Increase in plasma homocysteine associated with parallel increases in plasma S-adenosylhomocysteine and lymphocyte DNA hypomethylation

New chemodosimetric reagents as ratiometric probes for cysteine and homocysteine and possible detection in living cells and in blood plasma

In this work, we have rationally designed and synthesized two new reagents (L(1) and L(2)), each bearing a pendant aldehyde functionality. This aldehyde group can take part in cyclization reactions with β- or γ-amino thiols to yield the corresponding thiazolidine and thiazinane derivatives, respectively. The intramolecular charge-transfer (ICT) bands of these thiazolidine and thiazinane derivatives are distinctly different from those of the molecular probes (L(1) and L(2)). Such changes could serve as a potential platform for using L(1) and L(2) as new colorimetric/fluorogenic as well as ratiometric sensors for cysteine (Cys) and homocysteine (Hcy) under physiological conditions. Both reagents proved to be specific towards Cys and Hcy even in the presence of various amino acids, glucose, and DNA. Importantly, these two chemodosimetric reagents could be used for the quantitative detection of Cys present in blood plasma by using a pre-column HPLC technique. Such examples are not common in contemporary literature. MTT assay studies have revealed that these probes have low cytotoxicity. Confocal laser scanning micrographs of cells demonstrated that these probes could penetrate cell membranes and could be used to detect intracellular Cys/Hcy present within living cells. Thus, the results presented in this article not only demonstrate the efficiency and specificity of two ratiometric chemodosimeter molecules for the quantitative detection of Cys and Hcy, but also provide a strategy for developing reagents for analysis of these vital amino acids in biological samples.

Neural tube defects between folate metabolism and genetics

Neural tube defects (NTDs) are the second most common severely disabling human congenital defects. Worldwide, NTDs incidence is approximately one per 1000 live births and varies between 0.78 and 12 per 1000 births in general populations. NTDs causation involves multiple genes, nutritional and environmental factors. Research in the next stage should include bigger populations and bigger studies that would be suitable to detect significant links and conclusions with relatively minor risk factors; analysis of multiple candidate genes to detect potential gene-gene interactions; detailed analysis of patient samples stratified by phenotype.

Cardiovascular epigenetics: from DNA methylation to microRNAs

Epigenetic phenomena are defined as heritable mechanisms that establish and maintain mitotically stable patterns of gene expression without modifying the base sequence of DNA. The major epigenetic features of mammalian cells include DNA methylation, post-translational histone modifications and RNA-based mechanisms including those controlled by small non-coding RNAs (miRNAs). The impact of epigenetic mechanisms in cardiovascular pathophysiology is now emerging as a major player in the interface between genotype to phenotype variability. This topic of research has strict implications on disease development and progression, and opens up possible novel preventive strategies in cardiovascular disease. An important aspect of epigenetic mechanisms is that they are potentially reversible and may be influenced by nutritional-environmental factors and through gene-environment interactions, all of which have an important role in complex, multifactorial diseases such as those affecting the cardiovascular system. Gene expression regulation through the interplay of DNA methylation and histone modifications is well-established, although the knowledge about the function of epigenetic signatures in cardiovascular disease is still largely unexplored. The study of epigenetic markers is, therefore, a very promising frontier of science which may aid in a deeper understanding of molecular mechanisms underlying the modulation of gene expression in the biomolecule pathways linked to cardiovascular diseases. This review focuses on up-to-date knowledge pertaining to the role of epigenetics, from DNA methylation to miRNAs, in major cardiovascular diseases such as ischemic heart disease, hypertension, heart failure and stroke.

Peptide fingerprinting of folate-responsive proteins in human B lymphoblasts and orofacial clefting

BACKGROUND

Maternal periconceptional use of folic acid contributes to the prevention of neural crest-related congenital malformations including orofacial clefts. The underlying biological pathways affected by folic acid,however, are still not clarified. In an explorative study, we identify folate-responsive proteins and pathways by advanced proteomic techniques and their possible role in orofacial development in young children.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

At 15 months of age, we obtained B lymphoblasts from 10 children with and 10 children without an orofacial cleft. Folate-responsive protein expression was determined in folate-free B-lymphoblast cultures, supplemented with 5-methyltetrahydrofolate to reach the target concentration 30 nM. Folate-associated differences of peptide and protein expressions were assessed by analysing samples before and after folate addition. Samples were trypsin digested and measured by nano-liquid chromatography coupled online to a LTQ-Orbitrap mass spectrometer. Significantly differentiating peptides were determined using a McNemar’s test, and correlations with proteins and existing pathways were visualized using Ingenuity Pathway Analysis.

RESULTS

We found 39 folate-responsive peptides that were assigned to 30 proteins. Those proteins consisted of histones, ribosomal and heat shock proteins (HSP), and proteins involved in antioxidant reactions, cytoskeleton,glycolysis, energy production, protein processing, signal transduction and translation.

CONCLUSIONS

Histones, ribosomal and HSP were mainly found in the case group, and we confirm that almost 60% of these proteins were also found in a subset of the samples in our previous study using microarray on folate-responsive gene expression. The proteins were compared with known biological pathways and matched with recent relevant literature.

Role of a redox-based methylation switch in mRNA life cycle (pre- and post-transcriptional maturation) and protein turnover: implications in neurological disorders

Homeostatic synaptic scaling in response to neuronal stimulus or activation, and due to changes in cellular niche, is an important phenomenon for memory consolidation, retrieval, and other similar cognitive functions (Turrigiano and Nelson, 2004). Neurological disorders and cognitive disabilities in autism, Rett syndrome, schizophrenia, dementia, etc., are strongly correlated to alterations in protein expression (both synaptic and cytoplasmic; Cajigas et al., 2010). This correlation suggests that efficient temporal regulation of synaptic protein expression is important for synaptic plasticity. In addition, equilibrium between mRNA processing, protein translation, and protein turnover is a critical sensor/trigger for recording synaptic information, normal cognition, and behavior (Cajigas et al., 2010). Thus a regulatory switch, which controls the lifespan, maturation, and processing of mRNA, might influence cognition and adaptive behavior. Here, we propose a two part novel hypothesis that methylation might act as this suggested coordinating switch to critically regulate mRNA maturation at (1) the pre-transcription level, by regulating precursor-RNA processing into mRNA, via other non-coding RNAs and their influence on splicing phenomenon, and (2) the post-transcription level by modulating the regulatory functions of ribonucleoproteins and RNA binding proteins in mRNA translation, dendritic translocation as well as protein synthesis and synaptic turnover. DNA methylation changes are well recognized and highly correlated to gene expression levels as well as, learning and memory; however, RNA methylation changes are recently characterized and yet their functional implications are not established. This review article provides some insight on the intriguing consequences of changes in methylation levels on mRNA life-cycle. We also suggest that, since methylation is under the control of glutathione anti-oxidant levels (Lertratanangkoon et al., 1997), the redox status of neurons might be the central regulatory switch for methylation-based changes in mRNA processing, protein expression, and turnover. Lastly, we also describe experimental methods and techniques which might help researchers to evaluate the suggested hypothesis.

