Working memory and executive functions, connected with the activity of prefrontal cortex play an important role in complex mental processes. Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST) is a main tool used for neuropsychological assessment of prefrontal cortex activity. Molecular genetics studies show the association between the performance on WCST and polymorphism of dopaminergic system genes in schizophrenia and healthy subjects, also with polymorphism of BDNF gene in bipolar disorders.

In this study an association between performance on WCST and polymorphisms of selected candidate genes was assessed.

The study included 200 healthy volunteers aged 18-60 years. Neuropsychological assessment was performed using WCST and following domains were evaluated: perseverative errors (inability to change the reaction), nonperseverative errors (attentional inability to avoid distraction), number of completed categories (ability to utilize new information), percent of conceptual responses (ability of conceptual thinking) and set to complete 1st category (ability to formulate a logical conception). Genotyping were done for polymorphism of dopaminergic: D1receptor (-48A/G) and catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT108/158Val/Met), serotoninergic (5-HTTLPR), glutamatergic: FYNkinase (93A/G, IVS10+37T/C, Ex12+894T/G) and neurotrophic: brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF:C-270T,Val66Met) genes.

A/G polymorphism of DRD1 gene was connected with better results on trials to complete 1st category. Better performance on nonperseverative errors was observed in females with Val/Val genotype of COMT. The C/T genotype of C-270T BDNF polymorphism was associated with higher percentage of conceptual responses.

The results obtained suggest a contribution of studied candidate genes to working memory and executive functions efficiency, connected with prefrontal cortex activity, in healthy subjects.