Role of BDNF in the development of gestational complications: A scoping review

Г.Ж. Саркучикова, Gulyash A. Tanysheva, Meruert Sharipova

2026

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DOI 10.3892/mi.2026.344
Data confidence 70 medium
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Abstract

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a highly conserved member of the neurotrophin family, traditionally recognized for its essential role in neuronal survival and synaptic plasticity within the nervous system.Emerging evidence indicates that its biological functions extend far beyond neural tissues, highlighting its critical role in reproductive physiology and maternal-placental-foetal signalling networks.the present scoping review examines the molecular mechanisms underlying the role of BDNF during gestation and examines its dynamic changes in normal vs. pathological pregnancies.Under physiological conditions, maternal serum BDNF concentrations follow a predictable decline through the trimesters, which is influenced by maternal body mass index, gestational haemodilution and hormonal fluctuations.Conversely, compromised BDNF bioavailability is closely linked to a triad of major obstetric disorders: Preeclampsia (PE), gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), and foetal growth restriction (FGR).In PE, local neurotrophic deficiency is associated with defective trophoblast invasion, insufficient spiral artery remodelling, and an anti-angiogenic state marked by elevated soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 levels.In GDM, chronic maternal hyperglycaemia directly suppresses systemic and neonatal BDNF production, accelerating metabolic decay.In FGr, depleted umbilical cord blood BDNF concentrations indicate systemic growth failure and exhausted foetal reserves, whereas elevated second-trimester amniotic fluid BDNF may serve as an endogenous adaptive 'brain-sparing' response to hypoxic-ischemic stress.Furthermore, premature termination of intrauterine development in preterm birth deprives the immature neonatal brain of essential neurotrophic support, increasing susceptibility to long-term neurodevelopmental impairments.Measuring BDNF concentrations in various biological sample sources provides a promising predictive tool for monitoring obstetric risk and understanding the long-term neurodevelopmental programming of the offspring.