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. 2011 Sep 29;27(5):325. doi: 10.1007/s12264-011-1531-5

Increased basal plasma brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels in sprint runners

短跑运动员血浆中脑源性神经营养因子水平较普通人群显著升高

Paulo Roberto Correia 1, Fulvio Alexandre Scorza 2, Sérgio Gomes da Silva 1, Aline Pansani 2, Michelle Toscano-Silva 1, Antonio Carlos de Almeida 3, Ricardo Mario Arida 1,✉
PMCID: PMC5560316  PMID: 21934728

Abstract

Objective

Exercise is known to enhance circulating brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels in healthy humans. BDNF changes have been measured in endurance but not in strength exercise. The present study aimed to investigate whether anaerobic activity such as sprinting differentially alters basal plasma BDNF concentration.

Methods

Brazilian sprinters (100 m) at either the international (Olympics and Outdoor World Championships) (n = 14) or the domestic level (n = 8), and sedentary subjects (n = 15), were recruited. Plasma BDNF concentrations were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Results

The basal plasma BDNF concentrations were significantly higher in the international and the domestic sprinters than in the sedentary subjects. In addition, sprinters at the international level had higher plasma BDNF concentrations than those at the domestic level.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that increased basal plasma BDNF level is related to enhanced exercise performance.

Keywords: brain-derived neurotrophic factor, physical exercise, sprint, plasma, brain, human

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