The Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Val66Met Polymorphism Can Protect Against Cognitive Impairment in Multiple Sclerosis

Frontiers in Neurology

Giovanni Bosco Zimatore¹  Nunzia Alessandra Losignore¹  Emilio Portaccio²  Claudia Niccolai²  Lorenzo Razzolini³  Silvia Bagnoli³  Benedetta Goretti³  Benedetta Nacmias³  Mattia Fonderico³  Angelo Bellinvia³  Sandro Sorbi³  Elio Prestipino³  Maria Pia Amato³  Luisa Pastò⁴ 

[1] Ente Ecclestiastico Ospedale Generale Regionale “F. Miulli”, Acquaviva delle Fonti, Italy;IRCCS Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi, Florence, Italy;NEUROFARBA Department, University of Florence, Florence, Italy;SOD Riabilitazione Neurologica, AOU Careggi, Florence, Italy;

关键词: multiple sclerosis;    cognitive impairment;    disability;    brain derived neurotrophic factor;    polymorphism;   

DOI  :  10.3389/fneur.2021.645220

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

Introduction: Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a member of the neurotrophin family, involved in neuronal survival and synaptic plasticity. The BDNF Val66Met polymorphism is known to reduce BDNF expression and secretion; its role in multiple sclerosis (MS) is poorly investigated.Objectives and Methods: In this multicenter, retrospective study, we assessed the role of BDNF Val66Met polymorphism on cognitive and motor disability in MS patients consecutively referred to the University of Florence and the Hospital of Barletta. All patients underwent a genetic analysis for the presence of Val66Met polymorphism and a comprehensive neuropsychological examination on the Rao's Brief Repeatable Battery and the Stroop Color Word Test. Possible predictors of the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score and number of failed neuropsychological tests were assessed through linear multivariable regression models.Results: Ninety-eight patients were recruited. Patients with the BDNF Val66Met polymorphism (35.7%) were more frequently males (p = 0.020), more disabled (p = 0.026) and, marginally, older (p = 0.064). In the multivariable analysis, BDNF Val66Met polymorphism was associated with a better cognitive performance (B = −1.1 ± 0.5, p = 0.027). Higher EDSS score was associated with a progressive disease course (B = 3.4, p < 0.001) and, marginally, with the presence of the BDNF Val66Met polymorphism (B = 0.56, p = 0.066).Discussion: Our results preliminarily suggest a protective role of BDNF Val66Met polymorphism against cognitive impairment in MS patients, possibly related to a detrimental effect of increased BDNF concentration in a neuroinflammatory environment.

【 授权许可】

Unknown