title: BDNF function as a potential mediator of bipolar disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder comorbidity.
abstract: Bipolar disorder (BD) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) frequently co-occur among psychiatric patients, leading to increased morbidity and mortality. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) function is associated with core characteristics of both BD and PTSD. We propose a neurobiological model that underscores the role of reduced BDNF function resulting from several contributing sources, including the met variant of the BDNF val66met (rs6265) single-nucleotide polymorphism, trauma-induced epigenetic regulation and current stress, as a contributor to the onset of both illnesses within the same person. Further studies are needed to evaluate the genetic association between the val66met allele and the BD-PTSD population, along with central/peripheral BDNF levels and epigenetic patterns of BDNF gene regulation within these patients.
authors.affiliation: Mood and Anxiety Disorders Program/Bipolar Disorders Clinic, Emory University Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Atlanta, GA 30306, USA. Jrakofs@emory.edu
authors.forename: J J
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: Rakofsky
authors.forename: K J
authors.initials: KJ
authors.lastname: Ressler
authors.forename: B W
authors.initials: BW
authors.lastname: Dunlop
mesh_terms: D001714:Bipolar Disorder / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D019208:Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D015897:Comorbidity; D006801:Humans; D008715:Methionine / Q000235:genetics; D013313:Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D014633:Valine / Q000235:genetics
chemical_list: D019208:Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor; D008715:Methionine; D014633:Valine