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Effect of treatment of gestational diabetes mellitus: a systematic review and meta-analysis. PLoS One 2014; 9:e92485. [PMID: 24658089 PMCID: PMC3962411 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0092485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2014] [Accepted: 02/21/2014] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To assess the efficacy and safety of treating pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus in comparison to usual antenatal care. Methods A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted by including randomized controlled trials comparing any form of therapeutic intervention in comparison to usual antenatal care. A literature search was conducted using electronic databases together with a hand search of relevant journals and conference proceedings. Results Ten studies involving 3,881 patients contributed to meta-analysis. Our results indicated that gestational diabetes mellitus treatment significantly reduced the risk for macrosomia (RR, 0.47; 95% CI, 0.38–0.57), large for gestational age births (RR, 0.55; 95% CI, 0.45–0.67), shoulder dystocia (RR, 0.42; 95% CI, 0.23–0.77) and gestational hypertension (RR, 0.68; 95% CI, 0.53–0.87) without causing any significant increase in the risk for small for gestational age babies. However, no significant difference was observed between the two groups regarding perinatal/neonatal mortality, neonatal hypoglycemia, birth trauma, preterm births, pre-eclampsia, caesarean section and labor induction. Conclusion Treating GDM reduces risk for many important adverse pregnancy outcomes and its association with any harm seems unlikely.
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Abstract
Epigenetics, through control of gene expression circuitries, plays important roles in various physiological processes such as stem cell differentiation and self renewal. This occurs during embryonic development, in different tissues, and in response to environmental stimuli. The language of epigenetic program is based on specific covalent modifications of DNA and chromatin. Thus, in addition to the individual identity, encoded by sequence of the four bases of the DNA, there is a cell type identity characterized by its positioning in the epigenetic "landscape". Aberrant changes in epigenetic marks induced by environmental cues may contribute to the development of abnormal phenotypes associated with different human diseases such as cancer, neurological disorders and inflammation. Most of the epigenetic studies have focused on embryonic development and cancer biology, while little has been done to explore the role of epigenetic mechanisms in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease. This review highlights our current knowledge of epigenetic gene regulation and the evidence that chromatin remodeling and histone modifications play key roles in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease through (re)programming of cardiovascular (stem) cells commitment, identity and function.
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Abstract
Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a leading cause of end-stage renal disease. Diabetic vascular complications such as DN can progress despite subsequent glycemic control, suggesting a metabolic memory of previous exposure to hyperglycemia. Diabetes profoundly impacts transcription programs in target cells through activation of multiple signaling pathways and key transcription factors leading to aberrant expression of pathologic genes. Emerging evidence suggests that these factors associated with the pathophysiology of diabetic complications and metabolic memory also might be influenced by epigenetic mechanisms in chromatin such as DNA methylation, histone lysine acetylation, and methylation. Key histone modifications and the related histone methyltransferases and acetyltransferases have been implicated in the regulation of inflammatory and profibrotic genes in renal and vascular cells under diabetic conditions. Advances in epigenome profiling approaches have provided novel insights into the chromatin states and functional outcomes in target cells affected by diabetes. Because epigenetic changes are potentially reversible, they can provide a window of opportunity for the development of much-needed new therapies for DN in the future. In this review, we discuss recent developments in the field of epigenetics and their relevance to diabetic vascular complications and DN pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marpadga A. Reddy
- Department of Diabetes, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010
| | - Jung Tak Park
- Department of Diabetes, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010
| | - Rama Natarajan
- Department of Diabetes, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010
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Abstract
Epigenetic modifications to chromatin are essential for the specification and maintenance of cell fate, enabling the same genome to programme a variety of cellular outcomes. Epigenetic modulation of gene expression is also a critical mechanism by which cells stabilize their responses to environmental stimuli, including both nutritional cues and hormonal signalling. Unsurprisingly, epigenetics is proving to be vitally important in fetal development, and this review addresses our current understanding of the roles of epigenetic regulation in the prenatal phase. It is striking that while there has been a major interest in the intersection of fetal health with epigenetics, there has been relatively little discussion in the literature on epigenetic changes in the pregnant woman, and we attempt to redress this balance, drawing on the fragmented but intriguing experimental literature in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan D Best
