Correlation with statistical significance and its explanation rate: comment on Minelli et al., 'BDNF serum levels, but not BDNF Val66Met genotype, are correlated with personality traits in healthy subjects.' (Eur Arch Psychiatry Clin Neurosci doi:10.1007/s00406-011-0189-3).

摘要

Minelli et al. reported the existence of a relationship between the serum levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) (n = 107) or BDNF Val66Met polymorphism (n = 217) and personality traits as measured by the scores of the temperament and character inventory (TCI) in healthy volunteers [1]. A significant correlation was observed between the scores for some scales of the TCI and the serum BDNF concentrations [1]. Although there are seven main scales and 24 subscales in the TCI, statistically significant correlation was found only for one main scale and three subscales. The Pearson's correlation coefficients between the serum BDNF and four scales, namely, harm avoidance, anticipatory worry, fatigability/asthenia, and resourcefulness were -0.253 (P = 0.009), -0.222 (P = 0.023), -0.221 (P = 0.023), and 0.256 (P = 0.008), respectively. By using a regression analysis to control for confounders, they concluded that decreased serum BDNF concentration was associated with anxiety personality traits in the general population. In addition, Minelli et al.