BDNF genotype is associated with hippocampal volume in mild traumatic brain injury

Abstract

The negative long-term effects of mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) have been a growing concern in recent years, with accumulating evidence suggesting that mTBI combined with additional vulnerability factors may induce neurodegenerative-type changes in the brain. However, the factors instantiating risk for neurodegenerative disease following mTBI are unknown. This study examined the link between mTBI and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) genotype, which has previously been shown to regulate processes involved in neurodegeneration including synaptic plasticity and facilitation of neural survival through its expression. Specifically, we examined nine BDNF single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs; rs908867, rs11030094, rs6265, rs10501087, rs1157659, rs1491850, rs11030107, rs7127507 and rs12273363) previously associated with brain atrophy or memory deficits in mTBI. Participants were 165 white, non-Hispanic Iraq and Afghanistan war veterans between the ages of 19 and 58, 110 of whom had at least one mTBI in their lifetime. Results showed that the BDNF SNP rs1157659 interacted with mTBI to predict hippocampal volume. Furthermore, exploratory analysis of functional resting state data showed that rs1157659 minor allele homozygotes with a history of mTBI had reduced functional connectivity in the default mode network compared to major allele homozygotes and heterozygotes. Apolipoprotein E (APOE) was not a significant predictor of hippocampal volume or functional connectivity. These results suggest that rs1157659 minor allele homozygotes may be at greater risk for neurodegeneration after exposure to mTBI and provide further evidence for a potential role for BDNF in regulating neural processes following mTBI.

Zika Induces Human Placental Damage and Inflammation

“…In the absence of a clear role for the inflammation response in the presentation of microcephaly, the amount of placental BDNF, a factor described as a determinant for fetal brain development, was evaluated ( 48 , 49 ). BDNF is a neurotrophic factor that is produced in placental tissue and plays an important role in cytotrophoblast differentiation and proliferation ( 50 , 51 ).…”

Análise Microbiológica Pré E Pós Assepsia

“…In the absence of a clear role for the inflammation response in the presentation of microcephaly, the amount of placental BDNF, a factor described as a determinant for fetal brain development, was evaluated (48,49). BDNF is a neurotrophic factor that is produced in placental tissue and plays an important role in cytotrophoblast differentiation and proliferation (50,51).…”

The current state of biomarkers of mild traumatic brain injury

“…Indeed, evaluation of a small sample of war veterans with mTBI (n = 110) found that carriers of the minor allele of rs1157659 have less functional connectivity and atrophy in the hippocampus as compared with those that are homozygous for the WT allele (105), an association that would increase the likelihood of memory problems.…”