- CellCentric, Chesterford Research Park, Little Chesterford CB10 1XL, UK
| | - Nessa Carey
- CellCentric, Chesterford Research Park, Little Chesterford CB10 1XL, UK
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Falavigna M, Schmidt MI, Trujillo J, Alves LF, Wendland ER, Torloni MR, Colagiuri S, Duncan BB. Effectiveness of gestational diabetes treatment: a systematic review with quality of evidence assessment. Diabetes Res Clin Pract 2012; 98:396-405. [PMID: 23031412 DOI: 10.1016/j.diabres.2012.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2012] [Accepted: 09/04/2012] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
AIMS To evaluate the effectiveness of gestational diabetes (GDM) treatment compared to usual antenatal care, in the prevention of adverse pregnancy outcomes. Additionally, to assess the quality of the evidence to support GDM treatment according to GRADE guidelines. METHODS Fourteen electronic databases and reference lists of relevant literature were searched for articles published from inception to February, 2012. Controlled clinical trials comparing GDM treatment to usual antenatal care were included. Independent extraction of articles was done by two authors using predefined data fields. RESULTS Seven trials involving 3157 women were included. We found high quality evidence that treatment of GDM reduces macrosomia (RR=0.47; 95% CI, 0.34-0.65; NNT=11.4) and large for gestational age birth (RR=0.57; 95% CI, 0.47-0.71; NNT=12.2); moderate quality evidence that treatment reduces preeclampsia (RR=0.61; 95% CI, 0.46-0.81; NNT=21.0) and hypertensive disorders in pregnancy (RR=0.64; 95% CI, 0.51-0.81; NNT=18.1); and low quality evidence that treatment reduces shoulder dystocia (RR=0.41; 95% CI, 0.22-0.76; NNT=48.8). No statistically significant reduction was seen for caesarean section. No increase in small for gestational age or preterm birth was found. CONCLUSIONS Treatment of GDM is effective in reducing macrosomia (high quality evidence), preeclampsia and shoulder dystocia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maicon Falavigna
- Post Graduate Program in Epidemiology, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Rua Ramiro Barcelos n. 2600, Porto Alegre, Brazil.
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Wang J, Wu Z, Li D, Li N, Dindot SV, Satterfield MC, Bazer FW, Wu G. Nutrition, epigenetics, and metabolic syndrome. Antioxid Redox Signal 2012; 17:282-301. [PMID: 22044276 PMCID: PMC3353821 DOI: 10.1089/ars.2011.4381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 187] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2011] [Accepted: 11/01/2011] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
SIGNIFICANCE Epidemiological and animal studies have demonstrated a close link between maternal nutrition and chronic metabolic disease in children and adults. Compelling experimental results also indicate that adverse effects of intrauterine growth restriction on offspring can be carried forward to subsequent generations through covalent modifications of DNA and core histones. RECENT ADVANCES DNA methylation is catalyzed by S-adenosylmethionine-dependent DNA methyltransferases. Methylation, demethylation, acetylation, and deacetylation of histone proteins are performed by histone methyltransferase, histone demethylase, histone acetyltransferase, and histone deacetyltransferase, respectively. Histone activities are also influenced by phosphorylation, ubiquitination, ADP-ribosylation, sumoylation, and glycosylation. Metabolism of amino acids (glycine, histidine, methionine, and serine) and vitamins (B6, B12, and folate) plays a key role in provision of methyl donors for DNA and protein methylation. CRITICAL ISSUES Disruption of epigenetic mechanisms can result in oxidative stress, obesity, insulin resistance, diabetes, and vascular dysfunction in animals and humans. Despite a recognized role for epigenetics in fetal programming of metabolic syndrome, research on therapies is still in its infancy. Possible interventions include: 1) inhibition of DNA methylation, histone deacetylation, and microRNA expression; 2) targeting epigenetically disturbed metabolic pathways; and 3) dietary supplementation with functional amino acids, vitamins, and phytochemicals. FUTURE DIRECTIONS Much work is needed with animal models to understand the basic mechanisms responsible for the roles of specific nutrients in fetal and neonatal programming. Such new knowledge is crucial to design effective therapeutic strategies for preventing and treating metabolic abnormalities in offspring born to mothers with a previous experience of malnutrition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junjun Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhenlong Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Defa Li
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Ning Li
- State Key Laboratory of AgroBiotechnology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Scott V. Dindot
- Center for Animal Biotechnology and Genomics, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas
| | - M. Carey Satterfield
- Center for Animal Biotechnology and Genomics, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas
| | - Fuller W. Bazer
- Center for Animal Biotechnology and Genomics, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas
| | - Guoyao Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
- Center for Animal Biotechnology and Genomics, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas
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Neibergs HL, Johnson KA. ALPHARMA BEEF CATTLE NUTRITION SYMPOSIUM: Nutrition and the genome1. J Anim Sci 2012; 90:2308-16. [DOI: 10.2527/jas.2011-4582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- H. L. Neibergs
