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Raitoharju E, Rajić S, Marttila S. Non-coding 886 ( nc886/ vtRNA2-1), the epigenetic odd duck - implications for future studies. Epigenetics 2024; 19:2332819. [PMID: 38525792 DOI: 10.1080/15592294.2024.2332819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Non-coding 886 (nc886, vtRNA2-1) is the only human polymorphically imprinted gene, in which the methylation status is not determined by genetics. Existing literature regarding the establishment, stability and consequences of the methylation pattern, as well as the nature and function of the nc886 RNAs transcribed from the locus, are contradictory. For example, the methylation status of the locus has been reported to be stable through life and across somatic tissues, but also susceptible to environmental effects. The nature of the produced nc886 RNA(s) has been redefined multiple times, and in carcinogenesis, these RNAs have been reported to have conflicting roles. In addition, due to the bimodal methylation pattern of the nc886 locus, traditional genome-wide methylation analyses can lead to false-positive results, especially in smaller datasets. Herein, we aim to summarize the existing literature regarding nc886, discuss how the characteristics of nc886 give rise to contradictory results, as well as to reinterpret, reanalyse and, where possible, replicate the results presented in the current literature. We also introduce novel findings on how the distribution of the nc886 methylation pattern is associated with the geographical origins of the population and describe the methylation changes in a large variety of human tumours. Through the example of this one peculiar genetic locus and RNA, we aim to highlight issues in the analysis of DNA methylation and non-coding RNAs in general and offer our suggestions for what should be taken into consideration in future analyses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Raitoharju
- Molecular Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
- Finnish Cardiovascular Research Center Tampere, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
- Tays Research Services, Wellbeing Services County of Pirkanmaa, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland
| | - Sonja Rajić
- Molecular Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
| | - Saara Marttila
- Molecular Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
- Tays Research Services, Wellbeing Services County of Pirkanmaa, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland
- Gerontology Research Center, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
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2
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Anisman H, Doubad D, Asokumar A, Matheson K. Psychosocial and neurobiological aspects of the worldwide refugee crisis: From vulnerability to resilience. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2024; 165:105859. [PMID: 39159733 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2024.105859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2024] [Revised: 08/06/2024] [Accepted: 08/15/2024] [Indexed: 08/21/2024]
Abstract
Anisman, H., Doubad, D., Asokumar, A. & Matheson, K. Psychosocial and neurobiological aspects of the worldwide refugee crisis: From vulnerability to resilience. NEUROSCI BIOBEHAV REV, XXXX. Immigration occurs between countries either to obtain employment, for family reunification or to escape violence and other life-threatening conditions. Refugees and asylum seekers are often obligated to overcome a uniquely challenging set of circumstances prior to and during migration. Settlement following immigration may pose yet another set of stressors related to acculturation to the host country, as well as financial insecurity, discrimination, language barriers, and social isolation. Here we discuss the multiple consequences of immigration experiences, focusing on the health disturbances that frequently develop in adults and children. Aside from the psychosocial influences, immigration-related challenges may cause hormonal, inflammatory immune, and microbiota changes that favor psychological and physical illnesses. Some biological alterations are subject to modification by epigenetic changes, which have implications for intergenerational trauma transmission, as might disruptions in parenting behaviors and family dysfunction. Despite the hardships experienced, many immigrants and their families exhibit positive psychological adjustment after resettlement. We provide information to diminish the impacts associated with immigration and offer strength-based approaches that may foster resilience.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Anisman
- Carleton University, Department of Neuroscience, Ottawa, Ontario K1S 5B6, Canada.
| | - D Doubad
- Carleton University, Department of Neuroscience, Ottawa, Ontario K1S 5B6, Canada
| | - A Asokumar
- Carleton University, Department of Neuroscience, Ottawa, Ontario K1S 5B6, Canada
| | - K Matheson
- Carleton University, Department of Neuroscience, Ottawa, Ontario K1S 5B6, Canada
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Mukoyama M. Fetal origins of adult hypertension and renal injury: an epigenetic memory matter? Hypertens Res 2024:10.1038/s41440-024-01812-6. [PMID: 39138365 DOI: 10.1038/s41440-024-01812-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2024] [Accepted: 07/03/2024] [Indexed: 08/15/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Masashi Mukoyama
- Department of Nephrology, Omuta Tenryo Hospital, Omuta, Fukuoka, Japan.
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Lumey LH, Li C, Khalangot M, Levchuk N, Wolowyna O. Fetal exposure to the Ukraine famine of 1932-1933 and adult type 2 diabetes mellitus. Science 2024; 385:667-671. [PMID: 39116227 DOI: 10.1126/science.adn4614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024]
Abstract
The short-term impact of famines on death and disease is well documented, but estimating their potential long-term impact is difficult. We used the setting of the man-made Ukrainian Holodomor famine of 1932-1933 to examine the relation between prenatal famine and adult type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). This ecological study included 128,225 T2DM cases diagnosed from 2000 to 2008 among 10,186,016 male and female Ukrainians born from 1930 to 1938. Individuals who were born in the first half-year of 1934, and hence exposed in early gestation to the mid-1933 peak famine period, had a greater than twofold likelihood of T2DM compared with that of unexposed controls. There was a dose-response relationship between severity of famine exposure and increase in adult T2DM risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- L H Lumey
- Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
- Leiden University Medical Center, 2300 RC Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Chihua Li
- Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macao SAR 999078, China
- Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
| | - Mykola Khalangot
- Komisarenko Institute of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Kyiv 04114, Ukraine
- Shupyk National Healthcare University, Kyiv 04112, Ukraine
| | - Nataliia Levchuk
- Ptoukha Institute of Demography and Social Studies, Kyiv 01032, Ukraine
- Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research, 18057 Rostock, Germany
| | - Oleh Wolowyna
- Center for Slavic, Eurasian and Eastern European Studies, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27516, USA
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5
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Li X, Li X, Sun L, Yang L, Wang C, Yuan T, Lei Y, Li J, Liu M, Zhang D, Hua Y, Liu H, Zhang L. Individual and combined effects of famine exposure and obesity parameters on type 2 diabetes in middle-aged and older adults: A population-based cross-sectional study. Medicine (Baltimore) 2024; 103:e39228. [PMID: 39121280 PMCID: PMC11315537 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000039228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2024] [Indexed: 08/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Malnutrition early in life may have adverse effects on health later in life. The relationship between malnutrition and obesity parameters (body mass index [BMI] and waist circumference [WC]) and type 2 diabetes is inconsistent. This study aimed to identify the effects of famine exposure and obesity parameters on type 2 diabetes individually or in combination among middle-aged and older adults in China. Data were extracted from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study Wave1 in 2011. The sample involved 13,065 adults aged 45 to 90. The t- or F test was employed to compare age among groups. The chi-square test was utilized to compare baseline characteristics according to the categorical WC levels/BMI levels/famine exposure and examine between-group differences in type 2 diabetes (diabetes and non-diabetes). Odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were estimated by logistic regression models to estimate the individual and combined associations of BMI/WC levels and famine exposure with the prevalence of type 2 diabetes. In this study, 1559 (11.93%) individuals were exposed to Chinese famine during their fetal stage, 5132 (39.28%) and 4428 (33.89%) in childhood and adolescence/adulthood, respectively. Among BMI measurements, 3780 (28.93%) were overweight, and 1487 (11.38%) were obese, whereas WC measurements showed that 5408 (41.39%) were obesity. In addition, 831 (45.48%) males and 996 (54.52%) females reported type 2 diabetes. In multivariable-adjusted regression models, obesity parameters and famine exposure were independently associated with type 2 diabetes prevalence among all participants (P < .001). In the interaction analysis, there existed a trend of higher odds for prevalence of type 2 diabetes across all groups compared to the combination of no-exposed and normal BMI/WC level group (the most increase in odds, adolescence/adulthood-exposed group with central obesity in WC levels: OR 4.51 (95% CI = 3.42-5.95); adolescence/adulthood-exposed group with obesity in BMI levels: OR 5.84 (95% CI = 4.11-8.30; P for interaction <.001). The findings for females exhibited similar to the overall participants, when by gender stratification. Our results suggest famine exposure and obesity parameters have positive combined effects on type 2 diabetes in middle-aged and older adults in China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoping Li
- Department of Emergency and Critical Care Nursing, School of Nursing, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu City, An Hui Province, P.R.China
| | - Xiaoguang Li
- National Center for Occupational Safety and Health, National Health Commission of the People’s Republic of China, Beijing, P.R.China
| | - Lu Sun
- Department of Emergency and Critical Care Nursing, School of Nursing, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu City, An Hui Province, P.R.China
| | - Liu Yang
- Department of Internal Medicine Nursing, School of Nursing, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu City, An Hui Province, P.R.China
| | - Congzhi Wang
- Department of Internal Medicine Nursing, School of Nursing, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu City, An Hui Province, P.R.China
| | - Ting Yuan
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Nursing, School of Nursing, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu City, An Hui Province, P.R.China
| | - Yunxiao Lei
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Nursing, School of Nursing, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu City, An Hui Province, P.R.China
| | - Jing Li
- Department of Surgical Nursing, School of Nursing, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu City, An Hui Province, P.R.China
| | - Mingming Liu
- Department of Surgical Nursing, School of Nursing, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu City, An Hui Province, P.R.China
| | - Dongmei Zhang
- Department of Pediatric Nursing, School of Nursing, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu City, An Hui Province, P.R.China
| | - Ying Hua
- Rehabilitation Nursing, School of Nursing, Wanna Medical College, Wuhu City, An Hui Province, P.R.China
| | - Haiyang Liu
- Student Health Center, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu City, An Hui Province, P.R.China
| | - Lin Zhang
- Department of Internal Medicine Nursing, School of Nursing, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu City, An Hui Province, P.R.China
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Alt KW, Honrath N, Weykamp M, Grönebaum P, Nicklisch N, Vach W. The Correlation of Tooth Sizes and Jaw Dimensions with Biological Sex and Stature in a Contemporary Central European Population. BIOLOGY 2024; 13:569. [PMID: 39194507 DOI: 10.3390/biology13080569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2024] [Revised: 06/26/2024] [Accepted: 07/24/2024] [Indexed: 08/29/2024]
Abstract
Dental anthropology provides a deep insight into biological, ecological and cultural aspects associated with human individuality, behaviour and living conditions and the environment. Our study uses a correlation analysis to test the metric relationships between tooth sizes and jaw dimensions and juxtaposes them with biological sex and stature. A sample of n = 100 dental casts was used to record metric dental data including the mesio-distal and bucco-lingual tooth crown diameters and nine upper and lower jaw dimensions. All crown diameters were highly correlated with both stature and biological sex, with the canines exhibiting the highest correlation. The majority of jaw dimensions exhibited similar correlations. Our results suggest that the differences between the sexes in most crown diameters and some jaw dimensions may be related to the stature of the individuals measured. Two groups of closely correlating features emerged among the jaw dimensions, differing in their degree of correlation with crown diameters and with sex. The results and insights obtained are highly relevant for evolutionary biology, dentistry, craniofacial research, bioarchaeology and forensic odontology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kurt W Alt
- Center of Natural and Cultural Human History, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Danube Private University, Förthofstrasse 2, 3500 Krems-Stein, Austria
- Institute of Prehistory and Archaeological Science, Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Basel, Spalenring 145, 4055 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Nils Honrath
- Center of Natural and Cultural Human History, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Danube Private University, Förthofstrasse 2, 3500 Krems-Stein, Austria
| | - Maximilian Weykamp
- Center of Natural and Cultural Human History, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Danube Private University, Förthofstrasse 2, 3500 Krems-Stein, Austria
| | - Peter Grönebaum
- Center of Natural and Cultural Human History, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Danube Private University, Förthofstrasse 2, 3500 Krems-Stein, Austria
| | - Nicole Nicklisch
- Center of Natural and Cultural Human History, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Danube Private University, Förthofstrasse 2, 3500 Krems-Stein, Austria
| | - Werner Vach
- Institute of Prehistory and Archaeological Science, Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Basel, Spalenring 145, 4055 Basel, Switzerland
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Bontempo P, Capasso L, De Masi L, Nebbioso A, Rigano D. Therapeutic Potential of Natural Compounds Acting through Epigenetic Mechanisms in Cardiovascular Diseases: Current Findings and Future Directions. Nutrients 2024; 16:2399. [PMID: 39125279 PMCID: PMC11314203 DOI: 10.3390/nu16152399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2024] [Revised: 07/11/2024] [Accepted: 07/20/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) remain a leading global cause of morbidity and mortality. These diseases have a multifaceted nature being influenced by a multitude of biochemical, genetic, environmental, and behavioral factors. Epigenetic modifications have a crucial role in the onset and progression of CVD. Epigenetics, which regulates gene activity without altering the DNA's primary structure, can modulate cardiovascular homeostasis through DNA methylation, histone modification, and non-coding RNA regulation. The effects of environmental stimuli on CVD are mediated by epigenetic changes, which can be reversible and, hence, are susceptible to pharmacological interventions. This represents an opportunity to prevent diseases by targeting harmful epigenetic modifications. Factors such as high-fat diets or nutrient deficiencies can influence epigenetic enzymes, affecting fetal growth, metabolism, oxidative stress, inflammation, and atherosclerosis. Recent studies have shown that plant-derived bioactive compounds can modulate epigenetic regulators and inflammatory responses, contributing to the cardioprotective effects of diets. Understanding these nutriepigenetic effects and their reversibility is crucial for developing effective interventions to combat CVD. This review delves into the general mechanisms of epigenetics, its regulatory roles in CVD, and the potential of epigenetics as a CVD therapeutic strategy. It also examines the role of epigenetic natural compounds (ENCs) in CVD and their potential as intervention tools for prevention and therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Bontempo
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Via L. De Crecchio 7, 80138 Naples, Italy; (L.C.); (A.N.)
| | - Lucia Capasso
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Via L. De Crecchio 7, 80138 Naples, Italy; (L.C.); (A.N.)
| | - Luigi De Masi
- National Research Council (CNR), Institute of Biosciences and BioResources (IBBR), Via Università 133, 80055 Portici, Italy
| | - Angela Nebbioso
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Via L. De Crecchio 7, 80138 Naples, Italy; (L.C.); (A.N.)
