# Serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor and vascular endothelial growth factor levels as biomarkers of cognitive function in acute ischemic stroke
> Ikbal M.

URL kanonis: https://discover.unhas.ac.id/publications/pub_scopus_86000589407
Jurnal / Konferensi: Acta Biomedica
Tahun terbit: 2025
DOI: https://doi.org/10.23750/abm.v96i1.16650
ISSN: 03924203
Kuartil SJR: Q3
Citations: 1

## Authors
- Ikbal M.

## Abstract
Background and aim: Acute ischemic stroke (AIS) causes neuronal damage and activates repair mechanisms, involving key biomarkers Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) and Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF). VEGF facilitates angiogenesis and neuroprotection but may increase vascular fragility, while BDNF supports synaptic plasticity and neurorestoration. Both biomarkers play complementary roles in cognitive recovery, with BDNF directly enhancing memory and VEGF aiding structural repair. This study explores the relationship between serum VEGF and BDNF levels and cognitive function in AIS patients. Methods: This cross-sectional study involved 61 acute ischemic stroke patients from Dr. Wahidin Sudirohusodo Central Hospital in Indonesia. Blood samples were analyzed for BDNF and VEGF via ELISA, and cognitive function was assessed using MoCA-Ina. Data were processed in SPSS version 25, with correlations analyzed using Pearson’s or Spearman’s tests based on data normality. Results: The study analyzed 61 acute ischemic stroke patients, showing BDNF and VEGF levels varied significantly (13.58–379.79 ng/mL; 2.79–899.60 ng/mL). BDNF showed weak, nonsignificant positive correlations with MoCA-Ina scores (rho = 0.19–0.21), while VEGF showed no significant correlation. Age weakly correlated negatively (rho = -0.18) with cognitive scores, indicating minimal predictive value. Conclusions: BDNF and VEGF levels showed no significant correlation with cognitive changes in acute ischemic stroke, suggesting their neuroprotective effects are influenced by age, comorbidities, and inflammation, limiting their reliability as sole cognitive recovery biomarkers.

## Keywords
- Medicine
- Neurotrophic factors
- Neuroprotection
- Vascular endothelial growth factor
- Cognition
- Brain-derived neurotrophic factor
- Angiogenesis
- Internal medicine
- Stroke (engine)
- VEGF receptors
- Cardiology
- Ischemic stroke
- Oncology
- Neuroplasticity
- Synaptic plasticity
- Neurotrophin
- Endocrinology
- Correlation
- Neurology
- Cognitive decline
- Acute stroke
- Neuroscience
- Brain ischemia

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Sumber: Discover Unhas — RIMS Universitas Hasanuddin.
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