Genetic Polymorphisms Influence Cognition in Patients Undergoing Carotid Interventions
Elizabeth Hitchner1, Doug Morrison2, Phoebe Liao3
1Department of Vascular Surgery, VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, California.
Summary
Genetic variations in apolipoprotein E (ApoE) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) may influence cognitive changes after carotid interventions, impacting memory and potentially increasing depression risk in older male patients.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Genetics
- Vascular Surgery
Background:
- Carotid interventions reduce stroke risk but can lead to cognitive decline in nearly 40% of patients.
- Genetic factors like apolipoprotein E (ApoE) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) polymorphisms are linked to cognitive impairment.
- The influence of these genetic polymorphisms on cognitive changes post-carotid intervention is not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of specific genetic polymorphisms in cognitive changes following carotid interventions.
- To assess the association between ApoE and BDNF gene variants and cognitive outcomes in patients undergoing these procedures.
Main Methods:
- Prospective recruitment of 91 male patients undergoing carotid interventions over two years.
- Neuropsychological testing conducted two weeks pre-procedure and one month post-procedure.
- Saliva samples analyzed for genetic polymorphisms (ApoE, BDNF, 5-HTT); logistic regression used for association analysis.
Main Results:
- ApoE ε4 allele was associated with depression (p=0.044) and a trend towards baseline cognitive impairment (p=0.10).
- Age ≥ 70 years was significantly associated with baseline cognitive impairment after adjusting for genetic factors (p=0.03).
- Patients with ApoE ε4 and BDNF A polymorphisms showed poorer performance in visual and verbal memory, respectively.
Conclusions:
- Genetic polymorphisms in ApoE and BDNF may influence cognitive function in patients undergoing carotid interventions.
- These findings suggest a potential genetic predisposition to cognitive changes or impairment in this patient group.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the mechanisms underlying the relationship between these genetic factors and cognitive outcomes.
Keywords:
carotid endarterectomycarotid stenosiscarotid stentcognitiongeneticinternal carotid arterypolymorphismMore Related Videos
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