BDNF Val66Met polymorphism is associated with unstable angina

BackgroundBrain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is involved in the pathophysiology of coronary artery disease (CAD). The human BDNF Val66Met polymorphism has been shown to be associated with altered susceptibility to neuropsychiatric disorders. However it is unknown whether this polymorphism plays a role in cardiovascular disease.MethodsGenotyping of BDNF Val66Met polymorphism was carried out in 513 controls, 628 unstable angina pectoris (UAP) and 276 stable angina pectoris (SAP) patients. The plasma concentrations of BDNF and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) were measured by ELISA. The general clinical data in patients and controls were obtained.ResultsThere was a significant association between genotype and allele frequency of the BDNF Val66Met polymorphism and UAP (all P < 0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that the BDNF_Met/Met genotype had a protective effect on the occurrence of UAP after controlling for known risk factors of CAD (OR 0.53, P = 0.005). Subjects with BDNF_Met/Met genotype also had decreased plasma hsCRP levels compared with the Val carriers (P < 0.01).ConclusionThe BDNF_Met/Met genotype has a protective effect on the occurrence of UAP, which might in part be due to the decreased plasma hsCRP level in BDNF_Met/Met carriers. To our knowledge, this is the first study that demonstrates the link between BDNF Val66Met polymorphism and CAD.