Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Marcus Negron, Jeffrey Kristensen, Van Thuan Nguyen, Lauren E. Gansereit, Frank J. Raucci, Julia L. Chariker, Aaron Heck, Imamulhaq Brula, Gabrielle Kitchen, Cassandra P. Awgulewitsch, Lin Zhong, Eric C. Rouchka, Simran Banga, Cristi L. Galindo
Summary: The study found that mice with the BDNF rs6265 polymorphism exhibited altered cardiac function, with gender-specific differences. Female mice showed cardiac hypertrophy in response to stress, while male mice displayed an inflammatory immune response. These results reveal sex-based differences in how the BDNF polymorphism modifies cardiac physiology.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Emilio Portaccio, Angelo Bellinvia, Elio Prestipino, Benedetta Nacmias, Silvia Bagnoli, Lorenzo Razzolini, Luisa Pasto, Claudia Niccolai, Benedetta Goretti, Mattia Fonderico, Giovanni Bosco Zimatore, Nunzia Alessandra Losignore, Sandro Sorbi, Maria Pia Amato
Summary: The study suggests a potential protective effect of BDNF Val66Met polymorphism against cognitive impairment in MS patients, possibly due to the detrimental effect of increased BDNF concentration in a neuroinflammatory environment. Higher EDSS score is associated with a progressive disease course, with a marginal association with the presence of the BDNF Val66Met polymorphism.
FRONTIERS IN NEUROLOGY
(2021)
Review
Clinical Neurology
Xuan Liu, Jun-Chao Fang, Xin-Yue Zhi, Qiu-Yu Yan, Hong Zhu, Juan Xie
Summary: Carrier of Val66Met AA genotype may have worse rehabilitation outcomes compared to GA+GG carriers. In general, Asian patients may have a higher proportion of the A allele. Further research is needed to determine the impact of Val66Met polymorphism on stroke recovery.
NEUROREHABILITATION AND NEURAL REPAIR
(2021)
Review
Clinical Neurology
Bernat de las Heras, Lynden Rodrigues, Jacopo Cristini, Maxana Weiss, Anna Prats-Puig, Marc Roig
Summary: Val66Met, a polymorphism of the BDNF gene, affects the secretion of BDNF protein, potentially influencing brain plasticity and cognition. This study reviewed 26 studies with a total of 11,417 participants, examining the role of Val66Met in moderating the cognitive response to physical activity and exercise. The findings showed inconsistent effects of Val66Met on cognitive response and no general and consistent effect was observed.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
David W. Greening, Michael Notaras, Maoshan Chen, Rong Xu, Joel D. Smith, Lesley Cheng, Richard J. Simpson, Andrew F. Hill, Maarten van den Buuse
Summary: Studies have shown that chronic Meth abuse can lead to psychotic episodes resembling schizophrenia, with Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) playing a crucial role in this process. Research on transgenic mice revealed that BDNF genetic variation significantly influences the long-term brain changes induced by Meth, indicating that drug-induced psychosis may be modulated at the molecular level by a single genetic locus.
MOLECULAR PSYCHIATRY
(2021)
Article
Psychiatry
Mona Buhusi, Daniel Griffin, Catalin Buhusi
Summary: This study investigates the role of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF)-Val66Met polymorphism and neural activation in regions involved in latent inhibition (LI) in mice, as well as the interaction between BDNF and SZ-associated gene CHL1. The results suggest that the BDNF-Met allele may reduce the expression of acute SZ symptoms and increase the expression of negative symptoms in individuals with chronic SZ.
SCHIZOPHRENIA BULLETIN
(2023)
Review
Nutrition & Dietetics
Wanhui Kang, Alexa Barad, Andrew G. Clark, Yiqin Wang, Xu Lin, Zhenglong Gu, Kimberly O. O'Brien
Summary: Iron is unique among minerals because humans lack a regulatable pathway to eliminate excess iron after absorption. Iron deficiency leads to anemia, while iron overload can result in deposition in key organs. Accumulation of iron in the body increases the risk of chronic diseases. Only about 30% of variability in iron absorption can be captured by biomarkers or hormones.
ADVANCES IN NUTRITION
(2021)
Review
Cell Biology
Van Thuan Nguyen, Braxton Hill, Naiya Sims, Aaron Heck, Marcus Negron, Claire Lusk, Cristi L. Galindo
Summary: This article introduces the significance of brain-derived neurotrophic factor, which plays a crucial role in neurological disorders and various other biological functions.
