The Effect of Trauma on Serum BDNF Levels in Sportsmen

XXXI. National Congress of the Turkish Biochemical Society 2020, İstanbul, Türkiye, 18 - 20 Aralık 2020, ss.32

OBJECTIVES: BDNF has an important role in neuron development and

maintenance of functions. In this study, it was aimed to investigate the effects of

acute and chronic trauma on serum BDNF levels.

MATERIALS and METHODS: Serum BDNF levels were determined in 40

male elite athletes (boxing; n:10, teakwando; n:10, wrestling; n:10, soccer; n:10)

before and after vigorous exercise (training match) with a high probability of

being traumatized to the head region; and in 10 sedentary men (control group)

before and after exercise (Astrand running protocol).

RESULTS: Serum BDNF levels were found as 11,50±5,00 ng/ml ng/ml before

exercise and 14,02±6,29 ng/ml after exercise in the athlete group (p=0,02); and

12,18±6,55 ng/ml before exercise and 11,74±1,48 ng/ml in the sedentary group

respectively (p=0,873). Serum BDNF levels before exercise (baseline) were

slightly lower in the athlete group than those in the sedentary group (11,50±5,00

and 12,18±6,55 ng/ml, respectively), but the difference between groups is not

significant (p=0,796).

CONCLUSIONS: As a result of the comparison of the values before and

after exercise in the athlete groups, it was observed that serum BDNF levels

did not decrease after acute trauma and exercise had an increasing effect on

BDNF levels. As a result of the comparison of pre-exercise (baseline) values

of athletes and sedentary individuals, it was seen that the chronic effects of

trauma did not significantly reduce serum BDNF levels in athletes. Even if

athletes are exposed to acute trauma, they may be protected from the chronic

effects of trauma thanks to the protective effect of their non-sedentary lifestyle.

Keywords: BDNF, Exercise, Trauma