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

Abstract

Objective:

Alzheimer disease (AD) has been recognized as a progressive neurodegenerative disorder. This study aims to investigate the effects of estrogen receptor α (ERα) 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 ERα and ERα 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 ERα mRNA expression. The MMSE and ADL scores were indicative of a worse cognitive function in the methylation group. The ERα promoter methylated patients showed a higher rate of abnormal ADL score, while patients in the nonmethylation group enjoyed a better QOL.

Conclusions:

The ERα promoter methylation is related to impaired cognitive function and QOL of patients with AD by inhibiting ERα mRNA expression and transcription.

Keywords

estrogen receptor α Alzheimer disease promoter methylation cognitive function quality of life

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