Sex-specific association of sequence variants in CBS and MTRR with risk for promoter hypermethylation in the lung epithelium of smokers

Gene promoter hypermethylation is now regarded as a promising biomarker for the risk and progression of lung cancer. The one-carbon metabolism pathway is postulated to affect deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) methylation because it is responsible for the generation of S-adenosylmethionine (SAM), the methyl donor for cellular methylation reactions. This study investigated the association of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in six one-carbon metabolism-related genes with promoter hypermethylation in sputum DNA from non-Hispanic white smokers in the Lovelace Smokers Cohort (LSC) (n = 907). Logistic regression was used to assess the association of SNPs with hypermethylation using a high/low methylation cutoff. SNPs in the cystathionine beta synthase (CBS) and 5-methyltetrahydrofolate-homocysteine methyltransferase reductase (MTRR) genes were significantly associated with high methylation in males [CBS rs2850146 (-8283G > C), OR = 4.9; 95% CI: 1.98, 12.2, P = 0.0006] and low methylation in females [MTRR rs3776467 (7068A > G), OR = 0.57, 95% CI: 0.42, 0.77, P = 0.0003]. The variant allele of rs2850146 was associated with reduced gene expression and increased plasma homocysteine (Hcy) concentrations. Three plasma metabolites, Hcy, methionine and dimethylglycine, were associated with increased risk for gene methylation. These studies suggest that SNPs in CBS and MTRR have sex-specific associations with aberrant methylation in the lung epithelium of smokers that could be mediated by the affected one-carbon metabolism and transsulfuration in the cells.

The association between plasma homocysteine levels, methylation capacity and incident osteoporotic fractures

BACKGROUND

An elevated level of plasma homocysteine (Hcy) is a known risk factor for osteoporotic fractures. In addition, Hcy is related to DNA-methylation metabolism. To determine whether the association between Hcy and fractures is explained by an altered methylation capacity, we investigated the associations between levels of s-adenosylmethionine (SAM) and S-adenosylhomocysteine (SAH) and fracture risk.

METHODS

We studied 503 females aged 55 years and over from the Rotterdam Study (RS) in whom plasma Hcy, SAM and SAH levels were measured. Bone mineral density (BMD) at the hip was assessed using DXA. Incident fractures were recorded over a mean period of 7.0 years. Cox proportional hazards analysis and linear regression were used to assess relationships between plasma metabolite levels, incident osteoporotic fractures and BMD.

RESULTS

Over a total of 3502 person-years of follow-up, 103 subjects sustained at least one osteoporotic fracture. Whereas incidence of osteoporotic fractures was associated with quartiles of Hcy (p=0.047), it was not associated with quartiles of SAM, SAH or SAM/SAH-ratio (all p for trend>0.6). Stepwise linear regression showed that SAM/SAH-ratio, but not Hcy, was independently associated with hip BMD (β=0.073, p=0.025).

CONCLUSION

Since SAM, SAH and SAM/SAH-ratio were not associated with osteoporotic fractures, alterations in methylation capacity most likely do not appear to be an important factor in the association between Hcy and fractures.

Methionine, homocysteine, one carbon metabolism and fetal growth

Methionine and folate are the key components of one carbon metabolism, providing the methyl groups for numerous methyl transferase reactions via the ubiquitous methyl donor, s-adenosyl methionine. Methionine metabolism is responsive to nutrient intake, is regulated by several hormones and requires a number of vitamins (B12, pyridoxine, riboflavin) as co-factors. The critical relationship between perturbations in the mother's methionine metabolism and its impact on fetal growth and development is now becoming evident. The relation of folate intake to fetal teratogenesis has been known for some time. Studies in human pregnancy show a continuous decrease in plasma homocysteine, and an increase in plasma choline concentrations with advancing gestation. A higher rate of transsulfuration of methionine in early gestation and of transmethylation in the 3rd trimester was seen in healthy pregnant women. How these processes are impacted by nutritional, hormonal and other influences in human pregnancy and their effect on fetal growth has not been examined. Isocaloric protein restriction in pregnant rats, resulted in fetal growth restriction and metabolic reprogramming. Isocaloric protein restriction in the non-pregnant rat, resulted in differential expression of a number of genes in the liver, a 50% increase in whole body serine biosynthesis and high rate of transmethylation, suggesting high methylation demands. These responses were associated with a significant decrease in intracellular taurine levels in the liver suggesting a role of cellular osmolarity in the observed metabolic responses. These unique changes in methionine and one carbon metabolism in response to physiological, nutritional and hormonal influences make these processes critical for cellular and organ function and growth.

[Homocysteine, vitamin B-12, folic acid and the cognitive decline in the elderly]

Hyperhomocysteinemia is a risk factor for neurological diseases, but the underlying pathophysiology has not been adequately explained. Mild hyperhomocysteinemia, which is sometimes associated with a low plasma level of vitamin B9, B12 and folic acid, is responsible in the toxicity in neural cell by activating NMDA receptor. Indeed, even if vitamin supplementation has clearly proven its efficiency on lowering plasma levels of homocysteine, recent studies do not show any positive effect of vitamin therapy on cognitive function. The hypothesis that this therapy is inefficient has been recently reinforced by two randomized trials on the effects of vitamin supplementation. Several hypotheses still need to be explored: Mechanisms of homocysteine toxicity and that of total uselessness of vitamin supplementation; the possible need to complete the actual data with further, more powerful studies in order to prove the role of homocysteine in the development of neurodegenerative diseases and a clinical effect of vitamin therapy.

Combined dietary folate, vitamin B-12, and vitamin B-6 intake influences plasma docosahexaenoic acid concentration in rats

Background

Folate, vitamin B-12, and vitamin B-6 are essential nutritional components in one-carbon metabolism and are required for methylation capacity. The availability of these vitamins may therefore modify methylation of phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) to phosphatidylcholine (PC) by PE-N-methyltransferase (PEMT) in the liver. It has been suggested that PC synthesis by PEMT plays an important role in the transport of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) like docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) from the liver to plasma and possibly other tissues. We hypothesized that if B-vitamin supplementation enhances PEMT activity, then supplementation could also increase the concentration of plasma levels of PUFAs such as DHA. To test this hypothesis, we determined the effect of varying the combined dietary intake of these three B-vitamins on plasma DHA concentration in rats.

Methods

In a first experiment, plasma DHA and plasma homocysteine concentrations were measured in rats that had consumed a B-vitamin-poor diet for 4 weeks after which they were either continued on the B-vitamin-poor diet or switched to a B-vitamin-enriched diet for another 4 weeks. In a second experiment, plasma DHA and plasma homocysteine concentrations were measured in rats after feeding them one of four diets with varying levels of B-vitamins for 4 weeks. The diets provided 0% (poor), 100% (normal), 400% (enriched), and 1600% (high) of the laboratory rodent requirements for each of the three B-vitamins.

Results

Plasma DHA concentration was higher in rats fed the B-vitamin-enriched diet than in rats that were continued on the B-vitamin-poor diet (P = 0.005; experiment A). Varying dietary B-vitamin intake from deficient to supra-physiologic resulted in a non-linear dose-dependent trend for increasing plasma DHA (P = 0.027; experiment B). Plasma DHA was lowest in rats consuming the B-vitamin-poor diet (P > 0.05 vs. normal, P < 0.05 vs. enriched and high) and highest in rats consuming the B-vitamin-high diet (P < 0.05 vs. poor and normal, P > 0.05 vs. enriched). B-vitamin deficiency significantly increased plasma total homocysteine but increasing intake above normal did not significantly reduce it. Nevertheless, in both experiments plasma DHA was inversely correlated with plasma total homocysteine.

Conclusion

These data demonstrate that dietary folate, vitamin B-12, and vitamin B-6 intake can influence plasma concentration of DHA.

Vitamin B12 deficiency in the brain leads to DNA hypomethylation in the TCblR/CD320 knockout mouse

Background

DNA methylation is an epigenetic phenomenon that can modulate gene function by up or downregulation of gene expression. Vitamin B₁₂ and folate pathways are involved in the production of S-Adenosylmethionine, the universal methyl donor.

Findings

Brain vitamin B₁₂ concentration and global DNA methylation was determined in transcobalamin receptor (TCblR/CD320) knock out (KO) (n = 4) and control mice (n = 4) at 20–24 weeks of age. Median [IQR] brain vitamin B₁₂ concentrations (pg/mg) in TCblR/CD320 KO mice compared with control mice was 8.59 [0.52] vs 112.42 [33.12]; p < 0.05. Global DNA methylation levels in brain genomic DNA were lower in TCblR/CD320 KO compared with control mice (Median [IQR]: 0.31[0.16] % vs 0.55[0.15] %; p < 0.05.).

Conclusions

In TCblR/CD320 KO mice, brain vitamin B₁₂ drops precipitously by as much as 90% during a 20 week period. This decrease is associated with a 40% decrease in global DNA methylation in the brain. Future research will reveal whether the disruption in gene expression profiles due to changes in DNA hypomethylation contribute to central nervous system pathologies that are frequently seen in vitamin B₁₂ deficiency.

Relationships among biomarkers of one-carbon metabolism

One-carbon metabolism is a network of metabolic pathways, disruption of which has been associated with cancer and other pathological conditions. Biomarkers of these pathways include homocysteine (HCY), S-adenosylmethionine (SAM), and S-adenosylhomocysteine (SAH). A better understanding of the relationships between these biomarkers is needed for their utilization in research. This study investigated the relationships between fasting concentrations of plasma HCY, SAM, SAH and the ratio of SAM:SAH, and serum folate, vitamin B(12) and creatinine in a healthy adult population. A cross-sectional study recruited 678 volunteers; only subjects with complete data (n = 581) were included in this analysis. Correlations were used to examine bivariate relationships among the biomarkers and multivariate linear regression determined independent relationships with HCY, SAM and SAH treated as dependent variables in separate models. Multivariate logistic regression examined determinants of a low SAM:SAH ratio (defined as having a SAM:SAH ratio in the bottom quartile and SAH value in the top quartile). HCY correlated inversely with folate and vitamin B(12) and weakly correlated with SAH and creatinine. Both SAM and SAH correlated with creatinine but were independent of serum folate and vitamin B(12). In multivariate analyses, folate, vitamin B(12), creatinine, sex and age were associated with HCY; age and creatinine were determinants of SAM, and sex and creatinine determinants of SAH. Finally, male sex and increasing creatinine levels were associated with having a low SAM:SAH ratio. Findings suggest that HCY, SAM and SAH are relatively independent parameters and reflect distinct aspects of one-carbon metabolism.

Folate malabsorption and its influence on DNA methylation during cancer development

The folate transport across the epithelial of the intestine, colon, kidney, and liver is essential for folate homeostasis. The relative localization of transporters in membranes is an important determinant for the vectorial flow of substrates across the epithelia. Folate deficiency is a highly prevalent vitamin deficiency in the world, and alcohol ingestion has been the major contributor. It can develop because of folate malabsorption in tissues, increased renal excretion dietary inadequacy, and altered hepatobiliary metabolism. Additionally, folate-mediated one-carbon metabolism is important for various cellular processes, including DNA synthesis and methylation. In this regard, the contribution of alcohol-associated and dietary folate deficiency to methylation patterns is under intense investigation, especially in cancer. The epigenetic events have increasing relevance in the development of strategies for early diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of cancer.

Postnatal exposure to trichloroethylene alters glutathione redox homeostasis, methylation potential, and neurotrophin expression in the mouse hippocampus

Previous studies have shown that continuous exposure throughout gestation until the juvenile period to environmentally relevant doses of trichloroethylene (TCE) in the drinking water of MRL+/+ mice promoted adverse behavior associated with glutathione depletion in the cerebellum indicating increased sensitivity to oxidative stress. The purpose of this study was to extend our findings and further characterize the impact of TCE exposure on redox homeostasis and biomarkers of oxidative stress in the hippocampus, a brain region prone to oxidative stress. Instead of a continuous exposure, the mice were exposed to water only or two environmentally relevant doses of TCE in the drinking water postnatally from birth until 6 weeks of age. Biomarkers of plasma metabolites in the transsulfuration pathway and the transmethylation pathway of the methionine cycle were also examined. Gene expression of neurotrophins was examined to investigate a possible relationship between oxidative stress, redox imbalance and neurotrophic factor expression with TCE exposure. Our results show that hippocampi isolated from male mice exposed to TCE showed altered glutathione redox homeostasis indicating a more oxidized state. Also observed was a significant, dose dependent increase in glutathione precursors. Plasma from the TCE treated mice showed alterations in metabolites in the transsulfuration and transmethylation pathways indicating redox imbalance and altered methylation capacity. 3-Nitrotyrosine, a biomarker of protein oxidative stress, was also significantly higher in plasma and hippocampus of TCE-exposed mice compared to controls. In contrast, expression of key neurotrophic factors in the hippocampus (BDNF, NGF, and NT-3) was significantly reduced compared to controls. Our results demonstrate that low-level postnatal and early life TCE exposure modulates neurotrophin gene expression in the mouse hippocampus and may provide a mechanism for TCE-mediated neurotoxicity.

Polymorphisms in 1-carbon metabolism, epigenetics and folate-related pathologies

Folate-mediated 1-carbon metabolism is a network of interconnected metabolic pathways necessary for the synthesis of purine nucleotides, thymidylate and the remethylation of homocysteine to methionine. Disruptions in this pathway influence both DNA synthesis and stability and chromatin methylation, and result from nutritional deficiencies and common gene variants. The mechanisms underlying folate-associated pathologies and developmental anomalies have yet to be established. This review focuses on the relationships among folate-mediated 1-carbon metabolism, chromatin methylation and human disease, and the role of gene-nutrient interactions in modifying epigenetic processes.

Associations between genes in the one-carbon metabolism pathway and advanced colorectal adenoma risk in individuals with low folate intake

BACKGROUND

Folate is essential for one-carbon metabolism, a pathway required by DNA synthesis, methylation, and repair. Low dietary and circulating folate and polymorphic variation in this pathway are associated with increased risk of colorectal adenoma and cancer.

