Brain-derived neutrophic factor, glutamate and markers of apoptosis in the blood of patients with prolonged disorders of consciousness

Aim of the work was to analyze the content of factors with neuroprotective, neurotoxic and apoptotic eff ects in the blood of patients with prolonged disorders of consciousness (pDOC), depending on the level of consciousness disorder and neuroprotective therapy.

Material and methods. Research included 53 patients with pDOC, who were divided into 2 groups. Group 1 included 19 vegetative state/unresponsive wakefulness syndrome (VS/UWS) patients, group 2–34 minimally conscious state (MCS “minus” and “plus”) patients. Firstly at admission and then at the end of treatment course (after 1 month on average), plasma concentrations of brain neurotrophic factor (BDNF), apoptosis antigen (APO-1), apoptosisinducing ligand (Fas-L) and glutamate were studied. Control group consisted of 16 patients without measured once.

Results. Decrease of BDNF serum level was revealed in patients with pDOC,which was less pronounced those who had TBI as a etiological factor of pDOC. BDNF level signifi cantly increased after a month against the background of neuroprotective therapy. Glutamate level was higher in the fi rst group (VS/UWS). No signifi cant diff erence in the content of apoptosis factors was observed.

Conclusion. In patients with pDOC, decrease serum BDNF level was observed, less pronounced in TBI as etiology of pDOC. In patients who matched MCS criteria at the admission, there was a signifi cant increase of BDNF serum level during treatment course, which could indicate that patients with a higher initial level of consciousness have better potential for realizing the eff ect of neuroprotective therapy. Levels of apoptosis factors did not correspond to the consciousness level.

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