APOE & BDNF polymorphisms interact to affect memory performance at baseline in adolescent athletes
Kaitlin E Riegler1,2, Shayna Fink1, Erin T Guty1,3
1Department of Psychology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA.
Summary
Gene interactions between apolipoprotein E (APOE) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) impact adolescent athlete memory. Specifically, the APOE ε4+/BDNF Met+ genotype combination was linked to poorer verbal and visual memory performance.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Genetics
- Sports Medicine
Background:
- Gene-gene interactions are crucial for understanding cognitive function, yet their influence on cognition remains understudied.
- Apolipoprotein E (APOE) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) are key genes implicated in cognitive processes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the interactive effects of APOE and BDNF gene polymorphisms on cognitive performance in healthy adolescent athletes.
- To explore how specific genotype combinations influence different cognitive domains.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study of 78 healthy adolescent athletes.
- Genotyping for APOE and BDNF polymorphisms using buccal samples.
- Assessment of cognitive functioning using the Immediate Post-Concussion and Cognitive Testing (ImPACT) battery.
- Statistical analysis using two-way ANOVAs to examine gene-gene interactions.
Main Results:
- No significant main effects of APOE or BDNF genotypes on cognitive outcomes were found.
- A significant interaction between APOE and BDNF genotypes was observed for verbal and visual memory.
- Adolescent athletes with the APOE ε4+/BDNF Met+ genotype combination showed poorer performance in verbal and visual memory compared to other genotype combinations.
Conclusions:
- The interaction between APOE and BDNF genotypes significantly influences verbal and visual memory in healthy adolescent athletes.
- These genetic interactions may play a role in cognitive resilience or vulnerability.
- Findings can inform individualized concussion management strategies by considering genetic profiles.
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