Effects of Oxytocin and p-Cresol on BDNF Expression in Pancreatic Cancer Cells

This study demonstrates for the first time how p-cresol and oxytocin influence BDNF expression in pancreatic cancer cells. Specifically, it was found that while treated with p-cresol, an organic compound produced by gastrointestinal bacteria, BDNF expression in pancreatic cancer cells increases. However, while co-treated with oxytocin, a peptide hormone, BDNF expression decreases in these cells.