Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) plays a role in neuroplasticity, appetite regulation, and reward processing. Its possible involvement in eating disorders (EDs) has been investigated; however, Show more
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) plays a role in neuroplasticity, appetite regulation, and reward processing. Its possible involvement in eating disorders (EDs) has been investigated; however, contradictory findings and substantial methodological heterogeneity have prevented definitive conclusions. To systematically evaluate peripheral BDNF levels in individuals with EDs, healthy controls and recovered individuals. A systematic review with meta-analysis was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement (CRD420250654199). Observational studies and randomized controlled trials comparing BDNF levels in individuals with and without EDs were included. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale and risk-of-bias tool for randomized trials were used. Twenty-one studies were included. BDNF serum levels were significantly lower in acute anorexia (AN) compared with healthy controls (Standardized Mean Difference [SMD] = -0.49;p < 0.001,n = 17), with significance maintained after excluding outliers (SMD = -0.41; p < 0.001,n = 8). No significant difference was found between recovered AN and controls. Bulimia nervosa (BN) individuals showed significantly lower BDNF serum levels (SMD = -0.72;p < 0.001,n = 4). Longitudinal studies showed a significant increase in serum BDNF levels after recovery (SMD = 1.78;p = 0.003,n = 6). These findings support a predominantly state-related association between peripheral BDNF levels and illness stage in AN and BN, rather than a stable condition-specific. Evidence for binge-eating disorders is extremely limited, relying on a single eligible study. Interpretation is constrained by methodological heterogeneity, variability in recovery definitions, and the largely correlational nature of the evidence. Further standardized, high-quality longitudinal studies are needed to clarify whether peripheral BDNF alterations reflect state-related mechanisms, trait vulnerability, or dynamic biological changes across illness stages. Show less
IL-27 is a heterodimeric IL-12 family cytokine formed by noncovalent association of the promiscuous EBI3 subunit and selective p28 subunit. IL-27 is produced by mononuclear phagocytes and unfolds plei Show more
IL-27 is a heterodimeric IL-12 family cytokine formed by noncovalent association of the promiscuous EBI3 subunit and selective p28 subunit. IL-27 is produced by mononuclear phagocytes and unfolds pleiotropic immune-modulatory functions through ligation to IL-27 receptor α (IL-27RA). Although IL-27 is known to contribute to immunity and to limit inflammation after various infections, its relevance for host defense against multicellular parasites is still poorly defined. Here, we investigated the role of IL-27 during infection with the soil-transmitted hookworm, Show less