| | - Daniela Rigano
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Via Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy;
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8
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Watowich MM, Costa CE, Chiou KL, Goldman EA, Petersen RM, Patterson S, Martínez MI, Sterner KN, Horvath JE, Montague MJ, Platt ML, Brent LJN, Higham JP, Lea AJ, Snyder-Mackler N. Immune gene regulation is associated with age and environmental adversity in a nonhuman primate. Mol Ecol 2024:e17445. [PMID: 39032090 DOI: 10.1111/mec.17445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Revised: 04/27/2024] [Accepted: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 07/22/2024]
Abstract
Phenotypic aging is ubiquitous across mammalian species, suggesting shared underlying mechanisms of aging. Aging is linked to molecular changes to DNA methylation and gene expression, and environmental factors, such as severe external challenges or adversities, can moderate these age-related changes. Yet, it remains unclear whether environmental adversities affect gene regulation via the same molecular pathways as chronological, or 'primary', aging. Investigating molecular aging in naturalistic animal populations can fill this gap by providing insight into shared molecular mechanisms of aging and the effects of a greater diversity of environmental adversities - particularly those that can be challenging to study in humans or laboratory organisms. Here, we characterised molecular aging - specifically, CpG methylation - in a sample of free-ranging rhesus macaques living off the coast of Puerto Rico (n samples = 571, n individuals = 499), which endured a major hurricane during our study. Age was associated with methylation at 78,661 sites (31% of all sites tested). Age-associated hypermethylation occurred more frequently in areas of active gene regulation, while hypomethylation was enriched in regions that show less activity in immune cells, suggesting these regions may become de-repressed in older individuals. Age-associated hypomethylation also co-occurred with increased chromatin accessibility while hypermethylation showed the opposite trend, hinting at a coordinated, multi-level loss of epigenetic stability during aging. We detected 32,048 CpG sites significantly associated with exposure to a hurricane, and these sites overlapped age-associated sites, most strongly in regulatory regions and most weakly in quiescent regions. Together, our results suggest that environmental adversity may contribute to aging-related molecular phenotypes in regions of active gene transcription, but that primary aging has specific signatures in non-regulatory regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina M Watowich
- Department of Biology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Center for Evolution and Medicine, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, USA
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, USA
- Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Christina E Costa
- Department of Anthropology, New York University, New York, New York, USA
- New York Consortium in Evolutionary Primatology, New York, New York, USA
| | - Kenneth L Chiou
- Center for Evolution and Medicine, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, USA
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, USA
| | - Elisabeth A Goldman
- Cancer Early Detection Advanced Research Center, Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Rachel M Petersen
- Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Sam Patterson
- Department of Anthropology, New York University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Melween I Martínez
- Caribbean Primate Research Center, Unit of Comparative Medicine, University of Puerto Rico, San Juan, Puerto Rico, USA
| | - Kirstin N Sterner
- Department of Anthropology, University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon, USA
| | - Julie E Horvath
- Research and Collections Section, North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
- Renaissance Computing Institute, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Michael J Montague
- Department of Neuroscience, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Michael L Platt
- Department of Neuroscience, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of Psychology, School of Arts and Sciences, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Marketing Department, Wharton School of Business, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Lauren J N Brent
- Centre for Research in Animal Behaviour, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - James P Higham
- Department of Anthropology, New York University, New York, New York, USA
- New York Consortium in Evolutionary Primatology, New York, New York, USA
| | - Amanda J Lea
- Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Noah Snyder-Mackler
- Center for Evolution and Medicine, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, USA
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, USA
- School of Human Evolution and Social Change, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, USA
- Neurodegenerative Disease Research Center, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, USA
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9
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Pilkay SR, Knight AK, Bush NR, LeWinn K, Davis RL, Tylavsky F, Smith AK. Poverty and neighborhood opportunity effects on neonate DNAm developmental age. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0306452. [PMID: 38995877 PMCID: PMC11244791 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0306452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Children from families with low socioeconomic status (SES), as determined by income, experience several negative outcomes, such as higher rates of newborn mortality and behavioral issues. Moreover, associations between DNA methylation and low income or poverty status are evident beginning at birth, suggesting prenatal influences on offspring development. Recent evidence suggests neighborhood opportunities may protect against some of the health consequences of living in low income households. The goal of this study was to assess whether neighborhood opportunities moderate associations between household income (HI) and neonate developmental maturity as measured with DNA methylation. METHODS Umbilical cord blood DNA methylation data was available in 198 mother-neonate pairs from the larger CANDLE cohort. Gestational age acceleration was calculated using an epigenetic clock designed for neonates. Prenatal HI and neighborhood opportunities measured with the Childhood Opportunity Index (COI) were regressed on gestational age acceleration controlling for sex, race, and cellular composition. RESULTS Higher HI was associated with higher gestational age acceleration (B = .145, t = 4.969, p = 1.56x10-6, 95% CI [.087, .202]). Contrary to expectation, an interaction emerged showing higher neighborhood educational opportunity was associated with lower gestational age acceleration at birth for neonates with mothers living in moderate to high HI (B = -.048, t = -2.08, p = .03, 95% CI [-.092, -.002]). Female neonates showed higher gestational age acceleration at birth compared to males. However, within males, being born into neighborhoods with higher social and economic opportunity was associated with higher gestational age acceleration. CONCLUSION Prenatal HI and neighborhood qualities may affect gestational age acceleration at birth. Therefore, policy makers should consider neighborhood qualities as one opportunity to mitigate prenatal developmental effects of HI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefanie R Pilkay
- School of Social Work, Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York, United States of America
| | - Anna K Knight
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta Georgia, United States of America
| | - Nicole R Bush
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Francisco School of Medicine, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Kaja LeWinn
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Francisco School of Medicine, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Robert L Davis
- Health and Science Center, University of Tennessee, Memphis, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - Frances Tylavsky
- Health and Science Center, University of Tennessee, Memphis, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - Alicia K Smith
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta Georgia, United States of America
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10
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Cheng M, Conley D, Kuipers T, Li C, Ryan CP, Taeubert MJ, Wang S, Wang T, Zhou J, Schmitz LL, Tobi EW, Heijmans B, Lumey LH, Belsky DW. Accelerated biological aging six decades after prenatal famine exposure. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2319179121. [PMID: 38833467 PMCID: PMC11181019 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2319179121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024] Open
Abstract
To test the hypothesis that early-life adversity accelerates the pace of biological aging, we analyzed data from the Dutch Hunger Winter Families Study (DHWFS, N = 951). DHWFS is a natural-experiment birth-cohort study of survivors of in-utero exposure to famine conditions caused by the German occupation of the Western Netherlands in Winter 1944 to 1945, matched controls, and their siblings. We conducted DNA methylation analysis of blood samples collected when the survivors were aged 58 to quantify biological aging using the DunedinPACE, GrimAge, and PhenoAge epigenetic clocks. Famine survivors had faster DunedinPACE, as compared with controls. This effect was strongest among women. Results were similar for GrimAge, although effect-sizes were smaller. We observed no differences in PhenoAge between survivors and controls. Famine effects were not accounted for by blood-cell composition and were similar for individuals exposed early and later in gestation. Findings suggest in-utero undernutrition may accelerate biological aging in later life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengling Cheng
- Swiss Centre of Expertise in Life Course Research, Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, University of Lausanne, LausanneCH 1015, Switzerland
- Robert N. Butler Columbia Aging Center, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY10032
| | - Dalton Conley
- Department of Sociology, Princeton University, Mercer, NJ08544
| | - Tom Kuipers
- Department of Biomedical Data Sciences, Leiden University Medical Center, LeidenZC 2333, Netherlands
| | - Chihua Li
- Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan at Ann Arbor, Ann Arbor, MI48106
- Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY10032
| | - Calen P. Ryan
- Robert N. Butler Columbia Aging Center, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY10032
| | - M. Jazmin Taeubert
- Department of Biomedical Data Sciences, Leiden University Medical Center, LeidenZC 2333, Netherlands
| | - Shuang Wang
- Department of Biostatistics, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY10032
| | - Tian Wang
- Department of Biostatistics, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY10032
| | - Jiayi Zhou
- Robert N. Butler Columbia Aging Center, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY10032
| | - Lauren L. Schmitz
- Center for Demography and Ecology, Robert M. La Follette School of Public Affairs, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI53706
| | - Elmar W. Tobi
- Department of Biomedical Data Sciences, Leiden University Medical Center, LeidenZC 2333, Netherlands
| | - Bas Heijmans
- Department of Biomedical Data Sciences, Leiden University Medical Center, LeidenZC 2333, Netherlands
| | - L. H. Lumey
- Department of Biomedical Data Sciences, Leiden University Medical Center, LeidenZC 2333, Netherlands
- Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY10032
| | - Daniel W. Belsky
- Robert N. Butler Columbia Aging Center, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY10032
- Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY10032
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11
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Ribaud M, Labbe A, Fouda K, Oualkacha K. Fast matrix completion in epigenetic methylation studies with informative covariates. Biostatistics 2024:kxae016. [PMID: 38850151 DOI: 10.1093/biostatistics/kxae016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Revised: 04/11/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/10/2024] Open
Abstract
DNA methylation is an important epigenetic mark that modulates gene expression through the inhibition of transcriptional proteins binding to DNA. As in many other omics experiments, the issue of missing values is an important one, and appropriate imputation techniques are important in avoiding an unnecessary sample size reduction as well as to optimally leverage the information collected. We consider the case where relatively few samples are processed via an expensive high-density whole genome bisulfite sequencing (WGBS) strategy and a larger number of samples is processed using more affordable low-density, array-based technologies. In such cases, one can impute the low-coverage (array-based) methylation data using the high-density information provided by the WGBS samples. In this paper, we propose an efficient Linear Model of Coregionalisation with informative Covariates (LMCC) to predict missing values based on observed values and covariates. Our model assumes that at each site, the methylation vector of all samples is linked to the set of fixed factors (covariates) and a set of latent factors. Furthermore, we exploit the functional nature of the data and the spatial correlation across sites by assuming some Gaussian processes on the fixed and latent coefficient vectors, respectively. Our simulations show that the use of covariates can significantly improve the accuracy of imputed values, especially in cases where missing data contain some relevant information about the explanatory variable. We also showed that our proposed model is particularly efficient when the number of columns is much greater than the number of rows-which is usually the case in methylation data analysis. Finally, we apply and compare our proposed method with alternative approaches on two real methylation datasets, showing how covariates such as cell type, tissue type or age can enhance the accuracy of imputed values.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mélina Ribaud
- Department of Decision Science, HEC Montreal, 3000 chemin de la Cote Ste Catherine Montréal, QC H3T 2A7 Montreal, Canada
| | - Aurélie Labbe
- Department of Decision Science, HEC Montreal, 3000 chemin de la Cote Ste Catherine Montréal, QC H3T 2A7 Montreal, Canada
| | - Khaled Fouda
- Department of Decision Science, HEC Montreal, 3000 chemin de la Cote Ste Catherine Montréal, QC H3T 2A7 Montreal, Canada
| | - Karim Oualkacha
- Department of Mathematics, Université du Québec à Montreal, 201, Ave Président-Kennedy Montreal (QC), H2X 3Y7 Montreal, Canada
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12
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Cánepa ET, Berardino BG. Epigenetic mechanisms linking early-life adversities and mental health. Biochem J 2024; 481:615-642. [PMID: 38722301 DOI: 10.1042/bcj20230306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2024] [Revised: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/15/2024]
Abstract
Early-life adversities, whether prenatal or postnatal exposure, have been linked to adverse mental health outcomes later in life increasing the risk of several psychiatric disorders. Research on its neurobiological consequences demonstrated an association between exposure to adversities and persistent alterations in the structure, function, and connectivity of the brain. Consistent evidence supports the idea that regulation of gene expression through epigenetic mechanisms are involved in embedding the impact of early-life experiences in the genome and mediate between social environments and later behavioral phenotypes. In addition, studies from rodent models and humans suggest that these experiences and the acquired risk factors can be transmitted through epigenetic mechanisms to offspring and the following generations potentially contributing to a cycle of disease or disease risk. However, one of the important aspects of epigenetic mechanisms, unlike genetic sequences that are fixed and unchangeable, is that although the epigenetic markings are long-lasting, they are nevertheless potentially reversible. In this review, we summarize our current understanding of the epigenetic mechanisms involved in the mental health consequences derived from early-life exposure to malnutrition, maltreatment and poverty, adversities with huge and pervasive impact on mental health. We also discuss the evidence about transgenerational epigenetic inheritance in mammals and experimental data suggesting that suitable social and pharmacological interventions could reverse adverse epigenetic modifications induced by early-life negative social experiences. In this regard, these studies must be accompanied by efforts to determine the causes that promote these adversities and that result in health inequity in the population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eduardo T Cánepa
- Laboratorio de Neuroepigenética y Adversidades Tempranas, Departamento de Química Biológica, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires and IQUIBICEN, CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Bruno G Berardino
- Laboratorio de Neuroepigenética y Adversidades Tempranas, Departamento de Química Biológica, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires and IQUIBICEN, CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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13
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Bloks NGC, Dicks A, Harissa Z, Nelissen RGHH, Hajmousa G, Ramos YFM, de Almeida RC, Guilak F, Meulenbelt I. Hyper-physiologic mechanical cues, as an osteoarthritis disease-relevant environmental perturbation, cause a critical shift in set points of methylation at transcriptionally active CpG sites in neo-cartilage organoids. Clin Epigenetics 2024; 16:64. [PMID: 38730337 PMCID: PMC11087253 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-024-01676-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Osteoarthritis (OA) is a complex, age-related multifactorial degenerative disease of diarthrodial joints marked by impaired mobility, joint stiffness, pain, and a significant decrease in quality of life. Among other risk factors, such as genetics and age, hyper-physiological mechanical cues are known to play a critical role in the onset and progression of the disease (Guilak in Best Pract Res Clin Rheumatol 25:815-823, 2011). It has been shown that post-mitotic cells, such as articular chondrocytes, heavily rely on methylation at CpG sites to adapt to environmental cues and maintain phenotypic plasticity. However, these long-lasting adaptations may eventually have a negative impact on cellular performance. We hypothesize that hyper-physiologic mechanical loading leads to the accumulation of altered epigenetic markers in articular chondrocytes, resulting in a loss of the tightly regulated balance of gene expression that leads to a dysregulated state characteristic of the OA disease state. RESULTS We showed that hyper-physiological loading evokes consistent changes in CpGs associated with expression changes (ML-tCpGs) in ITGA5, CAV1, and CD44, among other genes, which together act in pathways such as anatomical structure morphogenesis (GO:0009653) and response to wound healing (GO:0042060). Moreover, by comparing the ML-tCpGs and their associated pathways to tCpGs in OA pathophysiology (OA-tCpGs), we observed a modest but particular interconnected overlap with notable genes such as CD44 and ITGA5. These genes could indeed represent lasting detrimental changes to the phenotypic state of chondrocytes due to mechanical perturbations that occurred earlier in life. The latter is further suggested by the association between methylation levels of ML-tCpGs mapped to CD44 and OA severity. CONCLUSION Our findings confirm that hyper-physiological mechanical cues evoke changes to the methylome-wide landscape of chondrocytes, concomitant with detrimental changes in positional gene expression levels (ML-tCpGs). Since CAV1, ITGA5, and CD44 are subject to such changes and are central and overlapping with OA-tCpGs of primary chondrocytes, we propose that accumulation of hyper-physiological mechanical cues can evoke long-lasting, detrimental changes in set points of gene expression that influence the phenotypic healthy state of chondrocytes. Future studies are necessary to confirm this hypothesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niek G C Bloks
- Dept. Biomedical Data Sciences, Section Molecular Epidemiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Einthovenweg 20, 2333 ZC, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Amanda Dicks
- Washington University, Saint Louis, MO, USA
- Shriners Hospitals for Children, Saint Louis, MO, USA
| | - Zainab Harissa
- Washington University, Saint Louis, MO, USA
- Shriners Hospitals for Children, Saint Louis, MO, USA
| | - Rob G H H Nelissen
- Department Orthopaedics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Ghazaleh Hajmousa
- Dept. Biomedical Data Sciences, Section Molecular Epidemiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Einthovenweg 20, 2333 ZC, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Yolande F M Ramos
- Dept. Biomedical Data Sciences, Section Molecular Epidemiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Einthovenweg 20, 2333 ZC, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Rodrigo Coutinho de Almeida
- Dept. Biomedical Data Sciences, Section Molecular Epidemiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Einthovenweg 20, 2333 ZC, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Farshid Guilak
- Washington University, Saint Louis, MO, USA
- Shriners Hospitals for Children, Saint Louis, MO, USA
| | - Ingrid Meulenbelt
- Dept. Biomedical Data Sciences, Section Molecular Epidemiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Einthovenweg 20, 2333 ZC, Leiden, The Netherlands.
