ER alpha Gene Promoter Methylation in Cognitive Function and Quality of Life of Patients With Alzheimer Disease

作者：Li, Kai-Xiu; Sun, Qin; Wei, Ling-Ling; Du, Guang-Hui; Huang, Xue; Wang, Jun-Kang^*

来源：Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry and Neurology, 2019, 32(4): 221-228.

DOI：10.1177/0891988719835325

• estrogen receptor alpha
• Alzheimer disease
• promoter methylation
• cognitive function
• quality of life

Objective: Alzheimer disease (AD) has been recognized as a progressive neurodegenerative disorder. This study aims to investigate the effects of estrogen receptor alpha (ER alpha) gene promoter methylation on the cognitive function and quality of life (QOL) of patients with AD. Methods: A total of 132 patients with AD and 135 healthy individuals were recruited for this study. The DNA in the peripheral blood was extracted and treated with bisulfite; then methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction and reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction were performed to determine the methylation status of ER alpha and ER alpha messenger RNA (mRNA) expression, respectively. Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), activities of daily living (ADL), and Quality of Life-Alzheimer Disease scale were employed to evaluate the cognitive functions, ADL, and QOL of the participants. Results: The methylation group showed a decrease in ER alpha mRNA expression. The MMSE and ADL scores were indicative of a worse cognitive function in the methylation group. The ER alpha promoter methylated patients showed a higher rate of abnormal ADL score, while patients in the nonmethylation group enjoyed a better QOL. Conclusions: The ER alpha promoter methylation is related to impaired cognitive function and QOL of patients with AD by inhibiting ER alpha mRNA expression and transcription.

• 单位
  jk; 四川省医学科学院（四川省人民医院）; 电子科技大学