Altered levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor, proBDNF and tissue plasminogen activator in children with posttraumatic stress disorder

The current study aims to compare the serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), proBDNF and tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) levels in cases that have developed posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in consequence of sexual abuse with those in healthy control subjects. Thirty-one female patients between 8 and 18 years of age who have been diagnosed with PTSD due to sexual abuse and thirty-one healthy female volunteer controls were included in the study. Frequency, intensity and severity of PTSD symptoms were assessed on the basis of Clinician-Administered Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Scale for Children and Adolescents (CAPS-CA). Serum BDNF, proBDNF and tPA levels were measured by Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) method. Results of the present study revealed that serum levels of BDNF and proBDNF in PTSD group were significantly lower but tPA level was significantly higher as compared to healthy control subjects. There were no correlations between CAPS-CA scores and BDNF, proBDNF and tPA levels. Decreased levels of BDNF, as suggested to have a role in the etiopathogenesis of PTSD, appear to be a result of the reduction in proBDNF production. The increased tPA levels in such cases, on the other hand, can be a compensatory mechanism serving to increase the BDNF levels.