BDNF genotype potentially modifying the association between incident stroke and depression

Objective: To investigate the role of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) gene val66met polymorphism in the association between stroke and depression. Method: Five hundred community residents aged > 65 years without stroke or depression at baseline were re-evaluated after 2 years. Disability (World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule, WHODAS II), cognitive function (Mini-Mental State Examination, MMSE), and BDNF genotype were also measured at baseline. Results: The association between incident stroke and depression was strengthened progressively with increasing numbers of met alleles, and was only significant in subjects with the met/met genotype after adjustment for disability and cognitive function. Conclusion: The BDNF val66met polymorphism may modify the association between stroke and depression. (c) 2006 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.