AUTHOR=Portaccio Emilio , Bellinvia Angelo , Prestipino Elio , Nacmias Benedetta , Bagnoli Silvia , Razzolini Lorenzo , Pastò Luisa , Niccolai Claudia , Goretti Benedetta , Fonderico Mattia , Zimatore Giovanni Bosco , Losignore Nunzia Alessandra , Sorbi Sandro , Amato Maria Pia 

TITLE=The Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Val66Met Polymorphism Can Protect Against Cognitive Impairment in Multiple Sclerosis

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Neurology

VOLUME=12

YEAR=2021

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/neurology/articles/10.3389/fneur.2021.645220

DOI=10.3389/fneur.2021.645220

ISSN=1664-2295

ABSTRACT=<p><bold>Introduction:</bold> Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a member of the neurotrophin family, involved in neuronal survival and synaptic plasticity. The BDNF Val66Met polymorphism is known to reduce BDNF expression and secretion; its role in multiple sclerosis (MS) is poorly investigated.</p><p><bold>Objectives and Methods:</bold> In this multicenter, retrospective study, we assessed the role of BDNF Val66Met polymorphism on cognitive and motor disability in MS patients consecutively referred to the University of Florence and the Hospital of Barletta. All patients underwent a genetic analysis for the presence of Val66Met polymorphism and a comprehensive neuropsychological examination on the Rao's Brief Repeatable Battery and the Stroop Color Word Test. Possible predictors of the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score and number of failed neuropsychological tests were assessed through linear multivariable regression models.</p><p><bold>Results:</bold> Ninety-eight patients were recruited. Patients with the BDNF Val66Met polymorphism (35.7%) were more frequently males (<italic>p</italic> = 0.020), more disabled (<italic>p</italic> = 0.026) and, marginally, older (<italic>p</italic> = 0.064). In the multivariable analysis, BDNF Val66Met polymorphism was associated with a better cognitive performance (<italic>B</italic> = −1.1 ± 0.5, <italic>p</italic> = 0.027). Higher EDSS score was associated with a progressive disease course (<italic>B</italic> = 3.4, <italic>p</italic> &lt; 0.001) and, marginally, with the presence of the BDNF Val66Met polymorphism (<italic>B</italic> = 0.56, <italic>p</italic> = 0.066).</p><p><bold>Discussion:</bold> Our results preliminarily suggest a protective role of BDNF Val66Met polymorphism against cognitive impairment in MS patients, possibly related to a detrimental effect of increased BDNF concentration in a neuroinflammatory environment.</p>