The BDNF Val66Met polymorphism is associated with rumination in healthy adults.
This study examined associations between the tendency to ruminate and 2 polymorphisms: the Val66Met polymorphism in the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) gene and 5-HTTLPR polymorphism in the serotonin transporter gene (SLC6A4). Participants were a homogeneous group of healthy, unmedicated, never depressed individuals with few current symptoms of depression (N = 71). Results indicated that met heterozygotes of the BDNF allele were significantly more likely to ruminate than individuals homozygous for the val BDNF allele. There was no association between rumination and the 5-HTTLPR polymorphism. Furthermore, the interaction between the 5-HTTLPR and BDNF polymorphisms did not predict rumination. Results suggest that variation in the BDNF gene may contribute to the tendency to ruminate. Because this association exists in healthy adults, it may represent a susceptibility factor for affective disorders.
Beevers
Christopher G
CG
Department of Psychology, University of Texas, Austin, TX 78712, USA. beevers@psy.utexas.edu
Wells
Tony T
TT
McGeary
John E
JE
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000483:Alleles; D001288:Attention; D019208:Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor / Q000235:genetics*; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000235:genetics* / Q000523:psychology; D004644:Emotions; D005260:Female; D006580:Genetic Carrier Screening; D005838:Genotype; D006720:Homozygote; D006801:Humans; D007206:Individuality; D008297:Male; D010555:Personality Inventory; D011110:Polymorphism, Genetic / Q000235:genetics*; D050486:Serotonin Plasma Membrane Transport Proteins / Q000235:genetics*; D013239:Stereotyped Behavior; D013850:Thinking; D055815:Young Adult
D019208:Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor; C493230:SLC6A4 protein, human; D050486:Serotonin Plasma Membrane Transport Proteins