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14
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Svensson K, Gennings C, Lindh C, Kiviranta H, Rantakokko P, Wikström S, Bornehag CG. EDC mixtures during pregnancy and body fat at 7 years of age in a Swedish cohort, the SELMA study. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 248:118293. [PMID: 38281561 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.118293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 01/21/2024] [Indexed: 01/30/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Some endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDC), are "obesogens" and have been associated with overweight and obesity in children. Daily exposure to different classes of EDCs demands for research with mixtures approach. OBJECTIVES This study evaluates the association, considering sex-specific effects, between prenatal exposure to EDC mixture and children's body fat at seven years of age. METHODS A total of 26 EDCs were assessed in prenatal urine and serum samples from first trimester in pregnancy from 737 mother-child pairs participating in the Swedish Environmental Longitudinal, Mother and child, Asthma and allergy (SELMA) study. An indicator for children's "overall body fat" was calculated, using principal component analysis (PCA), based on BMI, percent body fat, waist, and skinfolds measured at seven years of age. Weighted quantile sum (WQS) regression was used to assess associations between EDC mixture and children's body fat. RESULTS Principal component (PC1) represented 83.6 % of the variance, suitable as indicator for children's "overall body fat", with positive loadings of 0.40-0.42 for each body fat measure. A significant interaction term, WQS*sex, confirmed associations in the opposite direction for boys and girls. Higher prenatal exposure to EDC mixture was borderline significant with more "overall body fat" for boys (Mean β = 0.20; 95 % CI: -0.13, 0.53) and less for girls (Mean β = -0.23; 95 % CI: -0.58, 0.13). Also, higher prenatal exposure to EDC mixture was borderline significant with more percent body fat (standardized score) for boys (Mean β = 0.09; 95 % CI: -0.04, 0.21) and less for girls (Mean β = -0.10 (-0.26, 0.05). The chemicals of concern included bisphenols, phthalates, PFAS, PAH, and pesticides with different patterns for boys and girls. DISCUSSION Borderline significant associations were found between prenatal exposure to a mixture of EDCs and children's body fat. The associations in opposite directions suggests that prenatal exposure to EDCs may present sex-specific effects on children's body fat.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Chris Gennings
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Christian Lindh
- Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Hannu Kiviranta
- Environmental Health Unit, Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Panu Rantakokko
- Environmental Health Unit, Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Sverre Wikström
- Department of Health Sciences, Karlstad University, Karlstad, Sweden; School of Medical Sciences, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden; Centre for Clinical Research, County Council of Värmland, Sweden
| | - Carl-Gustaf Bornehag
- Department of Health Sciences, Karlstad University, Karlstad, Sweden; Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
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15
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Wang W, Zhuang Z, Zhao Y, Song Z, Huang N, Li Y, Dong X, Xiao W, Huang T. Associations of birth weight, plasma metabolome in adulthood and risk of type 2 diabetes. Diabetes Metab Res Rev 2024; 40:e3803. [PMID: 38581399 DOI: 10.1002/dmrr.3803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Revised: 10/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/08/2024]
Abstract
AIMS We aimed to examine the longitudinal associations of birth weight with plasma metabolites in adulthood, and further quantify the proportions of the links between birth weight and incident adult type 2 diabetes (T2D) that were mediated by plasma metabolites. MATERIALS AND METHODS A total of 62,033 participants with complete nuclear magnetic resonance metabolomics and birth weight data from the UK Biobank were included in this study. Linear regression was used to assess the associations between birth weight and metabolites. Cox regression was used to estimate hazard ratios for T2D associated with metabolites. We further performed mediation analyses to estimate the extent to which metabolites might mediate the association between birth weight and T2D risk. RESULTS Low birth weight was associated with the adverse metabolic responses across multiple metabolic pathways, including lipoprotein subclasses, amino acids, fatty acids (FA), and inflammation. Metabolites associated with higher birth weight tended to be associated with a lower risk of T2D (Pearson correlation coefficient: -0.85). A total of 62 metabolites showed statistically significant mediation effects in the protective association of higher birth weight and T2D risk, including large-sized very low-density lipoprotein particles and triglyceride concentrations as well as saturated, and monounsaturated FA and glycoprotein acetyls. CONCLUSIONS We identified a range of metabolites that reflect the adult metabolic response to birth weight, some of which might lie on the pathway between birth weight and adult T2D risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenxiu Wang
- Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhenhuang Zhuang
- Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Yimin Zhao
- Department of Sports Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Zimin Song
- Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Ninghao Huang
- Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Yueying Li
- Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Xue Dong
- Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Wendi Xiao
- Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Tao Huang
- Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Epidemiology of Major Diseases (Peking University), Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
- Center for Intelligent Public Health, Academy for Artificial Intelligence, Peking University, Beijing, China
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16
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Anderson JA, Lin D, Lea AJ, Johnston RA, Voyles T, Akinyi MY, Archie EA, Alberts SC, Tung J. DNA methylation signatures of early-life adversity are exposure-dependent in wild baboons. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2309469121. [PMID: 38442181 PMCID: PMC10945818 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2309469121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/07/2024] Open
Abstract
The early-life environment can profoundly shape the trajectory of an animal's life, even years or decades later. One mechanism proposed to contribute to these early-life effects is DNA methylation. However, the frequency and functional importance of DNA methylation in shaping early-life effects on adult outcomes is poorly understood, especially in natural populations. Here, we integrate prospectively collected data on fitness-associated variation in the early environment with DNA methylation estimates at 477,270 CpG sites in 256 wild baboons. We find highly heterogeneous relationships between the early-life environment and DNA methylation in adulthood: aspects of the environment linked to resource limitation (e.g., low-quality habitat, early-life drought) are associated with many more CpG sites than other types of environmental stressors (e.g., low maternal social status). Sites associated with early resource limitation are enriched in gene bodies and putative enhancers, suggesting they are functionally relevant. Indeed, by deploying a baboon-specific, massively parallel reporter assay, we show that a subset of windows containing these sites are capable of regulatory activity, and that, for 88% of early drought-associated sites in these regulatory windows, enhancer activity is DNA methylation-dependent. Together, our results support the idea that DNA methylation patterns contain a persistent signature of the early-life environment. However, they also indicate that not all environmental exposures leave an equivalent mark and suggest that socioenvironmental variation at the time of sampling is more likely to be functionally important. Thus, multiple mechanisms must converge to explain early-life effects on fitness-related traits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordan A. Anderson
- Department of Evolutionary Anthropology, Duke University, Durham, NC27708
| | - Dana Lin
- Department of Evolutionary Anthropology, Duke University, Durham, NC27708
| | - Amanda J. Lea
- Canadian Institute for Advanced Research, Child & Brain Development Program, Toronto, ONM5G 1M1, Canada
- Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN37235
| | | | - Tawni Voyles
- Department of Evolutionary Anthropology, Duke University, Durham, NC27708
| | - Mercy Y. Akinyi
- Institute of Primate Research, National Museums of Kenya, Nairobi00502, Kenya
| | - Elizabeth A. Archie
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN46556
| | - Susan C. Alberts
- Department of Evolutionary Anthropology, Duke University, Durham, NC27708
- Department of Biology, Duke University, Durham, NC27708
- Duke Population Research Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC27708
| | - Jenny Tung
- Department of Evolutionary Anthropology, Duke University, Durham, NC27708
- Canadian Institute for Advanced Research, Child & Brain Development Program, Toronto, ONM5G 1M1, Canada
- Department of Biology, Duke University, Durham, NC27708
- Duke Population Research Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC27708
- Department of Primate Behavior and Evolution, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Leipzig04103, Germany
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17
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Metcalfe NB. How important is hidden phenotypic plasticity arising from alternative but converging developmental trajectories, and what limits it? J Exp Biol 2024; 227:jeb246010. [PMID: 38449324 PMCID: PMC10949067 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.246010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
Developmental plasticity -- the capacity for a genotype to develop into different phenotypes, depending on the environment - is typically viewed from the perspective of the resulting phenotype. Thus, if development is viewed as a trajectory towards a target, then developmental plasticity allows environmentally induced alterations to the target. However, there can also be variations in the trajectory. This is seen with compensatory responses, for instance where growth accelerates after an earlier period of food shortage, or where investment in sexual ornaments is maintained even when resources are limiting. If the compensation is complete, the adult phenotype can appear 'normal' (i.e. the different developmental trajectories converge on the same target). However, alternative trajectories to a common target can have multiple long-term consequences, including altered physiological programming and rates of senescence, possibly owing to trade-offs between allocating resources to the prioritized trait versus to body maintenance. This suggests that plasticity in developmental trajectories towards a common target leads to variation in the resilience and robustness of the adult body. This form of developmental plasticity is far more hidden than plasticity in final adult target, but it may be more common. Here, I discuss the causes, consequences and limitations of these different kinds of plasticity, with a special focus on whether they are likely to be adaptive. I emphasize the need to study plasticity in developmental trajectories, and conclude with suggestions for future research to tease apart the different forms of developmental plasticity and the factors that influence their evolution and expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neil B. Metcalfe
- School of Biodiversity, One Health & Veterinary Medicine, Graham Kerr Building, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, UK
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18
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Lagarde CB, Kavalakatt J, Benz MC, Hawes ML, Arbogast CA, Cullen NM, McConnell EC, Rinderle C, Hebert KL, Khosla M, Belgodere JA, Hoang VT, Collins-Burow BM, Bunnell BA, Burow ME, Alahari SK. Obesity-associated epigenetic alterations and the obesity-breast cancer axis. Oncogene 2024; 43:763-775. [PMID: 38310162 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-024-02954-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/05/2024]
Abstract
Both breast cancer and obesity can regulate epigenetic changes or be regulated by epigenetic changes. Due to the well-established link between obesity and an increased risk of developing breast cancer, understanding how obesity-mediated epigenetic changes affect breast cancer pathogenesis is critical. Researchers have described how obesity and breast cancer modulate the epigenome individually and synergistically. In this review, the epigenetic alterations that occur in obesity, including DNA methylation, histone, and chromatin modification, accelerated epigenetic age, carcinogenesis, metastasis, and tumor microenvironment modulation, are discussed. Delineating the relationship between obesity and epigenetic regulation is vital to furthering our understanding of breast cancer pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Courtney B Lagarde
- Department of Medicine, Section of Hematology and Oncology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, 70112, USA
| | - Joachim Kavalakatt
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Genetics, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, 76107, USA
| | - Megan C Benz
- Department of Medicine, Section of Hematology and Oncology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, 70112, USA
| | - Mackenzie L Hawes
- Department of Medicine, Section of Hematology and Oncology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, 70112, USA
| | - Carter A Arbogast
- Department of Medicine, Section of Hematology and Oncology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, 70112, USA
| | - Nicole M Cullen
- Department of Medicine, Section of Hematology and Oncology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, 70112, USA
| | - Emily C McConnell
- Department of Medicine, Section of Hematology and Oncology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, 70112, USA
| | - Caroline Rinderle
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Genetics, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, 76107, USA
| | - Katherine L Hebert
- Department of Medicine, Section of Hematology and Oncology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, 70112, USA
| | - Maninder Khosla
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, LSU Health Science Center School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, 70112, USA
| | - Jorge A Belgodere
- Department of Medicine, Section of Hematology and Oncology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, 70112, USA
- Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering, Louisiana State University and Agricultural Center, Baton Rouge, LA, 70803, USA
| | - Van T Hoang
- Department of Medicine, Section of Hematology and Oncology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, 70112, USA
| | - Bridgette M Collins-Burow
- Department of Medicine, Section of Hematology and Oncology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, 70112, USA
| | - Bruce A Bunnell
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Genetics, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, 76107, USA
| | - Matthew E Burow
- Department of Medicine, Section of Hematology and Oncology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, 70112, USA.
| | - Suresh K Alahari
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, LSU Health Science Center School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, 70112, USA.
- Stanley S. Scott Cancer Center, LSU Health Science Center School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, 70112, USA.
