BDNF (Val66Met) genetic polymorphism is associated with vulnerability for methamphetamine dependence
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Published on: January 22, 2016
Sri-Arun Iamjan1,2, Samur Thanoi1,2, Paritat Watiktinkorn3
1Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medical Science, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok 65000, Thailand.
Aim:
Association of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) genetic polymorphism rs6265 (Val66Met) with methamphetamine (METH) dependence and METH-induced psychosis was investigated in the Thai population.
Materials & Methods:
The rs6265 genotype was determined in 100 male METH-dependent subjects and 102 controls using a real-time PCR high-resolution melt (RT-PCR-HRM) assay.
Results:
The rs6265 genotype demonstrated significant differences in distribution between METH-dependent subjects and controls in which the frequency of GG genotype versus A-allele carriers was associated with METH dependence. Moreover, a significant effect of genotype on the occurrence of psychosis was found, with a lower frequency of GG genotype associated with METH-induced psychosis.
Conclusion:
The present findings indicate that rs6265 is associated with METH dependence in the Thai population, with the GG genotype greater in METH-dependent subjects but reducing the emergence of METH-dependent psychosis.
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