Effect of fat free mass on serum and plasma BDNF concentrations during exercise and recovery in healthy young men

- Plasma vs. serum BDNF shows a greater relative increase due to exercise.
- Plasma vs. serum BDNF is slower to return to baseline values post-exercise.
- Individuals with high lean body mass show greater serum BDNF release during exercise.
- Individuals with high lean body mass show faster recovery of serum BDNF.
- Training status influences BDNF release and recovery.

Exercise results in release of brain derived neurotrophic factor into the circulation; however, little is known about the changes in serum and plasma brain derived neurotrophic factor concentrations and factors influencing brain derived neurotrophic factor during exercise and recovery. Serum (n = 23) and plasma (n = 10) brain derived neurotrophic factor concentrations were measured in healthy young men at rest, during steady-rate and after exercise to determine the maximum aerobic power. A two-way analysis of variance was used to investigate brain derived neurotrophic factor levels in blood during exercise and recovery, with one between-subject factor (a median split on: age, height, body mass, fat free mass, body mass index and aerobic fitness), and one within-subject factor (time). Serum brain derived neurotrophic factor concentrations increased in response to exercise and declined rapidly in recovery. Plasma brain derived neurotrophic factor had a greater proportional increase relative to exhaustive exercise compared with serum brain derived neurotrophic factor and was slower to return to near baseline values. There was a significant group-by-time interaction indicating a greater release and faster recovery for serum brain derived neurotrophic factor in high- compared with low-fat free mass individuals.