Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor, Aging & Brain Health

By Jes Williams @feelmoregooder

Aging: an unavoidable part of life, looked at by some as an inconvenience and for others, an absolute privilege to grow old. Aging in itself is not a disease, but is noted in a literature as a strong risk factor for multiple diseases, including include myocardial infarction, stroke, some ageing-associated cancers, macular degeneration, osteoarthritis, neurodegeneration and many others (1).

So, what are the drivers that can cause premature or accelerated aging? Aging is said to be impacted, halted, and/or catalyzed by hallmarks fulfilling 3 premises: their age-associated manifestation, the acceleration of aging by experimentally accentuating them, and the opportunity to decelerate, stop, or reverse aging by therapeutic interventions on them. And, each of these aspects is interconnected (2).

Additionally, it’s noted in the literature that a major hallmark of aging is mitochondrial dysfunction (5). As you can read in our past blog posts, it’s neat to connect the dots here: grounding and sunlight both boost mitochondrial health, thus combatting negative effects of aging.

Heteroplasmy

Another systemic aspect of aging is related to something called heteroplasmy. In each cell, thousands of copies of mitochondrial DNA are present, and they have a very high mutation rate. Heteroplasmic mutations can accumulate and play important roles in both aging and metabolic dysfunction (3).

When heteroplasmy reaches a certain threshold, mitochondrial function and melatonin production both decline - and they do appear to be linked (4). An important thing to realize here is that you create subcellular melatonin when you harmoniously spend time in full spectrum sunlight (4), without obstructions like sunglasses and sunscreen.

Since the prevalence of melatonin appears to be intrinsically linked to the rate of heteroplasmy, making it massively advantageous to spend more mindful time in the sunlight to slow aging.  Check out this blog post to get equipped for your intentional solar time.

Brain-Specific Aging

Brain-specific aging often presents itself in cognitive decline and diseases. To combat this descension, a protein called brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) has been shown to support existing neurons (nerve cells) as well as elicit the growth of new neurons.

What is Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor?

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is one of the most studied neurotrophins in both the healthy and the diseased brain. As a result of this extensive research, there is a large body of evidence that links BDNF to neuronal maintenance, neuronal survival, plasticity, and neurotransmitter regulation (6).

Where in the body is BDNF is Made?

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor is made inside the cell. Specifically, an organelle inside of cells called the endoplasmic reticulum makes BDNF.

BDNF works on neurons in both the central nervous system and peripheral nervous system. BDNF assists with learning, long-term memory, overall cognition, and higher thinking.

Sulforaphane Benefits & It Relates to BDNF

The encouraging news is that sulforaphane has the potential to prevent neuronal disorders by epigenetically enhancing neuronal BDNF expression and its TrkB signaling pathways (7). Additionally, preclinical research has shown that sulforaphane can significantly improve spatial localisation as well as memory impairment after brain injury (8).

Further, sulforaphane upregulates genes that suppress oxidative stress, inflammation, and DNA damage. It improves mitochondrial function (this is key for aging, as we mentioned earlier in this post), promotes glutathione (the body’s master antioxidant) synthesis, and crosses the blood–brain barrier to reduce nerve inflammation (8).

Sulforaphane has also demonstrated antioxidant and cellular protective effects, which are associated with oxidative stress, and could improve attention-focusing function in patients with schizophrenia (8).

Lastly, though not a comprehensive view of all its benefits, sulforaphane is a potent activator of the NF-E2-related factor-2 (Nrf2), which plays a role in inflammation. This is implied in discussion surrounding preventing and treating depressive symptoms, as well as many other aspects of health & wellness.

Too, sulforaphane increases the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and modulates the expression of pathways associated with glioprotection, specifically in the hypothalamus of the brain (actually located above the roof of your mouth)(10).

The TLDR is that sulforaphane turns on BDNF production, which helps combat brain aging. And, we estimate that approximately 25% of people who begin taking BrocElite start having vivid dreams at night due to the increased BDNF levels, induced by sulforaphane. If mitigating the age-related brain-decline effects is on your mind, try BrocElite, which contains an effective dose of stabilized, bioavailable sulforaphane.

References:

1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7205183/
2. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36599349/
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3809581/
4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9855654/
5. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8826492/
6. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30117106/
7. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27735126/
8. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7569949/
9. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27833054/
10. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38886329/