Cigarette Smoking Reduces BDNF in Heavy Smokers

Abstract Background: Cigarette smoke is a powerful environmental modifier of DNA methylation. BDNF is a neurotrophin family of growth factors and is important in growth, progression, regeneration, survival, maintenance, and function of neurons. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the epigenetic changes, serum level, and gene expression of BDNF, in cigarette smokers. Methods: To assess the BDNF DNA methylation, peripheral blood samples were obtained from 237 cigarette smokers and 90 healthy nonsmokers as controls. DNA methylation was evaluated with MS-PCR. Gene expression and serum level were carried out with qRT-PCR and ELISA assay respectively. Results: The results from MS-PCR showed that DNA methylation of BDNF gene is more significant in heavy smokers than healthy nonsmokers as control (p-value <0.05). Serum level of BDNF and gene expression is significantly lower in heavy smokers than in healthy nonsmokers (p-value <0.05). Conclusion: In conclusion, heavy smoking can modify BDNF gene epigenetics. The serum levels of BDNF and the gene expression decreases in heavy smokers compared to healthy nonsmokers.