NEURAL REGENERATION RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Jia Liu, Wei Yang, Hongyu Luo, Yixin Ma, Huan Zhao, Xiaojuan Dan
Summary: The study indicated that the BDNFVal66Met polymorphism is associated with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in elderly patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, especially those with low educational levels.
AGING CLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL RESEARCH
(2021)
Review
Psychiatry
Yanan Shang, Na Wang, En Zhang, Qian Liu, Hengfen Li, Xiaofeng Zhao
Summary: Our meta-analysis suggests that there is no significant association between the rs6265 polymorphism and OCD overall. However, in gender-specific analysis, female carriers of the Val66Met BDNF polymorphism might be more susceptible to developing OCD.
FRONTIERS IN PSYCHIATRY
(2022)
Article
Critical Care Medicine
Amery Treble-Barna, Shari L. Wade, Valentina Pilipenko, Lisa J. Martin, Keith Owen Yeates, H. Gerry Taylor, Brad G. Kurowski
Summary: The study investigated the differential effect of BDNF Val66Met polymorphism on behavioral adjustment in children with TBI compared to children with OI. Met carriers in the TBI group showed a trend of poorer behavioral adjustment relative to Val/Val homozygotes, while the opposite trend was observed in the OI group. These within-group differences did not reach statistical significance.
JOURNAL OF NEUROTRAUMA
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Tara L. Henechowicz, Joyce L. Chen, Leonardo G. Cohen, Michael H. Thaut
Summary: The study compared the prevalence of the Val66Met BDNF polymorphism between musicians and the general population, finding no significant difference in distribution between the two groups.
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Min Mo, Xi-yue Fu, Xu-lan Zhang, Shao-chuan Zhang, Hai-qing Zhang, Li Wu, Jia-lei Li, Li Zhou
Summary: The study aimed to investigate the relationships between the BDNF gene Val66Met polymorphism and the plasma levels of proBDNF and mBDNF in patients with alcohol dependence. The results showed no association between the Val66Met polymorphism and alcohol dependence, but the levels of proBDNF were increased and mBDNF were decreased in the alcohol dependence group, correlating with alcohol consumption and drinking history.
MEDICAL SCIENCE MONITOR
(2021)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Luisa da Costa Lopes, Dalva Lucia Rollemberg Poyares, Sergio Tufik, Sophia La Banca de Oliveira, Julia Ribeiro da Silva Vallim, Vanessa Kiyomi Ota, Maria Isabel Melaragno, Maurice Ohayon, Claudia Berlim de Mello
Summary: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of the BDNF Val66Met polymorphism on the performance of adolescents in attentional tests, circadian preferences, and activity-rest rhythm. The results showed that the time that the students attended school had an impact on all types of attention, regardless of chronotype. The presence of the BDNF Val66Met polymorphism was only associated with alternate attention performance.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Emma Louise Nicholson, Michael I. Garry, Luke J. Ney, Chia-Ming K. Hsu, Daniel V. Zuj, Kim L. Felmingham
Summary: This study investigated the impact of the BDNF Val66Met polymorphism on PTSD symptomatology and emotional memory. Results indicated impaired negative recognition memory in the PTSD group compared to control and trauma exposed groups, with the Val/Met genotype showing a more pronounced effect. Interestingly, the Met genotype did not have an impact in the trauma exposed group, suggesting a specific association with PTSD. Further research is needed to replicate and explore the underlying epigenetic and neural processes involved.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Nela Pivac, Gordana Nedic Erjavec, Marina Sagud, Matea Nikolac Perkovic, Lucija Tudor, Suzana Uzun, Zrnka Kovacic Petrovic, Marcela Konjevod, Anja Dvojkovic, Oliver Kozumplik, Dubravka Svob Strac, Tina Peraica, Ninoslav Mimica, Maja Zivkovic, Mika Hirasawa-Fujita, Edward F. Domino
Summary: The study found a significant association between smoking and BDNF C270T polymorphism, rather than BDNF Val66Met polymorphism. This association was confirmed in healthy subjects but not in patients with mental disorders, and was not related to the number of cigarettes smoked per day.
PROGRESS IN NEURO-PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY & BIOLOGICAL PSYCHIATRY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Senka Repovecki, Gordana Nedic Erjavec, Suzana Uzun, Lucija Tudor, Matea Nikolac Perkovic, Marcela Konjevod, Oliver Kozumplik, Dubravka Svob Strac, Zrnka Kovacic Petrovic, Ninoslav Mimica, Nela Pivac
Summary: This study elucidated the association between platelet monoamine oxidase (MAO-B) activity and clinical symptoms occurring in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The findings showed that altered platelet MAO-B activity was associated with the development and severity of different symptoms in PTSD.
