BDNF Val66Met modifies the risk of childhood trauma on obsessive-compulsive disorder

Abstract

Abstract:Childhood trauma has been linked to the development of later psychopathology, including obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Although evidence exists to suggest that genetic and environmental factors are involved in the aetiology of OCD, little attention has been paid to the interactions that exist between genes and environment. The aim of this study was to investigate gene-byenvironment interactions between childhood trauma and the BDNF Val66Met variant in patients with OCD.Childhood trauma was assessed in 134 OCD patients and 188 controls using the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ). Linear regression models were used for statistical analyses. Geneeenvironment interactions were estimated by including a combined genotype and CTQ score in the models as interaction terms. All analyses were adjusted for age, gender, CTQ minimisation-denial score and home language by including them in the logistic regression models as covariates.Childhood trauma, specifically emotional abuse and neglect, increased the odds of having OCD significantly (p < 0.001). Although no significant association was observed between BDNF Val66Met and the development of OCD, interaction analysis indicated that the BDNF Met-allele interacted with childhood emotional abuse to increase the risk of OCD significantly in a dose-dependent manner (p < 0.024). To our knowledge, this is one of the first studies to investigate geneeenvironment interactions in OCD, and the findings indicate the importance of collating genetic and environmental variables in future studies.

Symmetry symptoms in obsessive-compulsive disorder: clinical and genetic correlates

“…25 The MAOA and DAT genes necessitated adjustment for home language with the group comparisons (previous work by our group found that using language as a proxy for population structure served well in statistically correcting for this factor, if applicable 26 ). Clinical and genetic data were compared between patients with primary symmetry concerns and/or compulsions and those without these symptoms by using ANOVAs and chi-square tests as appropriate.…”

Environmental and physical risk factors for men to develop body dysmorphic disorder concerning penis size compared to men anxious about their penis size and men with no concerns: A cohort study

“…In addition, as seen in the evidence base for obsessive compulsive disorder (Hemmings et al, 2013), research should now consider the interaction with a genetic predisposition and replicating in a clinical population (Monzani et al, 2012).…”

BDNF Val66Met polymorphism and plasma levels in Chinese Han population with obsessive-compulsive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder

“…The first association study between and Val66Met was in 2003, reporting that the allele Met66 showed a protective effect on OCD (Hall et al, 2003). However the following studies showed inconsistent results (Alonso et al, 2008;Wendland et al, 2007;Zai et al, 2005), some even said that Met66 was a risk allele for OCD (Hemmings et al, 2008;Hemmings et al, 2013). There have been already several meta-analysis in different kinds of mental disorders, such as depression, bipolar disorders, schizophrenia, anorexia nervosa and drug abuse (Brandys et al, 2013;Gonzalez-Castro et al, 2014;Gyekis et al, 2013;Harrisberger et al, 2014;Kanazawa et al, 2007;Verhagen et al, 2010).…”