DNA Methylation of BDNF and RASA2 Genes Is Associated With Cognitive Function in Postmenopausal Women With Breast Cancer.
Myeong-Ga Cho, Susan M Sereika, Meredith H Cummings and 3 others
PMID 38950092WHAT IT FOUND
In postmenopausal breast cancer survivors, specific DNA methylation sites correlated with processing speed and self-reported cognitive issues, but directions varied.
These are early exploratory links, not validated biomarkers, so they do not currently change clinical assessment or management.
Key findings
01Methylation of a specific BDNF site was associated with poorer processing speed, while methylation of another BDNF site was associated with better perceived cognitive function.
02Methylation of a specific RASA2 site was associated with poorer processing speed, while another RASA2 site was associated with better perceived cognitive function.
03The study was exploratory and hypothesis-generating, with no correction for multiple testing, limiting the reliability of the identified associations.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for RNs
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What it does not show
The study was exploratory and did not correct for multiple testing, which increases the risk of false-positive findings. The cross-sectional design prevents determining whether DNA methylation causes cognitive changes or is a result of them. One-third of the original participants were excluded due to missing DNA data, which may introduce selection bias. The sample consisted of highly educated, mostly White women, limiting generalizability to other populations.
Declared interests
The authors declared no conflicts of interest. The study was supported by grants from the National Institutes of Health.
The easy way to misread this
Do not interpret these DNA methylation associations as established causes of cognitive decline or as clinically useful biomarkers. The study was exploratory, lacked multiple testing corrections, and found inconsistent directions of association, meaning these results require replication in longitudinal studies before they can inform nursing practice.