The BDNF Protein is Associated With Glucose Homeostasis and Food Intake in Carriers of Common BDNF Gene Variants

Abstract

Abstract Context Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) concentrations may differ between BDNF genotype carriers. These changes occur in individuals with metabolic and mental disorders. Objective The aim of this study was to assess the associations of glucose homeostasis parameters and the frequency of food consumption with BDNF protein concentrations based on BDNF single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Methods Among the 439 participants, some common rs10835211 BDNF gene variants were analyzed. We evaluated BDNF concentrations, and measured glucose and insulin after fasting and during oral glucose tolerance tests. Anthropometric measurements, body composition, and body fat distribution were assessed, and a 3-day food intake diary and food frequency questionnaire were completed. Results We observed significant differences in BDNF concentration between AA and AG genotype rs10835211 carriers (P = .018). The group of AA genotype holders were older, and positive correlation was found between age and BDNF in the whole study population (P = .012) and in the GG genotype carriers (P = .023). Moreover, BDNF protein correlated with fasting insulin (P = .015), HOMA-IR (P = .031), HOMA-B (P = .010), and the visceral/subcutaneous adipose tissue (VAT/SAT) ratio (P = .026) in the GG genotype individuals. Presence of the GG genotype was negatively correlated with nut and seed (P = .047) and lean pork consumption (P = .015), and the BDNF protein. Moreover, we observed correlations between the frequency of chicken (P = .028), pasta (P = .033), and sweet food intake (P = .040) with BDNF concentration in the general population. Among carriers of the AA genotype, we observed a positive correlation between the consumption of rice (P = .048) and sweet food (P = .028) and the BDNF protein level. Conclusion Peripheral BDNF may be associated with VAT content and insulin concentrations in GG genotype carriers and may vary with particular food intake, which warrants further investigation.