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. 2014 Oct;21(4):129–133. doi: 10.5214/ans.0972.7531.210403

Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Nikhil J Kasarpalkar 1, Sweta T Kothari 2, Usha P Dave 3,*
PMCID: PMC4248479  PMID: 25452672

Abstract

Background

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex neurobehavioral syndrome with no known biomarker so far for early detection. It has been challenging, both to classify typical autism and associate a suitable biomarker with clinical phenotype spectrum. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) has emerged as a key neurotrophin regulating synaptic plasticity, neuronal differentiation and survival.

Purpose

Recently, BDNF depletion is reported in neurodegenerative as well as in psychiatric disorders, associated with severity of neurological dysfunction. Role of BDNF as a biomarker in ASD is gaining significance. Pre-clinical results have linked BDNF depletion in autism and mental retardation, however, with conflicting findings.

Methods

In view of this, a preliminary study was carried out to measure serum BDNF levels in 48 children with ASD and mental retardation, and 29 age-matched controls.

Results

Serum BDNF levels were found significantly higher (p<0.001) in atypical autistic subjects (clinically milder phenotype) as compared to controls, but not in typical ASD cases (clinically severe phenotype). BDNF levels were significantly lower in females with typical/Rett Syndrome (p<0.05), but not in males with typical autism (p>0.1), as compared to controls. Lower BDNF levels indicate impairment in neuroprotective mechanism, while higher levels may imply a manifested protective response.

Conclusion

Our study highlights the differential BDNF response based on the severity of neurobehavioral deficit, indicating a possible neuroprotective role of this molecule and supporting its exploration in targeted therapy in ASD.

Keywords: Disorder, BDNF, Biomarker

Introduction

Autism is a group of complex neurodevelopmental disorders of unknown etiology which manifests with problems with social interaction, language, communication and behavior deficits like stereotype and repetitive activities.1 Though originally described by Kanner2 the etiological factor for autism still remains an enigma. Most cases of classical autism present with failure to develop normal, social or language skills, which is termed early onset autism. However, a group of children with autistic features develop normally until approximately 18 to 24 months of age after which they show neuroregression. This is termed as regressive autism. Symptoms usually start before three years of age and can cause delays or problems in many different skills that develop from infancy to adulthood. However, the average age of diagnosis is about 6 years.3 Centre for Disease Control reports the autism prevalence rate of 1 in 110 children in USA.4,5 However, similar data on prevalence are scarce in India. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is evaluated by a clinical psychologist using DSM-IV-R criteria which can be quite challenging due to complex phenotypes. Hence, there is need for early diagnosis, and an optimal biomarker for the same is globally being explored. Different people with autism can have varied spectrum of mild to severe autistic features and clinical symptoms. Therefore the term “Autism Spectrum Disorder” is often used by physicians.

The etiology of autism still remains unknown, with many factors implicated in the development of autism phenotype. Chromosomal abnormalities, and Fragile-X have been reported in autistic children.6,7 The central pathology in the brain is arrest of neuronal development. Megalancephalic brain, neuronal disorganization and abnormal migration, cortical heteropia, reduced dendritic spine density, reduction and incursion in purkinje cells and sometimes gliosis are the neuropathological hallmarks of ASD. Several genetic studies link autism with genes that have immunomodulatory functions. However, genetic studies have not yet revealed a specific autism marker and this has led to the hypothesis that an environmental trigger could be associated with certain cases of autism.8 Recent research indicate the role of genetic and environmental factors or an interaction of both, responsible for the clinical symptoms of ASD. A polymorphism G196A which alters the amino acid Valine at the 66th position in the pro-region of BDNF protein to Methionine, is the most studied polymorphism in the BDNF gene. However, it is not reported in all the cases and there has been no studies from India.

