Epigenetic factors in late-onset Alzheimer's disease by vitamins. - GreenMedInfo Summary
Epigenetic Factors in Late-Onset Alzheimer's Disease:andGene Polymorphisms, Metabolic Transsulfuration and Methylation Pathways, and B Vitamins.
Int J Mol Sci. 2019 Jan 14 ;20(2). Epub 2019 Jan 14. PMID: 30646578
Gustavo C Román
DNA methylation and other epigenetic factors are important in the pathogenesis of late-onset Alzheimer's disease (LOAD). Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase () gene mutations occur in most elderly patients with memory loss. MTHFR is critical for production of S-adenosyl-l-methionine (SAM), the principal methyl donor. A common mutation (1364T/T) of the cystathionine-γ-lyase () gene affects the enzyme that converts cystathionine to cysteine in the transsulfuration pathway causing plasma elevation of total homocysteine (tHcy) or hyperhomocysteinemia-a strong and independent risk factor for cognitive loss and AD. Other causes of hyperhomocysteinemia include aging, nutritional factors, and deficiencies of B vitamins. We emphasize the importance of supplementing vitamin B(methylcobalamin), vitamin B₉ (folic acid), vitamin B₆ (pyridoxine), and SAM to patients in early stages of LOAD.