Aims

To support the free and open dissemination of research findings and information on alcoholism and alcohol-related problems. To encourage open access to peer-reviewed articles free for all to view.

For full versions of posted research articles readers are encouraged to email requests for "electronic reprints" (text file, PDF files, FAX copies) to the corresponding or lead author, who is highlighted in the posting.

___________________________________________

Friday, November 26, 2010

Family-based study of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) gene polymorphism in alcohol dependence


Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) belongs to a family of proteins related to the nerve growth factor family, which are responsible
for the proliferation, survival and differentiation of neurons. BDNF is thought to be involved in the pathogenesis of bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, eating disorders and addiction. 

We hypothesize that a functionally relevant polymorphism of the BDNF gene promoter may be associated with the pathogenesis of alcohol dependence.
We performed an association study of 141 families with alcohol dependence. One hundred and thirty-eight healthy control subjects were matched based on ethnicity and gender.  

An association between the BDNF Val66Met gene polymorphism and alcoholism was not found.




Read Full Article     (PDF)
at