Neurotrophin-4 and Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Serum Levels in Renal Transplant Recipients with Chronic Pruritus.

Abstract

INTRODUCTION:

Chronic pruritus (CP) is a common symptom defined as a sensation that provokes the desire to scratch and which lasts for at least 6 weeks. CP remains a problem for up to 21.3% of renal transplant recipients (RTRs). Our research aimed to establish the possible association between serum levels of neurotrophin-4 (NT-4) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and the presence and intensity of CP in RTR.

METHODS:

The study was performed on a group of 129 RTRs, who were divided according to the presence or absence of pruritus in the previous 3 days. The assessment of pruritus was performed with the use of a numeric rating scale (NRS), 4-Item Itch Questionnaire (4IIQ), and Itchy Quality of Life (Itchy QoL). A total of 129 blood samples with a volume of 9 ml were drawn from RTRs during the monthly routine control. Serum levels (pg/mL) of NT-4 and BDNF were measured by the ELISA.

RESULTS:

Pruritic RTRs have statistically significantly higher serum concentrations of NT-4 serum level compared to non-pruritic RTRs (229.17 ± 143.86 pg/mL and 153.08 ± 78.19 pg/mL [p = 0.024], respectively). Moreover, a statistically significant difference between pruritic and non-pruritic RTRs with healthy controls was shown (p < 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively). Although there was a numerically higher serum concentration of BDNF in pruritic RTRs (32.18 ± 7.31 pg/mL vs. 31.58 ± 10.84 pg/mL), the difference did not reach statistical significance. No statistically significant difference was also seen in BDNF serum levels between RTRs and healthy controls. Furthermore, there was a statistically significant, positive correlation between serum concentration of NT-4 and NRS score (p = 0.008, r = 0.357).

CONCLUSIONS:

The results indicate higher NT-4 serum concentration in RTRs with pruritus compared to RTRs without pruritus. Furthermore, the study revealed a statistically significant, positive correlation between the serum concentration of NT-4 and NRS score.

• Authors: Kinga Tyczyńska, Piotr K Krajewski, Danuta Nowicka-Suszko, Dariusz Janczak, Hanna Augustyniak-Bartosik, Magdalena Krajewska, Jacek C Szepietowski
• Journal: Dermatology and therapy (Dermatol Ther (Heidelb)) Vol. 13 Issue 11 Pg. 2785-2796 (Nov 2023) ISSN: 2193-8210 [Print] Switzerland
• PMID: 37779167 (Publication Type: Journal Article)
• Copyright: © 2023. The Author(s).