LINE-1 Hypomethylation is Associated with Poor Risperidone Response in a First Episode of Psychosis Cohort

Abstract

<b>Aim:</b> We investigated the DNA methylation profile over LINE-1 in antipsychotic-naive, first-episode psychosis-patients (n = 69) before and after 2 months of risperidone treatment and in healthy controls (n = 62). <b>Materials & methods:</b> Patients were evaluated using standardized scales and classified as responders and nonresponders. DNA from blood was bisulfite converted and LINE-1 fragments were amplified and pyrosequencing was performed. <b>Results:</b> Lower LINE-1 methylation was observed in antipsychotic-naive first-episode psychosis patients than in healthy controls. Lower DNA methylation levels before treatment were associated with poor risperidone responses. A positive correlation was observed between LINE-1 methylation levels and positive symptoms response. <b>Conclusion:</b> Our study brings new insight regarding how epigenomic studies and clinical correlation studies can supplement psychosis treatment.