The brain-derived neurotrophic-factor (BDNF) val66met polymorphism is associated with geriatric depression: a meta-analysis

Am J Med Genet B Neuropsychiatr Genet. 2012 Jul;159B(5):560-6. doi: 10.1002/ajmg.b.32062. Epub 2012 May 18.

Abstract

Depression has been associated with reduced expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the hippocampus. Genetic association studies of the BDNF Val66Met polymorphism (rs6265) in geriatric depression have produced inconsistent results. A meta-analysis of studies was conducted to compare the frequency of the BDNF Val66Met variant between cases with geriatric depression and age-matched controls. A total of five studies involving 523 cases with geriatric depression and 1,220 psychiatrically healthy controls was included. Met allele carriers had an increased risk for geriatric depression when compared to Val/Val homozygotes (P = 0.004, OR = 1.48, 95% CI = 1.13-1.93). Our findings suggest the BDNF Met allele may confer increased risk for depression as individual age.

Publication types

  • Meta-Analysis
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Amino Acid Substitution / genetics*
  • Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor / genetics*
  • Depression / genetics*
  • Genetic Association Studies*
  • Genetic Predisposition to Disease*
  • Humans
  • Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide / genetics*
  • Publication Bias

Substances

  • Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor