2218 – Brain-derived Neurotrophic Factor Gene Polymorphism (val66met) And The Response To Escitalopram In Depression

Abstract

Introduction

The Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) gene is a candidate gene for influencing the clinical response to treatment with antidepressants.

Objective

The aim of the study was to determine the effects of 3 and 6 weeks of escitalopram treatment in depressed patients subdivided according to the treatment response.

Methods

We included 188 French subjects with depression, 153 completed a 6-week treatment with escitalopram (10–20 mg/d). Clinical evaluation was performed using the Montgomery and Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) before treatment and after 3 and 6 weeks of treatment.

Results

At 3 weeks of escitalopram treatment, the Met carriers had increased antidepressant response in comparison to Val/Val homozygotes. No significant clinical difference between genotype groups remained at 6 weeks of escitalopram treatment.

Conclusions

Our findings further support that the Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor gene polymorphism (Val66Met) may play a role in antidepressant treatment response phenotypes in mood depressive episode.