Abstract:
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and serotonin transporter (SERT) is implicated in the adverse life
events which lead to depression. The variation in genetic make-up of BDNF (Val66Met) and SERT (5’-HTTLPR) are
potential biomarkers in the development of neuropsychiatric disorders including depression. The purpose of this study
was to investigate the correlation of functional polymorphisms of BDNF and SERT genes with depression among
Pakistani population. A total of 373 participants (204 cases with depressive episodes and 169 healthy controls) with age
between 14 and 65yrs were recruited from Pakistani population. BDNF and SERT gene polymorphisms were genotyped
using PCR-RFLP analysis. The result showed that lack of association of Val66Met (χ2
: 3.596, p>0.05) and 5’-HTTLPR
(χ2
: 0.634, p>0.05) gene polymorphisms were found with depression. However, SERT ‘SL’ (OR: 1.150, 95%CI: 0.601-
2.201) and BDNF ‘AA’ (OR: 1.651, 95%CI: 0.585-4.660) and ‘GA’ (OR: 2.279, 95%CI: 0.825-6.298) genotypes might
be a risk genotypes for depression. Hence, it is concluded that the functional BDNF (Val66Met) and SERT (5’-HTTLPR)
gene polymorphisms may not be associated with depression. Replication studies on these polymorphisms with large
sample size are needed.
