APOE polymorphisms and cognitive functions in patients with brain tumors
Denise D Correa1, Jaya Satagopan2, Raymond E Baser2
1From the Departments of Neurology (D.D.C., E.R., L.M.D.), Epidemiology and Biostatistics (J.S., R.E.B., K.C., I.O.), and Radiology (S.K., J.L.), Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York; and Department of Neurology (D.D.C., M.L., L.M.D.), Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY. corread@mskcc.org.
Neurology
|June 20, 2014
Summary
The APOE ε4 allele is linked to worse memory and executive function in brain tumor patients. Other APOE gene variations also impact cognitive abilities, but not white matter integrity.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Genetics
- Oncology
Background:
- The apolipoprotein E (APOE) gene plays a role in lipid transport and has been implicated in various neurological conditions.
- The APOE ε4 allele is a known risk factor for Alzheimer's disease and other neurodegenerative disorders.
- Brain tumors can significantly impact cognitive function, and genetic factors may influence patient outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the influence of the APOE ε4 allele and other APOE single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) on neuropsychological and neuroimaging results in patients diagnosed with brain tumors.
- To determine if APOE genotype affects cognitive performance, including memory, executive function, and attention.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 211 brain tumor patients underwent neuropsychological testing and APOE genotyping.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans were analyzed for white matter abnormalities.
- Patients were categorized based on the presence or absence of the APOE ε4 allele; additional APOE SNPs were analyzed in a subset.
Main Results:
- APOE ε4 carriers showed significantly lower scores in verbal learning and delayed recall, and marginally lower executive function compared to non-carriers.
- Smoking history modified the cognitive impact of APOE ε4, with carriers who smoked showing better working memory and verbal learning.
- Nine additional APOE SNPs were significantly associated with attention, executive function, and memory abilities.
- No significant differences in white matter abnormalities were observed between APOE ε4 carriers and non-carriers on MRI.
Conclusions:
- Carriers of the APOE ε4 allele may be more susceptible to memory and executive dysfunction following a brain tumor diagnosis.
- Specific single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within the APOE gene are associated with cognitive outcomes in brain tumor patients.
- While APOE genotype affects cognitive function, it does not appear to influence the extent of white matter abnormalities detected by MRI in this cohort.
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