The interaction effect between BDNF val66met polymorphism and obesity on executive functions and frontal structure

Abstract

The prevalence of obesity is increasing worldwide. Previous research has shown a relationship between obesity and both executive functioning alterations and frontal cortex volume reductions. The Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor val66met polymorphism, involved in eating behavior, has also been associated with executive functions and prefrontal cortex volume, but to date it has not been studied in relation to obesity. Our aim is to elucidate whether the interaction between the Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor val66met polymorphism and obesity status influences executive performance and frontal-subcortical brain structure. Sixty-one volunteers, 34 obese and 27 controls, age range 12-40, participated in the study. Participants were assigned to one of two genotype groups (met allele carriers, n = 16, or non-carriers, n = 45). Neuropsychological assessment comprised the Trail Making Test, the Stroop Test and the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test, all tasks that require response inhibition and cognitive flexibility. Subjects underwent magnetic resonance imaging in a Siemens TIM TRIO 3T scanner and images were analyzed using the FreeSurfer software. Analyses of covariance controlling for age and intelligence showed an effect of the obesity-by-genotype interaction on perseverative responses on the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test as well as on precentral and caudal middle frontal cortical thickness: obese met allele carriers showed more perseverations on the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test and lower frontal thickness than obese non-carriers and controls. In conclusion, the Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor may play an important role in executive functioning and frontal brain structure in obesity.

BDNF gene polymorphisms and haplotypes in relation to cognitive performance in Polish healthy subjects

“…TMT_B is considered as a tool to measure working memory and executive performance such as set-shifting, inhibition and cognitive flexibility (Marqués-Iturria et al 2014). However we found no association between BDNF polymorphisms and haplotypes and other neuropsychological tests, i.e.…”

Functional network centrality in obesity: A resting-state and task fMRI study

“…Although obesity is not usually strictly considered a brain disorder, multiple lines of neurobiological research have revealed the existence of structural and functional brain alterations associated with obesity (Dagher, 2012). Relative to normal-weight participants, obese populations exhibit lower gray matter volume, cortical thickness and glucose metabolism in the prefrontal cortex (Pannacciulli et al, 2006;Willeumier et al, 2011;Marqués-Iturria et al, 2014). In striatal structures, individuals with obesity seem to exhibit lower dopamine D2/D3 receptor availability (Wang et al, 2001;De Weijer et al, 2011; but see Eisenstein et al, 2013) and increased gray matter volume .…”

Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Val66Met Polymorphism in Contex of Executive Functions and Working Memory in Obese Patients

“…Furthermore, MRI studies displayed differences in cortex thickness between obese and non-obese Met carriers, showing that the thinnest frontal cortex areas pertained to obese subjects. This strongly suggests the connection between obesity, BDNF Val66Met and executive functions [21].…”

“…Moreover, obesity affects the structure of the frontal lobe; obesity correlates with lowered thickness of cortical and subcortical areas. Abovementioned may be [21].…”

“…In some studies Met allele is considered to deteriorate cognitive functioning, while other studies do not present any significant associations between BDNF Val66Met and cognition [9,[20][21][22].…”