METHODS

We genotyped 882 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) in 82 one-carbon metabolism genes for 1,331 cases of advanced colorectal adenoma, identified by sigmoidoscopy at baseline, and 1,501 controls from the Prostate, Lung, Colorectal, and Ovarian Cancer Screening Trial (PLCO). We evaluated associations between one-carbon genes and adenoma risk in all subjects and stratified by folate intake. We applied the Adaptive Rank Truncated Product (ARTP) method to assess statistical significance at the gene and pathway levels.

RESULTS

Folate intake was inversely associated with advanced colorectal adenoma risk [odds ratio (OR) by quartile = 0.85, P = 1.9 × 10(-5)]. We found no statistically significant associations between one-carbon genes and adenoma risk in all subjects. As hypothesized, we observed a statistically significant pathway-level association (P = 0.038) in the lowest quartile of folate; no significant associations were found in higher quartiles. Several genes including adenosine deaminase (ADA) and cysteine dioxygenase (CDO1) contributed to this signal (gene-level P = 0.001 and 0.0073, respectively). The most statistically significant SNP was rs244072 in ADA (P = 2.37 × 10(-5)).

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPACT

Stratification by dietary folate and application of the ARTP method revealed statistically significant pathway- and gene-level associations between one-carbon metabolism genes and risk of advanced colorectal adenoma, which were not apparent in analysis of the entire population. Folate intake may interact with associations between common variants in one-carbon metabolism genes and colorectal adenoma risk.

Folate and DNA methylation: a review of molecular mechanisms and the evidence for folate's role

DNA methylation is an epigenetic modification critical to normal genome regulation and development. The vitamin folate is a key source of the one carbon group used to methylate DNA. Because normal mammalian development is dependent on DNA methylation, there is enormous interest in assessing the potential for changes in folate intake to modulate DNA methylation both as a biomarker for folate status and as a mechanistic link to developmental disorders and chronic diseases including cancer. This review highlights the role of DNA methylation in normal genome function, how it can be altered, and the evidence of the role of folate/folic acid in these processes.

Genetic aspects of folate metabolism

The vitamin folate functions within the cell as a carrier of one-carbon units. The requirement for one-carbon transfers is ubiquitous and all mammalian cells carry out folate dependent reactions. In recent years, low folate status has been linked to risk of numerous adverse health conditions throughout life from birth defects and complications of pregnancy to cardiovascular disease, cancer and cognitive dysfunction in the elderly. In many instances inadequate intake of folate seems to be the primary contributor but there is also evidence that an underlying genetic susceptibility can play a modest role by causing subtle alterations in the availability, metabolism or distribution of intermediates in folate related pathways. Folate linked one-carbon units are essential for DNA synthesis and repair and as a source of methyl groups for biological methylation reactions. The notion of common genetic variants being linked to risk of disease was relatively novel in 1995 when the first functional folate-related polymorphism was discovered. Numerous polymorphisms have now been identified in folate related genes and have been tested for functionality either as a modifier of folate status or as being associated with risk of disease. Moreover, there is increasing research into the importance of folate-derived one-carbon units for DNA and histone methylation reactions, which exert crucial epigenetic control over cellular protein synthesis. It is thus becoming clear that genetic aspects of folate metabolism are wide-ranging and may touch on events as disparate as prenatal imprinting to cancer susceptibility. This chapter will review the current knowledge in this area.

Diet, epigenetics, and cancer

Cancer encompasses a highly heterogeneous group of diseases. It has been thought that transition from promotion to progression in carcinogenesis may be driven primarily by epigenetic abnormalities. Diet is known to play crucial roles in cancer etiology and has an important role in epigenetics. Current knowledge in the interrelationship among cancer, nutrition and epigenetics is reviewed.

Alcohol-associated folate disturbances result in altered methylation of folate-regulating genes

Folate plays a critical role in maintaining normal metabolic, energy, differentiation and growth status of all mammalian cells. The steady-state accumulation of folate seems to depend on the activity of two enzymes: folylpolyglutamate synthetase (FPGS), which adds glutamate residues, and gamma-glutamyl hydrolase (GGH), which removes them, enabling it to be transported across the biological membranes. Overexpression of GGH and downregulation of FPGS would be expected to decrease intracellular folate in its polyglutamylated form, thereby increasing efflux of folate and its related molecules, which might lead to resistance to drugs or folate deficiency. The study was sought to delineate the activity of GGH and expression FPGS in tissues involved in folate homeostasis during alcoholism and the epigenetic regulation of these enzymes and transporters regulating intracellular folate levels. We determined the activity of GGH and expression of FPGS in tissues after 3 months of ethanol feeding to rats at 1 g/kg body weight/day. The results showed that there was not any significant change in the activity of folate hydrolyzing enzyme GGH in ethanol-fed rats while there was significant down regulation in the expression of FPGS. Ethanol feeding decreased the total as well as polyglutamated folate levels. There was tissue-specific hyper/hypo methylation of folate transporter genes viz. PCFT and RFC by chronic ethanol feeding. Moreover, hypermethylation of FPGS gene was observed in intestine and kidney without any change in methylation levels of GGH in the ethanol-fed rats. In conclusion, the initial deconjugation of polyglutamylated folate by GGH was not impaired in ethanol-fed rats while the conversion of monoglutamylated folate to polyglutamylated form might be impaired. There was tissue-specific altered methylation of folate transporter genes by chronic ethanol feeding.

DNA methylation of the 5'-untranslated region at +298 and +351 represses BACE1 expression in mouse BV-2 microglial cells

BACE1, which cleaves the amyloid precursor protein, is the rate-limiting enzyme for β-amyloid peptide production, leading to the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). A high plasma level of homocysteine, acting as a potent methyltransferase inhibitor, is assumed to be a risk factor for AD onset. Using the demethylating drug 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine (5-Aza), we tested whether and how BACE1 expression is regulated in mouse BV-2 microglial cells. 5-Aza increased both BACE1 mRNA and protein levels in a dose-dependent manner. Bisulfite-sequencing analysis revealed that two CpG sites at positions +298 and +351 in the 5'-untranslated region (5'-UTR) of the BACE1 gene were specifically demethylated in BV-2 cells treated with 5-Aza. In silico analysis showed that the +351 site is the STAT3/CTCF-binding site; the function of the +298 site has not been identified. To assess whether these two CpG sites play an important role in 5-Aza-induced transcriptional activation of BACE1, we constructed a BACE1 gene promoter including the 5'-UTR (-1136 to +500) fused to a CpG-free luciferase gene (pCpGL-BACE1) and its mutant pCpGL-BACE1-AA, which has substituted CG dinucleotides at the two CpG sites of pCpGL-BACE1 to AA. Promoter analysis showed a significant decrease (∼30%) in the activity of pCpGL-BACE1-AA compared with that of pCpGL-BACE1. Furthermore, in vitro methylation of these two reporter constructs showed a complete silencing of their promoter activities. Our data demonstrate that BACE1 gene expression is regulated by DNA methylation of at least two CpG sites at positions +298 and +351 in the 5'-UTR in BV-2 microglial cells.

