Evaluation of Serum Brain-derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) in Ambulatory Stroke Survivors With Mild Cognitive Impairment and Normal Cognitive Functions.

Introduction: This study aims to assess serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels in ambulating stroke patients, focusing on potential correlations with cardiovascular risk factors and overall obesity. Materials and methods: Sixty stroke patients (63.3% male, 36.7% female, mean age: 57 years) participated. Quantikine ELISA kit (SL0371Hu) was used to determine post-stroke serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels. Patient demographics, including body mass index, systolic, and diastolic blood pressures, were recorded and computed to assess patients' overall obesity status and blood pressure. Results: The mean serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor level was 119.25 (SD = 11.40) pg/ml. No significant effect of selected anthropometric indices and cardiovascular risk factors, including age (p = 0.493), overall obesity status (p = 0.848), systolic and diastolic blood pressures (p = 0.840 and 0.540, respectively), on the serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor. Conclusion: In ambulating stroke patients, the serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels were within the normal range but tended towards the lower limit. Consequently, it is crucial to develop and implement medical and rehabilitation programs specifically aimed at increasing serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels in post-stroke patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]