Mind-body medicine epigenetic technique (MET) and EGR1 (zif268) gene expression.

Abstract

4 Background: This is a pilot study update on the potential of MET to up-regulate EGR1 gene expression in patients diagnosed with breast cancer. EGR1 gene expression is associated with learning and memory. Methods: The selection process for the study participants was nonrandom. The following was the eligibility criteria. 1. Inclusion Criteria: Breast Cancer, Stages II, III 2. Exclusion Criteria: Cognitively impaired, weak or ill. The study utilized two groups. Each group was assigned two research participants. Group One received one session of MET. Group Two received two sessions of MET. Each MET session was approximately 25-35 minutes in duration. Blood samples were taken at baseline and post-MET sessions to provide evidence in gene expression changes. For Group Two, the post-MET session blood draw was done 7 days after baseline. 1. Primary Endpoint: To determine whether MET can up-regulate EGR1 gene expression. 2. Secondary Endpoint: To determine whether there is a correlation between up-regulated EGR1 gene expression with up-regulated TP53 and TP53AIP1 gene expression. The blood samples were sent to genomics labs at the Childrens Hospital of Los Angeles and the University of Nevada Las Vegas for mRNA extraction and microarray analysis. The gene expression was measured by DNA microarray results using the “PrimeView gene chip” and “Partek Genomics Suite” statistical software. Results: For two participants in Group 1 and one participant in Group 2, there was biologically significant up-regulation in EGR1 gene expression. However, only one participant from Group 1 evidenced a biologically significant up-regulation of EGR1 gene expression along with a biologically significant up-regulation of TP53 and TP53AIP1 gene expression. One major limitation of these findings is the statistical insignificance of the results due to the small number of participants. Conclusions: This pilot study evidenced the up-regulation of EGR1 gene expression potentially due to MET and provided evidence for potential correlation between EGR1, TP53 and TP53AIP1 gene expression. TP53 and TP53AIP1 gene expression are known to induce apoptosis. This study also provided a foundation for a larger study with more participants.