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19
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Ramsteijn AS, Ndiaye M, Kalashikam RR, Htet MK, Yadav Dm D, Augustine LF, Zahra NL, Djigal A, Yanti D, Angelin TC, Nurfadilah M, Gorre M, Subrahamanyam D, Vadakattu SS, Munikumar M, Horgan GW, Fahmida U, Faye B, Kulkarni B, Haggarty P. Epigenetic studies in children at risk of stunting and their parents in India, Indonesia and Senegal: a UKRI GCRF Action Against Stunting Hub protocol paper. BMJ Paediatr Open 2024; 8:e001770. [PMID: 38417921 PMCID: PMC10900567 DOI: 10.1136/bmjpo-2022-001770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/01/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In 2020, an estimated 150 million children under the age of 5 years were stunted. Stunting results from early-life adversity and it is associated with significant physical and cognitive deficit, lifelong socioeconomic disadvantage and reduced life expectancy. There is a need to understand the causes of stunting and its effects in order to develop strategies to avoid it and to mitigate the consequences once stunting has occurred. Epigenetics is an important mechanism through which early-life factors are thought to influence biological function, with long-term consequences. We describe a series of epigenetic studies designed to understand how early-life adversity results in stunting and to inform the development of practical tools such as predictive markers and therapeutic targets. This work is part of the UKRI GCRF Action Against Stunting Hub. METHODS AND ANALYSIS The project-in India, Indonesia and Senegal-comprises an observational study of mothers, fathers, and offspring (n=500) spanning the first 1000 days of life, and an intervention study in each country. Epigenetic status (DNA methylation) is determined in saliva from babies collected within 1 month of birth and again at 18 months of age, and from mothers and fathers around the time of birth. Epigenome-wide analysis is carried out using the Illumina EPIC array, augmented by high-definition sequencing approaches. Statistical analysis is carried out at the level of candidate genes/regions, higher dimensional epigenetic states and epigenome-wide association. Data analysis focuses on the determinants of stunting, the effectiveness of interventions, population comparisons and the link between epigenetics and other thematic areas, which include anthropometry, microbiome, gut health, parasitology, cognition, nutrition, food hygiene and water sanitation, food systems and the home environment. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION This study has been approved by the relevant Ethics Committees in Indonesia, India and Senegal, and the UK. Research data will be published and posted in public repositories.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Magatte Ndiaye
- Service de Parasitologie-Mycologie, Faculté de Médecine, Université Cheikh Anta Diop (UCAD), Dakar, Senegal
| | | | - Min Kyaw Htet
- South East Asian Ministers of Education Organization Regional Centre for Food and Nutrition (SEAMEO RECFON), East Jakarta, Indonesia
| | | | | | - Nur L Zahra
- South East Asian Ministers of Education Organization Regional Centre for Food and Nutrition (SEAMEO RECFON), East Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Aicha Djigal
- Service de Parasitologie-Mycologie, Faculté de Médecine, Université Cheikh Anta Diop (UCAD), Dakar, Senegal
| | - Dwi Yanti
- South East Asian Ministers of Education Organization Regional Centre for Food and Nutrition (SEAMEO RECFON), East Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Tiffany C Angelin
- South East Asian Ministers of Education Organization Regional Centre for Food and Nutrition (SEAMEO RECFON), East Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Mifa Nurfadilah
- South East Asian Ministers of Education Organization Regional Centre for Food and Nutrition (SEAMEO RECFON), East Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Manjula Gorre
- ICMR-National Institute of Nutrition, Hyderabad, India
| | | | | | | | | | - Umi Fahmida
- South East Asian Ministers of Education Organization Regional Centre for Food and Nutrition (SEAMEO RECFON), East Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Babacar Faye
- Service de Parasitologie-Mycologie, Faculté de Médecine, Université Cheikh Anta Diop (UCAD), Dakar, Senegal
| | | | - Paul Haggarty
- Rowett Institute, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
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20
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Vosberg DE, Jurisica I, Pausova Z, Paus T. Intrauterine growth and the tangential expansion of the human cerebral cortex in times of food scarcity and abundance. Nat Commun 2024; 15:1205. [PMID: 38350995 PMCID: PMC10864407 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-45409-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Tangential growth of the human cerebral cortex is driven by cell proliferation during the first and second trimester of pregnancy. Fetal growth peaks in mid-gestation. Here, we explore how genes associated with fetal growth relate to cortical growth. We find that both maternal and fetal genetic variants associated with higher birthweight predict larger cortical surface area. The relative dominance of the maternal vs. fetal variants in these associations show striking variations across birth years (1943 to 1966). The birth-year patterns vary as a function of the epigenetic status near genes differentially methylated in individuals exposed (or not) to famine during the Dutch Winter of 1944/1945. Thus, it appears that the two sets of molecular processes contribute to early cortical development to a different degree in times of food scarcity or its abundance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel E Vosberg
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Sainte-Justine, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Research Institute of the Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Igor Jurisica
- Osteoarthritis Research Program, Division of Orthopedic Surgery, Schroeder Arthritis Institute, and Data Science Discovery Centre for Chronic Diseases, Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Departments of Medical Biophysics and Computer Science, and the Faculty of Dentistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Institute of Neuroimmunology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Zdenka Pausova
- Research Institute of the Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Departments of Physiology and Nutritional Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- ECOGENE-21, Chicoutimi, Quebec, Canada
| | - Tomáš Paus
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Sainte-Justine, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
- Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
- ECOGENE-21, Chicoutimi, Quebec, Canada.
- Departments of Psychology and Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
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Derakhshan M, Kessler NJ, Hellenthal G, Silver MJ. Metastable epialleles in humans. Trends Genet 2024; 40:52-68. [PMID: 38000919 DOI: 10.1016/j.tig.2023.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Revised: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023]
Abstract
First identified in isogenic mice, metastable epialleles (MEs) are loci where the extent of DNA methylation (DNAm) is variable between individuals but correlates across tissues derived from different germ layers within a given individual. This property, termed systemic interindividual variation (SIV), is attributed to stochastic methylation establishment before germ layer differentiation. Evidence suggests that some putative human MEs are sensitive to environmental exposures in early development. In this review we introduce key concepts pertaining to human MEs, describe methods used to identify MEs in humans, and review their genomic features. We also highlight studies linking DNAm at putative human MEs to early environmental exposures and postnatal (including disease) phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Derakhshan
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London WC1E 7HT, UK
| | - Noah J Kessler
- Department of Genetics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EH, UK
| | | | - Matt J Silver
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London WC1E 7HT, UK; Medical Research Council (MRC) Unit The Gambia at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Fajara, Banjul, The Gambia.
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22
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Al Mansoori A, Bataineh MF, Al Momani H, Ali HI. Micronutrient Status in Pregnant Women after Metabolic Bariatric Surgery in the United Arab Emirates: A Prospective Study. Nutrients 2023; 16:72. [PMID: 38201902 PMCID: PMC10781104 DOI: 10.3390/nu16010072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Metabolic bariatric surgery (MBS) helps reduce comorbidities, such as hypertension and gestational diabetes, and is more effective than diet management for women with obesity-related health issues. Vitamin B12, vitamin D, and iron play important roles in ensuring the health of a neonate. However, pregnancies occurring after MBS may face complications related to micronutrient deficiencies, particularly of vitamins B12 and D and iron. This study aimed to investigate the vitamin B12, vitamin D, ferritin, and iron status of pregnant women who underwent MBS compared with women without MBS history. The study included 217 pregnant women (105 with a history of MBS and 112 without a history of MBS) who visited a major maternity hospital in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE) between July 2021 and November 2022. The maternal vitamin B12, vitamin D, iron, and ferritin levels were measured twice, initially during the first or second trimester and subsequently during the third trimester. The iron was measured once during the pregnancy. Vitamin B12 deficiency was higher among pregnant women with MBS history compared to non-bariatric pregnant women (24.4% vs. 3.9%, p < 0.001). Women with a history of MBS had a higher prevalence of vitamin D deficiency (62.3% vs. 37.7%, p < 0.002). Linear regression analysis indicated that vitamin B12 levels decreased by 55 pg/mL in women with a history of MBS and by 4.6 pg/mL with a unit increase in body mass index (kg/m2). Furthermore, vitamin D levels in women with a history of MBS decreased by 4.9 ng/mL during pregnancy. Metabolic bariatric surgery is associated with vitamin B12, vitamin D, and iron deficiencies during pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amna Al Mansoori
- Department of Nutrition and Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 15551, United Arab Emirates; (A.A.M.); (M.F.B.)
| | - Mo’ath F. Bataineh
- Department of Nutrition and Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 15551, United Arab Emirates; (A.A.M.); (M.F.B.)
| | - Hazem Al Momani
- Weight Management Unit, NMC Royal Khalifa Hospital, Abu Dhabi P.O. Box 35233, United Arab Emirates;
| | - Habiba I. Ali
- Department of Nutrition and Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 15551, United Arab Emirates; (A.A.M.); (M.F.B.)
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Svensson K, Gennings C, Hagenäs L, Wolk A, Håkansson N, Wikström S, Bornehag CG. Maternal nutrition during mid-pregnancy and children's body composition at 7 years of age in the SELMA study. Br J Nutr 2023; 130:1982-1992. [PMID: 37232113 PMCID: PMC10632724 DOI: 10.1017/s0007114523000983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Revised: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Optimal nutrition during pregnancy is vital for both maternal and child health. Our objective was to explore if prenatal diet is associated with children's height and body fat. Nutrient intake was assessed through a FFQ from 808 pregnant women and summarised to a nutrition index, 'My Nutrition Index' (MNI). The association with children's height and body fat (bioimpedance) was assessed with linear regression models. Secondary analysis was performed with BMI, trunk fat and skinfolds. Overall, higher MNI score was associated with greater height (β = 0·47; (95 % CI 0·00, 0·94), among both sexes. Among boys, higher MNI was associated with 0·15 higher BMI z-scores, 0·12 body fat z-scores, 0·11 trunk fat z-scores, and larger triceps, and triceps + subscapular skinfolds (β = 0·05 and β = 0·06; on the log2 scale) (P-value < 0·05). Among girls, the opposite associations were found with 0·12 lower trunk fat z-scores, and smaller subscapular and suprailiac skinfolds (β = -0·07 and β = -0·10; on the log2 scale) (P-value < 0·05). For skinfold measures, this would represent a ± 1·0 millimetres difference. Unexpectedly, a prenatal diet in line with recommended nutrient intake was associated with higher measures of body fat for boys and opposite to girls at a pre-pubertal stage of development.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Chris Gennings
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, USA
| | - Lars Hagenäs
- Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Alicja Wolk
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Niclas Håkansson
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Sverre Wikström
- Department of Health Sciences, Karlstad University, Karlstad, Sweden
- Centre for Clinical Research and Education, County Council of Värmland, Värmland County, Sweden
| | - Carl-Gustaf Bornehag
- Department of Health Sciences, Karlstad University, Karlstad, Sweden
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, USA
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Lumey LH, Li C, Khalangot M, Levchuk N, Wolowyna O. Long-term impact of pre-natal exposure to the Ukraine famine of 1932-1933 on adult type 2 diabetes mellitus. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2023:2023.12.02.23299317. [PMID: 38106180 PMCID: PMC10723511 DOI: 10.1101/2023.12.02.23299317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
Importance The long-term impacts of early-life famine exposure on Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) have been widely documented across countries, but it remains less clear what is the critical time window and if there is a dose-response between famine intensity and risk of T2DM. Objective To establish the relation between prenatal famine exposure and adult Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Design A national cross-sectional study. Setting The man-made Ukrainian Holodomor famine of 1932-1933. Participants A total number of 128,225 T2DM cases diagnosed at age 40 or over from the national diabetes register 2000-2008 in Ukraine. The population at risk includes 10,186,016 Soviet Ukraine births (excepting one oblast/province) between 1930-1938 classified by month and year and oblast of birth. Exposure Births born in January-June 1934 from oblasts that experienced extreme, severe, or significant famine in 1932-1933. Famine intensity was measured based on the excess mortality during the famine. Main Outcomes and Measures T2DM diagnosis was based on WHO (1999) criteria. Results We observed in univariate analysis a 1.8-fold increase in T2DM (OR 1.80; 95% CI 1.74-1.85) among individuals born in the first half-year of 1934 in regions with extreme, severe, or significant famine. We observed no increase among individuals born in regions with no famine. In multivariate analysis across regions and adjusting for season of birth we observed a larger than 2-fold increase (OR 2.21; 95% CI 2.00-2.45). There was a dose-response by famine intensity, with ORs increasing from 1.94 to 2.39 across regions. The pattern was similar in men and women. Conclusions and Relevance Births in the first half-year of 1934 were conceived at the height of the Ukraine famine in 1933. This relation for T2DM outcomes points to early gestation as a critical time window relating maternal nutrition in pregnancy to offspring health in later life. Further studies of biological mechanisms should focus on this time window for which changes in DNA methylation and later body size have also been observed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Chihua Li
- University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
- Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore
| | - Mykola Khalangot
- Komisarenko Institute of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Kyiv
- Shupyk National Healthcare University, Kyiv
| | - Nataliia Levchuk
- Ptoukha Institute of Demography and Social Sciences, Kyiv
- Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research, Rostock
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Vellame DS, Shireby G, MacCalman A, Dempster EL, Burrage J, Gorrie-Stone T, Schalkwyk LS, Mill J, Hannon E. Uncertainty quantification of reference-based cellular deconvolution algorithms. Epigenetics 2023; 18:2137659. [PMID: 36539387 PMCID: PMC9980651 DOI: 10.1080/15592294.2022.2137659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The majority of epigenetic epidemiology studies to date have generated genome-wide profiles from bulk tissues (e.g., whole blood) however these are vulnerable to confounding from variation in cellular composition. Proxies for cellular composition can be mathematically derived from the bulk tissue profiles using a deconvolution algorithm; however, there is no method to assess the validity of these estimates for a dataset where the true cellular proportions are unknown. In this study, we describe, validate and characterize a sample level accuracy metric for derived cellular heterogeneity variables. The CETYGO score captures the deviation between a sample's DNA methylation profile and its expected profile given the estimated cellular proportions and cell type reference profiles. We demonstrate that the CETYGO score consistently distinguishes inaccurate and incomplete deconvolutions when applied to reconstructed whole blood profiles. By applying our novel metric to >6,300 empirical whole blood profiles, we find that estimating accurate cellular composition is influenced by both technical and biological variation. In particular, we show that when using a common reference panel for whole blood, less accurate estimates are generated for females, neonates, older individuals and smokers. Our results highlight the utility of a metric to assess the accuracy of cellular deconvolution, and describe how it can enhance studies of DNA methylation that are reliant on statistical proxies for cellular heterogeneity. To facilitate incorporating our methodology into existing pipelines, we have made it freely available as an R package (https://github.com/ds420/CETYGO).
