Compared with the individuals with an alcohol intake ⩽20 g per day and ⩽30 g per day for females and males, respectively, and adjusting for serum levels of BDNF and VEGF, BMI and depression, the mean sortilin levels are significantly increased in individuals with an alcohol intake above 20 and 30 g per day for females and males, respectively. The gene discussed is VEGFA; the disease is major depressive disorder.