Epigenetic and Metabolic Landscape of Dementia with Lewy Bodies

Lewy body diseases, including dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB), are characterized by α-synuclein accumulation, leading to dementia. Previous studies suggest distinct epigenetic and metabolomic profiles in DLB.

This study aims to identify diagnostic biomarkers by analyzing the methylome and metabolome in the Brodmann area 7 of postmortem brain tissues from DLB patients and control subjects using multiomics approaches.

Methylation analysis was performed using the Illumina EPIC array, and metabolomics profiling was conducted via ¹H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and direct injection/liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. Differential methylation and metabolite analysis were conducted, followed by pathway enrichment to explore biological relevance.

We identified 3478 significantly differentially methylated cytosines, mostly hypermethylated, enriched in CpG islands near transcription start sites. Pathway enrichment analysis showed significant pathways, primarily linked to olfactory and synaptic functions. Metabolomics profiling identified 15 significantly altered metabolites, with Phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) Biosynthesis being the most affected pathway. Key correlations between differentially methylated cytosines and metabolites, particularly in the PE Biosynthesis pathway involving PTDSS1 and PCYT2 genes, were observed.

Notably, sex-specific differences were found, with females exhibiting more epigenetic and metabolomic changes than males. Increased hypermethylation, linked to transcriptional silencing, and disruptions in PE biosynthesis suggest a role in synaptic dysfunction and olfactory deficits. In addition, α-aminoadipic acid was strongly associated with vascular functions, hinting at a possible overlap between vascular health and DLB. This study provides new insights into DLB mechanisms and potential therapeutic targets. © 2024 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.