Molecular differentiation of schizoaffective disorder from schizophrenia using BDNF haplotypes.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Allelic variation in the gene encoding brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) has been associated with affective disorders, but generally not schizophrenia. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor variants may help clarify the status of schizoaffective disorder.

Aims

To test the hypothesis that BDNF haplotypes are associated with psychiatric illness marked by a prominent affective component.

Method

Frequencies of a 5-marker BDNF haplotype were examined in 600 White participants across four diagnostic categories and healthy controls.

Results

Individuals with schizoaffective disorder and other affective disorders were significantly more likely to carry two copies of the most common BDNF haplotype (containing the valine allele of the Val66Met polymorphism)

SUBMITTER: Lencz T 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2664969 | biostudies-literature | 2009 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature