Exploring the association between BDNF Val66Met polymorphism and suicidal behavior: Meta-analysis and systematic...

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Genetics
• Psychiatry

Background:

• Suicide is a global health crisis with significant consequences.
• Genetic factors are increasingly recognized as contributors to suicide behavior.
• The Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) gene Val66Met polymorphism (rs6265) is a candidate genetic marker for suicide risk.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a meta-analysis and systematic review to investigate the association between the BDNF gene Val66Met polymorphism and suicide behavior.
• To analyze this association across different genetic models and ethnic groups.

Main Methods:

• A systematic review and meta-analysis of 23 articles were performed.
• Data included 4532 cases and 5364 control subjects.
• Analyses covered allelic, homozygous, heterozygous, dominant, and recessive models, with subgroup analyses by ethnicity (Caucasian and Asian).

Main Results:

• No significant association was found between the BDNF Val66Met polymorphism and suicide behavior in the overall population (OR: 1.01; 95% CI: 0.92-1.10).
• However, subgroup analysis revealed a significant increased risk in Caucasian populations (Met-Met vs. Met-Val + Val-Val: OR: 1.96; 95% CI: 1.58-2.43).
• A significant increased risk was also observed in Asian populations (Val-Val vs. Val-Met + Met: OR: 1.36; 95% CI: 1.04-1.78).

Conclusions:

• The BDNF gene Val66Met polymorphism (rs6265) is not associated with suicide behavior in the general population.
• Ethnic differences in this association exist, with potential increased risk observed in Caucasian and Asian populations.
• Further large-scale studies are warranted to confirm these findings and elucidate the role of BDNF in suicide behavior across diverse ethnicities.