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

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