Salivary BDNF to predict at-risk status of eating disorders in young nutritionist Jordanian females: Results from a preliminary multistage study.

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is associated with the development of different psychiatric conditions, including eating disorders (EDs). To investigate the salivary BDNF's ability to act as a potential biomarker for detecting the risk of developing EDs among young females. A cross-sectional study was carried out in Amman, Jordan, with a total of 216 nutrition students completing the Eating Attitudes Test-26 (EAT-26) to assess the risk of developing EDs, the Cohens' Perceived Stress Scale-10 (PSS-10) to measure stress levels, and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IPAQ-SF) to assess physical activity levels. Dietary intake was analyzed using a semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire. A nested sample of 34 females from both extreme EDs was selected and tested for salivary BDNF levels. The nested sample of 34 female nutrition students 22.00 (2.75) years old with body mass index (BMI) of 23.60 (3.35) kg/m2 were divided into two groups; 18 students were at lower risk, while 16 were at higher risk of developing EDs. The salivary BDNF levels did not differ significantly between the low-risk and high-risk groups (391.03 (128.17), 339.15 (102.52), and p = 0.347, respectively). BMI, PSS-10 score, and total metabolic equivalent (MET) were significantly different between the two groups. No associations were found between salivary BDNF levels and BMI, PSS-10 score, MET, or different food groups. The odds ratio for the risk of BDNF-related EDs was 1.07 (95% CI, 1.03-1.10) in the higher-risk group versus the lower-risk group. BDNF is not a robust biomarker of risk for EDs. The changes in salivary BDNF levels could reflect individual ED eating patterns rather than indicating a direct causative role in the disorder's development. According to our results, psychiatric consultation for ED detection remains the gold standard for diagnosis and treatment.