Trends in Psychiatry and Psychotherapy
https://trends.org.br/article/doi/10.47626/2237-6089-2021-0298
Trends in Psychiatry and Psychotherapy
Original Article

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor serum levels following ketamine and esketamine intervention for treatment-resistant depression: secondary analysis from a randomized trial

Ana Teresa Caliman-Fontes, Gustavo C. Leal, Fernanda S. Correia-Melo, Camilla S. Paixao, Michelle S. Carvalho, Ana Paula Jesus-Nunes, Flavia Vieira, Guilherme Magnavita, Igor D. Bandeira, Rodrigo P. Mello, Graziele Beanes, Samantha S. Silva, Mariana Echegaray, Lucas P. Carvalho, Paulo Machado, Aline S. Sampaio, Taiane de A. Cardoso, Flávio Kapczinski, Acioly L. T. Lacerda, Lucas C. Quarantini

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Abstract

Objectives
Evidence suggests that ketamine’s influence on brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) might be involved in its mechanism of rapid antidepressant action. We aimed to evaluate the differential impact of ketamine and esketamine on serum BDNF levels and its association with response patterns in treatment-resistant depression (TRD).

Methods
Participants (n = 53) are from a randomized, double-blind clinical trial comparing the efficacy of single-dose ketamine (0.5mg/kg, n = 27) and esketamine (0.25mg/kg, n = 26) in TRD. Depression severity was assessed before and 24 hours, 72 hours, and 7 days after the intervention, using the Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS). Blood samples were collected before infusion, 24 hours, and 7 days afterwards.

Results
There were no significant changes in BDNF levels at post-infusion evaluation points, and no difference in BDNF levels comparing ketamine and esketamine. Both drugs exhibited similar therapeutic effect. There was no association between BDNF levels and response to treatment or severity of depressive symptoms.

Conclusion
There was no significant treatment impact on BDNF serum levels – neither with ketamine nor esketamine – despite therapeutic response. These results suggest that ketamine or esketamine intervention for TRD has no impact on BDNF levels measured at 24 hours and 7 days after the infusion.

Keywords

BDNF, biochemical markers, major depressive disorder, NMDA antagonists, neurotrophins

Submitted date:
04/26/2021

Accepted date:
09/24/2021

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