Association between the Val66Met (rs6265) polymorphism of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) gene, BDNF protein level in the blood and the risk of developing early‑onset Parkinson's disease.

Abstract excerpt

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is involved in the maintenance of dopamine level and the survival of dopaminergic neurons, which may affect the functionality of brain structures responsible for motor and cognitive function. The aim of the study was to assess the association of individual and combined single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the rs6265 BDNF (Val66Met), rs397595 DAT (SLC6A3), and rs4680...