Increased BDNF levels after electroconvulsive therapy in patients with major depressive disorder: A meta-analysis study

J Psychiatr Res. 2016 Dec:83:47-53. doi: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2016.08.004. Epub 2016 Aug 5.

Abstract

Objective: We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to estimate brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) level in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) after electroconvulsive therapy (ECT).

Method: A comprehensive search of the Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, LILACS, Grey literature, and EMBASE was performed for papers published from January 1990 to April 2016. The following key terms were searched: "major depressive disorder", "unipolar depression", "brain-derived neurotrophic factor", and "electroconvulsive therapy".

Results: A total of 252 citations were identified by the search strategy, and nine studies met the inclusion criteria of the meta-analysis. BDNF levels were increased among patients with MDD after ECT (P value = 0.006). The standardized mean difference was 0.56 (95% CI: 0.17-0.96). Additionally, we found significant heterogeneity between studies (I2 = 73%).

Conclusion: Our findings suggest a potential role of BDNF as a marker of treatment response after ECT in patients with MDD.

Keywords: BDNF; Electroconvulsive therapy; Major depressive disorder; Meta-analysis.

Publication types

  • Meta-Analysis
  • Review
  • Systematic Review

MeSH terms

  • Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor / metabolism*
  • Databases, Bibliographic / statistics & numerical data
  • Depressive Disorder, Major / metabolism*
  • Depressive Disorder, Major / therapy*
  • Electroconvulsive Therapy / methods*
  • Humans

Substances

  • Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor