Preliminary study on changes in BDNF in patients with depression after percutaneous coronary intervention

• Published in: European psychiatry 2023-03, Vol.66 (S1), p.S68-S68
• Main Authors: Medved, S., Sović, S., Ganoci, L., Božina, N., Šagud, M., Bulum, J., Mihaljević-Peleš, A.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Abstract; Angina pectoris; Angioplasty; Cardiovascular disease; Comorbidity; Mental depression; Oral Communication
• ISSN: 0924-9338; 1778-3585
• DOI: 10.1192/j.eurpsy.2023.232

IntroductionDepression and coronary artery disease (CAD) are often comorbid conditions. The presence of depression significantly interferes with the recovery after CAD therapy intervention, such as percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), one of the most common medical procedures in developed countries. Brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) has a major role in angiogenesis and neuromodulation. Its levels were previously shown to be reduced in patients with depression, and latest studies indicate similar in patients with CAD. However, the correlation of BDNF levels and depression after CAD treatment is unknown.ObjectivesThe aim of this preliminary study is to assess the changes in BDNF levels in patients with depressive symptoms during a six-month period upon PCI.MethodsAntidepressant-free participants that underwent PCI with stent placement due to myocardial infarction or angina pectoris were enrolled in the study. Depressive symptoms were evaluated at baseline using the Beck’s Depression Inventory II (BDI-II) with a cut-off score ≥20 indicating moderate depression. Serum BDNF levels were measured from blood samples drawn a day after (baseline) and six-months upon a successful PCI without complications. The t-test for dependent samples was used with marked significant differences at p