Association of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and elongator protein complex 4 (ELP4) polymorphisms with benign epilepsy with centrotemporal spikes in a Greek population

- BECTS is the most common childhood epileptic syndrome.
- BDNF gene is located on chromosome 11p13, as is the ELP4 gene.
- We conducted a case-control association study.
- We explored the association of BDNF and ELP4 polymorphisms with BECTS.

SummaryPurposeBenign epilepsy with centrotemporal spikes (BECTS) is considered to be the most common childhood epileptic syndrome. Different mutations in genes that control the excitability of neurons have been described. Recent reports on the involvement of the BDNF and ELP4 genes in cell motility, migration, and adhesion raise the possibility that these genes are involved in pathogenesis of BECTS.Materials and methodsWe conducted a case-control association study on 60 patients with BECTS and 60 control participants to assess the influence of the BDNF and ELP4 polymorphisms on BECTS. The polymorphisms were detected with a PCR-RFLP method. Moreover, we explored the possible association of these polymorphisms with clinical and electroencephalographic parameters of patients with BECTS.ResultsOur results show no difference in BDNF and ELP4 genotype frequencies between patients and controls. Haplotype analysis also revealed no statistical difference.ConclusionThe role of BDNF and ELP4 polymorphisms remains controversial.