Background: Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is involved both
in the ovarian dysfunctions such as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and in the
pathogenesis of depressive disorders. This study aimed to determine the
association between plasma brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels and
depression in polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) patients. Methods: 71 patients with secondary amenorrhea (SA) were included in
the study. The relationship between laboratory findings including plasma BDNF
level and depression were examined in the PCOS group and in the non-PCOS
group. Results: Among 71 SA patients, 43 participants were PCOS
patients and 28 were non-PCOS patients. After controlling for age and BMI, the
plasma BDNF level was not correlated with depression severity in the PCOS group
(r = 0.259; p = 0.106). However, in the non-PCOS group,
depression severity was negatively associated with the plasma BDNF level
(r = −0.641; p
