Effect of interactions between APOE and ESR1 polymorphisms on cognitive functions in postmenopausal women

Abstract

IntroductionDuring menopause the level of estrogens is decreased, which may lead to cognitive impairment or dementia. Some forms of genetic polymorphism were found to be related to cognitive functions, including APOE and ESR1 (PvuII and XbaI) polymorphisms. In the present study we aimed to analyze the impact of interactions between APOE and ESR1 polymorphisms on cognitive functions in the group of postmenopausal women.Material and methodsThe study group consisted of 266 postmenopausal women aged 50–65 years without symptoms of dementia. A computerized battery of the Central Nervous System Vital Signs (CNS VS) test was used to diagnose cognitive functions. APOE and ESR1 polymorphisms were genotyped using multiplex PCR and PCR-RFLP methods, respectively. Statistical analysis was performed using two-way analysis of variance in Statistica software.ResultsThe best memory, visual memory, processing and psychomotor speeds were found in women carrying the C allele of the PvuII polymorphism (TC + CC genotypes) in the presence of the APOE 2/3 genotype, while a lower outcome was noted in women with 3/3, and the lowest if they had the 4 allele. In the case of women with TT genotype of the PvuII polymorphism, cognitive functioning did not decrease in women with the 4 allele. A similar effect on cognitive functions was observed for AG + GG genotypes of the XbaI and APOE polymorphisms. Women who simultaneously carried CC PvuII and GG XbaI genotypes had the lowest cognitive functions.ConclusionsInteractions of polymorphic variants of APOE and ESR1 genes influenced cognitive functions in postmenopausal women.