Gender, Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Val66Met, and Frequency of Methamphetamine Use

Background

Frequency of pretreatment methamphetamine (MA) use is an important predictor of outcomes of treatment for MA dependence. Preclinical studies suggest females self-administer more MA than males, but few clinical studies have examined potential sex differences in the frequency of MA use. Estrogen increases expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which has effects on MA-induced striatal dopamine release and protects against MA-induced neurotoxicity.

Objective

We examined potential effects of sex, the Val66Met polymorphism in BDNF, and their interaction on frequency of MA use among 60 Caucasian MA-dependent volunteers screening for a clinical trial.

Methods

Data was taken from 60 Caucasian MA-dependent volunteers screening for a clinical trial.

Results

Females reported significantly more pretreatment days with MA use in the past 30 days than males. There was a significant interaction between sex and BDNF Val66Met, with the highest frequency of MA use among females with Val/Val genotype.

Conclusions

These results, although preliminary, add to the literature documenting sexual dimorphism in response to stimulants, including MA, and suggest a potential biological mechanism involving BDNF that might contribute to these differences. Additional research characterizing the biological basis of altered response to MA among females is warranted.