MedWorm provides a medical RSS filtering service. Over 6000 RSS medical sources are combined and output via different filters. This feed contains the latest medical blog items that have been tagged with 'bdnf'. Sat, 03 Sep 2011 02:20:47 +0100 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3764269&cid=t_122991_136_f&fid=37846&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthinfoispower.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F07%2F18%2Fchallenges-of-enriched-environment-significantly-curb-cancer-growth-in-mice%2F Living in an environment rich with physical, mental and social stimulation – a setting that causes mild stress – appears by itself to curb cancer growth in mice, according to a new study led by researchers at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research [...] (Source: Libby's H*O*P*E*) Libby's H*O*P*E* blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3764269 Mon, 19 Jul 2010 03:32:50 +0100 3764269 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3695567&cid=t_122991_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fusing-ultrasound-to-zap-the-brain-back-into-action%2F2010.06.24 Scientists at Arizona State University have developed a new method of non-surgical brain stimulation using pulsed ultrasound that enhances cognitive function in mice, and may one day be used to non-invasively treat patients with mental retardation, Alzheimer’s disease and other central nervous system (CNS) dysfunctions. In intact motor cortex in mice, ultrasound was found to stimulate action potentials and elicit motor responses comparable to those only previously achieved with implanted electrodes and related techniques. It also activates meaningful brain wave patterns and the production of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the hippocampus — one of the most potent regulators of brain plasticity. (more…) *This blog post was originally published at Medgad... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3695567 Thu, 24 Jun 2010 22:00:01 +0100 3695567 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2865740&cid=t_122991_109_f&fid=35671&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anxietyinsights.info%2Fabstract_the_bdnf_val66met_polymorphism_impacts_parahippoca.htm Conclusions: This study demonstrates that the impact of the BDNF Val66Met polymorphism is not confined to the hippocampus but also extends to the parahippocampal gyrus and the amygdala. (Links added; ed.) Source... Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2009 (Source: Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info) Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2865740 Tue, 06 Oct 2009 07:07:00 +0100 2865740 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2793227&cid=t_122991_109_f&fid=35671&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anxietyinsights.info%2Fabstract_a_brainderived_neurotrophic_factor_haplotype_is_a.htm Conclusions: Our results support the hypothesis that the BDNF gene is involved in the response to psychopharmacologic treatment even though these preliminary findings await replication in a follow-up sample. (Glossary links added; ed.) Source... Copyright © 2009 Society of Biological Psychiatry Published by Elsevier Inc. (Source: Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info) Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2793227 Mon, 14 Sep 2009 05:12:00 +0100 2793227 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2678680&cid=t_122991_109_f&fid=35671&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anxietyinsights.info%2Fabstract_early_adversity_and_5httbdnf_genes_new_evidence.htm Conclusions Childhood adversity per se predicted higher levels of adult depressive symptoms. In addition, BDNF Val66Met and 5-HTTLPR polymorphisms seemed to moderate the effect of CSA on adult depressive symptoms. (Glossary links added; ed.) Source... Copyright © 2009 Cambridge University Press (Source: Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info) Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2678680 Fri, 07 Aug 2009 06:44:00 +0100 2678680 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2786057&cid=t_122991_109_f&fid=38953&url=http%3A%2F%2Frileyjennifer.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F06%2Fbrain-derived-neurotrophic-factor.html The brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a neurotrophin (growth factor for neurons) which acts on the hippocampus, basal forebrain, and frontal cortex. These areas of the brain are involved in important functions of memory and cognition which are closely linked with psychiatric illnesses.A new study has proposed using BDNF levels as a means of distinguishing between BP depression and MDD citing findings of greater BDNF levels in persons with MDD than with BP depression. (1)Another study also examining serum levels of BDNF among different psychiatric disorders found that there was no significant difference between groups of unipolar depression, BD-I, or BD-II. However, measurements were done during euthymic states whereas the previous study measured serum levels during acute depressi... Psych Scamp blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2786057 Tue, 16 Jun 2009 04:35:00 +0100 2786057 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2416974&cid=t_122991_109_f&fid=35671&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anxietyinsights.info%2Fabstract_early_raise_of_bdnf_in_hippocampus_suggests_induc.htm Conclusions: These results suggest that BDNF protein is rapidly elevated by antidepressant treatments by posttranscriptional mechanisms, and that induction of BDNF mRNA is a slower process. (Text has been reformatted for online visual clarity, links added; ed.) Source | Full text (provisional, ) Open Access (Source: Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info) Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2416974 Tue, 19 May 2009 08:08:00 +0100 2416974 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2380872&cid=t_122991_109_f&fid=35671&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anxietyinsights.info%2Fnew_antidepressant_target_identified.htm Disrupting an acid-sensitive protein in the brain produces antidepressant effects in mice Jennifer Brown & Todd Bentsen A protein in the brain may represent a new target for the treatment of depression, according to a study by University of Iowa and the Iowa City Veterans Affairs Medical Center researchers published in The Journal of Neuroscience. The study shows that disrupting the acid-sensitive ion channel-1a (ASIC1a) produces antidepressant-like effects in mice. The effect was similar to that produced by currently available antidepressants, but is produced through a different biological mechanism. They focused on ASIC1a because recent studies have pointed to a role for this ion channel in depression. In particular, previous animal studies [1, 2] from Wemmie's lab showed that ASIC1a... Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2380872 Thu, 30 Apr 2009 07:00:00 +0100 2380872 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2313426&cid=t_122991_109_f&fid=35671&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anxietyinsights.info%2Fabstract_lasting_epigenetic_influence_of_earlylife_adversi.htm Conclusions: These results highlight an epigenetic molecular mechanism potentially underlying lifelong and transgenerational perpetuation of changes in gene expression and behavior incited by early abuse and neglect. Source... © 2009 Society of Biological Psychiatry. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. (Source: Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info) Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2313426 Tue, 07 Apr 2009 08:53:00 +0100 2313426 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2313432&cid=t_122991_109_f&fid=35671&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anxietyinsights.info%2Fgender_determines_how_gene_affects_stress_response.htm In conclusion, say the researchers, the study specifically indicates that women with the BDNF Val/Met genotype and men with the Val/Val may be particularly vulnerable to social stress mediated by brain stress system activity. Shaleva I, Lererb E, Israel S, et al. BDNF Val66Met polymorphism is associated with HPA axis reactivity to psychological stress characterized by genotype and gender interactions. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2009 Apr;34(3):382-388   [Abstract] (Source: Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info) Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2313432 Mon, 06 Apr 2009 08:48:00 +0100 2313432 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2313445&cid=t_122991_109_f&fid=35671&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anxietyinsights.info%2Fabstract_higher_plasma_interleukin6_il6_level_is_associ.htm Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry. 2009 Mar 28;doi:10.1016/j.pnpbp.2009.03.020Higher plasma interleukin-6 (IL-6) level is associated with SSRI- or SNRI-refractory depression Yoshimura R, Hori H, Ikenouchi-Sugita A, Umene-Nakano W, Ueda N, Nakamura J. Department of Psychiatry, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Medicine, 1-1 Iseigaoka, Yahatanishi-ku, Kiatkyushu8078555, Japan In the present study, we compared plasma levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-a (TNFa), and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) among selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI)-or serotonin noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor (SNRI)-responsive depressed patients (n = 31), SSRI-or SNRI-refractory [treatment resistant, ed] depressed patients (n = 20), and healthy ... Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2313445 Fri, 03 Apr 2009 07:21:00 +0100 2313445 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2053746&cid=t_122991_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2F489938436%2F Learning & the Brain is a conference that gets marked on my calendar annually because I always return home having either been exposed to new information, or with a new perspective on an old topic. Last month’s conference in Cambridge, MA, themed Using Emotions Research to Enhance Learning & Achievement, was no exception. As with previous conferences, in addition to the many keynote sessions, I focused on the adult learning strand, since so much of my time is spent providing professional development for, and collaborating with adults. Here are five conference cues as they relate to education. 