BDNF rs6265 Polymorphism and Drug Addiction: a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Abstract

A majority of studies have shown a link between the common functional rs6265 polymorphism of the BDNF gene and susceptibility to drug dependence. However, the pattern of results is inconsistent. To precisely evaluate this association, a systematic review and meta-analysis of previous case-control reports was conducted. Data from 20 studies containing 9419 participants (4665 cases and 4754 controls) conducted between 2004 and 2013 restricted to alcohol, nicotine, heroin, substance and methamphetamine dependency were meta-analyzed. Following quality control of the results, a significant association between C allele and methamphetamine dependence remained in south Asian subjects (p = 0.004). Similar results were detected in south Asian subjects for methamphetamine dependence and in Chinese subjects for heroin dependence under an autosomal codominant genotype model (TT vs CC, p = 0.005 and p = 0.0004, respectively). In conclusion, the rs6265 polymorphism may be a risk factor for methamphetamine dependence in south Asian subjects or for heroin dependence in Chinese subjects.

Expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factors, neurotrophin-3, and neurotrophin-4 in the nucleus accumbens during heroin dependency and withdrawal

“…craving for larger doses), and painful withdrawal 1,2. This disorder is a global healthcare burden and contributes toward serious behavioral, medical, psychiatric, and social consequences 3. In response to continued opiate administration, several long-term structural and biochemical alterations occur in the brain that can be explained collectively as neuroplasticity or neuroadaptations 4.…”

BDNF (Val66Met) Genetic Polymorphism is Associated with Vulnerability for Methamphetamine Dependence

“…BDNF has a functional polymorphism (rs6265, val66met) that has been widely studied in schizophrenia [11] and drug addiction [12]. Associations with METH dependence have been reported [13,14], albeit not in all ethnic groups [15,16], as well as with responses to amphetamine infusion [17].…”

Increased Risk-Taking Behaviour and Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Val66Met Polymorphism Correlates to Decreased Serum Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Level in Heroin Users

“…Therefore, the BDNF Val66Met gene polymorphism may not contribute to susceptibility to heroin abuse. On the other hand, a recent meta-analysis showed that Val allele was a risk factor for heroin dependence [60]. In Han Chinese, Val carriers were associated with heroin addiction and early onset of heroin use [61].…”