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01-02-2022 | Systemic Lupus Erythematosus | Original Article

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

Authors: Helena Alessi, Lívia Almeida Dutra, Lília A. Maria, Paula C. Coube, Karina Hoshino, Fabiano F. de Abrantes, Fernanda C. Lopes, Alexandre Wagner S. de Souza, Cristiane Kayser, Orlando G. P. Barsottini

Published in: Clinical Rheumatology | Issue 2/2022

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.

Key Points

• BDNF is associated with an overall burden in SLE rather than specific manifestations such as cognition dysfunction.

• BDNF levels are reduced in patients with SLE, and higher SLICC-DI scores and hypertension are independent predictors of lower serum BDNF levels.

• The cognitive dysfunction rate is elevated (46%) among Brazilian SLE patients.

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Title: Serum BDNF and cognitive dysfunction in SLE: findings from a cohort of 111 patients
Authors: Helena Alessi
Lívia Almeida Dutra
Lília A. Maria
Paula C. Coube
Karina Hoshino
Fabiano F. de Abrantes
Fernanda C. Lopes
Alexandre Wagner S. de Souza
Cristiane Kayser
Orlando G. P. Barsottini
Publication date: 01-02-2022
Publisher: Springer International Publishing
Keywords: Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Antiphospholipid Syndrome
Antiphospholipid Syndrome
Published in: Clinical Rheumatology / Issue 2/2022
Print ISSN: 0770-3198
Electronic ISSN: 1434-9949
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10067-021-05915-0

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