Contents of BDNF, miR-30a-5p AND miR-122 during Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome

Some brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)-targeted miRNAs such as miR-30a-5p may be associated with alcohol addiction; however, their relationship with alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS) is not described. We aimed to measure serum BDNF concentration and relative content of miR-30a-5p over the course of alcohol abstinence and compare results with the clinics of AWS. Apart from that, we studied the serum relative content of miR-122, a miRNA that does not target BDNF but is associated with alcohol use disorder. Serum BDNF concentration increases over the course of alcohol abstinence. In contrast, the relative content of miR-122, but not miR-30a-5p, decreased. Moreover, miR-122 (but not miR-30a-5p) negatively correlated with serum BDNF concentrations in the course of AWS. The relative content of miR-122 negatively correlated with depression and anxiety levels on day 8 of abstinence. According to multiple regression analysis, the severity of craving for alcohol and cognitive disturbances may be predictors of serum BDNF concentration on day 21 of abstinence, and vice versa. Thus, serum BDNF concentration and relative content of miR-122 are associated with some aspects of AWS clinical manifestations and may dynamically reflect AWS severity.