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Gemma Shireby
- University of Exeter Medical School, University of Exeter, Exeter EX2 5DW, UK
| | - Ailsa MacCalman
- University of Exeter Medical School, University of Exeter, Exeter EX2 5DW, UK
| | - Emma L Dempster
- University of Exeter Medical School, University of Exeter, Exeter EX2 5DW, UK
| | - Joe Burrage
- University of Exeter Medical School, University of Exeter, Exeter EX2 5DW, UK
| | - Tyler Gorrie-Stone
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Essex, Colchester CO4 3SQ, UK
| | | | - Jonathan Mill
- University of Exeter Medical School, University of Exeter, Exeter EX2 5DW, UK
| | - Eilis Hannon
- University of Exeter Medical School, University of Exeter, Exeter EX2 5DW, UK
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26
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Bakulski KM, Blostein F, London SJ. Linking Prenatal Environmental Exposures to Lifetime Health with Epigenome-Wide Association Studies: State-of-the-Science Review and Future Recommendations. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2023; 131:126001. [PMID: 38048101 PMCID: PMC10695268 DOI: 10.1289/ehp12956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Revised: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The prenatal environment influences lifetime health; epigenetic mechanisms likely predominate. In 2016, the first international consortium paper on cigarette smoking during pregnancy and offspring DNA methylation identified extensive, reproducible exposure signals. This finding raised expectations for epigenome-wide association studies (EWAS) of other exposures. OBJECTIVE We review the current state-of-the-science for DNA methylation associations across prenatal exposures in humans and provide future recommendations. METHODS We reviewed 134 prenatal environmental EWAS of DNA methylation in newborns, focusing on 51 epidemiological studies with meta-analysis or replication testing. Exposures spanned cigarette smoking, alcohol consumption, air pollution, dietary factors, psychosocial stress, metals, other chemicals, and other exogenous factors. Of the reproducible DNA methylation signatures, we examined implementation as exposure biomarkers. RESULTS Only 19 (14%) of these prenatal EWAS were conducted in cohorts of 1,000 or more individuals, reflecting the still early stage of the field. To date, the largest perinatal EWAS sample size was 6,685 participants. For comparison, the most recent genome-wide association study for birth weight included more than 300,000 individuals. Replication, at some level, was successful with exposures to cigarette smoking, folate, dietary glycemic index, particulate matter with aerodynamic diameter < 10 μ m and < 2.5 μ m , nitrogen dioxide, mercury, cadmium, arsenic, electronic waste, PFAS, and DDT. Reproducible effects of a more limited set of prenatal exposures (smoking, folate) enabled robust methylation biomarker creation. DISCUSSION Current evidence demonstrates the scientific premise for reproducible DNA methylation exposure signatures. Better powered EWAS could identify signatures across many exposures and enable comprehensive biomarker development. Whether methylation biomarkers of exposures themselves cause health effects remains unclear. We expect that larger EWAS with enhanced coverage of epigenome and exposome, along with improved single-cell technologies and evolving methods for integrative multi-omics analyses and causal inference, will expand mechanistic understanding of causal links between environmental exposures, the epigenome, and health outcomes throughout the life course. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP12956.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Freida Blostein
- University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Stephanie J. London
- National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
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27
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Baccarelli AA. Invited Perspective: Decoding the Prenatal Epigenetic Symphony-The Journey of a Decade. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2023; 131:121303. [PMID: 38048104 PMCID: PMC10695262 DOI: 10.1289/ehp13780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Revised: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Andrea A. Baccarelli
- Departments of Environmental Health Sciences and Epidemiology, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, New York, USA
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28
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Li X, Shao X, Kou M, Wang X, Ma H, Grundberg E, Bazzano LA, Smith SR, Bray GA, Sacks FM, Qi L. DNA Methylation at ABCG1 and Long-term Changes in Adiposity and Fat Distribution in Response to Dietary Interventions: The POUNDS Lost Trial. Diabetes Care 2023; 46:2201-2207. [PMID: 37770056 DOI: 10.2337/dc23-0748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine whether participants with different levels of diabetes-related DNA methylation at ABCG1 might respond differently to dietary weight loss interventions with long-term changes in adiposity and body fat distribution. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS The current study included overweight/obese participants from the POUNDS Lost trial. Blood levels of regional DNA methylation at ABCG1 were profiled by high-resolution methylC-capture sequencing at baseline among 673 participants, of whom 598 were followed up at 6 months and 543 at 2 years. Two-year changes in adiposity and computed tomography-measured body fat distribution were calculated. RESULTS Regional DNA methylation at ABCG1 showed significantly different associations with long-term changes in body weight and waist circumference at 6 months and 2 years in dietary interventions varying in protein intake (interaction P < 0.05 for all). Among participants assigned to an average-protein (15%) diet, lower baseline regional DNA methylation at ABCG1 was associated with greater reductions in body weight and waist circumference at 6 months and 2 years, whereas opposite associations were found among those assigned to a high-protein (25%) diet. Similar interaction patterns were also observed for body fat distribution, including visceral adipose tissue, subcutaneous adipose tissue, deep subcutaneous adipose tissue, and total adipose tissue at 6 months and 2 years (interaction P < 0.05 for all). CONCLUSIONS Baseline DNA methylation at ABCG1 interacted with dietary protein intake on long-term decreases in adiposity and body fat distribution. Participants with lower methylation at ABCG1 benefitted more in long-term reductions in body weight, waist circumference, and body fat distribution when consuming an average-protein diet.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Li
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA
| | - Xiaojian Shao
- Digital Technologies Research Centre, National Research Council Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Minghao Kou
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA
| | - Xuan Wang
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA
| | - Hao Ma
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA
| | - Elin Grundberg
- Department of Pediatrics, Genomic Medicine Center, Children's Mercy Kansas City, Kansas City, MO
| | - Lydia A Bazzano
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA
| | | | - George A Bray
- Pennington Biomedical Research Center, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA
| | - Frank M Sacks
- Department of Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA
| | - Lu Qi
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA
- Department of Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA
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29
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Bloks NG, Dicks A, Harissa Z, Nelissen RG, Hajmousa G, Ramos YF, Almeida RC, Guilak F, Meulenbelt I. Hyper-physiologic mechanical cues, as an osteoarthritis disease relevant environmental perturbation, cause a critical shift in set-points of methylation at transcriptionally active CpG sites in neo-cartilage organoids. RESEARCH SQUARE 2023:rs.3.rs-3568544. [PMID: 38014245 PMCID: PMC10680909 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-3568544/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
Background Osteoarthritis (OA) is a complex, age-related multifactorial degenerative disease of diarthrodial joints marked by impaired mobility, joint stiffness, pain, and a significant decrease in quality of life. Among other risk factors, such as genetics and age, hyper-physiological mechanical cues are known to play a critical role in the onset and progression of the disease (1). It has been shown that post-mitotic cells, such as articular chondrocytes, heavily rely on methylation at CpG sites to adapt to environmental cues and maintain phenotypic plasticity. However, these long-lasting adaptations may eventually have a negative impact on cellular performance. We hypothesize that hyper-physiologic mechanical loading leads to the accumulation of altered epigenetic markers in articular chondrocytes, resulting in a loss of the tightly regulated balance of gene expression that leads to a dysregulated state characteristic of the OA disease state. Results We showed that hyper-physiological loading evokes consistent changes in ML-tCpGs associated with expression changes in ITGA5, CAV1, and CD44, among other genes, which together act in pathways such as anatomical structure morphogenesis (GO:0009653) and response to wound healing (GO:0042060). Moreover, by comparing the ML-tCpGs and their associated pathways to tCpGs in OA pathophysiology, we observed a modest but particular interconnected overlap with notable genes such as CD44 and ITGA5. These genes could indeed represent lasting detrimental changes to the phenotypic state of chondrocytes due to mechanical perturbations that occurred earlier in life. The latter is further suggested by the association between methylation levels of ML-tCpGs mapped to CD44 and OA severity. Conclusion Our findings confirm that hyper-physiological mechanical cues evoke changes to the methylome-wide landscape of chondrocytes, concomitant with detrimental changes in positional gene expression levels (ML-tCpGs). Since CAV1, ITGA5, and CD44 are subject to such changes and are central and overlapping with OA-tCPGs of primary chondrocytes, we propose that accumulation of hyper-physiological mechanical cues can evoke long-lasting, detrimental changes in set points of gene expression that influence the phenotypic healthy state of chondrocytes. Future studies are necessary to confirm this hypothesis.
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Cheng M, Conley D, Kuipers T, Li C, Ryan C, Taubert J, Wang S, Wang T, Zhou J, Schmitz LL, Tobi EW, Heijmans B, Lumey L, Belsky DW. Accelerated biological aging six decades after prenatal famine exposure. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2023:2023.11.03.23298046. [PMID: 37961696 PMCID: PMC10635274 DOI: 10.1101/2023.11.03.23298046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
To test the hypothesis that early-life adversity accelerates the pace of biological aging, we analyzed data from the Dutch Hunger Winter Families Study (DHWFS, N=951). DHWFS is a natural-experiment birth-cohort study of survivors of in-utero exposure to famine conditions caused by the German occupation of the Western Netherlands in Winter 1944-5, matched controls, and their siblings. We conducted DNA methylation analysis of blood samples collected when the survivors were aged 58 to quantify biological aging using the DunedinPACE, GrimAge, and PhenoAge epigenetic clocks. Famine survivors had faster DunedinPACE, as compared with controls. This effect was strongest among women. Results were similar for GrimAge, although effect-sizes were smaller. We observed no differences in PhenoAge between survivors and controls. Famine effects were not accounted for by blood-cell composition and were similar for individuals exposed early and later in gestation. Findings suggest in-utero undernutrition may accelerate biological aging in later life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengling Cheng
- Swiss Centre of Expertise in Life Course Research, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Robert N. Butler Columbia Aging Center, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Dalton Conley
- Department of Sociology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA
| | - Tom Kuipers
- Department of Biomedical Data Sciences, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Chihua Li
- Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan at Ann Arbor, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Calen Ryan
- Robert N. Butler Columbia Aging Center, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jazmin Taubert
- Department of Biomedical Data Sciences, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Shuang Wang
- Department of Biostatistics, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Tian Wang
- Department of Biostatistics, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jiayi Zhou
- Robert N. Butler Columbia Aging Center, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Lauren L. Schmitz
- Robert M. La Follette School of Public Affairs, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Elmar W. Tobi
- Department of Biomedical Data Sciences, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Bas Heijmans
- Department of Biomedical Data Sciences, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - L.H. Lumey
- Department of Biomedical Data Sciences, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
- Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Daniel W. Belsky
- Robert N. Butler Columbia Aging Center, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, USA
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31
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Cardenas A, Fadadu R, Bunyavanich S. Climate change and epigenetic biomarkers in allergic and airway diseases. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2023; 152:1060-1072. [PMID: 37741554 PMCID: PMC10843253 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2023.09.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2023] [Revised: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/25/2023]
Abstract
Human epigenetic variation is associated with both environmental exposures and allergic diseases and can potentially serve as a biomarker connecting climate change with allergy and airway diseases. In this narrative review, we summarize recent human epigenetic studies examining exposure to temperature, precipitation, extreme weather events, and malnutrition to discuss findings as they relate to allergic and airway diseases. Temperature has been the most widely studied exposure, with the studies implicating both short-term and long-term exposures with epigenetic alterations and epigenetic aging. Few studies have examined natural disasters or extreme weather events. The studies available have reported differential DNA methylation of multiple genes and pathways, some of which were previously associated with asthma or allergy. Few studies have integrated climate-related events, epigenetic biomarkers, and allergic disease together. Prospective longitudinal studies are needed along with the collection of target tissues beyond blood samples, such as nasal and skin cells. Finally, global collaboration to increase diverse representation of study participants, particularly those most affected by climate injustice, as well as strengthen replication, validation, and harmonization of measurements will be needed to elucidate the impacts of climate change on the human epigenome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andres Cardenas
- Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Stanford University, Stanford, Calif.
| | - Raj Fadadu
- School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, Calif
| | - Supinda Bunyavanich
- Division of Allergy and Immunology, Department of Pediatrics, and Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY
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Silva-Ochoa AD, Velasteguí E, Falconí IB, García-Solorzano VI, Rendón-Riofrio A, Sanguña-Soliz GA, Vanden Berghe W, Orellana-Manzano A. Metabolic syndrome: Nutri-epigenetic cause or consequence? Heliyon 2023; 9:e21106. [PMID: 37954272 PMCID: PMC10637881 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e21106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Revised: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of conditions that results from the interplay of genetic and environmental factors, which increase the comorbidity risk of obesity, hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia, arterial hypertension, stroke, and cardiovascular disease. In this article, we review various high-impact studies which link epigenetics with metabolic syndrome by comparing each study population, methylation effects, and strengths and weaknesses of each research. We also discuss world statistical data on metabolic syndrome incidence in developing countries where the metabolic syndrome is common condition that has significant public health implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alfonso D. Silva-Ochoa
- Laboratorio para Investigaciones Biomédicas, Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral, ESPOL, Campus Gustavo Galindo Km. 30.5 Vía Perimetral, P.O. Box 09-01-5863, Guayaquil, Ecuador
- Licenciatura en Nutrición y Dietética, Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral, ESPOL, Campus Gustavo Galindo Km. 30.5 Vía Perimetral, P.O. Box 09-01-5863, Guayaquil, Ecuador
| | - Erick Velasteguí
- Laboratorio para Investigaciones Biomédicas, Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral, ESPOL, Campus Gustavo Galindo Km. 30.5 Vía Perimetral, P.O. Box 09-01-5863, Guayaquil, Ecuador
- Departamento de Ciencias de Alimentos y Biotecnología, Escuela Politécnica Nacional, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Isaac B. Falconí
- Laboratorio para Investigaciones Biomédicas, Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral, ESPOL, Campus Gustavo Galindo Km. 30.5 Vía Perimetral, P.O. Box 09-01-5863, Guayaquil, Ecuador
| | - Valeria I. García-Solorzano
- Laboratorio para Investigaciones Biomédicas, Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral, ESPOL, Campus Gustavo Galindo Km. 30.5 Vía Perimetral, P.O. Box 09-01-5863, Guayaquil, Ecuador
| | - Angie Rendón-Riofrio
- Laboratorio para Investigaciones Biomédicas, Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral, ESPOL, Campus Gustavo Galindo Km. 30.5 Vía Perimetral, P.O. Box 09-01-5863, Guayaquil, Ecuador
| | - Gabriela A. Sanguña-Soliz
- Laboratorio para Investigaciones Biomédicas, Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral, ESPOL, Campus Gustavo Galindo Km. 30.5 Vía Perimetral, P.O. Box 09-01-5863, Guayaquil, Ecuador
- Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral, ESPOL, Centro de Agua y Desarrollo Sustentable, CADS, Campus Gustavo Galindo Km. 30.5 Vía Perimetral, P.O. Box 09-01-5863, Guayaquil, Ecuador
| | - Wim Vanden Berghe
- Epigenetic signaling PPES lab, Department Biomedical Sciences, University Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Andrea Orellana-Manzano
- Laboratorio para Investigaciones Biomédicas, Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral, ESPOL, Campus Gustavo Galindo Km. 30.5 Vía Perimetral, P.O. Box 09-01-5863, Guayaquil, Ecuador
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Eichenauer H, Ehlert U. The association between prenatal famine, DNA methylation and mental disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Clin Epigenetics 2023; 15:152. [PMID: 37716973 PMCID: PMC10505322 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-023-01557-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Undernutrition in pregnant women is an unfavorable environmental condition that can affect the intrauterine development via epigenetic mechanisms and thus have long-lasting detrimental consequences for the mental health of the offspring later in life. One epigenetic mechanism that has been associated with mental disorders and undernutrition is alterations in DNA methylation. The effect of prenatal undernutrition on the mental health of adult offspring can be analyzed through quasi-experimental studies such as famine studies. The present systematic review and meta-analysis aims to analyze the association between prenatal famine exposure, DNA methylation, and mental disorders in adult offspring. We further investigate whether altered DNA methylation as a result of prenatal famine exposure is prospectively linked to mental disorders. METHODS We conducted a systematic search of the databases PubMed and PsycINFO to identify relevant records up to September 2022 on offspring whose mothers experienced famine directly before and/or during pregnancy, examining the impact of prenatal famine exposure on the offspring's DNA methylation and/or mental disorders or symptoms. RESULTS The systematic review showed that adults who were prenatally exposed to famine had an increased risk of schizophrenia and depression. Several studies reported an association between prenatal famine exposure and hyper- or hypomethylation of specific genes. The largest number of studies reported differences in DNA methylation of the IGF2 gene. Altered DNA methylation of the DUSP22 gene mediated the association between prenatal famine exposure and schizophrenia in adult offspring. Meta-analysis confirmed the increased risk of schizophrenia following prenatal famine exposure. For DNA methylation, meta-analysis was not suitable due to different microarrays/data processing approaches and/or unavailable data. CONCLUSION Prenatal famine exposure is associated with an increased risk of mental disorders and DNA methylation changes. The findings suggest that changes in DNA methylation of genes involved in neuronal, neuroendocrine, and immune processes may be a mechanism that promotes the development of mental disorders such as schizophrenia and depression in adult offspring. Such findings are crucial given that undernutrition has risen worldwide, increasing the risk of famine and thus also of negative effects on mental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heike Eichenauer
- Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, University of Zurich, Binzmühlestrasse 14, 8050, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Ulrike Ehlert
- Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, University of Zurich, Binzmühlestrasse 14, 8050, Zurich, Switzerland.
