The Val66Met polymorphism of the brain-derived neurotrophic-factor gene is associated with geriatric depression.
Brain-derived neurotrophic-factor (BDNF), the most abundant of the neurotrophins in the brain, has been implicated in both major depression and cognitive function. This study examines the association between the BDNF-gene Val66Met polymorphism and depression susceptibility and severity, age-of-onset, cognitive function and suicidal attempt history in an elderly Chinese sample population. We genotyped the BDNF-gene Val66Met polymorphism in 110 elderly inpatients diagnosed with major depression and 171 age- and sex-similar control subjects. All patients were assessed with the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAM-D) for depression severity and the Mini-Mental Status Examination (MMSE) for cognitive function after admission. Suicide attempt history and age-of-onset of depression were evaluated by interview and medical record. The BDNF Val66Met genotype distribution was significantly different between depressed patients and control subjects (P=0.003) and there was a significant excess of Met allele in the depressed patients compared to the control group (P=0.001). The BDNF polymorphism did not affect age-of-onset, depression severity, cognitive function or suicidal attempt history. The results suggest that the BDNF Val66Met polymorphism is a relevant risk factor for geriatric depression.
Hwang
Jen-Ping
JP
Department of Psychiatry, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, No. 201, Shih-Pai Road, Sec. 2, 11217 Taipei, Taiwan. jphwang@vghtpe.gov.tw <jphwang@vghtpe.gov.tw>
Tsai
Shih-Jen
SJ
Hong
Chen-Jee
CJ
Yang
Chen-Hong
CH
Lirng
Jiing-Feng
JF
Yang
Ya-Min
YM
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D019943:Amino Acid Substitution / Q000235:genetics; D019208:Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor / Q000235:genetics*; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000235:genetics* / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D005819:Genetic Markers / Q000235:genetics; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008715:Methionine / Q000235:genetics*; D020125:Mutation, Missense / Q000235:genetics; D011110:Polymorphism, Genetic; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D014633:Valine / Q000235:genetics*
D019208:Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor; D005819:Genetic Markers; D008715:Methionine; D014633:Valine