Interaction of Brain-derived Neurotrophic Factor, Exercise, and Fear Extinction: Implications for Post-traumatic Stress Disorder

Abstract

Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) plays an important role in brain development, neural plasticity, and learning and memory. The Val66Met single-nucleotide polymorphism is a com- mon genetic variant that results in deficient activity-dependent release of BDNF. This polymorphism and its impact on fear conditioning and extinction, as well as on symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), have been of increasing research interest over the last two decades. More recently, it has been demonstrated that regular physical activity may ameliorate impairments in fear extinction and alleviate symptoms in individuals with PTSD via an action on BDNF levels and that there are differen- tial responses to exercise between the Val66Met genotypes. This narrative literature review first de- scribes the theoretical underpinnings of the development and persistence of intrusive and hypervigi- lance symptoms commonly seen in PTSD and their treatment. It then discusses recent literature on the involvement of BDNF and the Val66Met polymorphism in fear conditioning and extinction and its in- volvement in PTSD diagnosis and severity. Finally, it investigates research on the impact of physical activity on BDNF secretion, the differences between the Val66Met genotypes, and the effect on fear extinction learning and memory and symptoms.

Thematic Selection: Stress and Stress-related Disorders Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (Part 2)

“…With their article, Antolasic et al review theoretical underpinnings of the involvement of BDNF and the Val66Met polymorphism in the development and persistence of intrusive and hypervigilance symptoms in PTSD [ 18 ]. Patas et al provide a novel take on immune and inflammatory findings in PTSD and offer some stimulating ideas on immune-based PTSD treatment alternatives [ 19 ].…”