- Department of Animal Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman 99164
| | - K. A. Johnson
- Department of Animal Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman 99164
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Bramswig NC, Kaestner KH. Epigenetics and diabetes treatment: an unrealized promise? Trends Endocrinol Metab 2012; 23:286-91. [PMID: 22424897 PMCID: PMC3367121 DOI: 10.1016/j.tem.2012.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2011] [Revised: 01/30/2012] [Accepted: 02/02/2012] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Epigenetic mechanisms may contribute to the pathogenesis of complex diseases. Early or late environmental influences such as intrauterine malnutrition or sedentary lifestyle have been shown to lead to an increased risk of diabetes. Recently, epigenetic mechanisms were shown to be involved in endocrine cell differentiation and islet function. Genomic profiling of pancreatic islets in non-diabetic and diabetic states is needed in order to dissect the contribution of epigenetic mechanisms to the declining proliferation potential of β cells that we see with aging or the β-cell failure observed in diabetes. In-depth understanding of epigenetic landscapes can help to improve protocols for in vitro differentiation towards the β-cell fate, enhance β-cell proliferation, and lead to the discovery of novel therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nuria C Bramswig
- Department of Genetics and Institute of Diabetes, Obesity & Metabolism, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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Abstract
Molecular mechanisms underlying brain structure and function are affected by nutrition throughout the life cycle, with profound implications for health and disease. Responses to nutrition are in turn influenced by individual differences in multiple target genes. Recent advances in genomics and epigenomics are increasing understanding of mechanisms by which nutrition and genes interact. This review starts with a short account of current knowledge on nutrition-gene interactions, focusing on the significance of epigenetics to nutritional regulation of gene expression, and the roles of SNP and copy number variants (CNV) in determining individual responses to nutrition. A critical assessment is then provided of recent advances in nutrition-gene interactions, and especially energy status, in three related areas: (i) mental health and well-being, (ii) mental disorders and schizophrenia, (iii) neurological (neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative) disorders and Alzheimer's disease. Optimal energy status, including physical activity, has a positive role in mental health. By contrast, sub-optimal energy status, including undernutrition and overnutrition, is implicated in many disorders of mental health and neurology. These actions are mediated by changes in energy metabolism and multiple signalling molecules, e.g. brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). They often involve epigenetic mechanisms, including DNA methylation and histone modifications. Recent advances show that many brain disorders result from a sophisticated network of interactions between numerous environmental and genetic factors. Personal, social and economic costs of sub-optimal brain health are immense. Future advances in understanding the complex interactions between nutrition, genes and the brain should help to reduce these costs and enhance quality of life.
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Hammarström A, Annandale E. A conceptual muddle: an empirical analysis of the use of 'sex' and 'gender' in 'gender-specific medicine' journals. PLoS One 2012; 7:e34193. [PMID: 22529907 PMCID: PMC3329526 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0034193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2011] [Accepted: 02/28/2012] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND At the same time as there is increasing awareness in medicine of the risks of exaggerating differences between men and women, there is a growing professional movement of 'gender-specific medicine' which is directed towards analysing 'sex' and 'gender' differences. The aim of this article is to empirically explore how the concepts of 'sex' and 'gender' are used in the new field of 'gender-specific medicine', as reflected in two medical journals which are foundational to this relatively new field. METHOD AND PRINCIPAL FINDINGS The data consist of all articles from the first issue of each journal in 2004 and an issue published three years later (n = 43). In addition, all editorials over this period were included (n = 61). Quantitative and qualitative content analyses were undertaken by the authors. Less than half of the 104 papers used the concepts of 'sex' and 'gender'. Less than 1 in 10 papers attempted any definition of the concepts. Overall, the given definitions were simple, unspecific and created dualisms between men and women. Almost all papers which used the two concepts did so interchangeably, with any possible interplay between 'sex' and gender' referred to only in six of the papers. CONCLUSION The use of the concepts of 'sex' and gender' in 'gender-specific medicine' is conceptually muddled. The simple, dualistic and individualised use of these concepts increases the risk of essentialism and reductivist thinking. It therefore highlights the need to clarify the use of the terms 'sex' and 'gender' in medical research and to develop more effective ways of conceptualising the interplay between 'sex' and 'gender' in relation to different diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Hammarström
- Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Umeå Centre for Gender Studies in Medicine, Research Project Challenging Gender, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden.
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Interplay of early-life nutritional programming on obesity, inflammation and epigenetic outcomes. Proc Nutr Soc 2012; 71:276-83. [PMID: 22390978 DOI: 10.1017/s0029665112000055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
The huge health burden accompanying obesity is not only attributable to inadequate dietary and sedentary lifestyle habits, since a predisposing genetic make-up and other putative determinants concerning easier weight gain and fat deposition have been reported. Thus, several investigations aiming to understand energy metabolism and body composition maintenance have been performed considering the participation of perinatal nutritional programming and epigenetic processes as well as inflammation phenomena. The Developmental Origins of Health and Disease hypothesis and inheritance-oriented investigations concerning gene-nutrient interactions on energy homoeostasis and metabolic functions have suggested that inflammation could be not only a comorbidity of obesity but also a cause. There are several examples about the role of nutritional interventions in pregnancy and lactation, such as energetic deprivation, protein restriction and excess fat, which determine a cluster of disorders affecting energy efficiency in the offspring as well as different metabolic pathways, which are mediated by epigenetics encompassing the chromatin information encrypted by DNA methylation patterns, histone covalent modifications and non-coding RNA or microRNA. Epigenetic mechanisms may be boosted or impaired by dietary and environmental factors in the mother, intergenerationally or transiently transmitted, and could be involved in the obesity and inflammation susceptibility in the offspring. The aims currently pursued are the early identification of epigenetic biomarkers concerned in individual's disease susceptibility and the description of protocols for tailored dietary treatments/advice to counterbalance adverse epigenomic events. These approaches will allow diagnosis and prognosis implementation and facilitate therapeutic strategies in a personalised 'epigenomically modelled' manner to combat obesity and inflammation.
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Groom A, Potter C, Swan DC, Fatemifar G, Evans DM, Ring SM, Turcot V, Pearce MS, Embleton ND, Davey Smith G, Mathers JC, Relton CL. Postnatal growth and DNA methylation are associated with differential gene expression of the TACSTD2 gene and childhood fat mass. Diabetes 2012; 61:391-400. [PMID: 22190649 PMCID: PMC3266428 DOI: 10.2337/db11-1039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Rapid postnatal growth is associated with increased risk of childhood adiposity. The aim of this study was to establish whether this pathway is mediated by altered DNA methylation and gene expression. Two distinct cohorts, one preterm (n=121) and one term born (n=6,990), were studied. Exploratory analyses were performed using microarrays to identify differentially expressed genes in whole blood from children defined as "slow" (n=10) compared with "rapid" (n=10) postnatal (term to 12 weeks corrected age) growers. Methylation within the identified TACSTD2 gene was measured in both cohorts, and rs61779296 genotype was determined by Pyrosequencing or imputation and analyzed in relation to body composition at 9-15 years of age. In cohort 1, TACSTD2 expression was inversely correlated with methylation (P=0.016), and both measures were associated with fat mass (expression, P=0.049; methylation, P=0.037). Although associated with gene expression (cohort 1, P=0.008) and methylation (cohort 1, P=2.98×10(-11); cohort 2, P=3.43×10(-15)), rs61779296 was not associated with postnatal growth or fat mass in either cohort following multiple regression analysis. Hence, the lack of association between fat mass and a methylation proxy SNP suggests that reverse causation or confounding may explain the initial association between fat mass and gene regulation. Noncausal methylation patterns may still be useful predictors of later adiposity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Groom
- Institute of Genetic Medicine and Human Nutrition Research Centre, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, U.K
| | - Catherine Potter
- Institute of Genetic Medicine and Human Nutrition Research Centre, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, U.K
| | - Daniel C. Swan
- Bioinformatics Support Unit, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, U.K
| | - Ghazaleh Fatemifar
- Medical Research Council Centre for Causal Analyses in Translational Epidemiology, University of Bristol, Bristol, U.K
| | - David M. Evans
- Medical Research Council Centre for Causal Analyses in Translational Epidemiology, University of Bristol, Bristol, U.K
| | - Susan M. Ring
- School of Social and Community Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, U.K
| | - Valerie Turcot
- Institute of Nutraceuticals and Functional Foods, Laval University, Quebec, Canada
| | - Mark S. Pearce
- Institute of Health and Society, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, U.K
| | - Nicholas D. Embleton
- Institute of Health and Society, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, U.K
- Newcastle Neonatal Service, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle upon Tyne, U.K
| | - George Davey Smith
- Medical Research Council Centre for Causal Analyses in Translational Epidemiology, University of Bristol, Bristol, U.K
| | - John C. Mathers
- Institute for Ageing and Health, Human Nutrition Research Centre, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, U.K
