Changes in plasma Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels induced by methylphenidate in children with Attention deficit–hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
Abstract
Objectives It has been suggested that BDNF may play a role in the pathogenesis of ADHD. Our aim is to determine whether methylphenidate can induce changes in plasma BDNF levels of children with ADHD. Methods We assessed levels of plasma BDNF in 28 ADHD patients (age range = 3.5-10 years) before and after 6 weeks treatment with effective dosages of methylphenidate. Then we evaluated the correlation of levels of plasma BDNF with clinical variables, especially ADHD Conner's parents rating scale. Results According to the paired sample T-test, the mean plasma BDNF level in the baseline was 193.06 pg/ml, whereas 271.06 pg/ml in the end point, thus showing significantly higher mean plasma BDNF levels in the post-treatment situation than in the pretreatment (t = -3.393, df = 27, p = 0.002). Pearson's correlation test revealed that there was also significant negative correlation between levels of BDNF in the plasma of ADHD patients before treatment and improvement in hyperactivity symptoms with treatment (Pearson's correlation = -0.395, p = 0.037). Conclusion The mean plasma BDNF levels increased after 6 weeks of treatment with methylphenidate. Also, we found an improvement in hyperactivity symptoms with decreasing baseline plasma BDNF levels. We recommend that more studies should be conducted in order to assess the possible roles of plasma BDNF levels in treatment response prediction and prognosis.
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MPH modulates neurotrophic factors involved in neuronal survival and plasticity, such as BDNF and its BDNF/NT-3 growth factor receptor (NTRK2); the effect of MPH over these factors is unclear, since some experiments report inhibition, whereas others report activation, improving BDNF plasma concentrations in children with ADHD.
“Furthermore, MPH has been reported to modulate neurotrophic factors involved in neuronal survival and plasticity, such as BDNF and its BDNF/NT-3 growth factor receptor (NTRK2); the effect of MPH over these factors is unclear, since some experiments report inhibition [145], whereas others report activation, improving BDNF plasma concentrations in children with ADHD [146].”
From Molecular Characterisation of the Mechanism of Action of Stimulant Drugs Lisdexamfetamine and Methylphenidate on ADHD Neurobiology: A Review (2022) · cites this paper as [146]
MPH increases plasma concentrations of BDNF in children with ADHD, although lower baseline plasma BDNF levels have a positive effect on hyperactivity symptoms.
“MPH increases plasma concentrations of BDNF in children with ADHD, although in that study the authors found that lower baseline plasma BDNF levels have a positive effect on hyperactivity symptoms [146].”
From Molecular Characterisation of the Mechanism of Action of Stimulant Drugs Lisdexamfetamine and Methylphenidate on ADHD Neurobiology: A Review (2022) · cites this paper as [146]
Higher levels of BDNF could compensate dysfunctions of DA and 5-HT systems observed in neurodevelopmental disorders, suggesting that higher levels of BDNF in subjects with ADHD are related to more profound NT dysfunction.
“It has been postulated that higher levels of BDNF could compensate dysfunctions of DA and 5-HT systems observed in neurodevelopmental disorders [122, 220], suggesting that higher levels of BDNF in subjects with ADHD are related to more profound NT dysfunction [146].”
From Molecular Characterisation of the Mechanism of Action of Stimulant Drugs Lisdexamfetamine and Methylphenidate on ADHD Neurobiology: A Review (2022) · cites this paper as [146]
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Transport of brain-derived neurotrophic factor across the blood–brain barrier
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Quintero, J., Gutiérrez-Casares, J. R., & Álamo, C. (2022) · Neurology and Therapy · doi:10.1007/s40120-022-00392-2 · Cited by 70 · see citing works
“involved in neuronal survival and plasticity, such as BDNF and its BDNF/NT-3 growth factor receptor (NTRK2); the effect of MPH over these factors is unclear, since some experiments report inhibition [145], whereas others report activation, improving BDNF plasma concentrations in children with ADHD [146].”
BackgroundSethi, A., Voon, V., Critchley, H. D., Cercignani, M., & Harrison, N. A. (2018) · Brain · doi:10.1093/brain/awy048 · Cited by 36 · see citing works
Nunes, F., Pochmann, D., Almeida, A. S., Marques, D. M., & Porciúncula, L. D. O. (2018) · Molecular Neurobiology · doi:10.1007/s12035-018-1000-5 · Cited by 26 · see citing works
From neurons to brain networks, pharmacodynamics of stimulant medication for ADHD
Parlatini, V., Bellato, A., Murphy, D., & Cortese, S. (2024) · Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews · doi:10.1016/j.neubiorev.2024.105841 · Cited by 26 · see citing works
Dosage of methylphenidate and traumatic brain injury in ADHD: a population-based study in Taiwan
Liao, Y.-T., Yang, Y.-H., Kuo, T.-Y., Liang, H.-Y., Huang, K.-Y., Wang, T.-N., Lee, Y., McIntyre, R. S., & Chen, V. C.-H. (2018) · European Child & Adolescent Psychiatry · doi:10.1007/s00787-017-1042-7 · Cited by 24 · see citing works
- Authors
- Amiri, A., Torabi Parizi, G., Kousha, M., Saadat, F., Modabbernia, M.-J., Najafi, K., & Atrkar Roushan, Z.
- Affiliations
- Guilan University of Medical Sciences (IR)
- Venue
- Progress in Neuro-Psychopharmacology and Biological Psychiatry
- Publisher
- Elsevier BV
- Published
- 2013-12
- Volume
- 47
- Pages
- 20-24
- ISSN
- 0278-5846 (ISSN-L)
- OpenAlex
- W1981568500
- Cited by
- 58
- References
- 2
- Citations by year
- 2026: 1 · 2025: 5 · 2024: 6 · 2023: 6 · 2022: 8 · 2021: 4 · 2020: 5 · 2019: 6 · 2018: 3 · 2017: 5 · 2016: 6 · 2015: 2 · 2013: 1
- FWCI
- 2.13
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
- Locations
- Progress in Neuro-Psychopharmacology and Biological Psychiatry (publishedVersion)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- Funders
- Guilan University of Medical Sciences
- Topics
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Psychiatry and Mental health › Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
- Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience › Neurotransmitter Receptor Influence on Behavior
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Psychiatry and Mental health › Schizophrenia research and treatment
- Keywords
- brain-derived neurotrophic factor, plasma BDNF, methylphenidate, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, children, hyperactivity symptoms, treatment response, ADHD pathogenesis, neurotrophic factors
- MeSH terms
- Central Nervous System Stimulants, Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity, Child, Child, Preschool, Female, Humans, Male, Methylphenidate, Psychiatric Status Rating Scales, Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor
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