The central regulatory role of brain-derived neurotrophic factor in tinnitus
LIN Jiachuan
WU Jiaqian
HUO Yan
ZHANG Jianning
Abstract：Tinnitus,often linked to hearing loss and central nervous system plasticity changes,is a common symptom.Brain-derived neurotrophic factor(BDNF),a key neurotrophic factor,plays an important role in the development,function maintenance,and injury repair of the auditory system.It activates downstream signaling pathways by binding to the TrkB receptor,influencing auditory signal transmission and processing.BDNF may cause an imbalance in excitatory and inhibitory transmission in the auditory system through synaptic regulation and inflammatory responses,promoting tinnitus generation and maintenance.Moreover,BDNF genetic polymorphisms,especially variations at the Val66Met locus,may be associated with tinnitus susceptibility.Modulating BDNF levels via pharmacological treatments and non-pharmacological approaches like repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation,transcranial direct current stimulation,cognitive behavioral therapy,and acupuncture,offer new avenues for tinnitus treatment.This article reviews mechanisms by which BDNF plays a role in tinnitus pathogenesis,and explores new therapeutic targets and approaches for tinnitus management.
Keywords：tinnitusbrain-derived neurotrophic factorTrkB receptorneuroplasticitygene polymorphism
Publication Date：2025-12-20
Online Publishing Date：2025-12-11(First online date of this platform, not the publication date of the document)
Pages：6( 1073-1078 )