Oxidative stress and inflammatory process in borderline personality disorder (BPD): a narrative review

Braz J Med Biol Res. 2023 Mar 17:56:e12484. doi: 10.1590/1414-431X2023e12484. eCollection 2023.

Abstract

Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a severe psychiatric condition that affects up to 2.7% of the population and is highly linked to functional impairment and suicide. Despite its severity, there is a lack of knowledge about its pathophysiology. Studies show genetic influence and childhood violence as factors that may contribute to the development of BPD; however, the involvement of neuroinflammation in BPD remains poorly investigated. This article aimed to explore the pathophysiology of BPD according to the levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), inflammatory cytokines, and oxidative stress substances that exacerbate neuronal damage. Few articles have been published on this theme. They show that patients with BPD have a lower level of BDNF and a higher level of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interleukin (IL)-6 in peripheral blood, associated with increased plasma levels of oxidative stress markers, such as malondialdehyde and 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine. Therefore, more research on the topic is needed, mainly with a pre-clinical and clinical focus.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Borderline Personality Disorder* / epidemiology
  • Borderline Personality Disorder* / genetics
  • Borderline Personality Disorder* / psychology
  • Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor / genetics
  • Child
  • Humans
  • Interleukin-6
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha

Substances

  • Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor
  • Interleukin-6
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha