The association between serum BDNF levels, BDNF polymorphisms, and tardive dyskinesia: A review of current evidence

Background: Tardive Dyskinesia (TD) is a movement disorder that can be potentially permanent and is commonly found among psychiatric patients who are taking antipsychotics or lithium. Studies have investigated the association between TD and genetics, particularly the impact of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) polymorphisms on TD occurrence and cognitive changes. Among the BDNF polymorphisms studied, Val66Met has been investigated extensively. Nevertheless, the extent to which genetic approaches can contribute to comprehending the susceptibility to TD remains uncertain.
Methods: PubMed was used to search articles systematically. Twenty-seven articles published in the last ten years (2012-2022) were retrieved. Review, meta-analysis, retracted, animal studies, and comment articles were excluded. In addition, only articles in English language were included.
Results: Preliminary results of the study suggest an association between TD occurrence and cognition with specific BDNF polymorphisms and serum BDNF levels.
Conclusions: In conclusion, our study findings suggest a potential relationship between TD and BDNF polymorphisms as well as serum BDNF levels.