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Enhanced BDNF serum levels in patients with severe pathological gambling
Author(s) -
Angelucci Francesco,
Martinotti Giovanni,
Gelfo Francesca,
Righino Elisabetta,
Conte Gianluigi,
Caltagirone Carlo,
Bria Pietro,
Ricci Valerio
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
addiction biology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.445
H-Index - 78
eISSN - 1369-1600
pISSN - 1355-6215
DOI - 10.1111/j.1369-1600.2011.00411.x
Subject(s) - pathological , brain derived neurotrophic factor , psychology , neurotrophic factors , dopaminergic , pathophysiology , midbrain , medicine , neuroscience , endocrinology , central nervous system , dopamine , receptor
Although the pathophysiology of gambling is unknown, an involvement of midbrain dopaminergic pathway has been hypothesized. In this study, the association between brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and pathological gambling was investigated. We measured BDNF serum levels in (1) video players ( n = 10); (2) card players ( n = 9); (3) mixed players ( n = 21; both video and card players) and (4) age‐matched controls ( n = 18). Mixed players had increased BDNF serum levels as compared to controls and higher South Oaks Gambling Screen score as compared to card or video players. Thus, the data demonstrate that patients affected by severe pathological gambling show enhanced BDNF serum levels.