Combined homocysteine and apoE rs429358 and rs7412 polymorphism in association with serum lipid levels and cognition in Chinese community-dwelling older adults

Abstract

Background ApoE gene polymorphism and serum total homocysteine (tHcy) has been reportedly associated with cognition. In this study, we assessed the association of combined ApoE gene polymorphism and tHcy with cognition in Chinese elder adults. Methods A cross- sectional study was carried out by recruiting 1458 community-dwelling people aged 55+ and above in Beijing in 2009. All participants were interviewed using a standard questionnaire and underwent a physical examination. The mini-mental scale examination (MMSE) score was used in assessing cognitive function. Fasting venous blood samples were taken for ApoE rs429358, rs7412 genotyping, tHcy and other serum lipid measurements. Results Participants with high serum tHcy level showed a relatively lower orientation, attention abilities as well as the total MMSE score than the group with normal tHcy after adjusting confounding factors. ApoE rs429358 and rs7412 variants were observed to have the highest serum TC and TG level in the subjects with high serum tHcy level (p < 0.05). Cognition of the subjects was found to be significantly associated with high serum tHcy level and ApoE genetic polymorphism (p < 0.05). Independent of age, BMI, education levels, smoking and alcohol drinking, the worst cognitive ability were detected in the high serum tHcy level subjects with ApoE rs429358C/T and rs7412 C/T as compare with other groups, especially orientation function, memory and delayed recall ability and attention ability. Conclusion High serum tHcy level in combination with ApoE rs429358 and rs7412 variants might be linked with serum lipid levels and cognition, particularly for orientation function and memory and delayed recall ability in old Chinese adults.

Unraveling the Genetic Interplay and Therapeutic Potentials between Major Depressive Disorder and Metabolic Syndrome: Multi-Ancestry and Multi-Trait Genome-Wide Association Analyses

“…Moreover, rs429358, a variant located in an mRNA exonic region associated with brain structure across ancestries 69,70 , and its related gene APOE, were identi ed among our likely pleiotropic genes. Existing research has revealed that the rs429358 mutation augments MD prevalence by 2.17 times, correlating with elevated hypercholesterolemia and coronary heart disease risks [87][88][89] , potentially due to this locus's impact on APOE protein structure and function, thus affecting its receptor binding a nity, lipid metabolism, and cellular repair mechanisms [90][91][92] . The association between this variant and both MD and MetS might re ect its dual regulatory role in brain and systemic metabolism, proposing APOE as a critical nexus for mental and metabolic health 93,94 .…”

Development of a colloidal gold strip assay for the detection of total homocysteine in serum samples

“…Moreover, some studies have reported an association between high serum Hcy levels and Parkinson's disease (PD) 8 or Alzheimer's disease (AD). 9,10 It is necessary therefore to determine the Hcy content in the human body using an appropriate methodology. In recent years, with more attention being paid to cardiovascular, cerebrovascular and neurological diseases, an increasing number of methods have been developed to detect Hcy including HPLC-MS/MS, 11 electrochemical sensors, 12 fluorescent probes 13,14 and others.…”

“…Moreover, some studies have reported an association between high serum Hcy levels and Parkinson's disease (PD) 8 or Alzheimer's disease (AD). 9,10…”