Objectives
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is an important mediator of neuronal
development, survival, and function. It is related to the pathogenesis of several
neuropsychiatric disorders. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship
between serum BDNF (sBDNF) level and neuropsychiatric status in systemic lupus
erythematosus (SLE) patients.
Patients and methods
This study included the following groups: group I included 35 SLE patients with
neuropsychiatric systemic lupus erythematosus (NPSLE) manifestations, group II
included 30 SLE patients without neuropsychiatric manifestations, group III
included 15 patients with neuropsychiatric disorders due to causes other than
SLE, and group IV included 15 apparently healthy volunteers. All groups were
matched for age and sex. SLE disease activity was assessed using the SLE
Disease Activity Index. A Structured Clinical Interview for Diagnostic and
Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th ed., Axis I was used for the
assessment of psychiatric disorders, whereas neurological disorders were
assessed by an expert neurologist. sBDNF was measured by the enzyme-linked
immunosorbent assay.
Results
There was a statistically significant increase (P |
