Brain-derived neurotrophic factor gene G196A polymorphisms and the cognitive function of schizophrenia: a case-control study

Abstract

Objective To explore the relationships between brain-derived neurotrophic factor gene G196A polymorphisms and psychopathology and the cognitive function in schizophrenic patients. Methods 224 patients and 220 normal controls were examined with polymerase chain reaction(PCR), denaturing polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and silver staining to determine genotype and allele of G196A.Clinical symptoms were assessed with the Positive and Negative Symptom Scale (PANSS). Cognitive function was assessed with Wisconsin card sorting test(WCST)and Trail Making Test(CPT). To analyse the differences of the scores of Scale for the Assessment of Positive Symptoms(SAPS) and Scale for the Assessment of Negative Symptoms(SANS) among the patients with the genotype G/G, G/A and A/A.At the same time, the differences of the performance of WCST and CPT were analyzed. Results ①There were no significant differences of the genotypes G/G, G/A and A/A and allele G and A between patients and controls.②There were significant differences of the genotypes A/A between patients with Positive Symptoms and patients with Negative Symptoms(χ2=4.558, P 0.05). Conclusion BDNF gene G196A polymorphisms are not associated with schizophrenia and the cognitive function but are associated with positive symptoms of schizophrenia. Key words: Schizophrenia; Brain-derived neurotrophic factor; Cognitive function; Gene polymorphism