D11 Plasma brain-derived neurotrophic factor level as huntington disease severity biomarker

Background Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a widespread cytokine, which may be found both in central nervous system and peripheral tissues. It plays multiple roles and there are some literature suggestion that it may be involved in HD pathophysiology. Aims To asses BDNF plasma level utility as HD biomarker. Methods The blood was collected from 42 HD patients vs 39 healthy control subject matching for age and sex. Plasma level of BDNF was evaluated in both groups. All HD subjects went UHDRS evaluation. Study group was divided into different severity group on the basis of motor UHDRS score, which resulted in: 13 early stage subjects, 21 moderate, 3 advanced and 3 preclinical. Results A total of 42 HD patients (24 female) were enrolled in the study. Mean age was 49,95±12,38, CAG level 44,18±4,89, motor UHDRS 43,78±21,31. The mean level of BDNF was 1,64±1,62 vs 3,71±2,53 in controls, which was a statistically significant difference (p=0,00003). We found several correlation with plasma BDNF level – in early stage disease: with motor UHDRS score (p=0,05, R=– 0,55), bradykinesia (p=0,005, R=– 0,49), lower limbs (p=0,02, R=0,62) and trunk dystonia (p=0,05, R=0,51), gait disorders (p=0,05 R=– 0,50); severe HD: motor UHDRS score(p=0,05 R=– 0,85), eye movements and speech disorders (p=0,04 R=0,89) and upper limbs dystonia (p=0,04, R=– 0,97). Cognitive evaluation results and plasma BDNF correlation were noted too. Conclusions Plasma BDNF correlates with HD severity, mostly in fully symptomatic stages of HD.