Low brain-derived neurotrophic factor protein levels and single-nucleotide polymorphism Val66Met are associated with peripheral neuropathy in type II diabetic patients.

Background: Studies by our group demonstrated brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels in blood and BDNF-Val66met-SNP as potential biomarkers in chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy. Here, we evaluate symptoms of peripheral neuropathy (PN) and depression in patients with type II diabetes mellitus in search of an association with serum BDNF levels and the Val66Met-SNP.

Methods: In total, 90 patients enrolled in the study; 23 (25.