Serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor predicting reduction in pulse pressure after a one-hour rest in nurses working night shifts

Night shift work is associated with cardiovascular disease and central nervous system disorders in female nurses. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) exerts protective effects on neural and endothelial functions. This study examined the association between serum BDNF levels and pulse pressure after rest in female nurses working night shifts. In this study, blood samples were collected for BDNF measurement after a night shift when nurses had been working night shifts for three continuous weeks. Blood pressure was assessed before and after a one-hour morning rest within a week of resuming the night shift after one month without any night shift work. The pulse pressure of nurses (n = 48, age 29 ± 5 years) was significantly reduced (from 43 ± 7 to 41 ± 6 mmHg, P = 0.003) after rest, and serum BDNF were significantly and inversely correlated with pulse pressure changes (r = −0.435, P = 0.002). Higher serum BDNF was an independent factor for greater reduction in pulse pressure (95%CI = −0.609 ‒ −0.174, P = 0.001). Using a receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, serum BDNF >20.6 ng/mL predicted a pulse pressure reduction after a one-hour rest (sensitivity 66.7%, specificity 77.8%). In conclusion, higher serum BDNF predicted greater recovery of pulse pressure after a one-hour rest in female nurses after night shift work.