The genetic influence of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor Val66Met polymorphism in chronic low back pain

Abstract

Background The Val66Met polymorphism of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) gene is a potential biomarker of vulnerability to pain. Thus, the present study aimed to investigate the association of this polymorphism with clinical and biopsychosocial factors in patients with chronic low back pain (CLBP). Methods A total of 107 individuals with CLBP answered questionnaires that were validated and adapted for the Brazilian population, including the Brief Inventory of Pain, the Central Sensitization Inventory, the Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire, the Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia, the Pain Catastrophizing Scale, the Survey of Pain Attitude-Brief, and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. All of the subjects were genotyped for the BDNF Val66Met polymorphism. Results The sample showed moderate scores of disability, central sensitization, and kinesiophobia, in addition to mild anxiety, hopelessness, and ruminant thoughts. No significant association was observed between the Val66Met polymorphism and the variables analyzed. Besides, there was no relationship between the BDNF Val66Met polymorphism with CSI, catastrophization, or disabilities that were generated by CLBP. Conclusion The results showed that the Val66Met polymorphism of the BDNF gene was not associated with clinical and biopsychosocial characteristics of CLBP in the sample studied.

Human assumed central sensitization in people with acute non‐specific low back pain: A cross‐sectional study of the association with brain‐derived neurotrophic factor, clinical, psychological and demographic factors

“…We found no differences in BDNF serum concentration or genotype between people with high‐ and low‐LBP intensity, consistent with previous research reporting no association between pain severity and BDNF (Diz et al, 2017; Yamada et al, 2021). It has been suggested that circulating BDNF is more involved in the process of nociception than the process of pain perception (Diz et al, 2017; Merighi et al, 2008; Pezet & McMahon, 2006).…”

“…Although previous research reports that the presence of HACS in acute LBP does not precede poorer long-term outcome (Klyne et al, 2019), whether the 'high pain sensitivity/low CPM efficacy' subgroup had poorer long-term outcome could not be determined in the current cross-sectional study. We found no differences in BDNF serum concentration or genotype between people with high-and low-LBP intensity, consistent with previous research reporting no association between pain severity and BDNF (Diz et al, 2017;Yamada et al, 2021). It has been suggested that circulating BDNF is more involved in the process of nociception than the process of pain perception (Diz et al, 2017;Merighi et al, 2008;Pezet & McMahon, 2006).…”

Are Pain Polymorphisms Associated with the Risk and Phenotype of Post-COVID Pain in Previously Hospitalized COVID-19 Survivors?

“…The current study also looked into another well-known pain-associated polymorphism, Val66Met (rs6265) of the BDNF , which results in reduced secretion of the BDNF protein and impaired BDNF signaling [ 43 ]. BDNF, a neurotrophin involved in the growth, differentiation and survival process of both the peripheral and central neurons, is released when nociceptors are activated, and its action has been associated with the activation of nociceptive pathways.…”

“…However, in this case previous results do not confirm a direct implication of the BDNF Val66Met polymorphism in the pain process. For instance, Vossen et al did not find differences in cortical pain processing between those carriers of the Met allele for BDNF [ 7 ] whereas Yamada et al found no association between the BDNF Val66Met polymorphism with the clinical and biopsychosocial features in patients with chronic low back pain [ 43 ]. In the current study, the absence of an association between Val66Met polymorphism, pain, and clinical, sensory-related, cognitive and psychological variables was also confirmed for a population with long-term post-COVID pain.…”

Kinesiophobia and Its Association With Fatigue in CHF Patients

“…The Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia Heart (TSK-HEART), adapted by Swedish researchers based on the Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia (TSK) (Bäck et al, 2012), was revised and culturally adjusted for use in countries for a variety of diseases (Bağlan Yentür et al, 2019; Yamada et al, 2021), including heart disease (Bäck et al, 2012; Dąbek et al, 2020). The TSK-HEART was used in this study and consists of 17, measuring four dimensions: (1) perceived cardiac risk, (2) avoidance of exercise, (3) fear of injury, and (4) decreased self-function.…”