Promoter methylation of glucocorticoid receptor gene is associated with subclinical atherosclerosis: A monozygotic twin study.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

Endothelial dysfunction assessed by brachial artery flow-mediated dilation (FMD) is a marker of early atherosclerosis. Glucocorticoid receptor gene (NR3C1) regulates many biological processes, including stress response, behavioral, cardiometabolic and immunologic functions. Genetic variants in NR3C1 have been associated with atherosclerosis and related risk factors. This study investigated the association of NR3C1 promoter methylation with FMD, independent of genetic and family-level environmental factors.

Methods

We studied 84 middle-aged, male-male monozygotic twin pairs recruited from the Vietnam Era Twin Registry. Brachial artery FMD was measured by ultrasound. DNA methylation levels at 22 CpG residues in the NR3C1 exon 1F promoter region were quantified by bis

SUBMITTER: Zhao J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4546896 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature