DOI 10.1186/s12991-015-0065-z

The relationship between brain-derived neurotrophic factor and cognitive functions in alcohol-dependent patients: a preliminary study Changwoo Han1, Hwallip Bae2, Sung‑Doo Won3, Sungwon Roh4 and Dai‑Jin Kim5* Background: As a neurotoxic substance, alcohol can induce neurodegenesis in the brain. Alcohol‑dependent patients ’ cognitive functioning can be affected by chronic alcohol use. In addition, brain‑derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is known to reflect the status of neuroadaptive changes. The purpose of this study was to investigate the rela‑ tionship between cognitive functions and BDNF in alcohol‑dependent patients. Methods: The subjects were 39 alcohol‑dependent patients. BDNF was measured using an enzyme‑linked immuno‑ sorbent assay kit. We examined clinical features and administered the Korean version of Alcohol Dependence Scale. We also used the Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer’s Disease (CERAD) to measure cognitive function‑ ing. Then, we determined the relationships between BDNF and various parts of the CERAD. Results: The performance of alcohol‑dependent patients proved stable in most parts of the CERAD. Within the differ‑ ent parts of the CERAD, only Trail Making Test B correlated with BDNF. Trail Making Test specifically assesses executive functions. Conclusions: BDNF might play an important role in the detection of neurocognitive function among individuals with alcohol dependence