However, plasma BDNF levels were significantly higher in all PBC subgroups compared to healthy controls (p < 0.0001 for APRI ≤ 0.7 and FIB-4 ≤ 3.25 vs. controls; p = 0.0062 and p = 0.0171 for APRI > 0.7 and FIB-4 > 3.25 vs. controls, respectively). Here, BDNF is linked to primary biliary cholangitis.