Neurotrophins play a pivotal role in the functioning of the nervous system including development, survival, function and plasticity. Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) is the most abundant and widely distributed neurotrophin in the mammalian Central Nervous System (CNS). Since the purification of BDNF protein, definitive evidence has emerged for its key role in mammalian brain development, physiology and pathology.9 There is a growing evidence for the role of BDNF in the survival, differentiation and plasticity of neurons throughout the brain and spinal cord. BDNF is thought to participate by inhibiting apoptosis10 and stimulating sprouting and neuronal reorganization.11 The cellular actions of BDNF are believed to be mediated through tyrosine kinase receptor B (TrkB) and by p75NTR (p75neurotrophin receptor), a member of the TNF (tumor necrosis factor) receptor superfamily.12

BDNF is a 119-amino-acid, 13.6-kDa signaling protein13 involved in the central regulation of energy homeostasis. Interestingly, recent research studies have suggested the role of Methyl Cytosine Binding Protein (MeCP2) gene in the epigenetic regulation of gene expression in ASD.14 BDNF gene is one of the target for MeCP2 gene. Decreased expression of BDNF contributes to the cell death and neurodegeneration in Alzheimer, Parkinson and Huntington disease.15 Therefore, animal experiments are aimed at strategies for “BDNF therapies” by targeting BDNF production or increasing BDNF signaling by gene or protein delivery. It is, therefore, logical to estimate the level of BDNF in individuals with definite/typical autism (by DSM-IV criteria) and atypical autism (partly satisfying DSM-IV criteria). Therefore we wanted to examine whether BDNF levels can be correlated to the degree of impairment of neurologic response to brain insult, resulting into clinical spectrum characteristic of autism.

In order to evaluate the relationship between BDNF levels in typical and atypical autism cases, we estimated the serum BDNF levels in children with autism spectrum disorder.

Methods

Subjects

Forty eight children (25 males and 23 females) with autism spectrum disorder, with the mean age of 7.4 years, were enrolled for the study. The children showed varying degree of mental abnormality and were undergoing special training in schools meant for children with mental retardation and autism. These children were examined by the attending pediatrician and evaluated by the clinical psychologist to further categorize into various groups of ASD using the DSM-IV criteria. Detailed clinical history including prenatal, birth and family history was obtained, with emphasis on high risk genetic factors like consanguinity, spontaneous abortions, history of sibling or neonatal death, history of MR and autism in the family. The genetic history was recorded using a pedigree chart. Twenty eight age matched apparently healthy controls were also enrolled in this study.

Ethical Clearance

The study was carried out as per the Ethical Guidelines for Biomedical Research on Human Participants, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), 2006, which is based on the Declaration of Helsinki, 2004.16 Informed written consent was obtained from the parent/guardian of each child enrolled in this study.

Estimation of serum BDNF

Four milliliters of venous blood was collected from each participant. Serum was separated immediately and stored at –20ºC till further use. Serum BDNF concentration was estimated by sandwich ELISA method using the Human BDNF ELISA kit (ELH-BDNF-001) from RayBiotech Inc.

Data Analysis

Serum BDNF concentrations were compared across the control and sample groups using the Students’ t test. The level of significance was set at p<0.05.

Results

Forty eight children with autism and mental retardation were evaluated for serum BDNF levels by comparing them with 29 age matched controls. Serum BDNF levels in children with autism and mental retardation did not differ significantly from the control group (p>0.05). An interesting finding was observed when the autism group was sub-categorized into typical (Group A) and atypical (Group B) forms, based on the severity of the disorder, as per DSM-IV criteria (Table 1). While no significant difference was observed in serum BDNF values of typical autism cases, BDNF levels were significantly higher (p<0.001) in atypical autism cases when compared with controls.

Table 1: Comparison of serum BDNF levels of ASD cases with controls.

Subjects Number of subjects (N) Mean age Serum BDNF concentration (Mean ± SD) ng/mL p value as compared to Controls
The significance is set at p<0.05, where *** = p<0.001, implying an extremely significant difference.
Controls 25 7.44 years 225.16 ± 79.54 –
Group A (Typical ASD/Definite autism) 25 7.61 years 198.93 ± 65.32 0.19
Group B (Atypical ASD) 23 7.08 years 306.68 ± 85.93 0.0008***
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Additionally, Rett Syndrome being the most severe, X-linked form of typical autism, comprising of female subjects, the typical autism group was further divided based on the gender of the patient (Table 2). A noteworthy observation was that though both male and female patients were typically autistic, serum BDNF concentration in typical autistic females was significantly lower than that of the control group (p<0.05). Males with typical autism however did not differ extensively in the serum BDNF values in comparison with control subjects.