Cardiovascular disease risk factors and DNA methylation at the LINE-1 repeat region in peripheral blood from Samoan Islanders

Lower levels of LINE-1 methylation in peripheral blood have been previously associated with risk of developing non-communicable conditions, the most well-explored of these being cancer, although recent research has begun to link altered LINE-1 methylation and cardiovascular disease. We examined the relationship between LINE-1 methylation and factors associated with metabolic and cardiovascular diseases through quantitative bisulfite pyrosequencing in DNA from peripheral blood samples from participants of the Samoan Family Study of Overweight and Diabetes (2002-03). The sample included 355 adult Samoans (88 men and 267 women) from both American Samoa and Samoa. In a model including all sample participants, men had significantly higher LINE-1 methylation levels than women (p=0.04), and lower levels of LINE-1 methylation were associated with higher levels of fasting LDL (p=0.02) and lower levels of fasting HDL (p=0.009). The findings from this study confirm that DNA "global" hypomethylation, (as measured by methylation at LINE-1 repeats) observed previously in cardiovascular disease is associated with altered levels of LDL and HDL in peripheral blood. Additionally, these findings strongly argue the need for further research, particularly including prospective studies, in order to understand the relationship between LINE-1 DNA methylation measured in blood and risk factors for cardiovascular disease.

Hyper-homocysteinemia: a novel risk factor or a powerful marker for cardiovascular diseases? Pathogenetic and therapeutical uncertainties

Increased homocysteine levels can be responsible for arterial ischemic events, such as MI, stroke or peripheral vascular disease. Homocysteine is metabolized by two pathways: re-methylation and trans-sulfuration. Both involve folic acid, and vitamins B(6-12.) Several studies assumed that the folates and vitamins B supplementation or dietary source to normalize plasma homocysteine. But, even if tends to normalize homocysteine levels, lowering homocysteine by B-group vitamins and/or folates does not reduce cardiovascular risk. In fact, recent reports confirmed that hyper-homocysteinemia is not directly responsible for cardiovascular disease, but is merely present in individuals suffering for acute and/or chronic cardiovascular events, as a collateral finding. Reduced methylation potential (MP) [due to decreased S-adenosyl-methionine (AdoMet)/S-adenosyl-homocysteine (AdoHcy) ratio] induced by the elevated plasma homocysteine levels seems to be the true responsible for cardiovascular diseases (CVD). The pathogenic mechanisms responsible for CVD appear to be dependent of DNA hypomethylation inducing an inhibition of cyclin A transcription and a reduction of endothelial cells growth. But, other human studies performed in a wide range are requested.

Common variants of homocysteine metabolism pathway genes and risk of type 2 diabetes and related traits in Indians

Hyperhomocysteinemia, a risk factor for cardiovascular disorder, obesity, and type 2 diabetes, is prevalent among Indians who are at high risk of these metabolic disorders. We evaluated association of common variants of genes involved in homocysteine metabolism or its levels with type 2 diabetes, obesity, and related traits in North Indians. We genotyped 90 variants in initial phase (2.115 subjects) and replicated top signals in an independent sample set (2.085 subjects). The variant MTHFR-rs1801133 was the top signal for association with type 2 diabetes (OR = 0.78 (95%  CI = 0.67-0.92), P = 0.003) and was also associated with 2 h postload plasma glucose (P = 0.04), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (P = 0.004), and total cholesterol (P = 0.01) in control subjects. These associations were neither replicated nor significant after meta-analysis. Studies involving a larger study population and different ethnic groups are required before ruling out the role of these important candidate genes in type 2 diabetes, obesity, and related traits.

Plasma choline concentration varies with different dietary levels of vitamins B6, B12 and folic acid in rats maintained on choline-adequate diets

Choline is an important component of the human diet and is required for the endogenous synthesis of choline-containing phospholipids, acetylcholine and betaine. Choline can also be synthesised de novo by the sequential methylation of phosphatidylethanolamine to phosphatidylcholine. Vitamins B6, B12 and folate can enhance methylation capacity and therefore could influence choline availability not only by increasing endogenous choline synthesis but also by reducing choline utilisation. In the present experiment, we determined whether combined supplementation of these B vitamins affects plasma choline concentration in a rat model of mild B vitamin deficiency which shows moderate increases in plasma homocysteine. To this end, we measured plasma choline and homocysteine concentrations in rats that had consumed a B vitamin-poor diet for 4 weeks after which they were either continued on the B vitamin-poor diet or switched to a B vitamin-enriched diet for another 4 weeks. Both diets contained recommended amounts of choline. Rats receiving the B vitamin-enriched diet showed higher plasma choline and lower plasma homocysteine concentrations as compared to rats that were continued on the B vitamin-poor diet. These data underline the interdependence between dietary B vitamins and plasma choline concentration, possibly via the combined effects of the three B vitamins on methylation capacity.

Elevated physiological levels of folic acid can increase in vitro growth and invasiveness of prostate cancer cells

OBJECTIVES

• To investigate the effects of different folic acid concentrations on the growth and invasiveness of prostate cancer cell lines. • To determine if observed changes are correlated with changes in levels of the potential prostate cancer biomarker, sarcosine, a byproduct of folate metabolism.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

• The prostate cancer cell lines PC-3, LNCaP and DU145 were cultured in media containing 4, 20 or 100 nm of folic acid and assayed for growth over 9 days by counting viable cells at 3-day intervals, or for invasion by passage through a Matrigel-coated transwell membrane. • Cells grown in the different folic acid media were collected and subjected to metabolomic analysis by gas chromatography and mass spectrometry to measure levels of intracellular sarcosine.

RESULTS

• The results show that higher levels of folic acid can increase cell growth in PC-3 and LNCaP prostate cancer cell lines, and may also increase the invasive capacity of PC-3, LNCaP and DU145 cells. • We did not observe a correlation between increased invasion from higher folic acid concentrations and levels of sarcosine, but there were significant changes in other metabolites in cells grown in higher levels of folic acid.

CONCLUSION

• These findings suggest that folic acid has an important and potentially negative role in prostate cancer progression.

One-carbon metabolism and Alzheimer's disease: focus on epigenetics

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) represents the most common form of dementia in the elderly, characterized by progressive loss of memory and cognitive capacity severe enough to interfere with daily functioning and the quality of life. Rare, fully penetrant mutations in three genes (APP, PSEN1 and PSEN2) are responsible for familial forms of the disease. However, more than 90% of AD is sporadic, likely resulting from complex interactions between genetic and environmental factors. Increasing evidence supports a role for epigenetic modifications in AD pathogenesis. Folate metabolism, also known as one-carbon metabolism, is required for the production of S-adenosylmethionine (SAM), which is the major DNA methylating agent. AD individuals are characterized by decreased plasma folate values, as well as increased plasma homocysteine (Hcy) levels, and there is indication of impaired SAM levels in AD brains. Polymorphisms of genes participating in one-carbon metabolism have been associated with AD risk and/or with increased Hcy levels in AD individuals. Studies in rodents suggest that early life exposure to neurotoxicants or dietary restriction of folate and other B vitamins result in epigenetic modifications of AD related genes in the animal brains. Similarly, studies performed on human neuronal cell cultures revealed that folate and other B vitamins deprivation from the media resulted in epigenetic modification of the PSEN1 gene. There is also evidence of epigenetic modifications in the DNA extracted from blood and brains of AD subjects. Here I review one-carbon metabolism in AD, with emphasis on possible epigenetic consequences.

