BDNF Genotype Interacts with Motor Function to Influence Rehabilitation Responsiveness Poststroke

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Genetics
• Rehabilitation Medicine

Background:

• Persistent motor impairment after stroke is highly variable.
• Genetic factors, such as brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and apolipoprotein E (APOE) gene polymorphisms, may influence neuroplasticity and rehabilitation response.
• Understanding these genetic influences is crucial for personalized stroke recovery strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of BDNF and APOE genotypes on motor improvement in patients undergoing upper-limb stroke rehabilitation.
• To determine if specific genetic variations affect the efficacy of different rehabilitation approaches.

Main Methods:

• Genotyping for BDNF-Val66Met and APOE isoforms was performed on DNA from 55 chronic stroke patients.
• Patients participated in either Wii-based Movement Therapy or Constraint-induced Movement Therapy.
• Upper-limb motor function was assessed before and after the rehabilitation intervention.

Main Results:

• All patients showed motor function improvement post-therapy, irrespective of the therapy type.
• No significant main effect of BDNF or APOE genotype on baseline or post-therapy motor function was observed.
• A significant interaction revealed that BDNF Val66Met polymorphism carriers with moderate to high residual motor function experienced less improvement compared to those with low motor function.

Conclusions:

• The BDNF-Val66Met polymorphism interacts with baseline motor function to modulate rehabilitation outcomes in chronic stroke patients.
• This genetic variation may reduce the magnitude of motor gains, particularly in individuals with higher residual motor function.
• Considering BDNF genotype in clinical trial design and interpretation is recommended for stroke rehabilitation research.