Brain-derived neurotrophic factor: significance in the physiology and pathology of the cardiovascular system

The lecture provides an analysis of literature data on the role of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the development and functioning of the cardiovascular system and its involvement in the heart and blood vessels pathogenesis. The information is structured according to the multifunctional properties and effects of BDNF allowing the brain-derived neurotrophic factor to be considered as a therapeutic target for attenuating myocardial dysfunction and restoring cardiac function during ischemia/reperfusion. The lecture contains data on the ability of neurokine to exert a cardioprotective effect by activating angiogenesis and neovascularization of ischemic myocardial tissue via increasing endotheliocyte viability. It is known that vegetative tone is the most important indicator of the state of the cardiovascular system. The nature of brain-derived neurotrophic factor affecting the activity of sympathetic and parasympathetic neurons is yet to be determined. However, the current prevailing view is that BDNF regulates heart rate by enhancing parasympathetic activity of the brainstem structures. Based on experimental and clinical data, the prospects for the use of neurokine analogues in cardiology practice are considered.