Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (Bdnf) As a Potential Marker of Endometriosis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Publisher Pubmed



Jafarabady K¹ ; Shafiee A^{1, 2} ; Bahri RA³ ; Mohammadi I⁴ ; Amini M¹ ; Rajai S⁴ ; Akbarzadeh D⁴ ; Abhari FS² ; Movahed E⁸ ; Parvari S⁵ ; Bakhtiyari M^{6, 7}
Source: BMC Women's Health Published:2024

Abstract

Background: The existing literature on the association between BDNF protein levels and endometriosis presents inconsistent findings. This systematic review and meta-analysis aim to synthesize the available evidence and evaluate the possible relationship between BDNF protein levels and endometriosis. Methods: Electronic databases (PubMed, Embase, Scopus, PsycINFO, and Web of Science) were used to conduct a comprehensive literature search from inception to June 2023. The search strategy included relevant keywords and medical subject headings (MeSH) terms related to BDNF, endometriosis, and protein levels. A random-effects model was used for the meta-analysis, and to explore heterogeneity subgroup analyses were performed. funnel plots and statistical tests were used for assessing the publication bias. Results: A total of 12 studies were included. The pooled standardized mean difference (SMD) of BDNF levels between women with endometriosis and controls was 0.87 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.34 to 1.39, p = 0.001; I2 = 93%). The results showed that blood levels of BDNF are significantly higher in endometriosis patients (SMD: 1.13 95% CI 0.54 to 1.73, p = 0.0002; I2 = 93%). No significant publication bias was observed based on the results of Egger’s regression test ((p = 0.15). Conclusion: This study revealed a significant difference between patients diagnosed with endometriosis and healthy control in the level of BDNF. The results indicate that women with endometriosis have higher levels of BDNF. Further studies are needed to be undertaken to investigate the role of BDNF in endometriosis pathophysiology and the diagnostic value of BDNF in endometriosis. © 2024, The Author(s).