Association of Chr17q25 with cerebral white matter hyperintensities and cognitive impairment: the J-SHIPP study.

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE:

A recent genome-wide association study has successfully identified several genetic variations in the Chr17q25 locus as susceptible genotypes for white matter hyperintensities. We report the first replication study in subjects of non-European origin. We also investigated possible associations with other asymptomatic cerebrovascular diseases and cognitive function.

METHODS:

Study subjects were 1190 general Japanese persons (66.0 ± 8.9 years old). Asymptomatic cerebrovascular damage, including lacunar infarctions, microbleeds, periventricular hyperintensity and deep and subcortical white matter hyperintensity (DSWMH), was evaluated by brain magnetic resonance imaging.

RESULTS:

A polymorphism rs3744028 was significantly associated with DSWMH grade (P = 0.015) but not periventricular hyperintensity, lacunar infarction, and microbleeds. Although age, hypertension, insulin resistance, B-type natriuretic peptide, and carotid atherosclerosis were also correlated with DSWMH, association of the genotype was independent of these environmental risk factors. In contrast, the risk allele had a protective effect against reduced cognitive function.

CONCLUSION:

Susceptibility of the 17q25 locus may be conserved beyond ethnic differences. Genetic variants may have bipolar effects on brain histological and functional changes.

• Authors: Y Tabara, M Igase, Y Okada, T Nagai, E Uetani, T Kido, N Ochi, R Takita, M Yamamoto, K Kohara, T Miki
• Journal: European journal of neurology (Eur J Neurol) Vol. 20 Issue 5 Pg. 860-2 (May 2013) ISSN: 1468-1331 [Electronic] England
• PMID: 23020117 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)
• Copyright: © 2012 The Author(s) European Journal of Neurology © 2012 EFNS.

Topics

• Aged
• Asian People (genetics, psychology)
• Cerebrovascular Disorders (diagnosis, genetics, pathology)
• Chromosomes, Human, Pair 17 (genetics)
• Cognition Disorders (genetics, pathology)
• Female
• Humans
• Male
• Nerve Fibers, Myelinated (pathology)
• Neuroimaging (psychology)
• Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide (genetics)