Brain derived neurotrophic factor gene polymorphism (Val66Met) and short-term antidepressant response in major depressive disorder

BackgroundsTo determine the association between the brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) Val66Met polymorphism and short-term antidepressant response in Taiwanese patients with major depressive disorder (MDD).MethodsWe recruited 117 MDD patients who were randomized to fluoxetine or venlafaxine treatment and 106 controls. The association between genotypes and percentage changes in the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAM-D) scores over time was analyzed by repeated-measures ANOVA. The antidepressants were included in the model as covariates.ResultsThe frequency of the BDNF Val66Met polymorphisms was not significantly different between patient and control groups. Significantly changes in HAM-D scores were noted after 2 and 4 weeks of venlafaxine treatment among different genotypes.ConclusionsResults suggest antidepressants acting through different mechanisms may affect the BDNF Val66Met polymorphism differently.