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Serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor is associated with reduced appetite in healthy older adults

  • Published:
The Journal of Nutrition Health and Aging

Abstract

Objective: Loss of appetite and body mass are common in older adults and are associated with negative consequences. Research indicates that these processes likely involve increases in serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Animal and human models demonstrate that BDNF may serve a regulatory function in food intake, but no study has addressed the possibility that BDNF may be involved in appetite reduction and loss of body mass in older adults.Design and Participants: 34 older adults without significant neurological or psychiatric history underwent fasting blood draw and measurement of body composition. Appetite and eating behavior were assessed by questionnaire and related to serum BDNF levels.Results: Partial correlations showed serum BDNF levels were inversely related to appetite (r = −.38, p = .02). No significant correlations emerged between serum BDNF and age, diet, or body composition.Conclusions: The current study extends past work and shows that BDNF is associated with appetite in healthy older adults. Further work is needed to clarify mechanisms for these findings, particularly prospective studies.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychology, Kent State University, USA

    K. Stanek, J. Gunstad, T. Leahey & M. B. Spitznagel

  2. Department of Psychiatry, Summa Health System, Center for Neuropsychological Studies, USA

    J. Gunstad & M. B. Spitznagel

  3. School of Exercise Leisure and Sport, The Exercise Science Laboratory, Kent State University, USA

    E. Glickman & J. Juvancic-Heltzel

  4. Department of Pathology, Summa Health System, USA

    T. Alexander

  5. Department of Physical Therapy, Walsh University, USA

    L. Murray

Authors
  1. K. Stanek
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  2. J. Gunstad
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  3. T. Leahey
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  4. E. Glickman
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  5. T. Alexander
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  6. M. B. Spitznagel
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  7. J. Juvancic-Heltzel
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  8. L. Murray
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Stanek, K., Gunstad, J., Leahey, T. et al. Serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor is associated with reduced appetite in healthy older adults. J Nutr Health Aging 12, 183–185 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02982616

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02982616

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