Table 2: Rett Syndrome being an X-linked disorder manifested in females, we segregated the male and female subjects of the typical ASD group for comparing with controls.

Subjects Number of subjects (N) Serum BDNF concentration (ng/mL)
Mean SD (Range) p value as compared to Controls
The significance is set at p<0.05.
Controls 25 225.16 ±79.54 (145.63–304.70) –
Typical ASD Males 14 231.02 ±62.53 (168.49–293.56) 0.82
Typical ASD Females 11 164.16 ±47.82 (116.34–211.99) 0.018*
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Discussion

Autism (OMIM 209850) is a childhood neurodevelopmental disorder that is apparent by 3 years of age and characterized by significant impairment in reciprocal social interaction and communication as well as behavior. The etiology of autism is an enigma, with possible causes ranging from genetic, environment, toxicity, nutritional deficit, to a combination of these factors. In clinical practice, mental retardation (IQ<70) is often a part of autism in 50–70% of cases.17 Despite the efforts of multiple research groups to find out a suitable biomarker for diagnostics and targeted therapy, the genetic and phenotypic heterogeneity associated with autism spectrum disorder makes it the most challenging disorder for diagnosis.18

Both Rett Syndrome in female patients and Rett-Syndrome-like neurodevelopmental disorders in male patients as well as other neurodevelopmental disorders present a wide spectrum of clinical phenotypes that share a combination of symptoms like mental retardation, autism, microcephaly, stereotypic behavior and epilepsy. Recently, mutation in MeCP2 gene is shown not to be a major cause of Rett Syndrome-like or related neurodevelopmental phenotypes in male patients,19 and a need to identify additional novel genes is emphasized by this group. Similarly, Fragile-X Syndrome shares most of behavioral similarities with autism though many patients do not meet the diagnostic criteria for typical autism but still manifest autistic features such as delayed speech development, peculiar speech, gaze aversion, hand beating or flapping, a pervasive lack of responsiveness, bizarre responses to the environment like extreme attachment to animate and inanimate objects and dramatic mood swings related to minor changes in routine.20

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is emerging as a potential molecule that might help to better understand several neurodevelopmental as well as neurodegenerative disorders. Association of BDNF is reported with changes in behavior, such as hyperactivity, increased depression and psychiatric disorders including schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.21 Multiple studies have shown increase in BDNF in both blood and brain tisssue from autistic subjects.22 Since BDNF readily crosses the Blood-Brain-Barrier, the serum concentrations correlate directly to brain concentration, therefore serum studies of BDNF are thought to accurately reflect BDNF levels in the brain. Specifically elevated BDNF expression has been observed in the brain and blood.1,22

To evaluate the availability of the serum BDNF for diagnosis of patients with neurodevelopmental disorders, we estimated forty eight children with autism spectrum disorder and mental retardation for their serum BDNF concentrations. Based on the severity and presentation of the disease phenotype, we classified autistic children into two sub-groups, viz. Group A (typical autistic cases by DSM-IV criteria) and Group B (cases with atypical autism). Overall, we observed no significant difference in the serum BDNF concentration in autistic children when compared to the age-matched controls (Table 1); the finding which we found different from Miyazaki group.22 Interestingly, when we analyzed the variation in the BDNF concentrations separately in two groups, we could observe significant differences. While the serum BDNF levels in Group A did not differ significantly from controls, BDNF levels in Group B, which comprised of the milder phenotype, were significantly higher than that of normal controls (p<0.001).

In a recent study investigating serum levels of BDNF and SHH (Sonic Hedgehog Protein) in control and autistic children, BDNF serum level were significantly high in mild but not severe autistic children compared to age and sex matched subjects 442 ± 20 (pg/ml), 290 ± 90 (pg/ml), P<0.05), respectively.23

The current knowledge about BDNF in a number of neurodegenerative diseases and feasibility of BDNF therapeutic approach in the clinic has been well reviewed by Zuccato and Cattaneo (2009)15, emphasizing the exogenous restoration of BDNF. Further, a link between BDNF loss and disease progression of Rett syndrome has also been reported.24

