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DNA methylation in schizophrenia subjects: gender and MTHFR 677C/T genotype differences
Kyle J Burghardt1, J Richard Pilsner, Michael J Bly
1College of Pharmacy, Department of Clinical Social & Administrative Sciences, University of Michigan, 428 Church Street, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.
Aim:
In schizophrenia, metabolic syndrome incidence is double that of the general population, with women having a higher incidence. Pharmacogenetically regulated folic acid may be related to this risk. DNA methylation and metabolic syndrome within this group has not been previously studied.
Methods:
Metabolic syndrome was evaluated with fasting laboratory measurements, and dietary and lifestyle assessments. Methylation analysis used a peripheral sample for the LINE-1 assay. DNA was also genotyped for MTHFR 677C/T.
Results:
This analysis included 133 subjects. We found a significant relationship between LINE-1 methylation, and an interaction between MTHFR and gender, controlling for serum folate (p = 0.008). Females with the 677TT genotype had the lowest methylation (56%) compared with the other groups (75%).
Conclusion:
TT genotype females had the lowest methylation, which may explain metabolic syndrome gender differences in schizophrenia. Folate supplementation may be a suggested intervention within schizophrenia; however, additional work is required.
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