Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) polymorphisms G196A and C270T are not associated with response to electroconvulsive therapy in major depressive disorder

The aim of the present study was to examine an association of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) polymorphisms G196A and C270T and the response to electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) in major depressive disorder (MDD). The study group consisted of 119 patients consecutively admitted for ECT in the Department of Psychiatry, Tampere University Hospital. All patients fulfilled the diagnostic criteria of DSM-IV for MDD. ECT was administered three times a week with a brief pulse constant current device. The Montgomery and Aasberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) was used as an outcome measure of depression. Genotyping was performed using fluorescent allele-specific TaqMan probes. No association between either G196A or C270T and the response to ECT was found in the whole population. There were no significant differences in responses between men and women or between psychotic and non-psychotic patients. However, within subgroups such as in psychotic and in late-onset depression CC genotype of C270T may predict good response. BDNF may not be associated with response to ECT in general, but some association in subgroups may exist.