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Egyptian Rheumatology and Rehabilitation
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Serum level of brain-derived neurotrophic factor in fibromyalgia

Egyptian Rheumatology and Rehabilitation volume 42, pages 170–177 (2015)Cite this article

Abstract

Introduction

Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is a complex clinical syndrome that primarily affects middle-aged women. Fibromyalgia (FM) is characterized by pain associated with sleep disturbances (nonrefreshing sleep, hypersomnolence), the presence of specific painful sites (tender points), and is often accompanied by fatigue and depression. It is believed to arise from the abnormal central sensory processing of pain signals, involving the interaction between neurotransmitters, external stressors, behavioral constructs, hormones, and the sympathetic nervous system. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a member of neurotrophines, is the most prevalent growth factor in the central nervous system. It is essential for the development of the central nervous system and for neuronal plasticity. Because BDNF plays a crucial role in the development and plasticity of the brain, it is widely implicated in psychiatric diseases.

Aim of the work

This study aimed to evaluate serum level of BDNF in FM patients and its relation with depression.

Patients and methods

Thirty patients with primary fibromyalgia syndrome were enrolled into this study. These patients were subjected to clinical examination and assessment of depression using the Hamilton Rating Scale for depression. Serum BDNF levels were determined using an enzyme-linked-immunosorbent assay. Twenty age-matched and sex-matched healthy volunteers were included as controls.

Results

The mean serum BDNF level was age-dependent in healthy controls. FMS patients had higher level of serum BDNF compared with healthy controls. In addition, serum level of BDNF showed correlation with depression, but not with other disease manifestations. The mean serum level of BDNF increased with higher values of depression score in FM patients.

Conclusion

BDNF is involved in the pathophysiology of FMS. Moreover, it seems to be correlated with the intensity of depression symptoms in FMS patients.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Departments of Rheumatology and Rehabilitation, Benha University, Villal, Benha, Egypt

    Rasha Mohamed Fawzy, Mounir S. Eldin & Alshimaa M. Mouhammed

  2. Psychiatry and Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Benha University, Benha, Egypt

    Hussein E. El-shiekh

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  1. Rasha Mohamed Fawzy
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  2. Mounir S. Eldin
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  3. Alshimaa M. Mouhammed
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  4. Hussein E. El-shiekh
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Correspondence to Rasha Mohamed Fawzy.

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Fawzy, R.M., Eldin, M.S., Mouhammed, A.M. et al. Serum level of brain-derived neurotrophic factor in fibromyalgia. Egypt Rheumatol Rehabil 42, 170–177 (2015). https://doi.org/10.4103/1110-161X.168156

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.4103/1110-161X.168156

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