We observed a significant increase in the level of proNGF protein in Pick's disease and a significant decrease in BDNF mRNA and protein levels in Pick's disease and corticobasal degeneration, but no neurotrophin alterations in progressive supranuclear palsy.
We suggest that the presence of the BDNF Val allele in itself and in combination with the ApoE epsilon4 allele can be risk factors for AD, and the results indicate a synergistic effect of the 2 polymorphisms on DLB and PiD risk.