Review
Clinical Neurology
Barbara Vuic, Marcela Konjevod, Lucija Tudor, Tina Milos, Matea Nikolac Perkovic, Gordana Nedic Erjavec, Nela Pivac, Suzana Uzun, Ninoslav Mimica, Dubravka Svob Strac
Summary: Behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) present a complex diagnosis due to symptom variety, but accurate assessment is crucial for tailored therapeutic interventions. Non-pharmacologic interventions show promise in improving BPSD, but further research is needed to confirm their beneficial effects. The development of novel pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic solutions should be considered for BPSD therapy.
EXPERT REVIEW OF NEUROTHERAPEUTICS
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Marcela Konjevod, Jorge Saiz, Matea Nikolac Perkovic, Gordana Nedic Erjavec, Lucija Tudor, Suzana Uzun, Oliver Kozumplik, Coral Barbas, Neven Zarkovic, Nela Pivac, Dubravka Svob Strac
Summary: Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a complex neuropsychiatric disorder triggered by a traumatic event. This study used lipidomic analysis to identify altered lipid compounds in PTSD patients. The identified lipids are associated with biological processes such as membrane integrity and function, mitochondrial dysfunction, inflammation, and oxidative stress.
FREE RADICAL BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Gordana Nedic Erjavec, Lucija Tudor, Matea Nikolac Perkovic, Josip Podobnik, Katarina Dodig Curkovic, Mario Curkovic, Dubravka Svob Strac, Melita Cusek, Marco Bortolato, Nela Pivac
Summary: This study found an association between genetic polymorphisms of the 5-HT2A receptor and conduct disorder (CD). Certain genetic variations were strongly linked to irritability, physical aggression, and antisocial behavior. Additionally, CD subjects had significantly higher platelet 5-HT concentrations, which correlated with smoking status.
PROGRESS IN NEURO-PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY & BIOLOGICAL PSYCHIATRY
(2022)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Lucija Tudor, Marcela Konjevod, Gordana Nedic Erjavec, Matea Nikolac Perkovic, Suzana Uzun, Oliver Kozumplik, Vlatka Zoldos, Gordan Lauc, Dubravka Svob Strac, Nela Pivac
Summary: This study found significant associations between certain polymorphisms in the HNF1A gene and methylation at the CpG3 site, as well as certain N-glycans in plasma, in patients with PTSD. These findings suggest that the investigated HNF1A polymorphisms may play a regulatory role in the abundance of certain plasma N-glycans, which could contribute to the clinical manifestation of PTSD and its comorbidities.
Article
Psychiatry
Sandra Domitrovic Spudic, Matea Nikolac Perkovic, Suzana Uzun, Gordana Nedic Erjavec, Oliver Kozumplik, Dubravka Svob Strac, Ninoslav Mimica, Nela Pivac
Summary: This study aimed to evaluate cognitive decline and plasma BDNF concentration in veterans with combat-related PTSD. The results showed that veterans with PTSD had decreased plasma BDNF concentration and worse cognitive performance. Similar plasma BDNF reduction and cognitive decline were also found in subjects with mild cognitive impairment.
PSYCHIATRY RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Marina Sagud, Zoran Madzarac, Gordana Nedic Erjavec, Ivona Simunovic Filipcic, Filip Luka Mikulic, Dunja Rogic, Zoran Bradas, Maja Bajs Janovic, Nela Pivac
Summary: Neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), monocyte-lymphocyte ratio (MLR) and systemic immune-inflammation index (SII index) are commonly used to indicate inflammation. Their relationship with negative symptoms, including anhedonia, in patients with schizophrenia is not well understood. This study found that there were weak to moderate positive correlations between various negative symptoms and blood cell inflammatory ratios in male patients, and weaker correlations in female patients. However, social anhedonia showed a negative correlation with the SII index in females, suggesting a possible different mechanism. Further exploration is needed to understand the relationship between anhedonia and inflammatory markers.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Barbara Vuic, Tina Milos, Lucija Tudor, Marcela Konjevod, Matea Nikolac Perkovic, Maja Jazvinscak Jembrek, Gordana Nedic Erjavec, Dubravka Svob Strac
Summary: Neurodegenerative diseases, characterized by protein aggregation in the brain, can be influenced by the activation of CB2 receptors in the endocannabinoid system. Studies suggest that activating CB2 receptors has potential benefits in reducing protein aggregation-based pathology, attenuating inflammation, and alleviating dementia-related symptoms.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Katarina Kouter, Matea Nikolac Perkovic, Gordana Nedic Erjavec, Tina Milos, Lucija Tudor, Suzana Uzun, Ninoslav Mimica, Nela Pivac, Alja Videtic Paska
Summary: Due to the increasing number of progressive dementias, studies are being conducted to determine risk factors, biomarkers, and mechanisms for differentiating between normal aging, MCI, and dementia. This study investigated the association of BDNF and COMT gene expression and methylation with the development of AD. The results showed higher BDNF expression in MCI subjects compared to AD individuals, suggesting its potential as a marker for distinguishing between MCI and AD. No difference in COMT gene expression was found.
