Val66Met functional polymorphism and serum protein level of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in acute episode of schizophrenia and depression

Abstract Background Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) influences neuron differentiation during development as well as the synaptic plasticity and neuron survival in adulthood. BDNF has been implicated in the pathogenesis of schizophrenia and depression. Val66Met polymorphism and BDNF serum level are potential biomarkers in neuropsychiatric disorders. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of BDNF gene Val66Met functional polymorphism on serum BDNF concentration in patients with schizophrenia, during depression episode and in healthy control group. Methods 183 participants were recruited (61 patients with depressive episode, 56 females with schizophrenia, 66 healthy controls) from Polish population. Serum BDNF levels were measured using ELISA method. Val66Met polymorphism was genotyped using PCR- RFLP method. Results Serum BDNF levels were not associated with Val66Met polymorphism in either of the groups. A significant increase of BDNF level in schizophrenia ( p  = 0.0005) and depression ( p  = 0.026) comparing to the control group has been observed. Conclusions Our results suggest that the functional Val66Met BDNF polymorphism is not associated with BDNF serum levels, which is in line with previous findings. Replication studies on larger groups are needed.