Homocysteine-induced cardiomyocyte apoptosis and plasma membrane flip-flop are independent of S-adenosylhomocysteine: a crucial role for nuclear p47(phox)

We previously found that homocysteine (Hcy) induced plasma membrane flip-flop, apoptosis, and necrosis in cardiomyocytes. Inactivation of flippase by Hcy induced membrane flip-flop, while apoptosis was induced via a NOX2-dependent mechanism. It has been suggested that S-adenosylhomocysteine (SAH) is the main causative factor in hyperhomocysteinemia (HHC)-induced pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease. Therefore, we evaluated whether the observed cytotoxic effect of Hcy in cardiomyocytes is SAH dependent. Rat cardiomyoblasts (H9c2 cells) were treated under different conditions: (1) non-treated control (1.5 nM intracellular SAH with 2.8 μM extracellular L -Hcy), (2) incubation with 50 μM adenosine-2,3-dialdehyde (ADA resulting in 83.5 nM intracellular SAH, and 1.6 μM extracellular L -Hcy), (3) incubation with 2.5 mM D, L -Hcy (resulting in 68 nM intracellular SAH and 1513 μM extracellular L -Hcy) with or without 10 μM reactive oxygen species (ROS)-inhibitor apocynin, and (4) incubation with 100 nM, 10 μM, and 100 μM SAH. We then determined the effect on annexin V/propodium iodide positivity, flippase activity, caspase-3 activity, intracellular NOX2 and p47(phox) expression and localization, and nuclear ROS production. In contrast to Hcy, ADA did not induce apoptosis, necrosis, or membrane flip-flop. Remarkably, both ADA and Hcy induced a significant increase in nuclear NOX2 expression. However, in contrast to ADA, Hcy additionally induced nuclear p47(phox) expression, increased nuclear ROS production, and inactivated flippase. Incubation with SAH did not have an effect on cell viability, nor on flippase activity, nor on nuclear NOX2-, p47phox expression or nuclear ROS production. HHC-induced membrane flip-flop and apoptosis in cardiomyocytes is due to increased Hcy levels and not primarily related to increased intracellular SAH, which plays a crucial role in nuclear p47(phox) translocation and subsequent ROS production.

Hyperhomocysteinemia does not affect global DNA methylation and nicotinamide N-methyltransferase expression in mice

DNA methylation is coupled with one-carbon metabolism involving homocysteine/methionine interconversion. Correlation between plasma homocysteine levels and leukocyte global DNA methylation was reported but not always replicated. Nicotinamide N-methyltransferase (NNMT) is a determinant of plasma homocysteine levels. Findings suggest alteration of one-carbon metabolism in schizophrenia etiology; hyperhomocysteinemia was observed in schizophrenia. A recent study carried out by the authors of this paper found an association between NNMT and schizophrenia and decreased post-mortem brain NNMT mRNA levels. The present study assessed the interrelationship between brain and leukocytes global DNA methylation and plasma homocysteine levels, and between hyperhomocysteinemia and brain NNMT expression. Mice were administered homocysteine in drinking water. Percentage global genome DNA methylation was measured using the cytosine-extension method, and NNMT expression was measured using real-time quantitative reverse transcriptase PCR (qRT-PCR). Homocysteine administration resulted in a 10-fold increase in plasma homocysteine. However, there was no change in global DNA methylation in lymphocytes or in the frontal cortex. No significant intra-individual correlation was found between global DNA methylation in leukocytes and frontal cortex, suggesting that leukocyte global DNA methylation may not serve as a marker for brain global DNA methylation. No difference was found in NNMT expression in homocysteine-treated mice compared with control mice. In conclusion, relatively short-term hyperhomocysteinemia in mice does not reproduce or lead to alterations reported in one-carbon metabolism in disorders associated with lifelong elevated plasma homocysteine.

Mthfs is an Essential Gene in Mice and a Component of the Purinosome

Tetrahydrofolates (THF) are a family of cofactors that function as one-carbon donors in folate-dependent one-carbon metabolism, a metabolic network required for the de novo synthesis of purines, thymidylate, and for the remethylation of homocysteine to methionine in the cytoplasm. 5-FormylTHF is not a cofactor in one-carbon metabolism, but serves as a storage form of THF cofactors. 5-formylTHF is mobilized back into the THF cofactor pool by methenyltetrahydrofolate synthetase (MTHFS), which catalyzes the irreversible and ATP-dependent conversion 5-formyltetrahydrofolate to 5,10-methenyltetrahydrofolate. Mthfs is not an essential gene in Arabidopsis, but MTHFS expression is elevated in animal tumors, enhances de novo purine synthesis, confers partial resistance to antifolate purine synthesis inhibitors and increases rates of folate catabolism in mammalian cell cultures. However, the mechanisms underlying these effects of MTHFS expression have yet to be established. The purpose of this study was to investigate the role and essentiality of MTHFS in mice. Mthfs was disrupted through the insertion of a gene trap vector between exons 1 and 2. Mthfs^gt/+ mice were fertile and viable. No Mthfs^gt/gt embryos were recovered from Mthfs^gt/+ intercrosses, indicating Mthfs is an essential gene in mice. Tissue MTHFS protein levels are decreased in both Mthfs^gt/+ and Mthfs^+/+ mice placed on a folate and choline deficient diet, and mouse embryonic fibroblasts from Mthfs^gt/+ embryos exhibit decreased capacity for de novo purine synthesis without impairment in de novo thymidylate synthesis. MTHFS was shown to co-localize with two enzymes of the de novo purine synthesis pathway in HeLa cells in a cell cycle-dependent manner, and to be modified by the small ubiquitin-like modifier (SUMO) protein. Mutation of the consensus SUMO modification sites on MTHFS eliminated co-localization of MTHFS with the de novo purine biosynthesis pathway under purine-deficient conditions. The results from this study indicate that MTHFS enhances purine biosynthesis by delivering 10-formylTHF to the purinosome in a SUMO-dependent fashion.

Epigenetic changes of serotonin transporter in the patients with alcohol dependence: methylation of an serotonin transporter promoter CpG island

OBJECTIVE

Psychiatric disorders such as depression, anxiety and alcohol dependence are associated with serotonin metabolism. We assessed the methylation level of the serotonin transporter (5-HTT) promoter region in control and alcohol dependent patients.

METHODS

Twenty seven male patients who met the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorder IV (DSM-IV) criteria for alcohol dependence were compared with fifteen controls. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays of bisulfate-modified DNA were designed to amplify a part of the CpG island in the 5HTT gene. Pyrosequencing was performed and the methylation level at seven CpG island sites was measured.

RESULTS

We found no differences in the methylation patterns of the serotonin transporter linked promoter region (5-HTTLPR) between alcohol-dependent and control subjects.

CONCLUSION

Our negative finding may be because 5-HTT epigenetic variation may not affect the expression for 5-HTT or there may be other methylation site critical for its expression. To find out more conclusive result, repeating the study in more methylation sites with a larger number of samples in a well-controlled setting is needed.

Effects of altered maternal folic acid, vitamin B12 and docosahexaenoic acid on placental global DNA methylation patterns in Wistar rats

Potential adverse effects of excess maternal folic acid supplementation on a vegetarian population deficient in vitamin B(12) are poorly understood. We have previously shown in a rat model that maternal folic acid supplementation at marginal protein levels reduces brain omega-3 fatty acid levels in the adult offspring. We have also reported that reduced docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) levels may result in diversion of methyl groups towards DNA in the one carbon metabolic pathway ultimately resulting in DNA methylation. This study was designed to examine the effect of normal and excess folic acid in the absence and presence of vitamin B(12) deficiency on global methylation patterns in the placenta. Further, the effect of maternal omega 3 fatty acid supplementation on the above vitamin B(12) deficient diets was also examined. Our results suggest maternal folic acid supplementation in the absence of vitamin B(12) lowers plasma and placental DHA levels (p<0.05) and reduces global DNA methylation levels (p<0.05). When this group was supplemented with omega 3 fatty acids there was an increase in placental DHA levels and subsequently DNA methylation levels revert back to the levels of the control group. Our results suggest for the first time that DHA plays an important role in one carbon metabolism thereby influencing global DNA methylation in the placenta.

Contribution of sams-1 and pmt-1 to lipid homoeostasis in adult Caenorhabditis elegans

Accumulation of lipids inside the cell is primarily caused by disorders of lipid metabolism. S-adenosylmethionine synthetase (SAMS) produces SAM, an important methyl donor in various phospholipid methyltransferase reactions catalysed by phosphoethanolamine N-methyltransferase (PMT-1). A gel-based, quantitative proteomic analysis of the RNA interference (RNAi)-mediated inactivation of the pod-2 gene, which encodes acetyl-CoA carboxylase, showed a substantial down-regulation of SAMS-1. Consequently, RNAi of either sams-1 or pmt-1 caused a significant increase in lipid droplet size in the intestine of Caenorhabditis elegans. Lipid droplets exhibited increased triacylglycerol (TG) and decreased phosphatidylcholine (PC) levels, suggesting a reciprocal relationship between TG and PC regulation. These lipid-associated phenotypes were rescued by choline feeding. Among the five fat metabolism-related genes examined, two genes were highly induced by inactivation of sams-1 or pmt-1: pod-2 and stearoyl-CoA desaturase (fat-7). Thus, both SAMS-1 and PMT-1 were shown to contribute to the homoeostasis of TG and PC levels in C. elegans, which would provide an important survival strategy under harsh environmental conditions.

Association between selected folate pathway polymorphisms and nonsyndromic limb reduction defects: a case-parental analysis

Inadequate folate status resulting from either genetic variation or nutritional deficiencies has been associated with an increased risk of congenital malformations including orofacial clefting, limb, cardiac and neural tube defects. Few epidemiological studies have examined the association between limb reduction defects (LRDs) and folate-related genetic polymorphisms other than MTHFR 677C→T. We conducted a case-parental analysis of 148 families who participated in the National Birth Defects Prevention Study to examine the association between nonsyndromic transverse and longitudinal LRDs with five single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in genes encoding enzymes in folate and methionine pathways. Log-linear Poisson regression, adapted for analysis of case-parental data assuming an additive genetic model, was used to estimate genetic relative risks and 95% confidence intervals for the association between LRDs and each SNP. Among women who did not take multivitamin supplements, the MTHFR 677T variant acts via the offspring's genome to increase the risk of LRDs. No association between LRDs and any fetal SNP was found among women who used multivitamin supplements. These results suggest the possibility that initiating folic acid supplementation prior to pregnancy may reduce the risk of having a LRD-affected pregnancy, especially in women whose offspring inherit one or two copies of the MTHFR 677T variant.

Differential effects of nutritional folic acid deficiency and moderate hyperhomocysteinemia on aortic plaque formation and genome-wide DNA methylation in vascular tissue from ApoE-/- mice

Low folate intake is associated with vascular disease. Causality has been attributed to hyperhomocysteinemia. However, human intervention trials have failed to show the benefit of homocysteine-lowering therapies. Alternatively, low folate may promote vascular disease by deregulating DNA methylation. We investigated whether folate could alter DNA methylation and atherosclerosis in ApoE null mice. Mice were fed one of six diets (n = 20 per group) for 16 weeks. Basal diets were either control (C; 4% lard) or high fat (HF; 21% lard and cholesterol, 0.15%) with different B-vitamin compositions: (1) folic acid and B-vitamin replete, (2) folic acid deficient (-F), (3) folic acid, B6 and B12 deficient (-F-B). -F diets decreased plasma (up to 85%; P < 0.05), whole blood (up to 70%; P < 0.05), and liver folate (up to 65%; P < 0.05) and hepatic SAM/SAH (up to 80%; P < 0.05). -F-B diets reduced plasma (up to 76%; P < 0.05), whole blood (up to 72%; P < 0.05), and liver B12 (up to 39%; P < 0.05) and hepatic SAM/SAH (up to 90%; P < 0.05). -F increased homocysteine 2-fold, while -F-B increased homocysteine 3.6- and 6.8-fold in the C and HF groups (P < 0.05). Plaque formation was increased 2-fold (P < 0.0001) in mice fed a HF diet. Feeding a HF-F diet increased lesion formation by 17% (P < 0.05). There was no change in 5-methyldeoxycytidine in liver or vascular tissue (aorta, periadventitial tissue and heart). These data suggest that atherogenesis is not associated with genome-wide epigenetic changes in this animal model.

The homocysteine controversy

Mild to moderate hyperhomocysteinemia has been identified as a strong predictor of cardiovascular disease, independent from classical atherothrombotic risk factors. In the last decade, a number of large intervention trials using B vitamins have been performed and have shown no benefit of homocysteine-lowering therapy in high-risk patients. In addition, Mendelian randomization studies failed to convincingly demonstrate that a genetic polymorphism commonly associated with higher homocysteine levels (methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase 677 C>T) is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Together, these findings have cast doubt on the role of homocysteine in cardiovascular disease pathogenesis, and the homocysteine hypothesis has turned into a homocysteine controversy. In this review, we attempt to find solutions to this controversy. First, we explain that the Mendelian randomization analyses have limitations that preclude final conclusions. Second, several characteristics of intervention trials limit interpretation and generalizability of their results. Finally, the possibility that homocysteine lowering is in itself beneficial but is offset by adverse side effects of B vitamins on atherosclerosis deserves serious attention. As we explain, such side effects may relate to direct adverse effects of the B-vitamin regimen (in particular, the use of high-dose folic acid) or to proinflammatory and proproliferative effects of B vitamins on advanced atherosclerotic lesions.

Congenital heart defects and biomarkers of methylation in children: a case-control study

BACKGROUND

Derangements in the maternal methylation pathway, expressed by global hypomethylation and hyperhomocysteinemia, are associated with the risk of having a child with a congenital heart defect (CHD). It is not known whether periconception exposure to these metabolic derangements contributes to chromosome segregation and metabolic programming of this pathway in the foetus.

