Smoking-Dependent Association of Serum Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor with Pulmonary Function Parameters in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.

: One of the members of the neurotrophin (NT) family is the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). In addition to its role in the nerve system, it has been found to play a role in lung health and diseases. : The serum concentrations of BDNF were assessed in 57 patients with COPD and in 19 control individuals and the possible associations of BDNF with the spirometric indexes and disease stages were explored.