The Met allele of BDNF Val66Met polymorphism is associated with increased BDNF levels in generalized anxiety disorder

Abstract

These results suggest that BDNF could be involved in the neurobiology of GAD and might represent a useful marker associated with the disease.

Genetic Polymorphisms and Generalized Anxiety Disorder: a systematic review

“…31 In contrast, a significant association between the Met allele and risk for GAD (p = 0.014) has been reported: the Met allele was significantly associated with an increase in serum BDNF levels compared with the Val/Val genotype in GAD participants (p = 0.048). 4 In another study, the Val66Met polymorphism was not associated with GAD and showed no Genetic Polymorphisms and Generalized Anxiety Disorder Alves V M influence on BDNF plasma levels. 25 Few studies have been conducted about serum BDNF as a biomarker in patients with anxiety disorders.…”

“…The neurobiology of this disorder is still unclear, although it has been consistently shown that environmental and genetic factors may increase the risk. 4 Genetic epidemiology has produced convincing evidence that anxiety and related disorders Genetic Polymorphisms and Generalized Anxiety Disorder Alves V M are influenced by genetic factors and that the genetic component is highly complex, polygenic, and epistatic.…”

“…2,3 It normally expresses itself by long-term worries, tension, nervousness, fidgeting, and symptoms of autonomic system hyperactivity. 4 We have previously examined the role of anxiety in suicidal ideation of populations under significant external stress.…”

Biological Markers of Generalized Anxiety Disorder

“…65 However, Val66Met variation was associated with neither GAD nor BDNF plasma levels in a Chinese Han population with GAD. 66 In addition, polymorphisms both in regulator of G-protein signaling 2 (RGS2) and neuropeptide Y (NPY) genes have been shown to modify risk of post-disaster GAD under conditions of high stressor exposure among adults living in areas affected by the 2004 Florida Hurricanes 67,68 and few single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in proteasome modulator 9 (PSMD9) gene were in linkage with GAD in Italian families with type 2 diabetes.…”

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor Val66Met genotype modulates amygdala habituation

“…The BDNF Val66Met SNP has been associated with risk for psychiatric disorders and suicide (Hong et al, 2011). This functional SNP prevents the activity-dependent release of BDNF (Egan et al, 2003) and some – but not all (Moreira et al, 2015; Tramontina et al, 2007) – studies have found that Met-carriers have lower serum BDNF levels (Ozan et al, 2010; Zakharyan and Boyajyan, 2014). …”