Brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is the most prevalent growth factor in the central
nervous system (CNS). It is essential for the development of the CNS and for neuronal …

Eating disorders (EDs) are serious psychiatric conditions influenced by biological,
psychological, and sociocultural factors. A better understanding of the genetics of these …

It is the position of the Academy for Eating Disorders (AED) that anorexia nervosa and
bulimia nervosa, along with their variants, are biologically based, serious mental illnesses …

One of the unique characteristics of higher organisms is their ability to learn and adapt to
changes in their environment. This plasticity is largely a result of the brain's ability to convert …

Neurotrophins are a unique family of polypeptide growth factors that influence the
proliferation, differentiation, survival and death of neuronal and non-neuronal cells. They are …

Exercise is an important facet of behavior that enhances brain health and function.
Increased expression of the plasticity molecule brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) as …

Over the past decade, considerable advances have been made in understanding genetic
influences on eating pathology. Eating disorders aggregate in families, and twin studies …

BACKGROUND: There is an increasing recognition that the pathophysiology of mental
disorders could be the result of deregulation of synaptic plasticity with alterations of …

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a severe, debilitating medical illness that affects millions
of individuals worldwide. The young age of onset and chronicity of the disorder has a …

Neurotrophins, such as brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), are a unique family of
polypeptide growth factors that influence differentiation and survival of neurons in the …