The brain-derived neurotrophic factor gene in suicidal behaviour: a meta-analysis

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Genetics
• Psychiatry

Background:

• Suicide is a major public health concern with complex origins.
• Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a potential factor in the etiology of suicidal behavior.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct the first meta-analysis on the functional BDNF Val⁶⁶Met (rs6265) polymorphism in relation to suicidal behavior.
• To investigate the association between the BDNF Val⁶⁶Met variant and the risk of suicide and suicide attempts.

Main Methods:

• A meta-analysis was performed using data from 12 studies, including 3352 subjects (1202 with a history of suicidal behavior).
• The study analyzed the Val⁶⁶Met polymorphism (rs6265, 196G>A) in BDNF.
• Statistical analyses included random-effects and fixed-effects models to assess risk and association.

Main Results:

• The meta-analysis indicated a trend for Met-carrying genotypes and the Met allele to confer risk for suicide (p=0.096 and p=0.032, respectively).
• The Met allele and Met-carrying genotypes were significantly associated with a history of suicide attempt (p=0.013 and p=0.017 for random-effects models).

Conclusions:

• The BDNF Val⁶⁶Met polymorphism appears to be involved in suicidality.
• Further research is necessary to fully understand the role of BDNF Val⁶⁶Met in suicidal behavior.