Influence of the BDNF Val66Met Polymorphism on the Development and Persistence of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in Military Personnel

Abstract

The prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) tends to be higher among military personnel and veterans compared to the general civilian population. PTSD is characterized by impaired cognitive functioning as it affects learning and memory. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) modulates cognition and is involved in neuroprotection and memory consolidation. The BDNF Val66Met polymorphism was found to influence cognitive functions negatively and is potentially related to PTSD. Despite previous research, the precise link between BDNF genotype and PTSD remains unclear. Therefore, this study focuses on the question of whether BDNF Val66Met polymorphism influences either the prevention or recovery of PTSD symptoms. The study is based on longitudinal research from war veterans deployed to Afghanistan and data from war veterans with PTSD. Besides focusing on the prevention and recovery of PTSD symptoms, the study also examined the influence of the BDNF Val66Met polymorphism on hippocampal volume using Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) data. No significant results are found for the influence of Val66Met on PTSD symptom development or PTSD treatment recovery. Additionally, Val66Met has no significant effect on hippocampal volume. Taken together, the BDNF Val66Met polymorphism does not influence the development of PTSD symptoms or recovery from PTSD. Future research is required to investigate the underlying causes of the differences in hippocampal volume and whether this poses a risk for the persistence of PTSD.