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Yang J, Tang R, Chen S, Chen Y, Yuan K, Huang R, Wang L. Exposure to high-sugar diet induces transgenerational changes in sweet sensitivity and feeding behavior via H3K27me3 reprogramming. eLife 2023; 12:e85365. [PMID: 37698486 PMCID: PMC10558205 DOI: 10.7554/elife.85365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Human health is facing a host of new threats linked to unbalanced diets, including high-sugar diet (HSD), which contributes to the development of both metabolic and behavioral disorders. Studies have shown that diet-induced metabolic dysfunctions can be transmitted to multiple generations of offspring and exert long-lasting health burden. Meanwhile, whether and how diet-induced behavioral abnormalities can be transmitted to the offspring remains largely unclear. Here, we showed that ancestral HSD exposure suppressed sweet sensitivity and feeding behavior in the offspring in Drosophila. These behavioral deficits were transmitted through the maternal germline and companied by the enhancement of H3K27me3 modifications. PCL-PRC2 complex, a major driver of H3K27 trimethylation, was upregulated by ancestral HSD exposure, and disrupting its activity eliminated the transgenerational inheritance of sweet sensitivity and feeding behavior deficits. Elevated H3K27me3 inhibited the expression of a transcriptional factor Cad and suppressed sweet sensitivity of the sweet-sensing gustatory neurons, reshaping the sweet perception and feeding behavior of the offspring. Taken together, we uncovered a novel molecular mechanism underlying behavioral abnormalities spanning multiple generations of offspring upon ancestral HSD exposure, which would contribute to the further understanding of long-term health risk of unbalanced diet.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Yang
- Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang UniversityHangzhouChina
| | - Ruijun Tang
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Molecular Precision Medicine, Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, and Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Central South UniversityChangshaChina
| | - Shiye Chen
- Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang UniversityHangzhouChina
| | - Yinan Chen
- Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang UniversityHangzhouChina
| | - Kai Yuan
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Molecular Precision Medicine, Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, and Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Central South UniversityChangshaChina
- The Biobank of Xiangya Hospital, Xiangya Hospital, Central South UniversityChangshaChina
| | - Rui Huang
- Center for Neurointelligence, School of Medicine, Chongqing UniversityChongqingChina
- Institute of Molecular Physiology, Shenzhen Bay LaboratoryShenzhenChina
| | - Liming Wang
- Institute of Molecular Physiology, Shenzhen Bay LaboratoryShenzhenChina
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Tung J, Lange EC, Alberts SC, Archie EA. Social and early life determinants of survival from cradle to grave: A case study in wild baboons. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2023; 152:105282. [PMID: 37321362 PMCID: PMC10529797 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2023.105282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Revised: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Field studies of natural mammal populations present powerful opportunities to investigate the determinants of health and aging using fine-grained observations of known individuals across the life course. Here, we synthesize five decades of findings from one such study: the wild baboons of the Amboseli ecosystem in Kenya. First, we discuss the profound associations between early life adversity, adult social conditions, and key aging outcomes in this population, especially survival. Second, we review potential mediators of the relationship between early life adversity and survival in our population. Notably, our tests of two leading candidate mediators-social isolation and glucocorticoid levels-fail to identify a single, strong mediator of early life effects on adult survival. Instead, early adversity, social isolation, and glucocorticoids are independently linked to adult lifespans, suggesting considerable scope for mitigating the negative consequences of early life adversity. Third, we review our work on the evolutionary rationale for early life effects on mortality, which currently argues against clear predictive adaptive responses. Finally, we end by highlighting major themes emerging from the study of sociality, development, and aging in the Amboseli baboons, as well as important open questions for future work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenny Tung
- Department of Primate Behavior and Evolution, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Leipzig, Germany; Department of Evolutionary Anthropology, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA; Department of Biology, Duke University, Durham NC, USA; Canadian Institute for Advanced Research, Toronto, Canada; Duke Population Research Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA.
| | - Elizabeth C Lange
- Department of Biology, Duke University, Durham NC, USA; Department of Biological Sciences, State University of New York at Oswego, Oswego, NY, USA
| | - Susan C Alberts
- Department of Evolutionary Anthropology, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA; Department of Biology, Duke University, Durham NC, USA; Duke Population Research Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Elizabeth A Archie
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, USA
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Kadam I, Dalloul M, Hausser J, Huntley M, Hoepner L, Fordjour L, Hittelman J, Saxena A, Liu J, Futterman ID, Minkoff H, Jiang X. Associations between nutrients in one-carbon metabolism and fetal DNA methylation in pregnancies with or without gestational diabetes mellitus. Clin Epigenetics 2023; 15:137. [PMID: 37633918 PMCID: PMC10464204 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-023-01554-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), characterized by hyperglycemia that develops during pregnancy, increases the risk of fetal macrosomia, childhood obesity and cardiometabolic disorders later in life. This process has been attributed partly to DNA methylation modifications in growth and stress-related pathways. Nutrients involved with one-carbon metabolism (OCM), such as folate, choline, betaine, and vitamin B12, provide methyl groups for DNA methylation of these pathways. Therefore, this study aimed to determine whether maternal OCM nutrient intakes and levels modified fetal DNA methylation and in turn altered fetal growth patterns in pregnancies with and without GDM. RESULTS In this prospective study at a single academic institution from September 2016 to June 2019, we recruited 76 pregnant women with and without GDM at 25-33 weeks gestational age and assessed their OCM nutrient intake by diet recalls and measured maternal blood OCM nutrient levels. We also collected placenta and cord blood samples at delivery to examine fetal tissue DNA methylation of the genes that modify fetal growth and stress response such as insulin-like growth factor 2 (IGF2) and corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH). We analyzed the association between maternal OCM nutrients and fetal DNA methylation using a generalized linear mixed model. Our results demonstrated that maternal choline intake was positively correlated with cord blood CRH methylation levels in both GDM and non-GDM pregnancies (r = 0.13, p = 0.007). Further, the downstream stress hormone cortisol regulated by CRH was inversely associated with maternal choline intake (r = - 0.36, p = 0.021). Higher maternal betaine intake and serum folate levels were associated with lower cord blood and placental IGF2 DNA methylation (r = - 0.13, p = 0.049 and r = - 0.065, p = 0.034, respectively) in both GDM and non-GDM pregnancies. Further, there was an inverse association between maternal betaine intake and birthweight of infants (r = - 0.28, p = 0.015). CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, we observed a complex interrelationship between maternal OCM nutrients and fetal DNA methylation levels regardless of GDM status, which may, epigenetically, program molecular pathways related to fetal growth and stress response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isma'il Kadam
- Departments of Health and Nutrition Sciences, Brooklyn College of City University of New York, 2900 Bedford Ave, Brooklyn, NY, 11210, USA
| | - Mudar Dalloul
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, State University of New York Downstate Health Sciences University, Brooklyn, NY, 11203, USA
| | - Jeanette Hausser
- Departments of Health and Nutrition Sciences, Brooklyn College of City University of New York, 2900 Bedford Ave, Brooklyn, NY, 11210, USA
| | - Monique Huntley
- Departments of Health and Nutrition Sciences, Brooklyn College of City University of New York, 2900 Bedford Ave, Brooklyn, NY, 11210, USA
| | - Lori Hoepner
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, State University of New York Downstate Health Sciences University, Brooklyn, NY, 11203, USA
| | - Lawrence Fordjour
- Department of Pediatrics, State University of New York Downstate Health Sciences University, Brooklyn, NY, 11203, USA
| | - Joan Hittelman
- Department of Psychology, State University of New York Downstate Health Sciences University, Brooklyn, NY, 11203, USA
| | - Anjana Saxena
- Departments of Biology, Brooklyn College of City University of New York, Brooklyn, USA
| | - Jia Liu
- Neuroscience Initiative, Advanced Science Research Center at the Graduate Center of the CUNY, New York, NY, 10031, USA
| | - Itamar D Futterman
- Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Maimonides Medical Center, Brooklyn, USA
| | - Howard Minkoff
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, State University of New York Downstate Health Sciences University, Brooklyn, NY, 11203, USA
- Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Maimonides Medical Center, Brooklyn, USA
| | - Xinyin Jiang
- Departments of Health and Nutrition Sciences, Brooklyn College of City University of New York, 2900 Bedford Ave, Brooklyn, NY, 11210, USA.
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Kupkova K, Shetty SJ, Pray-Grant MG, Grant PA, Haque R, Petri WA, Auble DT. Globally elevated levels of histone H3 lysine 9 trimethylation in early infancy are associated with poor growth trajectory in Bangladeshi children. Clin Epigenetics 2023; 15:129. [PMID: 37568218 PMCID: PMC10422758 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-023-01548-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/06/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Stunting is a global health problem affecting hundreds of millions of children worldwide and contributing to 45% of deaths in children under the age of five. Current therapeutic interventions have limited efficacy. Understanding the epigenetic changes underlying stunting will elucidate molecular mechanisms and likely lead to new therapies. RESULTS We profiled the repressive mark histone H3 lysine 9 trimethylation (H3K9me3) genome-wide in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from 18-week-old infants (n = 15) and mothers (n = 14) enrolled in the PROVIDE study established in an urban slum in Bangladesh. We associated H3K9me3 levels within individual loci as well as genome-wide with anthropometric measurements and other biomarkers of stunting and performed functional annotation of differentially affected regions. Despite the relatively small number of samples from this vulnerable population, we observed globally elevated H3K9me3 levels were associated with poor linear growth between birth and one year of age. A large proportion of the differentially methylated genes code for proteins targeting viral mRNA and highly significant regions were enriched in transposon elements with potential regulatory roles in immune system activation and cytokine production. Maternal data show a similar trend with child's anthropometry; however, these trends lack statistical significance to infer an intergenerational relationship. CONCLUSIONS We speculate that high H3K9me3 levels may result in poor linear growth by repressing genes involved in immune system activation. Importantly, changes to H3K9me3 were detectable before the overt manifestation of stunting and therefore may be valuable as new biomarkers of stunting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristyna Kupkova
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, VA, 22908, USA
- Center for Public Health Genomics, University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, VA, 22908, USA
| | - Savera J Shetty
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, VA, 22908, USA
| | - Marilyn G Pray-Grant
- Department of Biomedical Science, Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL, 33431, USA
| | - Patrick A Grant
- Department of Biomedical Science, Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL, 33431, USA
| | - Rashidul Haque
- Infectious Disease Division, International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Dhaka, 1000, Bangladesh
| | - William A Petri
- Division of Infectious Diseases and International Health, University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, VA, 22908, USA
| | - David T Auble
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, VA, 22908, USA.
