Is Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Associated With Smoking Initiation? Replication Using a Large Finnish Population...

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Genetics
• Public Health

Background:

• Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) plays a role in the central nervous system.
• Evidence suggests BDNF involvement in addiction and mental health disorders.

Purpose of the Study:

• To replicate the association between a functional BDNF genetic variant and smoking initiation (SI).
• To determine if the BDNF-SI association is independent of depression.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a large Finnish population-based sample (n=26,647) from FINRISK surveys.
• Genotyped the BDNF Val66Met (rs6265) variant and assessed self-reported smoking status.
• Employed logistic regression, adjusting for age, sex, and depression.

Main Results:

• The BDNF Val66Met major (Val) allele was associated with increased odds of being a lifetime ever smoker (OR=1.07).
• This association remained significant after adjusting for depression (OR=1.06).
• Excluding individuals with depression did not alter the BDNF-SI association.

Conclusions:

• Replicated the association between the BDNF Val66Met variant and smoking initiation in a Finnish adult population.
• The findings suggest the BDNF gene's influence on smoking initiation is independent of depression.