Association between serum level of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and cardiac function in patients with β-thalassemia major

Most patients with beta-thalassemia major develop cardiomyopathy. BDNF is a member of the neurotrophin family that has been reported to play a special role in regulating cardiac function and maintaining its health. The aim of this study was to evaluate the BDNF level and its association with cardiac function in patients with β-thalassemia major. This analysis was done in a young adult cohort (ages 18–30). The study was conducted in two groups: patients with β-thalassemia major (n = 34) and healthy subjects (n = 34). Comparison of BDNF between the two groups was performed by unpaired t-test. Correlations between BDNF levels and cardiac function variables were analyzed with Pearson's correlation test. Serum BDNF level was significantly lower in the patients with β-thalassemia major as compared to healthy subjects (p