MEF2C mRNA expression and cognitive function in Japanese patients with Alzheimer's disease

Aim: Despite continuing research into Alzheimer's disease (AD), its pathological mechanisms and modulating factors remain unknown. Several genes influence AD pathogenesis by affecting inflammatory pathways. Myocyte-enhancer factor 2C (MEF2C) is one such candidate gene for AD. Methods: We examined MEF2C mRNA expression levels and methylation rates of CpG on its promoter region in peripheral leukocytes from Japanese AD patients compared with age-and sex-matched control subjects. Results: In peripheral leukocytes, MEF2C mRNA expression levels in AD subjects were significantly lower than those in control subjects (0.86 +/- 0.25 vs 0.99 +/- 0.27, respectively, P = 0.007) and were correlated with the Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale (r = -0.345, P = 0.049) and the Mini Mental State Examination (r = 0.324, P = 0.02). No significant differences were found in methylation rates between AD and control subjects. Conclusion: MEF2C mRNA expression in leukocytes may be a biological marker for cognitive decline in AD.