Brain-derived neurotrophic factor as a biomarker for obsessive-compulsive disorder: A meta-analysis

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a growth factor that plays many critical functions in the central nervous system (CNS) and may be involved in the development of a range of psychopathologies, including depression, dementia, and neurodegenerative disorders. In the present study, we performed the first systematic review with a meta-analysis to quantitatively compare the peripheral blood BDNF levels between patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and healthy controls (HCs). A systematic search was conducted using PubMed and Web of Science databases to identify the relevant articles. Nine studies encompassing 474 adults with OCD and 436 HCs were included in this meta-analysis. A random-effects meta-analysis showed that patients with OCD had significantly decreased peripheral blood levels of Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) when compared with the HCs (Hedges' g = −0.722, 95% confidence interval [CI] = −1.152 to −0.292, P = 0.001). Subgroup analyses revealed decreased BDNF levels in plasma of patients (Hedges' g = −1.137, 95% CI = −1.463 to −0.810, P = 0.000) and drug-free patients (Hedges’ g = −1.269, 95% CI = −1.974 to −0.564, P = 0.000) as compared to patients on active drug therapy and HCs. Meta-regression analyses showed that age, sex, sample size, Y-BOS total score, and publication year had no moderating effects on the outcome. Although the relationship between our findings and the pathophysiology of OCD and the role BDNF plays in the development of the disease remains to be determined, the outcomes suggest that BDNF may serve as a potential biomarker of OCD. •Brain-derived neurotrophic factor as a potential biomarker for obsessive-compulsive disorder.•Patients with OCD have significantly lower BDNF levels than healthy controls.•BDNF levels in drug-free patients were significantly lower than controls.•No significant difference in BDNF levels in drug-treated patients vs controls.•Meta-regression analysis showed that variables had no moderating effects.