Serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor, glial-derived neurotrophic factor, nerve growth factor and neurotrophin-3 levels in preschool children with language disorder

Introduction Accumulating studies demonstrate that neurotrophins may play a crucial role in a variety of neurodevelopmental disorders. However, little data are available regarding the potential role of neurotrophins in language disorder (LD). This study aimed to investigate serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), glial-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), nerve growth factor (NGF) and neurotrophin-3 (NTF3) levels in preschool children with LD. Methods A total of 43 cases with LD and 43 healthy controls aged 18 to 60 months were enrolled in the study. The development levels and psychiatric symptoms of the children were determined by the Ankara Developmental Screening Inventory and Child Behavior Checklist 1.5-5, respectively. Serum neurotrophin levels were assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits. Results Serum GDNF and NGF levels were significantly higher, serum BDNF and NTF3 levels were significantly lower in the LD group than in the control group. However, with logistic regression analyses, only negative relationship of BDNF and NTF3 levels with the presence of LD remained significant after accounting for the confounders including development level and coexisting psychiatric symptoms. Conclusions These results suggest that low BDNF and NTF3 levels have independent negative relationships with LD, which could be contribute to etiopathogenesis of the disorder.