Serum BDNF and cognitive dysfunction in SLE: findings from a cohort of 111 patients

Author(s)

Alessi, Helena ^[1] ; Dutra, Livia Almeida ^[2] ; Maria, Lilia A. ^[1] ; Coube, Paula C. ^[1] ; Hoshino, Karina ^[1] ; de Abrantes, Fabiano F. ^[1] ; Lopes, Fernanda C. ^[1] ; de Souza, Alexandre Wagner S. ^[3] ; Kayser, Cristiane ^[3] ; Barsottini, Orlando G. P. ^[1]

Affiliation

^[1] Univ Fed Sao Paulo, Dept Neurol & Neurosurg, Div Gen Neurol & Ataxias, Sao Paulo - Brazil

^[2] Fac Israelita Ciencias Saude Albert Einstein, Sch Med, Sao Paulo - Brazil

^[3] Univ Fed Sao Paulo, Div Rheumatol, Sao Paulo - Brazil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: CLINICAL RHEUMATOLOGY; v. 41, n. 2 SEP 2021.
• Web of Science Citations: 0

Abstract

Objective The association between brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and neuropsychiatric systemic lupus erythematosus (NPSLE) is controversial in the literature. Cognitive dysfunction (CD) is a common, underdiagnosed NPSLE manifestation, but its pathophysiology is unknown. Thus, we investigate serum BDNF as a potential biomarker of CD in a cohort of SLE patients. Methods We included 63 SLE patients, 48 NPSLE, and 57 age- and gender-matched controls (CON). All participants underwent neuropsychological assessment. Data on cardiovascular comorbidities, SLE disease activity index (SLEDAI), and Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics damage index (SLICC-DI) were compiled. Multiple regression analyses evaluated predictors of serum BDNF levels. Results Serum BDNF levels were lower in SLE and NPSLE patients than in CON (SLE 800.4 +/- 502.7 vs. NPSLE 779.7 +/- 426.3 vs. CON 1,345.5 ng/mL +/- 438.4; p < 0.001). In addition, hypertension (B: - 192.5, SE: 84.3, 95% CI: - 359.7 to - 25.3, p = 0.024) and SLICC-DI score (B: - 75.9, SE: 27.2, 95% CI: - 129.8 to - 22, p = 0.006) were predictors of serum BDNF levels in SLE. There was no relation between BDNF levels and CD. Conclusion BDNF levels are lower in SLE patients than CON and inversely associated with hypertension and SLICC-DI scores. No association between BDNF levels and CD or NPSLE was observed in this cohort. These findings indicate that BDNF may be associated with overall burden in SLE rather than specific manifestations such as cognition impairment. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 15/08833-7 - SERUM BDNF AND COGNITIVE DYSFUNCTION IN SYSTEMIC LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSUS PATIENTS
• Grantee: Orlando Graziani Povoas Barsottini
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants