Past Issues

Objective: Decreased activity of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the brain can be associated with major depressive disorder (MDD). Moreover, BDNF is involved in the regulation of glucose-insulin homeostasis, which is also affected in patients with MDD. But whether any correlations exist between BDNF and glucose-insulin profi les in MDD patients remains unclear. Methods: Twentyone drug-naïve MDD patients were enrolled. Glucose-insulin profi les and serum BDNF levels were collected at baseline, and following the 2nd week, 4th week, and 12th week of a course of fl uoxetine treatment. Correlation analysis was adopted to investigate the results. Results: At baseline, the serum BDNF level was signifi cantly and positively correlated with the insulin level (p < 0.001), and homeostasis model assessment-estimated insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) index (p < 0.001) . The serum BDNF level was decreased at the 2nd and 4th weeks, but had returned to the baseline level at the 12th week. The change ratio of the serum BDNF level from baseline to the 4th week was inversely signifi cantly correlated to the basal insulin level (r = -0.52, p < 0.05), and positively signifi cantly correlated to basal HOMA-IR index (r = -0.54, p < 0.05). Conclusion: BDNF might be involved in glucose-insulin homeostasis in MDD patients receiving pharmacological treatment. In MDD, the dynamic rôles of BDNF in glucose-insulin homeostasis merit further investigation.