Sex effects for the interaction of dopamine related genetic variants for COMT and BDNF on declarative memory performance.

Abstract

Genetic factors are assumed to contribute to memory performance, especially genes affecting the dopaminergic neurotransmission. We aimed to evaluate leading functional genetic variants of the dopamine system, Catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) SNP rs4680 and Brain-derived neurotropic factor (BDNF) SNP rs6265, previously found to be associated with memory performance. In two independent general population cohorts (total N= 5937) we investigated direct and interaction effects between COMT and BDNF SNPs on declarative memory performance. We found significant two-way interactions for COMT and BDNF in both cohorts but no direct genetic effects. Sensitivity analyses revealed that an interaction between COMT and BDNF was mainly carried by females. While direct associations of COMT and BDNF on memory have been reported previously, we could demonstrate that the interaction of COMT and BDNF is sex-dependent and more complex and needs further investigation. Our results could be demonstrated in two independent cohorts of valuable size.