Abstract
Background: The brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a neurotrophic factor in the brain associated with the growth, synaptic plasticity, learning, and cognitive processes. Objectives: The presence of val66met polymorphism in codon 66 of the BDNF gene disturbs this protein’s secretion. The study investigates the effect of this polymorphism on attention, visuomotor performance, and implicit motor sequence learning. Methods: In the present study, 100 students from the University of Kashan, Iran, with the mean age of 21.60 ± 2.20 years, were enrolled. Following extraction of Genomic DNA, implementation of polymerase chain reaction (PCR), analyzing PCR, and DNA sequencing, 46 students were recognized without val66met polymorphism, while 54 students were affected by the polymorphism. In the beginning, participants of each group performed the Stroop color-word test. The Stroop color-word test was performed on one day, and afterward, the serial reaction time test was performed on another day. Results: The results showed that students with the polymorphism were significantly performed weaker than those without the polymorphism in intervention time of the Stroop test (P = 0.001), visuomotor performance (P = 0.001), and implicit motor learning (P = 0.006). However, no significant difference between the groups was observed in intervention score of the Stroop test (P = 0.637). Conclusions: In general, the results show the effect of the polymorphism on visuomotor performance, implicit motor sequence learning, and selective attention. Therefore, this polymorphism in some individuals may weaken their ability, probably through disturbance in BDNF expression.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
More From: Middle East Journal of Rehabilitation and Health Studies
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.