Serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor following oral esketamine in treatment-resistant depression: Results from a randomized placebo-controlled trial.
Sara Massetti, Sanne Y Smith-Apeldoorn, Jolien K E Veraart et al.
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In 30 seconds
This randomized placebo-controlled trial examined the effects of daily low-dose oral esketamine on serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels in 54 patients with treatment-resistant depression (TRD). The study found no significant difference in BDNF levels between the esketamine and placebo groups, although an overall increase in BDNF was observed. The primary outcome, depression severity, showed no difference between groups.
Key findings
- No significant difference in BDNF levels between esketamine and placebo groups during treatment or washout.
- An overall increase in BDNF was observed (F(1,50) = 4.606, p = 0.037).
- BDNF changes did not correlate with changes in depression severity or ketamine metabolites.
Why it matters
Understanding the relationship between BDNF levels and treatment response in TRD is crucial for developing effective biomarkers and treatment strategies. This study suggests that low-dose oral esketamine may not influence BDNF levels as previously hypothesized.