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Kuehner JN, Walia NR, Seong R, Li Y, Martinez-Feduchi P, Yao B. Social defeat stress induces genome-wide 5mC and 5hmC alterations in the mouse brain. G3 (BETHESDA, MD.) 2023; 13:jkad114. [PMID: 37228107 PMCID: PMC10411578 DOI: 10.1093/g3journal/jkad114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Revised: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Stress is adverse experience that require constant adaptation to reduce the emotional and physiological burden, or "allostatic load", of an individual. Despite their everyday occurrence, a subpopulation of individuals is more susceptible to stressors, while others remain resilient with unknown molecular signatures. In this study, we investigated the contribution of the DNA modifications, 5-methylcytosine (5mC) and 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC), underlying the individual differences in stress susceptibility and resilience. Genome-wide 5mC and 5hmC profiles from 3- and 6-month adult male mice that underwent various durations of social defeat were generated. In 3-month animals, 5mC and 5hmC work in parallel and do not distinguish between stress-susceptible and resilient phenotypes, while in 6-month animals, 5mC and 5hmC show distinct enrichment patterns. Acute stress responses may epigenetically "prime" the animals to either increase or decrease their predisposition to depression susceptibility. In support of this, re-exposure studies reveal that the enduring effects of social defeat affect differential biological processes between susceptible and resilient animals. Finally, the stress-induced 5mC and 5hmC fluctuations across the acute-chronic-longitudinal time course demonstrate that the negative outcomes of chronic stress do not discriminate between susceptible and resilient animals. However, resilience is more associated with neuroprotective processes while susceptibility is linked to neurodegenerative processes. Furthermore, 5mC appears to be responsible for acute stress response, whereas 5hmC may function as a persistent and stable modification in response to stress. Our study broadens the scope of previous research offering a comprehensive analysis of the role of DNA modifications in stress-induced depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janise N Kuehner
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, 615 Michael Street, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Nevin R Walia
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, 615 Michael Street, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Rachel Seong
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, 615 Michael Street, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Yangping Li
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, 615 Michael Street, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Paula Martinez-Feduchi
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, 615 Michael Street, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Bing Yao
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, 615 Michael Street, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
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Ma H, Wang X, Liang Z, Li X, Heianza Y, He J, Chen W, Bazzano L, Qi L. BMI change during childhood, DNA methylation change at TXNIP, and glucose change during midlife. Obesity (Silver Spring) 2023; 31:2150-2158. [PMID: 37415079 PMCID: PMC10524171 DOI: 10.1002/oby.23806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2023] [Revised: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study investigated whether changes in DNA methylation (DNAm) at TXNIP are associated with glycemic changes and whether such an association differs with early-life adiposity changes. METHODS A total of 594 Bogalusa Heart Study participants who had blood DNAm measurements at two time points in midlife were included. Of them, 353 participants had at least four BMI measurements during childhood and adolescence. The incremental area under the curve was calculated as a measure of long-term trends of BMI during childhood and adolescence. RESULTS Increase in DNAm at TXNIP was significantly associated with decrease in fasting plasma glucose (FPG) independent of covariates (p < 0.001). The study found that the strength of this relationship was significantly modified by a trend of increasing BMI during childhood and adolescence (p-interaction = 0.003). Each 1% increase in DNAm at TXNIP was associated with a 2.90- (0.77) mg/dL decrease in FPG among participants with the highest tertile of BMI incremental area under the curve and a 0.96- (0.38) mg/dL decrease among those with the middle tertile, whereas no association was observed among participants with the lowest tertile. CONCLUSIONS These results indicate that changes in blood DNAm at TXNIP are significantly associated with changes in FPG in midlife, and this association was modified by BMI trends during childhood and adolescence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Ma
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA
| | - Xuan Wang
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA
| | - Zhaoxia Liang
- Obstetrical Department, Women’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiang Li
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA
| | - Yoriko Heianza
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA
| | - Jiang He
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA
| | - Wei Chen
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA
| | - Lydia Bazzano
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA
| | - Lu Qi
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA
- Department of Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA
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40
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Ren Z, Luo S, Cui J, Tang Y, Huang H, Ding G. Research Progress of Maternal Metabolism on Cardiac Development and Function in Offspring. Nutrients 2023; 15:3388. [PMID: 37571325 PMCID: PMC10420869 DOI: 10.3390/nu15153388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2023] [Revised: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The developmental origin of health and disease (DOHaD) hypothesis refers to the adverse effects of suboptimal developmental environments during embryonic and early fetal stages on the long-term health of offspring. Intrauterine metabolic perturbations can profoundly impact organogenesis in offspring, particularly affecting cardiac development and giving rise to potential structural and functional abnormalities. In this discussion, we contemplate the existing understanding regarding the impact of maternal metabolic disorders, such as obesity, diabetes, or undernutrition, on the developmental and functional aspects of the offspring's heart. This influence has the potential to contribute to the susceptibility of offspring to cardiovascular health issues. Alteration in the nutritional milieu can influence mitochondrial function in the developing hearts of offspring, while also serving as signaling molecules that directly modulate gene expression. Moreover, metabolic disorders can exert influence on cardiac development-related genes epigenetically through DNA methylation, levels of histone modifications, microRNA expression, and other factors. However, the comprehensive understanding of the mechanistic underpinnings of these phenomena remains incomplete. Further investigations in this domain hold profound clinical significance, as they can contribute to the enhancement of public health and the prevention of cardiovascular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuoran Ren
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Institute of Reproduction and Development, Fudan University, Shanghai 200001, China (H.H.)
- Research Units of Embryo Original Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Sisi Luo
- Research Units of Embryo Original Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shanghai 200032, China
- Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Shanghai 200126, China
| | - Jiajun Cui
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Institute of Reproduction and Development, Fudan University, Shanghai 200001, China (H.H.)
- Research Units of Embryo Original Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Yunhui Tang
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Institute of Reproduction and Development, Fudan University, Shanghai 200001, China (H.H.)
- Research Units of Embryo Original Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Hefeng Huang
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Institute of Reproduction and Development, Fudan University, Shanghai 200001, China (H.H.)
- Research Units of Embryo Original Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Guolian Ding
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Institute of Reproduction and Development, Fudan University, Shanghai 200001, China (H.H.)
- Research Units of Embryo Original Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shanghai 200032, China
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Shang J, Nie X, Qi Y, Zhou J, Qi Y. Short-term smoking cessation leads to a universal decrease in whole blood genomic DNA methylation in patients with a smoking history. World J Surg Oncol 2023; 21:227. [PMID: 37496025 PMCID: PMC10369823 DOI: 10.1186/s12957-023-03099-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Epigenetics is involved in various human diseases. Smoking is one of the most common environmental factors causing epigenetic changes. The DNA methylation changes and mechanisms after quitting smoking have yet to be defined. The present study examined the changes in DNA methylation levels before and after short-term smoking cessation and explored the potential mechanism. METHODS Whole blood and clinical data were collected from 8 patients before and after short-term smoking cessation, DNA methylation was assessed, and differentially methylated sites were analyzed, followed by a comprehensive analysis of the differentially methylated sites with clinical data. GO/KEGG enrichment and protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analyses identified the hub genes. The differentially methylated sites between former and current smokers in GSE50660 from the GEO database were detected by GEO2R. Then, a Venn analysis was carried out using the differentially methylated sites. GO/KEGG enrichment analysis was performed on the genes corresponding to the common DNA methylation sites, the PPI network was constructed, and hub genes were predicted. The enriched genes associated with the cell cycle were selected, and the pan-cancer gene expression and clinical significance in lung cancer were analyzed based on the TCGA database. RESULTS Most genes showed decreased DNA methylation levels after short-term smoking cessation; 694 upregulated methylation CpG sites and 3184 downregulated methylation CpG sites were identified. The DNA methylation levels were altered according to the clinical data (body weight, expiratory, and tobacco dependence score). Enrichment analysis, construction of the PPI network, and pan-cancer analysis suggested that smoking cessation may affect various biological processes. CONCLUSIONS Smoking cessation leads to epigenetic changes, mainly decreased in the decline of most DNA methylation levels. Bioinformatics further identified the biologically relevant changes after short-term smoking cessation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junyi Shang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University; People's Hospital of Henan University, No. 7 Weiwu Road, Jinshui District, Zhengzhou, 450003, Henan, China
| | - Xinran Nie
- Academy of Medical Science, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450003, Henan, China
| | - Yanan Qi
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Central China Fuwai Hospital; Central China Fuwai Hospital of Zhengzhou University; People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University; Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Zhengzhou, 450003, Henan, China
| | - Jing Zhou
- Department of Health Management, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Henan University People's Hospital, Zhengzhou, 450003, China
| | - Yong Qi
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University; People's Hospital of Henan University, No. 7 Weiwu Road, Jinshui District, Zhengzhou, 450003, Henan, China.
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Sainty R, Silver MJ, Prentice AM, Monk D. The influence of early environment and micronutrient availability on developmental epigenetic programming: lessons from the placenta. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1212199. [PMID: 37484911 PMCID: PMC10358779 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1212199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023] Open
Abstract
DNA methylation is the most commonly studied epigenetic mark in humans, as it is well recognised as a stable, heritable mark that can affect genome function and influence gene expression. Somatic DNA methylation patterns that can persist throughout life are established shortly after fertilisation when the majority of epigenetic marks, including DNA methylation, are erased from the pre-implantation embryo. Therefore, the period around conception is potentially critical for influencing DNA methylation, including methylation at imprinted alleles and metastable epialleles (MEs), loci where methylation varies between individuals but is correlated across tissues. Exposures before and during conception can affect pregnancy outcomes and health throughout life. Retrospective studies of the survivors of famines, such as those exposed to the Dutch Hunger Winter of 1944-45, have linked exposures around conception to later disease outcomes, some of which correlate with DNA methylation changes at certain genes. Animal models have shown more directly that DNA methylation can be affected by dietary supplements that act as cofactors in one-carbon metabolism, and in humans, methylation at birth has been associated with peri-conceptional micronutrient supplementation. However, directly showing a role of micronutrients in shaping the epigenome has proven difficult. Recently, the placenta, a tissue with a unique hypomethylated methylome, has been shown to possess great inter-individual variability, which we highlight as a promising target tissue for studying MEs and mixed environmental exposures. The placenta has a critical role shaping the health of the fetus. Placenta-associated pregnancy complications, such as preeclampsia and intrauterine growth restriction, are all associated with aberrant patterns of DNA methylation and expression which are only now being linked to disease risk later in life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Sainty
- Biomedical Research Centre, School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich, United Kingdom
| | - Matt J. Silver
- Medical Research Council Unit The Gambia at London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew M. Prentice
- Medical Research Council Unit The Gambia at London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Banjul, Gambia
| | - David Monk
- Biomedical Research Centre, School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich, United Kingdom
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Shabtai T, Sheiner E, Wainstock T, Raziel A, Kessous R. Infertility Treatments Resulting in Twin Pregnancy: Does It Increase the Risk for Future Childhood Malignancy. J Clin Med 2023; 12:jcm12113728. [PMID: 37297923 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12113728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Revised: 05/14/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Controversy exists in the literature regarding the possible association between infertility treatments in singleton pregnancies and long-term risk for childhood malignancy. Data regarding infertility treatments in twins and long-term childhood malignancies are scarce. Objective: We sought to investigate whether twins conceived following infertility treatments are at an increased risk for childhood malignancy. Study design: A population-based retrospective cohort study, comparing the risk for future childhood malignancy in twins conceived by infertility treatments (in vitro fertilization and ovulation induction) and those who were conceived spontaneously. Deliveries occurred between the years 1991 and 2021 in a tertiary medical center. A Kaplan-Meier survival curve was used to compare the cumulative incidence of childhood malignancies, and a Cox proportional hazards model was constructed to control for confounders. Results: During the study period, 11,986 twins met the inclusion criteria; 2910 (24.3%) were born following infertility treatments. No statistically significant differences were noted between the groups comparing the rate (per 1000) of childhood malignancies (2.0 in the infertility treatments group vs. 2.2 in the comparison group, OR 1.04, 95% CI 0.41-2.62; p = 0.93). Likewise, the cumulative incidence over time was comparable between the groups (log-rank test, p = 0.87). In a Cox regression model, controlling for maternal and gestational age, no significant differences in childhood malignancies were noted between the groups (adjusted HR = 0.82, 95% CI 0.49-1.39, p = 0.47). Conclusions: In our population, twins conceived following infertility treatments are not at an increased risk for childhood malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tal Shabtai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Soroka University Medical Center, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, POB 151, Beer-Sheva 84101, Israel
| | - Eyal Sheiner
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Soroka University Medical Center, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, POB 151, Beer-Sheva 84101, Israel
| | - Tamar Wainstock
- The Department of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva 84105, Israel
| | - Arie Raziel
- IVF Unit, Wolfson Medical Center, Affiliated to Tel-Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Roy Kessous
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Soroka University Medical Center, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, POB 151, Beer-Sheva 84101, Israel
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Hunter PJ, Awoyemi T, Ayede AI, Chico RM, David AL, Dewey KG, Duggan CP, Gravett M, Prendergast AJ, Ramakrishnan U, Ashorn P, Klein N. Biological and pathological mechanisms leading to the birth of a small vulnerable newborn. Lancet 2023; 401:1720-1732. [PMID: 37167990 DOI: 10.1016/s0140-6736(23)00573-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Revised: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
The pathway to a thriving newborn begins before conception and continues in utero with a healthy placenta and the right balance of nutrients and growth factors that are timed and sequenced alongside hormonal suppression of labour until a mature infant is ready for birth. Optimal nutrition that includes adequate quantities of quality protein, energy, essential fats, and an extensive range of vitamins and minerals not only supports fetal growth but could also prevent preterm birth by supporting the immune system and alleviating oxidative stress. Infection, illness, undernourishment, and harmful environmental exposures can alter this trajectory leading to an infant who is too small due to either poor growth during pregnancy or preterm birth. Systemic inflammation suppresses fetal growth by interfering with growth hormone and its regulation of insulin-like growth factors. Evidence supports the prevention and treatment of several maternal infections during pregnancy to improve newborn health. However, microbes, such as Ureaplasma species, which are able to ascend the cervix and cause membrane rupture and chorioamnionitis, require new strategies for detection and treatment. The surge in fetal cortisol late in pregnancy is essential to parturition at the right time, but acute or chronically high maternal cortisol levels caused by psychological or physical stress could also trigger labour onset prematurely. In every pathway to the small vulnerable newborn, there is a possibility to modify the course of pregnancy by supporting improved nutrition, protection against infection, holistic maternal wellness, and healthy environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia J Hunter
- UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK.
