Effect of interactions between and polymorphisms on cognitive functions in postmenopausal women.

INTRODUCTION

During menopause the level of estrogens is decreased, which may lead to cognitive impairment or dementia. Some forms of genetic polymorphism were found to be related to cognitive functions, including and (II and I) polymorphisms. In the present study we aimed to analyze the impact of interactions between and polymorphisms on cognitive functions in the group of postmenopausal women.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The study group consisted of 266 postmenopausal women aged 50-65 years without symptoms of dementia. A computerized battery of the Central Nervous System Vital Signs (CNS VS) test was used to diagnose cognitive functions. and polymorphisms were genotyped using multiplex PCR and PCR-RFLP methods, respectively. Statistical analysis was performed using two-way analysis of variance in Statistica software.

RESULTS

The best memory, visual memory, processing and psychomotor speeds were found in women carrying the C allele of the II polymorphism (TC + CC genotypes) in the presence of the ε2/ε3 genotype, while a lower outcome was noted in women with ε3/ε3, and the lowest if they had the ε4 allele. In the case of women with TT genotype of the II polymorphism, cognitive functioning did not decrease in women with the ε4 allele. A similar effect on cognitive functions was observed for AG + GG genotypes of the I and polymorphisms. Women who simultaneously carried CC II and GG I genotypes had the lowest cognitive functions.

CONCLUSIONS

Interactions of polymorphic variants of and genes influenced cognitive functions in postmenopausal women.