BDNF serum levels were not significantly altered in alcohol-dependent patients compared to healthy controls (p = 0.685). GDNF serum levels were significantly reduced in the alcohol-dependent patients (p < 0.001). BDNF (p = 0.265) and GDNF (p = 0.255) serum levels did not change significantly during alcohol withdrawal. BDNF serum levels were significantly negatively associated with alcohol withdrawal severity on day 1 (CIWA-Ar score, p = 0.004). GDNF serum levels were significantly negatively associated with individual estimation of alcohol tolerance (SESA-XT score, p = 0.028). There was no further association with psychometric dimensions of alcohol withdrawal.
In conclusion we found that GDNF serum levels are significantly reduced in alcohol-dependent patients. GDNF serum levels were negatively associated with alcohol tolerance. Moreover BDNF serum levels were found to be associated with withdrawal severity.