Review
Pathology
Matea Nikolac Perkovic, Martin Gredicak, Marina Sagud, Gordana Nedic Erjavec, Suzana Uzun, Nela Pivac
Summary: This mini review presents recent evidence on the association between brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) concentration/levels, BDNF Val66Met (rs6265) polymorphism, and major depressive disorders. It focuses on the changes in peripheral BDNF levels before and after treatment with antidepressant drugs or different therapeutic strategies, as well as the association between different antidepressants/therapeutic strategies and BDNF Val66Met genotypes. The expert opinion suggests that BDNF plays an important role in the pathophysiology and treatment response in depression, and peripheral BDNF levels may serve as potential biomarkers of therapeutic response.
EXPERT REVIEW OF MOLECULAR DIAGNOSTICS
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Lucija Tudor, Gordana Nedic Erjavec, Matea Nikolac Perkovic, Marcela Konjevod, Suzana Uzun, Oliver Kozumplik, Ninoslav Mimica, Gordan Lauc, Dubravka Svob Strac, Nela Pivac
Summary: The molecular mechanisms behind PTSD, including the role of glycosylation and the FUT8 gene, were investigated in this study. Associations between plasma N-glycan levels and FUT8-related polymorphisms were observed in both PTSD patients and control participants. The findings suggest that FUT8-related polymorphisms play a regulatory role in glycosylation, which may contribute to the development and clinical manifestation of PTSD.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Marcela Konjevod, Katherina B. B. Sreter, Sanja Popovic-Grle, Marina Lampalo, Lucija Tudor, Irena Jukic, Gordana Nedic Erjavec, Jasna Bingulac-Popovic, Hana Safic Stanic, Matea Nikolac Perkovic, Jasenka Markeljevic, Miroslav Samarzija, Nela Pivac, Dubravka Svob Strac
Summary: The study investigated platelet serotonin levels and platelet monoamine oxidase B activity in healthy individuals and asthma patients, as well as gene polymorphisms related to serotonin receptors and monoamine oxidase. The results showed that asthma patients had lower platelet serotonin concentration and higher platelet monoamine oxidase B activity. However, there were no differences in these parameters between patients with different asthma severity or phenotypes. Further analysis revealed that certain gene polymorphisms were associated with platelet monoamine oxidase B activity and asthma severity. More studies are needed to understand the involvement of the serotonergic system in asthma pathophysiology.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Matea Nikolac Perkovic, Fran Borovecki, Igor Filipcic, Barbara Vuic, Tina Milos, Gordana Nedic Erjavec, Marcela Konjevod, Lucija Tudor, Ninoslav Mimica, Suzana Uzun, Oliver Kozumplik, Dubravka Svob Strac, Nela Pivac
Summary: The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential difference in plasma brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) concentrations between subjects with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients and to determine the possible association between BDNF plasma levels and the degree of cognitive decline in these individuals. The results showed significantly higher plasma BDNF concentrations in AD patients compared with MCI subjects. Additionally, there was a negative correlation between cognitive functions and BDNF plasma concentrations, suggesting higher BDNF levels in subjects with more pronounced cognitive decline.
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Marina Sagud, Lucija Tudor, Gordana Nedic Erjavec, Matea Nikolac Perkovic, Suzana Uzun, Ninoslav Mimica, Zoran Madzarac, Maja Zivkovic, Oliver Kozumplik, Marcela Konjevod, Dubravka Svob Strac, Nela Pivac
Summary: This study investigated the association of COMT rs4680 and rs4618 polymorphisms with the severity of cognitive and other clinical symptoms in patients with schizophrenia. The results showed that male carriers of rs4818 G allele had more abstract thinking difficulties, whereas male carriers of rs4680 A allele had worse abstract thinking scores. Male carriers of rs4818-rs4680 GA haplotype had higher somatic concern scores, while GG haplotype carriers had lower anxiety and depression scores. Female patients with severe disturbance of volition had less COMT GG haplotype and more CG haplotype.