Advanced glycation end products induce brain-derived neurotrophic factor release from human platelets through the Src-family kinase activation.

AGE induces BDNF release from human platelets through the activation of the Src-Syk-(possibly phospholipase C)-Ca2+ pathway. Considering the toxic action of AGEs and the protective roles of BDNF, it can be hypothesized that AGE-induced BDNF release is a biological defense system in the early phase of diabetes. Chronic elevation of AGEs may induce depletion or downregulation of BDNF in platelets during the progression of DM.