BDNF and Cortisol integrative system – Plasticity vs. degeneration: Implications of the Val66Met polymorphism

• Published in: Frontiers in neuroendocrinology 2019-10, Vol.55, p.100784-100784, Article 100784
• Main Authors: de Assis, Gilmara Gomes, Gasanov, Eugene V.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Brain-derived neurotrophic factor; Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor - genetics; Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor - metabolism; Cortisol; Depression; Depression - genetics; Depression - metabolism; Depression - physiopathology; Exercise; Exercise - physiology; Humans; Hydrocortisone - metabolism; Nerve Degeneration - genetics; Nerve Degeneration - metabolism; Nerve Degeneration - pathology; Neuronal Plasticity - genetics; Neuronal Plasticity - physiology; Stress, Psychological - genetics; Stress, Psychological - metabolism; Stress, Psychological - physiopathology; Val66Met polymorphism
• ISSN: 0091-3022; 1095-6808
• DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2019.100784

•The dynamics of BDNF and Cortisol are a determinant factor for neuroplasticity and neurodegeneration.•BDNF may be a protective factor against deleterious consequences of chronic exposition to cortisol.•The BDNF polymorphism may have an influence on cortisol responsivity to stress. BDNF is the neurotrophin mediating pro-neuronal survival and plasticity. Cortisol (COR), in turn, is engaged in the coordination of several processes in the brain homeostasis. Stress-responsive, both factors show an integrative role through their receptor’s dynamics in neurophysiology. Furthermore, the Val66Met BDNF polymorphism may play a role in this mechanism. Aim: to investigate BDNF-COR interaction in the human neurophysiology context. Methods: We collected all papers containing BDNF and COR parameters or showing COR analyses in genotyped individuals in a PubMed search – full description available on PROSPERO – CRD42016050206. Discussion: BDNF and COR perform distinct roles in the physiology of the brain whose systems are integrated by glucocorticoid receptors dynamics. The BDNF polymorphism appears to have an influence on individual COR responsivity to stress. BDNF and COR play complementary roles in the nervous system where COR is a regulator of positive/negative effects. Exercise positively regulates both factors, regardless of BDNF polymorphism.