Association of Plasma Pro-Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (proBDNF)/Mature Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (mBDNF) Levels with BDNF Gene Val66Met Polymorphism in Alcohol Dependence

Abstract

Background In a previous study, we reported that pro-brain-derived neurotrophic factor (proBDNF) was involved in the pathology of alcohol dependence, and the single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) Val66Met was located at the prodomain of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor gene ( BDNF ). This polymorphism has been reported to affect intracellular trafficking and activity-dependent secretion of BDNF. Our present research investigated the relationships between the BDNF Val66Met polymorphism and the plasma levels of proBDNF and mature brain-derived neurotrophic factor (mBDNF) in patients with alcohol dependence. Material/Methods The BDNF gene Val66Met polymorphism was genotyped in 59 alcohol-dependent patients and 37 age- and sex-matched controls, and the plasma levels of proBDNF and mBDNF were assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in all participants. Results No association was found between the BDNF gene Val66Met polymorphism and alcohol dependence ( P >0.05). In comparison with the control group, the level of plasma proBDNF in the alcohol-dependence group was notably increased ( Z =−2.228, P =0.026), while the level of mBDNF was remarkedly decreased ( Z =−2.014, P =0.044). In the alcohol-dependence group, significant associations were not found between the Val66Met polymorphisms and proBDNF and mBDNF plasma levels ( P >0.05). The plasma level of proBDNF was positively correlated with the average daily alcohol consumption in the last month ( r =0.344, P =0.008) and drinking history ( r =0.317, P =0.014), while the plasma level of mBDNF had negative effects ( r =−0.361, P =0.005, with the average daily alcohol consumption; r =−0.427, P =0.001, with drinking history). Conclusions The BDNF gene Val66Met polymorphism does not appear to affect the secretion of proBDNF and mBDNF in Chinese patients with alcohol dependence. Furthermore, this study reconfirmed that the plasma levels of proBDNF and mBDNF were correlated with the average daily alcohol consumption in the last month and with drinking history.

Alterations in Neurotrophins in Alcohol-Addicted Patients during Alcohol Withdrawal

“…Moreover, BDNF could be a good candidate biomarker for relapse susceptibility AUD. Results have shown a significant reduction in BDNF serum levels in AUD patients [ 30 , 31 , 32 , 33 , 34 , 35 ]. However, in another study, there was no significant difference in plasma BDNF levels in AUD patients and social drinkers groups [ 36 ].…”

Potential role of APOE ɛ4 allele as a modifier for the association of BDNF Val66Met polymorphisms and cognitive impairment in community-dwelling older adults

“…It’s reported that the Met allele alters the trafficking and packaging of intracellular pro-BDNF, thereby regulating the secretion of mature BDNF (mBDNF) ( Chen et al, 2004 ). Although the BDNF gene Val66Met polymorphism does not appear to affect the secretion of pro-BDNF and mBDNF ( Mo et al, 2021 ), APOE ε4 blocks the secretion of mature-BDNF ( Rainey-Smith et al, 2014 ; Sen et al, 2017 ). Pro-BDNF and mBDNF have opposing biological processes ( Lu et al, 2005 ).…”