Dataset Information

The BDNF Val66Met Polymorphism Modulates Resilience of Neurological Functioning to Brain Ageing and Dementia: A Narrative Review.

ABSTRACT: Brain-derived neurotropic factor (BDNF) is an abundant and multi-function neurotrophin in the brain. It is released following neuronal activity and is believed to be particularly important in strengthening neural networks. A common variation in the BDNF gene, a valine to methionine substitution at codon 66 (Val66Met), has been linked to differential expression of BDNF associated with experience-dependent plasticity. The Met allele has been associated with reduced production of BDNF following neuronal stimulation, which suggests a potential role of this variation with respect to how the nervous system may respond to challenges, such as brain ageing and related neurodegenerative conditions (e.g., dementia and Alzheimer's disease). The current review examines the potential of the BDNF Val66Met variation to modulate an individual's susceptibility and trajectory through cognitive changes associated with ageing and dementia. On balance, research to date indicates that the BDNF Met allele at this codon is potentially associated with a detrimental influence on the level of cognitive functioning in older adults and may also impart increased risk of progression to dementia. Furthermore, recent studies also show that this genetic variation may modulate an individual's response to interventions targeted at building cognitive resilience to conditions that cause dementia.

SUBMITTER: Brown DT

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7226504 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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The <i>BDNF</i> Val66Met Polymorphism Modulates Resilience of Neurological Functioning to Brain Ageing and Dementia: A Narrative Review.

Brown Donnamay T DT Vickers James C JC Stuart Kimberley E KE Cechova Katerina K Ward David D DD

Brain sciences 20200325 4

Brain-derived neurotropic factor (BDNF) is an abundant and multi-function neurotrophin in the brain. It is released following neuronal activity and is believed to be particularly important in strengthening neural networks. A common variation in the <i>BDNF</i> gene, a valine to methionine substitution at codon 66 (Val66Met), has been linked to differential expression of BDNF associated with experience-dependent plasticity. The Met allele has been associated with reduced production of BDNF follow ...[more]

PMID: 32218234

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Project description:The val(66)met polymorphism in brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) has been associated with poorer outcomes after stroke. The mechanism for this finding remains uncertain but might be related to the reduced motor system activation associated with this polymorphism in healthy people.The current study examined whether the presence of the BDNF val(66)met polymorphism is associated with reduced motor system activation after stroke.Forty-two patients with stroke who were enrolled in 1 of 2 studies of robot-assisted arm motor therapy participated in the study. All participants were tested for the BDNF val(66)met polymorphism followed by functional magnetic resonance imaging during affected hand movement.Participants averaged 12 months poststroke and had wide-ranging motor deficits (Fugl-Meyer scale scores=14-60). Brain activation in participants without the BDNF val(66)met polymorphism (n=26) spanned bilateral motor networks with a larger volume (total=334 cc) than that found in participants with this polymorphism (n=16) (97 cc). Regional analyses were consistent. Participants without this polymorphism showed larger ipsilesional primary sensorimotor cortex activation volume and magnitude compared with those in whom the polymorphism was present.The extent to which these findings generalize to other populations of people with stroke, such as those with stroke <7 days prior, remains uncertain.Functional magnetic resonance imaging during affected hand movement showed decreased brain activation among participants with the BDNF val(66)met polymorphism compared with those lacking this polymorphism, especially in the ipsilesional primary sensorimotor cortex contralateral to movement. These results echo findings in healthy people and suggest that genetic factors affecting the normal brain continue to be operative after stroke. The findings suggest a potential imaging-based endophenotype for the BDNF val(66)met polymorphism's effect on the motor system that may be useful in a clinical trial setting.

Dataset Information

The BDNF Val66Met Polymorphism Modulates Resilience of Neurological Functioning to Brain Ageing and Dementia: A Narrative Review.

Publications

The <i>BDNF</i> Val66Met Polymorphism Modulates Resilience of Neurological Functioning to Brain Ageing and Dementia: A Narrative Review.

Similar Datasets

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