Translational Findings on Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor and Anxiety: Contributions from Basic Research to Clinical Practice

Background/Aims: Anxious responses are evolutionarily adaptive, but excessive fear can become disabling and lead to anxiety disorders. Translational models of anxiety might be useful sources for understanding the neurobiology of fear and anxiety and can contribute to future proposals of therapeutic intervention for the disorders studied. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which is known for its importance on neuroplasticity and contextual memory, has emerged as a relevant element for emotional memory. Recent studies show that the Val 66 Met BDNF polymorphism correlates with various psychiatric disorders, including anxiety, but there are several differences between experimental and clinical studies. Methods: In this work, we review the literature focused on the BDNF Val 66 Met polymorphism and anxiety, and discuss biological findings from animal models to clinical studies. Results: As occurs with other psychiatric disorders, anxiety correlates with anatomical, behavioral Received: November 15, 2012 Accepted: May 27, 2013 Published online: September 13, 2013 Dr. Anna Claudia Domingos da Silveira da Luz Laboratory of Panic and Respiration, Institute of Psychiatry Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro Avenida Venceslau Brás, 71 – fundos, Praia Vermelha, Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) E-Mail annadomluz @ gmail.com © 2013 S. Karger AG, Basel 0302–282X/13/0683–0129$38.00/0