Association of BDNF gene polymorphism with major depression and cognitive functions

Objective: To study the relationship of BDNF gene polymorphism (Val66Met) with major depression and cognitive functions. Methods: Totally 185 patients and 199 normal controls were recruited in this study. Their clinical data and blood samples were collected. Of the patients 87 were measured for cognitive functions by verbal fluency test, Trail Making Test, WCST and WAIS-RC. The gene polymorphisms of BDNF were determined with PCR-RFLP technique. SPSS11.5 was used for statistical analysis. Results: Three genotypes of BDNFVal66Met were detected in the depressed patients of Han nationalities in Shaanxi Province: Val/Val, Val/Met and Met/Met. No significant association was found between BDNF genotype and depression. However, BDNF genotype was associated with WCSTA, VFTAN and VFTR in the patients. Conclusion: BDNF gene polymorphism does not play a major role in the pathogenesis of depressed patients. Val66Met may be associated with cognitive function of depressed patients.