Influence of antidepressant drugs on DNA methylation of ion channels genes in blood cells of psychiatric patients

Author(s)

Nascimento, Larissa Vilela ; Neto, Francisco Lotufo ; Ribeiro Moreira, Dalmo Antonio ; Cerutti, Virginia Braga ; Thurow, Helena Strelow ; Bastos, Gisele Medeiros ; Ferreira, Eric Batista ; Crespo Hirata, Rosario Dominguez ; Hirata, Mario Hiroyuki

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Epigenomics; v. 14, n. 14, p. 14-pg., 2022-07-12.

Abstract

Aim: This study investigated the influence of antidepressant drugs on methylation status of KCNE1, KCNH2 and SCN5A promoters and ECG parameters in adult psychiatric patients. Materials & methods: Electrocardiographic evaluation (24 h) and blood samples were obtained from 34 psychiatric patients before and after 30 days of antidepressant therapy. Methylation of promoter CpG sites of KCNE1, KCNH2 and SCN5A was analyzed by pyrosequencing. Results: Three CpG and four CpG sites of KCNE1 and SCN5A, respectively, had increased % methylation after treatment. Principal component analysis showed correlations of the methylation status with electrocardiographic variables, antidepressant doses and patient age. Conclusion: Short-term treatment with antidepressant drugs increase DNA methylation in KCNE1 and SCN5A promoters, which may induce ECG alterations in psychiatric patients. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 16/12899-6 - Genomics, epigenomics and pharmacogenomics characterization of familial hypercholesterolemia in the Brazilian population
• Grantee: Mario Hiroyuki Hirata
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants