Concomitant Increases in Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor and Lactate Post-Exercise Do Not Demonstrate a Direct Correlation

The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between BDNF and lactate concentration, accounting for genotype and sex, before and after a submaximal graded exercise test in 31 adults (37.5 ± 14.0 years, 54.8% female). The presence of the Val66Met polymorphism was identified at baseline, and BDNF and lactate concentrations were measured before and after exercise. Pearson's correlation coefficient was used to determine the relationship between BDNF and lactate concentration at pre- and post-exercise, and change in concentration (post- minus pre-exercise). The Val66Met polymorphism was identified in 11 participants (35%, seven females). An increase in BDNF and lactate concentration was observed from pre- to post-exercise (p < 0.001), but no significant correlation between the two measures was observed at pre-exercise (r = −0.256, p = 0.164), post-exercise (r = 0.112, p = 0.549), and change in concentration (r = 0.019, p = 0.921). A moderate inverse correlation was observed in participants with the Val66Met polymorphism (r = −0.744, p = 0.009) and males (r = −0.695, p = 0.006) at pre-exercise. The results show that while BDNF and lactate concentrations increased following a submaximal graded exercise test, there is little evidence to suggest a relationship exists between BDNF and lactate.