with idiopathic hypersomnia, 10 patients with narcolepsy and 37 healthy controls. Morning serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor concentrations were measured in patients and controls. In patients, blood sampling was followed by polysomnographic sleep investigation. Low brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels were associated with a low percentage of sleep stage N3 and rapid eye movement sleep across diagnostic entities. However, there was no difference in brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels between diagnostic groups. Our data indicate that serum levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor, independent of a specific sleep disorder, are related to the proportion of sleep stage N3 and REM sleep. This preliminary observation is in accordance with the assumption that sleep stage N3 is involved in the regulation of neuroplasticity.

Serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels and sleep disorders in Chinese healthy and newly diagnosed type 2 diabetic subjects

BACKGROUND

The aims of the present study were to detect serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) protein concentrations in healthy and diabetic subjects with sleep disorders and to explore correlations among serum BDNF concentrations, metabolic parameters and inflammation.

METHODS

In all, 377 eligible subjects were recruited to the study and underwent a 75-g oral glucose tolerance test. Various clinical parameters of metabolic disorders and cytokines were measured. Sleep disorders were assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Subjects were grouped into those with normal glucose tolerance (NGT), those with NGT and sleep disorders (NGT-SDi), those with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and those with newly diagnosed T2DM and sleep disorders (T2DM-SDi).

RESULTS

Serum BDNF levels were higher in the NGT-SDi and T2DM-SDi subgroups than in the NGT and T2DM groups, respectively. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that serum BDNF concentrations were independently correlated with PSQI scores, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance, and HbA1c, interleukin 6 and tumor necrosis factor-α concentrations (P < 0.05 for all). Binary logistic regression analysis revealed that significant associations remained between serum BDNF concentrations and sleep disorders after adjustment for glucose- and metabolic-related factors in both the NGT-SDi and T2DM-SDi subgroups.

CONCLUSIONS

Serum BDNF concentrations were higher in patients with sleep disorders and were associated with various metabolic parameters and inflammatory cytokines.