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Effects of a psychobiotic supplement on serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels in depressive patients: A post hoc analysis of a randomized clinical trial
Since the gut microbiota was suggested to interact with brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which has been associated with having antidepressant qualities in the past, this 2020 double-blind, randomized controlled trial aimed to elucidate the mechanism of action of a psychobiotic combination (Lactobacillus helveticus R0052 and Bifidobacterium longum R0175; CEREBIOME) that has already significantly improved depressive symptoms in patients with depression. Heidarzadeh-Rad et al. (2020) conducted this exploratory post hoc analysis of BDNF levels using 78 from the 110 patients who took part in this trial (probiotic = 28, prebiotic = 25, placebo = 25). The serum BDNF levels at baseline were compared with the levels at endpoint, to find significant differences between the groups. Significant increases in BDNF concentrations were seen in the probiotics group compared to both the prebiotic (P < 0.001) and placebo groups (P = 0.021). The probiotic group was also associated with significantly lower depression severity compared with placebo (ANOVA/ANCOVA, P = 0.012; Pearson, r = -0.79, P < 0.001). BDNF levels were reduced in the prebiotic group but not significantly relative to placebo. It is possible that the fewer depressive symptoms observed in the patients treated for 8 weeks with B. longum and L. helveticus occurred due to the increase in BDNF levels. [NPID: probiotics, gut-brain axis, gut microbiota, gut bacteria, microbiota, gut microbiome, MDD, depression, prebiotics, BDNF, brain-derived neurotrophic factor]
Year: 2020
