A neuroprotective role of
inflammation has been suggested based on that immune cells are the main source of
brain-derived neurotrophic factor (
BDNF). We investigated the 3-year evolution of
BDNF levels in serum, CSF and culture supernatant of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC), unstimulated and stimulated with anti-CD3 and soluble anti-CD28
antibodies, in 14
multiple sclerosis patients who underwent an autologous
hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (AHSCT).
BDNF levels were correlated with previously reported MRI measures that showed a reduction of T2 lesion load and increased brain
atrophy, mainly at first year post-transplant. A significant decrease of serum
BDNF levels was seen at 12 months post-transplant.
BDNF values were found significantly lower in stimulated but not in unstimulated PBMC supernatants during the follow-up, supporting that AHSCT may induce a down-regulation of
BDNF production. The only significant correlation was found between CSF
BDNF levels and T2 lesion load before and 1 year after AHSCT, suggesting that
BDNF reflects the past and ongoing inflammatory activity and
demyelination of these highly active patients. Our study suggests that AHSCT can reduce
BDNF levels to values associated with lower activity. This decrease does not seem to correlate with the brain
atrophy measures observed in the MRI.