Epigenetics in etiopathology of hyperprolactinemia

Aim: Epigenetic alterations have been reported in patients with pituitary tumors and those on antipsychotic drugs, which are also responsible for hyperprolactinemia. This suggests a possible role of epigenetics in the etiopathology of hyperprolactinemia. Methods: The study recruited 83 hyperprolactinemia cases with prolactin > 100 ng/mL and 65 controls. Global DNA methylation status was studied by MethylFlash Methylated DNA Quantification Kit and genome-wide methylation analysis (GWMA) by Infinium Methylation EPIC BeadChip 850K array. Results: Hyperprolactinemia cases showed significant global DNA hypermethylation compared to controls. Around 66.67% of hypomethylated and 12.9% of hypermethylated cases were on antipsychotics. Gene enrichment analysis of 5-cytosine-phosphate-guanine-3 (CpG) site-associated genes demonstrated significantly enriched major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-related protein classes and cellular components. Conclusions: The study suggested the role of epigenetics in the etiopathology of hyperprolactinemia.