Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Gene Val66Met Polymorphism and Risk of Schizophrenia: A Meta-analysis of Case–Control Studies

Abstract

According to evidences from previous family and association studies, it has been claimed that genetic factors are involved in the neuropathogenesis of Schizophrenia disorder. Whether the Val66Met variant of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) gene plays any roles in the pathogenesis of this syndrome or could be a potential biomarker for prognosis of this disorder has been a long-standing controversial issue. We performed a meta-analysis restricted to case-control studies and searched Pubmed, PsychInfo, and Google scholar using keywords including 'association,' 'Val66Met,' 'BDNF,' and 'schizophrenia' published up to May 1, 2015. A total of 39 studies for schizophrenia were combined by fixed- and random-effects models. The pooled results from the schizophrenia sample indicated no significant evidence for the association of Val/Val and Val/Met genotypes of BDNF gene with schizophrenia, but it was observed that there is an association between Met/Met polymorphism and schizophrenia in Asian, European, and Chinese populations, this means that the risk of schizophrenia in Asian, European, and Chinese populations with Met/Met genotype is, respectively, 9, 26, and 9%. There was a significant association between BDNF Val66Met polymorphism and schizophrenia in our meta-analysis study. We cannot rule out the possibility that other polymorphisms in the BDNF gene are involved in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia. In addition, more studies should be conducted on the polymorphisms in other genes to elucidate their possible roles in schizophrenia.

Genetic Consideration of Schizotypal Traits: A Review

“…A factor considered essential for supporting neuronal growth and promoting neuronal survival is brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). BDNF has been widely investigated for its relevance to schizophrenia (Kheirollahi et al, 2016). Proline is an amino acid which is found in excess in patients with schizophrenia.…”

Sex-Specific Proteomics Changes Induced by Genetic Deletion of the Fibroblast Growth Factor 14 (FGF14) Regulator of Neuronal Ion Channels

“…Translin (Tsn) is an RNA binding protein that regulates the dendritic trafficking of brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) [74]. BDNF is tied to synaptic transmission, plasticity and homeostasis and decreased serum level of BDNF and mutations in the BDNF receptor, Tyrosine Receptor Kinase B have been linked to SZ [75,76]. Though little is known about the effects of increased TSN [77], its altered expression in the male fgf14-/-mice, along with altered levels of expression of other key proteins, support the previous finding that the male fgf14-/-mouse model may be a new model of SZ and other disorders with disrupted cognition as a domain.…”

BDNF as a pharmacogenetic target for antipsychotic treatment of schizophrenia

“…In spite of some inconsistent findings about the association between BDNF Val66Met polymorphism and schizophrenia [13,44], the BDNF Val66Met polymorphism has been found to be significantly associated with several clinical and pathophysiological characteristics of the illness, such as age of onset, symptoms and brain pathology [19,28].…”