Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor-Mediated Cognitive Impairment in Hypothyroidism

U Madhusudhan; Kalpana M; Vidya Singaravelu; Vidya Ganji; Nitin John; Archana Gaur

doi:10.7759/cureus.23722

Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor-Mediated Cognitive Impairment in Hypothyroidism

Cureus. 2022 Apr 1;14(4):e23722. doi: 10.7759/cureus.23722. eCollection 2022 Apr.

Authors

U Madhusudhan¹, Kalpana M¹, Vidya Singaravelu², Vidya Ganji¹, Nitin John¹, Archana Gaur¹

Affiliations

¹ Physiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Bibinagar, Hyderabad, IND.
² Pediatrics, Malla Reddy Institute of Medical Sciences, Hyderabad, IND.

Abstract

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which is expressed at high levels in the limbic system, has been shown to regulate learning, memory and cognition. Thyroid hormone is crucial for brain development. Hypothyroidism is a clinical condition in which thyroid hormones are reduced and it affects the growth and development of the brain in neonates and progresses to cognitive impairment in adults. The exact mechanism of how reduced thyroid hormones impairs cognition and memory is not well understood. This review explores the possible role of BDNF-mediated cognitive impairment in hypothyroid patients.

Keywords: cognition; memory; neurotrophin; p75ntr; thyroid disorder.

Publication types

Review