Brain-derived neurotrophic factor not associated with metabolic syndrome but inversely correlated with vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 in men without diabetes

BackgroundExcessive visceral fat with unbalanced adipokines is a critical pathogenic factor of metabolic syndrome (MetS), which is associated with disorders of the central nervous system and cardiovascular disease. Because brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) plays an important role in neurons, we examined the relationship of BDNF to MetS, adipose tissue and biomarkers in men.MethodsThirty-four non-diabetic men with MetS and another 24 age-matched men without MetS were enrolled. In addition to fasting blood samples, the area of adipose tissue at the waist was assessed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).ResultsThere was no significant difference in serum BDNF concentrations between men with or without MetS (40.9 ± 8.0 vs. 43.2 ± 6.1 ng/ml, P = 0.235). However, the serum concentration of soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) was higher in the subjects with a lower BDNF level (737 ± 230 vs. 628 ± 115 ng/ml, P = 0.025). An inverse correlation between VCAM-1 and BDNF was observed (r = − 0.391, P = 0.002). After adjusting for visceral adipose tissue, VCAM-1 was found to be independently associated with BDNF [95% confidence interval (− 0.025, − 0.005), P = 0.004].ConclusionThese data show no difference in serum BDNF levels between the men with MetS and controls. However, serum BDNF was inversely correlated with serum VCAM-1 in men without diabetes.

► Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is important in the central nervous system.
► Serum BDNF levels did not differ between men with or without metabolic syndrome.
► A higher vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) concentration was observed in men with lower BDNF.
► The inverse correlation between BDNF and VCAM-1 was independent of visceral fat area.