Abstract

Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Val66Met Polymorphism in Contex of Executive Functions and Working Memory in Obese Patients

Author(s): Maciej Bieliaski, Natalia Lesiewska, Marcin Jaracz, Marta Tomaszewska, Marcin Sikora, Artur Mieczkowski,Roman Junik, Anna Kamiaska, Andrzej Tretyn, Alina Borkowska

ABSTRACT

Neurothrophins are crucial in the regulation of many processes, such as nerve cellsdevelopment and neuroplasticity and brain-derived neurothrophic factor (BDNF) is the major one. Researchers still scrutinize the role of BDNF Val66Met polymorphism in eating disorders and cognition, however, literature present inconsistent findings regarding this topic. Most of all, the exact mechanism of how exactly BDNF influences cognitive functioning in obesity is unknown. In our study, we try to elucidate the association of BDNF Val66Met polymorphism with executive functions and working memory on large obese population.

375 obese patients underwent biometric analyses and neuropsychological assessment. The Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST) was used to assess cognitive functions. Genetic polymorphism in BDNF was evaluated in peripheral blood samples.