| | - Caroline L. Relton
- Institute of Genetic Medicine and Human Nutrition Research Centre, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, U.K
- Corresponding author: Caroline L. Relton,
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Hurlimann T, Stenne R, Menuz V, Godard B. Inclusion and exclusion in nutrigenetics clinical research: ethical and scientific challenges. JOURNAL OF NUTRIGENETICS AND NUTRIGENOMICS 2012; 4:322-43. [PMID: 22301706 DOI: 10.1159/000334853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2011] [Accepted: 11/03/2011] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS There are compelling reasons to ensure the participation of ethnic minorities and populations of all ages worldwide in nutrigenetics clinical research. If findings in such research are valid for some individuals, groups, or communities, and not for others, then ethical questions of justice--and not only issues of methodology and external validity--arise. This paper aims to examine inclusion in nutrigenetics clinical research and its scientific and ethical challenges. METHODS In total, 173 publications were identified through a systematic review of clinical studies in nutrigenetics published between 1998 and 2007. Data such as participants' demographics as well as eligibility criteria were extracted. RESULTS There is no consistency in the way participants' origins (ancestry, ethnicity, or race) and ages are described in publications. A vast majority of the studies identified was conducted in North America and Europe and focused on 'white' participants. Our results show that pregnant women (and fetuses), minors, and the elderly (≥ 75 years old) remain underrepresented. CONCLUSION Representativeness in nutrigenetics research is a challenging ethical and scientific issue. Yet, if nutrigenetics is to benefit whole populations and be used in public and global health agendas, fair representation as well as clear descriptions of participants in publications are crucial.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Hurlimann
- Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Bioethics Programmes, Faculty of Medicine, University of Montreal, Montreal, Que., Canada
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Abstract
A growing number of studies focusing on the developmental origin of health and disease hypothesis have identified links among early nutrition, epigenetic processes and diseases also in later life. Different epigenetic mechanisms are elicited by dietary factors in early critical developmental ages that are able to affect the susceptibility to several diseases in adulthood. The studies here reviewed suggest that maternal and neonatal diet may have long-lasting effects in the development of non-communicable chronic adulthood diseases, in particular the components of the so-called metabolic syndrome, such as insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, obesity, dyslipidaemia, hypertension, and CVD. Both maternal under- and over-nutrition may regulate the expression of genes involved in lipid and carbohydrate metabolism. Early postnatal nutrition may also represent a vital determinant of adult health by making an impact on the development and function of gut microbiota. An inadequate gut microbiota composition and function in early life seems to account for the deviant programming of later immunity and overall health status. In this regard probiotics, which have the potential to restore the intestinal microbiota balance, may be effective in preventing the development of chronic immune-mediated diseases. More recently, the epigenetic mechanisms elicited by probiotics through the production of SCFA are hypothesised to be the key to understand how they mediate their numerous health-promoting effects from the gut to the peripheral tissues.
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Maternal obesity and developmental programming of metabolic disorders in offspring: evidence from animal models. EXPERIMENTAL DIABETES RESEARCH 2011; 2011:592408. [PMID: 21969822 PMCID: PMC3182397 DOI: 10.1155/2011/592408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 130] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2011] [Accepted: 07/22/2011] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
The incidence of obesity and overweight has reached epidemic proportions in the developed world as well as in those countries transitioning to first world economies, and this represents a major global health problem. Concern is rising over the rapid increases in childhood obesity and metabolic disease that will translate into later adult obesity. Although an obesogenic nutritional environment and increasingly sedentary lifestyle contribute to our risk of developing obesity, a growing body of evidence links early life nutritional adversity to the development of long-term metabolic disorders. In particular, the increasing prevalence of maternal obesity and excess maternal weight gain has been associated with a heightened risk of obesity development in offspring in addition to an increased risk of pregnancy-related complications. The mechanisms that link maternal obesity to obesity in offspring and the level of gene-environment interactions are not well understood, but the early life environment may represent a critical window for which intervention strategies could be developed to curb the current obesity epidemic. This paper will discuss the various animal models of maternal overnutrition and their importance in our understanding of the mechanisms underlying altered obesity risk in offspring.
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