Brain-derived neurotrophic factor plasma levels are increased in older women after an acute episode of low back pain. (July 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Diz, Juliano Bergamaschine Mata; de Souza Moreira, Bruno; Felício, Diogo Carvalho; Teixeira, Luiza Faria; de Jesus-Moraleida, Fabianna Resende; de Queiroz, Bárbara Zille; Pereira, Daniele Sirineu; Pereira, Leani Souza Máximo
• Is Part Of: Archives of gerontology and geriatrics. Volume 71(2017)
• Page Start: 75
• Page End: 82
• Publication Date: 2017-07
• Subjects: Brain-derived neurotrophic factor -- Pain modulation -- Low back pain -- Depressive symptoms -- Older adults; Aging -- Periodicals; Geriatrics -- Periodicals; Gerontology -- Periodicals; Electronic journals; 305.26
• DOI: 10.1016/j.archger.2017.03.005
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0167-4943

Abstract

Highlights: BDNF plasma levels are increased in older women with acute low back pain. BDNF plasma levels do not appear to be associated with pain severity. BDNF plasma levels may be changed with the use of pain-relief drugs. Abstract: Background: Low back pain (LBP) is a growing public health problem in old age, and it is associated with disabling pain and depressive disorders. We compared brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) plasma levels, a key neurotrophin in pain modulation, between older women after an acute episode of LBP and age-matched pain-free controls, and investigated potential differences in BDNF levels between controls and LBP subgroups based on pain severity, presence of depressive symptoms and use of analgesic and antidepressant drugs. Methods: A total of 221 participants (154 with LBP and 67 pain-free) were studied. A comprehensive assessment of sociodemographic and clinical variables was conducted including pain severity (11-point NRS), depressive symptoms (GDS-15), age, body mass index, physical activity and total number of comorbidities and medications in use. Results: BDNF levels in LBP group were significantly higher than controls (7515.9 ± 3021.2; Md = 7116.0 vs 6331.8 ± 3364.0; Md = 5897.5 pg/mL, P = 0.005). LBP subgroups exhibited higher BDNF levels than controls, regardless of pain severity, presence of depressive symptoms and use of analgesic drugs. BDNF levels were significantly higher in LBP subgroup without use of antidepressant drugs compared to both controls and LBP subgroup with use of antidepressant drugs. Discussion: This study provides evidence that older women with acute low back pain exhibit higher BDNF plasma levels compared to pain-free controls. Subgroup comparisons suggest that use of pain-relief drugs may influence BDNF levels. The study results offer a novel target for research on mechanisms of back pain in older adults.