1. CHALLENGE YOURSELF WITH NEW LEARNING Aaron Nelson stated that our memory starts to decline between ages twenty-five and thirty, or to phrase it a bit more positively, Sam Wang says our m... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2053746 Fri, 19 Dec 2008 22:10:09 +0100 2053746 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1939643&cid=t_122991_109_f&fid=35671&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anxietyinsights.info%2Fabstract_brainderived_neurotrophic_factor_the_neurotroph.htm CNS Spectr. 2008;13(11):945-949 Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor: The Neurotrophin Hypothesis of Psychopathology Stein DJ, Daniels WMU, PhD, Savitz J, Harvey BM. While monoaminergic hypotheses of psychopathology remain popular, there has been growing interest in the role of neurotrophins in neuropsychiatric disorders. Basic laboratory work has documented the importance of neurotrophins in neuronal survival and synaptic plasticity, and a range of clinical studies has provided analogous evidence of their role in neuropathology. Work on gene variants in brain-derived neurotrophic factor, and associated changes in structural and function brain imaging, have further contributed to our understanding of this area. Much remains to be done to delineate fully the relevant mechanisms by which brain-... Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1939643 Fri, 07 Nov 2008 08:12:00 +0100 1939643 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1730764&cid=t_122991_109_f&fid=35671&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anxietyinsights.info%2Fabstract_serum_brainderived_neurotrophic_factor_depressio.htm Conclusions: These findings provide strong evidence to suggest that serum BDNF levels are abnormally low in patients suffering from major depressive disorder and that the BDNF levels are elevated following a course of antidepressant treatment. Although the relationship of our findings to pathophysiology of depression and the mechanism of drug action remains to be determined, the measure may have potential use as a biomarker for psychiatric disorders or as a predictor of antidepressant efficacy. (Definitions added; ed.) Source... Copyright © 2008 Society of Biological Psychiatry Published by Elsevier Inc.Note:  This does not mean low BDNF levels 'cause' depression any more than low serotonin levels do (see Serotonin: The 'chemical imbalance' myth). (Source: Latest ... Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1730764 Mon, 25 Aug 2008 09:18:00 +0100 1730764 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1546941&cid=t_122991_109_f&fid=35671&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anxietyinsights.info%2Fabstract__serum_bdnf_depression_and_antidepressant_medica.htm Conclusions: These findings provide strong evidence to suggest that serum BDNF levels are abnormally low in patients suffering from major depressive disorder and that the BDNF levels are elevated following a course of antidepressant treatment. Although the relationship of our findings to pathophysiology of depression and the mechanism of drug action remains to be determined, the measure may have potential use as a biomarker for psychiatric disorders or as a predictor of antidepressant efficacy. Source... (Source: Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info) Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1546941 Thu, 26 Jun 2008 08:12:00 +0100 1546941 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1543860&cid=t_122991_109_f&fid=35671&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anxietyinsights.info%2Fabstract__reducing_posttraumatic_anxiety_by_immunization.htm Brain Behav Immun. 2008 Jun 16;doi:10.1016/j.bbi.2008.05.002 Reducing post-traumatic anxiety by immunization Lewitus GM, Cohen H, Schwartz M. Department of Neurobiology, The Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, Israel; Ministry of Health, Mental Health Center Anxiety and Stress Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel Trafficking of T lymphocytes to specific organs, such as the skin and lungs, is part of the body's defense mechanism following acute psychological stress. Here we demonstrate that T lymphocytes are also trafficking to the brain in response to psychological stress and are needed to alleviate its negative behavioral consequences. We show that short exposure of mice to a stressor (predator odor) enhanced T-cell in... Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1543860 Tue, 24 Jun 2008 08:50:00 +0100 1543860 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1356583&cid=t_122991_122_f&fid=36506&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FBrainSciencePodcastBlog%2F%7E3%2F266048860%2F In Episode 33 of the Brain Science Podcast, Harvard’s Dr. John Ratey introduced us to brain-derived neurotropic factor (BDNF), which he described as “Miracle Grow for the Brain” because it actually stimulates the grow of new neurons in the brain. The emphasis in our discussion was on the importance of exercise in stimulating the release of BDNF. If you are interested in checking out some further references on BDNF you may want to check out Charles Daney’s Science and Reason Blog. Daney also does a good job of explaining exactly what a neurotropic factor is and does. (Source: the Brain Science Podcast and Blog with Dr. Ginger Campbell) the Brain Science Podcast and Blog with Dr. Ginger Campbell blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1356583 Tue, 08 Apr 2008 02:50:37 +0100 1356583 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1325423&cid=t_122991_109_f&fid=35671&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anxietyinsights.info%2Fthe_genetic_ying_and_yang_of_depression.htm Individual genes do not cause depression, but they are thought to increase the probability of an individual having a depression in the face of other accumulating risk factors, such as other genes and environmental stressors. One gene known to increase the risk for depression in the context of multiple stressful life events is that for the serotonin transporter protein which is targeted by all current drug treatments for depression. In a number of studies it has been shown that people who inherit one form of this gene, called SLC6A4, are at up to four times the risk of depression if they experience unusual stresses in their lives. Basic science experiments and imaging studies in normal people suggest that the gene affects risk for depression by affecting the system that mediates how negativ... Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1325423 Tue, 25 Mar 2008 06:51:00 +0100 1325423 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1289870&cid=t_122991_109_f&fid=35671&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anxietyinsights.info%2Fabstract__selective_loss_of_bdnf_in_the_dentate_gyrus_atten.htm Conclusions: These data suggest that the loss of hippocampal BDNF per se is not sufficient to mediate depression-like behavior. However, these results support the view that BDNF in the DG might be essential in mediating the therapeutic effect of antidepressants. Source... (Source: Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info) Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1289870 Mon, 10 Mar 2008 07:23:00 +0100 1289870 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1204757&cid=t_122991_109_f&fid=35671&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anxietyinsights.info%2Fbdnf_and_depression.htm Psychiatry Weekly 2008 Feb 4;3(5) Norman Sussman, MD, DFAPA Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a protein that is crucial for neurodevelopment and in modulating activity-dependent synaptic plasticity among mature neurons, mainly in the hippocampus and neocortex. A substantial body of literature suggests that BDNF mediates neuronal function in response to stress in depression, and in response to antidepressant drugs and ECT. More... © 2008 Psychiatry Weekly, LLC (Source: Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info) Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1204757 Tue, 05 Feb 2008 06:59:00 +0100 1204757 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=962678&cid=t_122991_109_f&fid=35671&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anxietyinsights.info%2Fbrain_protein_linked_to_stress_and_depression_resiliency.htm This study shows we can increase our understanding and development of new therapeutic measures to overcome those changes." Commentating on the study Dr Thomas R. Insel, director of the U.S. National Institute of Mental Health, which partly funded the research, said the findings are "part of a large body of work coming out of Dr Nestler's laboratory trying to understand what this important neurotrophic molecule, BDNF, does." "What's exciting here is that it is important for resilience, being able to recover from a traumatic event," Insel added. "One of the great values of this work is to help us understand how mammals, including humans, might be able to recover from the traumas inherent in human existence." This was work was also supported by grants from the National Institute on Drug Abuse... Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=962678 Fri, 19 Oct 2007 08:28:00 +0100 962678 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=651935&cid=t_122991_109_f&fid=35671&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anxietyinsights.info%2Flinkblog%2Fjump%2F%3Fi%3D493691 Bouncing back from insults, slights, or the endless forms of bullying is one of life's more vexing challenges. It is also one of the most necessary, for while we daily face what neuropsychologists call "social defeat," recovering from it is vital to mental and physical health. But what exactly is going on in the brain when social defeat gets the best of us? Why does it sometimes depress us so? (Source: Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info) Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=651935 Thu, 05 Apr 2007 03:37:00 +0100 651935