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BDNF Met allele Is Associated With Lower Cognitive Function in Poststroke Rehabilitation
Zhenxiang Han1,2, Lili Qi3, Qinfeng Xu4
1Stroke Biological Recovery Laboratory, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA, USA.
Neurorehabilitation and Neural Repair
|February 4, 2020
Summary
The brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) Val66Met gene variant is linked to poorer cognitive function after stroke. This BDNF genotype may help predict cognitive recovery in stroke patients undergoing rehabilitation.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Genetics
- Rehabilitation Medicine
Background:
- Cognitive outcomes after stroke significantly impact rehabilitation effectiveness.
- Identifying genetic factors influencing post-stroke cognitive function can personalize treatment strategies.
- The brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) gene is crucial for neuronal plasticity and cognitive processes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between the BDNF Val66Met polymorphism and functional cognitive outcomes in stroke survivors.
- To determine if BDNF genotype independently predicts post-stroke cognitive performance and recovery.
- To explore the role of BDNF in different stroke types (ischemic and hemorrhagic).
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 86 stroke patients was selected from the Partners HealthCare Biobank (775 initially identified).
- Genomic data for BDNF Val66Met polymorphism and functional outcomes (Functional Independence Measure scores) at admission and discharge were analyzed.
- Logistic and linear regression models, adjusted for age, sex, and medical conditions, were employed.
Main Results:
- A significant correlation was observed between BDNF Met alleles and lower cognitive function at discharge in both ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke patients.
- Met allele carriers showed a higher frequency compared to Val/Val homozygotes in patients with poorer cognitive recovery.
- Adjusted analyses revealed BDNF Met alleles were associated with significantly lower cognitive outcomes (P = .003) and recovery (P = .006), particularly in problem-solving, expression, and social domains.
Conclusions:
- Carriers of the BDNF Met allele demonstrate impaired cognitive function following a stroke.
- The BDNF genotype serves as a potential predictive biomarker for cognitive function in the context of inpatient stroke rehabilitation.
- Personalized rehabilitation approaches may be enhanced by considering the genetic profile of stroke survivors.
