THE ROLE OF BDNF IN THE PATHOGENESIS OF NEUROLOGICAL AND MENTAL DISORDERS
Modern theories of the involvement of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the development of neurological and mental disorders (depressive disorder, alcoholism, multiple sclerosis and stroke) are presented in this review. Neuroplasticity, neuroprotection and neurogenesis are the basic adaptive functions of the brain and cause the development of neuro-structural and psychiatric disorders. Stroke and mental disorder are characterized by stimulation of neurogenesis, neurodegenerative diseases are characterized by the suppression of this process. Probably, stimulation of the formation of new cells in stroke and mental disorders provides compensatory (restorative) brain function, suppression of neurogenesis in neurodegenerative diseases characterizes the molecular deviations of these diseases. Pathological changes in the neurotrophic factor system can not only lead to neural regeneration defects and structural abnormalities in the brain, but can also reduce neural plasticity and weaken the person's ability to adapt to crisis situations. The serum level of BDNF positively correlates with the level of BDNF in the central nervous system and it can be considered as a biomarker of diseases, an indicator of response and prognosis of the effectiveness of therapy. Understanding the role of neurotrophic factors in the formation of neurological and mental diseases can ensure the creation of a new class of drugs.