Brain-derived neurotrophic factor profiles in type 1 diabetes: a comparison between patients with and without ketoacidosis

Abstract

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is a common metabolic autoimmune disease, especially in young people. It is often accompanied by several comorbidities and complications, including diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), a serious acute metabolic disorder, which can cause neuronal alterations. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a neurotrophin involved in neuronal function and metabolic regulation, suggesting a potential association between BDNF and DKA. The aims of this study were to evaluate the associations between BDNF and DKA in individuals recently diagnosed with T1D, assess longitudinal changes in BDNF levels in samples collected 1–3 years after T1D diagnosis, and identify clinical covariates associated with BDNF levels. BDNF levels were measured from serum samples with the ELISA method. No statistically significant association between DKA and BDNF was found at either timepoint and the BDNF level remained stable in follow-up samples. Covariates associated with the level of BDNF included the presence of enterovirus IgG and IgA antibodies, the presence of GAD autoantibodies, C-peptide and IFN-γ levels, male sex, and ketonuria. In conclusion, BDNF levels in T1D were not associated with DKA and remained stable during the first years after diagnosis. BDNF could be more closely connected with immunological and metabolic factors relevant to T1D.