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Updated: Jan 20, 2026
Stress Response and Hypothalamic-Pituitary Axis
Association between BDNF Polymorphism and Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal Activity in Later Adulthood
Alexandra J Fiocco1, Danielle D'Amico2, Louis de Beaumont3
1Institute for Stress and Wellbeing Research, Ryerson University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, afiocco@psych.ryerson.ca.
The brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) Met+ genotype is linked to reduced cortisol reactivity in older adults. This finding suggests BDNF may influence stress responses in aging populations.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Gerontology
- Genetics
Background:
- Lifespan stress exposure is linked to cognitive decline.
- Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) influences the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between BDNF polymorphism and stress indicators in adults aged 50+.
- To examine how BDNF genotype affects diurnal cortisol and stress reactivity.
Main Methods:
- 121 adults (50-67 years) provided blood for BDNF genotyping.
- Saliva samples measured diurnal cortisol over 3 days.
- Trier Social Stress Test (TSST) assessed stress reactivity.
Main Results:
- No association found between BDNF genotype and diurnal cortisol (p = 0.63).
- BDNF Met+ carriers showed lower cortisol secretion post-TSST compared to Val/Val carriers (p = 0.032).
Conclusions:
- The BDNF polymorphism may modulate acute stress responses in older adults.
- This is the first study to explore BDNF's role in stress physiology in this age group.
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