Gender Difference In Association Of Obesity With Serum Bdnf In Chinese Patient With Chronic Schizophrenia

Brain-derived neurotropic factor (BDNF) plays fundamental role in the regulation of neuronal survival, differentiation and synaptic plasticity in the peripheral and central nervous systems. BDNF levels were reduced in drug-naive, first-episode schizophrenia and increased with antipsychotic treatment. In addition, circulating BDNF levels were lower in individuals with obesity than those without obesity and weight reduction program significantly increased BDNF levels. However, very few studies have explored gender differences in the relationship of serum BDNF levels and obesity in chronic schizophrenia patients.