Val66Met BDNF polymorphism as a vulnerability factor for inflammation-associated depressive symptoms in women with breast cancer.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Inflammation contributes to the development of depression in a subset of individuals, but risk factors that render certain individuals particularly vulnerable to inflammation-associated depression are undetermined. Drawing from animal studies showing that reduced neuroplasticity mediates effects of inflammation on depression, we hypothesized that individuals genetically predisposed to lower levels of neuroplasticity would be more susceptible to inflammation-associated depression. The current study examined whether the Met allele of the BDNF Val66met polymorphism, which predisposes individuals to reduced levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a protein vital for neuroplasticity, moderates the association between inflammation and depressive symptoms.

Method

SUBMITTER: Dooley LN 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4836957 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature