Year: 2017
Type: editorial
Abstract: Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is part of the family of neurotrophic factors and is widely expressed in the human brain.BDNF is involved in many neuronal physiological functions, including synaptic plasticity and remodeling, axonal guidance, induction of long-term potentiation, and resilience to neuronal insults, as well as modulation of amyloid-b production. 1 Given its relevance to the maintenance of neuronal functioning, several studies have now investigated its role in the physiopathology of neurodegenerative and neurocognitive disorders.Single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) in the BDNF gene or in in promoter regions have been associated with changes in protein levels.Of particular interest is the Val66Met (rs6265) SNP.The functional consequence of this substitution is reduced secretion of BDNF, and this SNP has been associated with increased risk of Alzheimer disease. 2,3 In a study published in this issue, Azeredo et al. found that, among healthy middle-aged and older adults with no evidence of dementia, carriers of the Met allele of the Val66Met polymorphism (homozygous or heterozygous) had significantly worse episodic memory performance. 4 This provides additional evidence of the relevance of BDNF gene polymorphisms to cognitive performance.Despite its cross-sectional design, this study elicits provocative thoughts.Could BDNF genotyping be useful for risk prediction of neurocognitive disorders?Can we
Source: Brazilian Journal of Psychiatry
Author: Breno S. Diniz
Language: English
Subfield: Psychiatry and Mental health
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W2621764356