Pulmonary rehabilitation and BDNF levels in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: A pilot study

Abstract Background COPD physiopathology involves multiple pathways and evidence indicates that brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is an important biomarker associated with parameters of COPD severity. This study aimed to analyze the time course of the effects of a pulmonary rehabilitation program (PRP) on BDNF levels and on functional status in COPD patients. Methods Patients were enrolled in a 24-session PRP. Exercise capacity, dyspnea, health-related quality of life, and the BODE index were assessed at baseline and after the PRP. BDNF plasma levels were measured at baseline (immediately before the 1 st session), after the 1 st session, and before and after the 24 th session. Results Sixteen patients were included. A reduction in BDNF levels was observed after the 1 st session and an increase was observed between the end of the 1 st session and the beginning of the 24 th session. The PRP promoted an improvement in exercise capacity and health-related quality of life and a reduction in dyspnea and the BODE index. Conclusion Exercise acutely reduced BDNF levels, an effect that was nullified by the overall intervention.