| | | | - Adejumoke I Ayede
- Department of Paediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan and University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - R Matthew Chico
- Department of Disease Control, Faculty of Infectious & Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Anna L David
- UCL Elizabeth Garrett Anderson Institute for Women's Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Kathryn G Dewey
- Department of Nutrition, University of California at Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Christopher P Duggan
- Department of Nutrition and Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA; Center for Nutrition, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Michael Gravett
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Andrew J Prendergast
- Blizard Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK; Zvitambo Institute for Maternal & Child Health Research, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | | | - Per Ashorn
- Center for Child, Adolescent, and Maternal Health Research, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University and Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland
| | - Nigel Klein
- UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK
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Fu Q, Cheung WA, Majnik AV, Ke X, Pastinen T, Lane RH. Adverse Maternal Environments Perturb Hepatic DNA Methylome and Transcriptome Prior to the Adult-Onset Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Mouse Offspring. Nutrients 2023; 15:2167. [PMID: 37432267 DOI: 10.3390/nu15092167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Revised: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Exposure to adverse early-life environments (AME) increases the incidence of developing adult-onset non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). DNA methylation has been postulated to link AME and late-onset diseases. This study aimed to investigate whether and to what extent the hepatic DNA methylome was perturbed prior to the development of NAFLD in offspring exposed to AME in mice. AME constituted maternal Western diet and late-gestational stress. Male offspring livers at birth (d0) and weaning (d21) were used for evaluating the DNA methylome and transcriptome using the reduced representation of bisulfite sequencing and RNA-seq, respectively. We found AME caused 5879 differentially methylated regions (DMRs) and zero differentially expressed genes (DEGs) at d0 and 2970 and 123, respectively, at d21. The majority of the DMRs were distal to gene transcription start sites and did not correlate with DEGs. The DEGs at d21 were significantly enriched in GO biological processes characteristic of liver metabolic functions. In conclusion, AME drove changes in the hepatic DNA methylome, which preceded perturbations in the hepatic metabolic transcriptome, which preceded the onset of NAFLD. We speculate that subtle impacts on dynamic enhancers lead to long-range regulatory changes that manifest over time as gene network alternations and increase the incidence of NAFLD later in life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Fu
- Department of Research Administration, Children's Mercy Hospital, Kansas City, MO 64108, USA
| | - Warren A Cheung
- Genomic Medicine Center, Children's Mercy Hospital, Kansas City, MO 64108, USA
| | - Amber V Majnik
- Department of Pediatrics, Medical College of Wisconsin, 8701 W Watertown Plank Rd., Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
| | - Xingrao Ke
- Department of Research Administration, Children's Mercy Hospital, Kansas City, MO 64108, USA
| | - Tomi Pastinen
- Genomic Medicine Center, Children's Mercy Hospital, Kansas City, MO 64108, USA
| | - Robert H Lane
- Department of Administration, Children's Mercy Hospital, Kansas City, MO 64108, USA
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Ávila-González D, Gidi-Grenat MÁ, García-López G, Martínez-Juárez A, Molina-Hernández A, Portillo W, Díaz-Martínez NE, Díaz NF. Pluripotent Stem Cells as a Model for Human Embryogenesis. Cells 2023; 12:1192. [PMID: 37190101 PMCID: PMC10136597 DOI: 10.3390/cells12081192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Revised: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Pluripotent stem cells (PSCs; embryonic stem cells and induced pluripotent stem cells) can recapitulate critical aspects of the early stages of embryonic development; therefore, they became a powerful tool for the in vitro study of molecular mechanisms that underlie blastocyst formation, implantation, the spectrum of pluripotency and the beginning of gastrulation, among other processes. Traditionally, PSCs were studied in 2D cultures or monolayers, without considering the spatial organization of a developing embryo. However, recent research demonstrated that PSCs can form 3D structures that simulate the blastocyst and gastrula stages and other events, such as amniotic cavity formation or somitogenesis. This breakthrough provides an unparalleled opportunity to study human embryogenesis by examining the interactions, cytoarchitecture and spatial organization among multiple cell lineages, which have long remained a mystery due to the limitations of studying in utero human embryos. In this review, we will provide an overview of how experimental embryology currently utilizes models such as blastoids, gastruloids and other 3D aggregates derived from PSCs to advance our understanding of the intricate processes involved in human embryo development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Ávila-González
- Laboratorio de Reprogramación Celular y Bioingeniería de Tejidos, Biotecnología Médica y Farmacéutica, Centro de Investigación y Asistencia en Tecnología y Diseño del Estado de Jalisco, Guadalajara 44270, Mexico
- Departamento de Fisiología y Desarrollo Celular, Instituto Nacional de Perinatología, Ciudad de México 11000, Mexico
| | - Mikel Ángel Gidi-Grenat
- Departamento de Fisiología y Desarrollo Celular, Instituto Nacional de Perinatología, Ciudad de México 11000, Mexico
| | - Guadalupe García-López
- Departamento de Fisiología y Desarrollo Celular, Instituto Nacional de Perinatología, Ciudad de México 11000, Mexico
| | - Alejandro Martínez-Juárez
- Departamento de Fisiología y Desarrollo Celular, Instituto Nacional de Perinatología, Ciudad de México 11000, Mexico
| | - Anayansi Molina-Hernández
- Departamento de Fisiología y Desarrollo Celular, Instituto Nacional de Perinatología, Ciudad de México 11000, Mexico
| | - Wendy Portillo
- Instituto de Neurobiología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Querétaro 76230, Mexico
| | - Néstor Emmanuel Díaz-Martínez
- Laboratorio de Reprogramación Celular y Bioingeniería de Tejidos, Biotecnología Médica y Farmacéutica, Centro de Investigación y Asistencia en Tecnología y Diseño del Estado de Jalisco, Guadalajara 44270, Mexico
| | - Néstor Fabián Díaz
- Departamento de Fisiología y Desarrollo Celular, Instituto Nacional de Perinatología, Ciudad de México 11000, Mexico
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Robinson EL, Ameri P, Delrue L, Vanderheyden M, Bartunek J, Altieri P, Heymans S, Heggermont WA. Differential expression of epigenetic modifiers in early and late cardiotoxic heart failure reveals DNA methylation as a key regulator of cardiotoxicity. Front Cardiovasc Med 2023; 10:884174. [PMID: 36970338 PMCID: PMC10034031 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2023.884174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BackgroundAnthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity is a well-known serious clinical entity. However, detailed mechanistic insights on how short-term administration leads to late and long-lasting cardiotoxicity, are still largely undiscovered. We hypothesize that chemotherapy provokes a memory effect at the level of epigenomic DNA modifications which subsequently lead to cardiotoxicity even years after cessation of chemotherapy.MethodsWe explored the temporal evolution of epigenetic modifiers in early and late cardiotoxicity due to anthracyclines by means of RNA-sequencing of human endomyocardial left ventricular biopsies and mass spectrometry of genomic DNA. Based on these findings, validation of differentially regulated genes was obtained by performing RT-qPCR. Finally, a proof-of-concept in vitro mechanistic study was performed to dissect some of the mechanistic aspects of epigenetic memory in anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity.ResultsCorrelation of gene expression between late and early onset cardiotoxicity revealed an R2 value of 0.98, demonstrating a total of 369 differentially expressed genes (DEGs, FDR < 0.05). of which 72% (n = 266) were upregulated, and 28% of genes, (n = 103) downregulated in later as compared to earlier onset cardiotoxicity. Gene ontology analysis showed significant enrichment of genes involved in methyl-CpG DNA binding, chromatin remodeling and regulation of transcription and positive regulation of apoptosis. Differential mRNA expression of genes involved in DNA methylation metabolism were confirmed by RT-qPCR in endomyocardial biopsies. In a larger biopsy cohort, it was shown that Tet2 was more abundantly expressed in cardiotoxicity biopsies vs. control biopsies and vs. non-ischemic cardiomyopathy patients. Moreover, an in vitro study was performed: following short-term doxorubicin treatment, H9c2 cells were cultured and passaged once they reached a confluency of 70%–80%. When compared to vehicle-only treated cells, in doxorubicin-treated cells, three weeks after short term treatment, Nppa, Nppb, Tet1/2 and other genes involved in active DNA demethylation were markedly upregulated. These alterations coincided with a loss of DNA methylation and a gain in hydroxymethylation, reflecting the epigenetic changes seen in the endomyocardial biopsies.ConclusionsShort-term administration of anthracyclines provokes long-lasting epigenetic modifications in cardiomyocytes both in vivo and in vitro, which explain in part the time lapse between the use of chemotherapy and the development of cardiotoxicity and, eventually, heart failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma L. Robinson
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Pietro Ameri
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genova, Genova, Italy
- Cardiothoracic and Vascular Department, Ospedale Policlinico San Martino – IRCCS Italian Cardiovascular Network, Genova, Italy
| | - Leen Delrue
- Cardiovascular Research Center Aalst, Onze-Lieve-Vrouw Hospital Aalst, Aalst, Belgium
| | - Marc Vanderheyden
- Cardiovascular Research Center Aalst, Onze-Lieve-Vrouw Hospital Aalst, Aalst, Belgium
| | - Jozef Bartunek
- Cardiovascular Research Center Aalst, Onze-Lieve-Vrouw Hospital Aalst, Aalst, Belgium
| | - Paola Altieri
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genova, Genova, Italy
- Cardiothoracic and Vascular Department, Ospedale Policlinico San Martino – IRCCS Italian Cardiovascular Network, Genova, Italy
| | - Stephane Heymans
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Ward A. Heggermont
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
- Cardiovascular Research Center Aalst, Onze-Lieve-Vrouw Hospital Aalst, Aalst, Belgium
- Correspondence: Ward A. Heggermont
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Svanes C, Holloway JW, Krauss-Etschmann S. Preconception origins of asthma, allergies and lung function: The influence of previous generations on the respiratory health of our children. J Intern Med 2023; 293:531-549. [PMID: 36861185 DOI: 10.1111/joim.13611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/03/2023]
Abstract
Emerging research suggests that exposures occurring years before conception are important determinants of the health of future offspring and subsequent generations. Environmental exposures of both the father and mother, or exposure to disease processes such as obesity or infections, may influence germline cells and thereby cause a cascade of health outcomes in multiple subsequent generations. There is now increasing evidence that respiratory health is influenced by parental exposures that occur long before conception. The strongest evidence relates adolescent tobacco smoking and overweight in future fathers to increased asthma and lower lung function in their offspring, supported by evidence on parental preconception occupational exposures and air pollution. Although this literature is still sparse, the epidemiological analyses reveal strong effects that are consistent across studies with different designs and methodologies. The results are strengthened by mechanistic research from animal models and (scarce) human studies that have identified molecular mechanisms that can explain the epidemiological findings, suggesting transfer of epigenetic signals through germline cells, with susceptibility windows in utero (both male and female line) and prepuberty (male line). The concept that our lifestyles and behaviours may influence the health of our future children represents a new paradigm. This raises concerns for future health in decades to come with respect to harmful exposures but may also open for radical rethinking of preventive strategies that may improve health in multiple generations, reverse the imprint of our parents and forefathers, and underpin strategies that can break the vicious circle of propagation of health inequalities across generations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cecilie Svanes
- Centre for International Health, Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.,Department of Occupational Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - John W Holloway
- Human Development and Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Susanne Krauss-Etschmann
- Division of Early Life Origins of Chronic Lung Diseases, Research Center Borstel, Airway Research Center North (ARCN), German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Borstel, Germany.,Institute of Experimental Medicine, Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel, Kiel, Germany
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49
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Gabain IL, Ramsteijn AS, Webster JP. Parasites and childhood stunting - a mechanistic interplay with nutrition, anaemia, gut health, microbiota, and epigenetics. Trends Parasitol 2023; 39:167-180. [PMID: 36707340 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2022.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2022] [Revised: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Globally, stunting affects approximately 149.2 million children under 5 years of age. The underlying aetiology and pathophysiological mechanisms leading to stunting remain elusive, and therefore few effective treatment and prevention strategies exist. Crucial evidence directly linking parasites to stunting is often lacking - in part due to the complex nature of stunting, as well as a lack of critical multidisciplinary research amongst key age groups. Here, based on available studies, we present potential mechanistic pathways by which parasitic infection of mother and/or infant may lead to childhood stunting. We highlight the need for future multidisciplinary longitudinal studies and clinical trials aimed at elucidating the most influential factors, and synergies therein, that can lead to stunting, and ultimately towards finding solutions to successfully mitigate against it.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isobel L Gabain
- Department of Pathobiology and Population Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, University of London, Herts, AL9 7TA, UK; London Centre for Neglected Tropical Diseases Research, Imperial College London Faculty of Medicine, St Mary's Hospital Campus, London, W2 1NY, UK.
| | | | - Joanne P Webster
- Department of Pathobiology and Population Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, University of London, Herts, AL9 7TA, UK; London Centre for Neglected Tropical Diseases Research, Imperial College London Faculty of Medicine, St Mary's Hospital Campus, London, W2 1NY, UK
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50
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Yang M, Yin H, Zhen D, Ding Y, Wang Y, Sun L, He F, Tang X. Exposure to famine in every stage of life and the risk of osteoporosis and fractures later in life: A cross-sectional study. Bone 2023; 168:116644. [PMID: 36566820 DOI: 10.1016/j.bone.2022.116644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Revised: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE Data on the association between early-life famine exposure and osteoporosis and fractures remain limited and inconclusive. The aim of this study was to investigate the correlation between famine exposure and osteoporosis and fractures. METHODS We performed a cross-sectional analysis using the first follow-up survey data from the China Cardiometabolic Disease and Cancer Cohort Study from 2014 to 2016. We classified 4807 Lanzhou participants into seven groups based on their birthday (non-exposed or exposed in the fetal stage, early childhood, mid-childhood, late childhood, adolescence, or early adulthood). And we combined the non-exposed and early-adulthood exposed groups as a control group, which was called "age balanced group". This age-balanced group was used as the control group to further evaluate the risk of osteoporosis and fracture. We used multiple logistic regression to estimate the association between famine exposure and the risk of osteoporosis (T-score ≤ -1.8 by QUS) and self-reported fracture. RESULTS In women, compared to the age-balanced group, the odds ratios (95 % CI) for the risk of osteoporosis were 1.400(1.034, 1.897), 1.630(1.268, 2.095), 1.707(1.314, 2.218), 2.150(1.732.2.668) and 2.885(2.286,3.641) in the fetal stage, early childhood, mid-childhood, late childhood and adolescence famine-exposed cohorts. In men, no association between famine and osteoporosis was noted with exposed cohort compared with the age-balanced control cohort (p > 0.05). Interestingly, the association between famine exposure and fractures was slightly different from the above results: in women, the odds ratios (95 % CI) for fractures in mid-childhood famine exposure was 1.461(1.082,1.973), in late childhood famine exposure was 1.333(1.035,1.718) and in adolescence famine exposure was 1.607(1.239,2.085). However, compared to the age-balanced control cohort, men exposed to famine in early childhood (OR: 1.801, 95 % CI: 1.010,3.211) had a higher risk of fracture. CONCLUSION Famine exposure in different life stage has adverse effects on bone health. Famine exposure in not only the period from gestation to infancy, but also childhood and adolescence was associated with an increased risk of osteoporosis, especially in women. Exposure to famine in childhood- (mid and late) and adolescence- life period is associated with fracture in women. But, in men early-childhood famine exposure was only associated with fracture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengdi Yang
- First School of Clinical Medicine, Lanzhou University, Donggang West Road, Lanzhou 730000, Gansu, People's Republic of China
| | - Hongtao Yin
- Department of Endocrinology, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Donggang West Road, Lanzhou 730000, Gansu, People's Republic of China
| | - Donghu Zhen
- Department of Endocrinology, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Donggang West Road, Lanzhou 730000, Gansu, People's Republic of China.
| | - Yulu Ding
- First School of Clinical Medicine, Lanzhou University, Donggang West Road, Lanzhou 730000, Gansu, People's Republic of China
| | - Yujie Wang
- First School of Clinical Medicine, Lanzhou University, Donggang West Road, Lanzhou 730000, Gansu, People's Republic of China
| | - Linnan Sun
- First School of Clinical Medicine, Lanzhou University, Donggang West Road, Lanzhou 730000, Gansu, People's Republic of China
| | - Fengying He
- First School of Clinical Medicine, Lanzhou University, Donggang West Road, Lanzhou 730000, Gansu, People's Republic of China
| | - Xulei Tang
- Department of Endocrinology, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Donggang West Road, Lanzhou 730000, Gansu, People's Republic of China
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