The increased BDNF response in some subjects with autism is considered as an immune cell response which may be dysregulated in autism. Among the autism group, the different BDNF response was reported based on patterns of onset with early onset and severe form of autism being on higher trend of BDNF.8 The other research groups are strongly associating the decreased expression of BDNF contributing to the progression of cell death in neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer’s Disease.25

Depletion of brain and serum BDNF has also been reported in neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer, Parkinson and Huntington diseases. As pre-clinical results have linked BDNF depletion with autism, various laboratories are exploring the therapeutic significance of BDNF in autism and also in neurodegenerative disorders. However, BDNF has been shown to affect angiogenesis pathway, although the procedure for BDNF and VEGF(molecule responsible for vascularisation) interaction is not clear.26 As stated by Muthaian et al the interaction between BDNF and vascularisation factors opens up a window to explore the therapeutic potential of same in disease like Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis(ALS). Gupta et al have also shown the role of VEGF in expanding the life span of Indian ALS population.27–29 Moreover, several reviews in last decade have highlighted the studies supporting the role of BDNF in maturation of neural stem cells recruited by body to rescue the site of injury in neurodegenerative disorder.30–34

Implications of serum BDNF levels have been investigated in children with mental retardation and ASD, however, with equivocal findings. Moreover, it has been challenging, both to classify typical autism/ core syndrome (by DSM-IV), and associate a suitable biomarker with clinical phenotype spectrum. BDNF levels are found to be different in the present study on autistic children based on patterns of early onset, and severity of autism behavior. To the best of our knowledge, reports on such studies in Indian subjects are lacking. Role of BDNF as a putative biological marker in autism spectrum disorders (ASD) is gaining significance to evaluate the severity of cognitive and behavioral deficits. The above mentioned research makes BDNF an appropriate candidate for investigation in studies related to the development of the brain dysfunction and autism. The relatively higher level of BDNF in mild phenotypes compared to severe autism in our study (Fig. 1) probably reflected the protective function of this neurotrophic factor and characteristic of clinical heterogeneity.

Fig. 1:

Fig. 1:

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Comparison of BDNF levels between Controls and ASD. As the spectrum of ASD presentation traverses from mild to a severe form, the BDNF response inversely correlates with decreasing values.

With the new research studies on brain and with evidence of inflammation in the cerebellum, autism is more clearly a neurologic rather than a psychiatric or a behavioral disorder.

Multiple lines of evidence suggest that BDNF plays a critical role in serotonergic functions. In rat, brain BDNF has been found to promote the survival and sprouting of serotonergic axons and the axonal growth of injured serotonergic neurons.35,36 In-vitro and in-vivo studies support a regulatory role of BDNF in the survival and maturation of serotonergic neurons.37 BDNF has also been shown to modulate serotonergic neurotransmission in-vitro; in addition, BDNF administration has been found to increase the synthesis and/or turn over of serotonin in-vivo.38 It supports survival and differentiation of certain cholinergic neurons and also some dopaminergic neurons in vitro. BDNF and its receptor, tropomyosin-related kinase B (TrkB), are abundantly expressed in hypothalamic regions.39

Conclusion

Increased understanding of the genetic, molecular and cellular mechanism possibly provides insight into underlying brain damage in autism. Development of targeted and effective treatment strategies and prevention is the acute need in research on autism spectrum disorder. Association of BDNF has been implicated in the pathogenesis of neurodevelopmental disorders like autism. The levels of BDNF have been known to vary in Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s and autism spectrum disorders. Our study is an attempt to generate data regarding the BDNF levels in ASD in Indian population. Various other studies have been carried out implicating BDNF in the pathology of ASD, however, the controversy still exists and the equivocal findings may be due to clinical phenotypes. The relatively higher level of BDNF in mild phenotypes compared to severe autism probably reflected the protective function of this neurotrophic factor. Our findings indicated the possibility of BDNF and its role as a diagnostic or characteriztion marker in Autism Spectrum Disorders, helping into further differential ASD sub-groups and hence very important for therapy management and rehabilitation in the affected children.

Acknowledgements

The authors are thankful to the parents for their cooperation and greatly acknowledge the help of R and D, SRL, Mumbai to permit the laboratory work.

Footnotes

The article complies with International Committee of Medical Journal editor’s uniform requirements for manuscript.

Conflict of Interests: None: Source of funding: None.

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