Abstract
Genes have not been identified in mood disorders and neurodegenerative diseases with a direct pathogenetic effect, but the impact of genetic factors is very important in both disorders. Depression is a risk factor, prodromal and also the accompanying symptom of Alzheimer's disease.
Genes associated with depression are SLC64A for serotonin transporter (5-HTT), HTR2A for serotonin receptor 2A (5-HT2A), TPH2 for neuronal tryptophanhydroxylase 2, MAOA for monoamine oxidase A, COMT for catechol-O-metyltransferase, BDNF for brain-derived neurotrophic factor, APOE for apolipoprotein E (ApoE) etc. The main genetic risk factor for the development of Alzheimer's disease with the late onset is ?4-alelle of APOE.
This review brings the summary of facts about selected examined genetic parameters and their roles in the etiopathogenesis of affective disorders and neurodegenerative disorders.