DESIGN

In a Dutch population-based case-control study of 143 children with CHD and 186 healthy children, we investigated S-adenosylmethionine (SAM), S-adenosylhomocysteine (SAH), total homocysteine (tHcy), the vitamins folate and B12 and the functional single nucleotide polymorphisms in the folate gene MTHFR 677C>T and 1298A>C. Comparisons were made between cases and controls adjusting for age, medication, vitamin use and CHD family history.

RESULTS

In the overall CHD group, the median concentrations of SAM (P = 0·011), folate in serum (P = 0·021) and RBC (P = 0·030) were significantly higher than in the controls. Subgroup analysis showed that this was mainly attributable to complex CHD with higher SAM (P < 0·001), SAH (P = 0·012) and serum folate (P = 0·010) independent of carriership of MTHFR polymorphisms. Highest concentrations of SAM, SAH and folate RBC were observed in complex syndromic CHD. The subgroup of children with Down syndrome, however, showed significantly higher SAH (P = 0·037) and significantly lower SAM:SAH ratio (P = 0·034) compared with other complex CHD, suggesting a state of global hypomethylation.

CONCLUSION

High concentrations of methylation biomarkers in very young children are associated with complex CHD. Down syndrome and CHD may be associated with a global hypomethylation status, which has to be confirmed in tissues and global DNA methylation in future studies.

Reduced levels of folate transporters (PCFT and RFC) in membrane lipid rafts result in colonic folate malabsorption in chronic alcoholism

We studied the effect of chronic ethanol ingestion on folate transport across the colonic apical membranes (CAM) in rats. Male Wistar rats were fed 1 g/kg body weight/day ethanol (20%) solution orally for 3 months and folate transport was studied in the isolated colon apical membrane vesicles. The folate transport was found to be carrier mediated, saturable, with pH optima at 5.0. Chronic ethanol ingestion reduced the folate transport across the CAM by decreasing the affinity of transporters (high Km) for the substrate and by decreasing the number of transporter molecules (low Vmax) on the colon luminal surface. The decreased transport activity at the CAM was associated with down-regulation of the proton-coupled folate transporter (PCFT) and the reduced folate carrier (RFC) which resulted in decreased PCFT and RFC protein levels in the colon of rats fed alcohol chronically. Moreover, the PCFT and the RFC were found to be distributed in detergent insoluble fraction of the CAM in rats. Floatation experiments on Optiprep density gradients demonstrated the association of the PCFT and the RFC protein with lipid rafts (LR). Chronic alcoholism decreased the PCFT and the RFC protein levels in the CAM LR in accordance with the decreased synthesis. Hence, we propose that downregulation in the expression of the PCFT and the RFC in colon results in reduced levels of these transporters in colon apical membrane LR as a mechanism of folate malabsorption during chronic alcoholism.

Homocysteine suppresses the expression of the collagen cross-linker lysyl oxidase involving IL-6, Fli1, and epigenetic DNA methylation

Elevated homocysteine (Hcys) serum levels represent a risk factor for several chronic pathologies, including cardiovascular disease, atherosclerosis, and chronic renal failure, and affect bone development, quality, and homeostasis. Hcys influences the formation of a stable bone matrix directly through the inhibition of the collagen cross-linking enzyme lysyl oxidase (Lox) and, as we have shown recently, by repressing its mRNA expression. The aim of this study was to investigate the mechanisms involved in this process. Through evaluation of gene arrays, quantitative RT-PCR, immunoblots, and ELISA, we identified a Hcys-dependent stimulation of interleukin 6 (IL-6) and genes involved in IL-6/Janus kinase 2 (JAK2)-dependent signal transduction pathways in pre-osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cells. Moreover, up-regulation of genes essential for epigenetic DNA methylation (DNA (cytosine-5)-methyltransferases and helicase lymphoid-specific (Hells) was observed. Further investigations demonstrated that Hcys increased via IL-6/JAK2 the expression of Fli1 (Friend leukemia virus integration 1), a transcription factor, which we found essential for IL-6-dependent Dnmt1 stimulation. CpG methylation analysis of CpG-rich Lox proximal promoter revealed an increased CpG methylation status after treatment of the cells with Hcys indicating an epigenetic origin for Hcys-dependent Lox repression. Inhibition of the IL-6/JAK2 pathway or of CpG methylation reversed the repressive effect of Hcys on Lox expression. In conclusion, we demonstrate that Hcys stimulates IL-6 synthesis in osteoblasts, which is known to affect bone metabolism via osteoclasts. Furthermore, IL-6 stimulation results via JAK2, Fli1, and Dnmt1 in down-regulation of Lox expression by epigenetic CpG methylation revealing a new mechanism negatively affecting bone matrix formation.

Epigenetic modifications and human pathologies: cancer and CVD

Epigenetic changes are inherited alterations in DNA that affect gene expression and function without altering the DNA sequence. DNA methylation is one epigenetic process implicated in human disease that is influenced by diet. DNA methylation involves addition of a 1-C moiety to cytosine groups in DNA. Methylated genes are not transcribed or are transcribed at a reduced rate. Global under-methylation (hypomethylation) and site-specific over-methylation (hypermethylation) are common features of human tumours. DNA hypomethylation, leading to increased expression of specific proto-oncogenes (e.g. genes involved in proliferation or metastasis) can increase the risk of cancer as can hypermethylation and reduced expression of tumour suppressor (TS) genes (e.g. DNA repair genes). DNA methyltransferases (DNMT), together with the methyl donor S-adenosylmethionine (SAM), facilitate DNA methylation. Abnormal DNA methylation is implicated not only in the development of human cancer but also in CVD. Polyphenols, a group of phytochemicals consumed in significant amounts in the human diet, effect risk of cancer. Flavonoids from tea, soft fruits and soya are potent inhibitors of DNMT in vitro, capable of reversing hypermethylation and reactivating TS genes. Folates, a group of water-soluble B vitamins found in high concentration in green leafy vegetables, regulate DNA methylation through their ability to generate SAM. People who habitually consume the lowest level of folate or with the lowest blood folate concentrations have a significantly increased risk of developing several cancers and CVD. This review describes how flavonoids and folates in the human diet alter DNA methylation and may modify the risk of human colon cancer and CVD.

Global DNA methylation patterns in placenta and its association with maternal hypertension in pre-eclampsia

Maternal nutrition is an important determinant of one-carbon metabolism that lies at the heart of intrauterine epigenetic programming. Exchange of nutrients and other vital molecules between the mother and fetus takes place across the placenta and hence may play direct role in fetal programming. Pre-eclampsia (PE) originates in the placenta and altered maternal nutrition may influence epigenetic patterns in the placenta, thereby affecting birth outcome. In the present study, we investigated the global DNA methylation levels in placentas of pre-eclampsia women (i.e., women delivering at term and those delivering preterm) and studied their associations with maternal blood pressure and birth outcome. Increased homocysteine and global DNA methylation levels were seen in the pre-eclampsia group (term and preterm PE) when compared with the normotensive group (p < 0.05). A positive association between global DNA methylation and systolic (p < 0.01) and diastolic (p < 0.05) blood pressure was seen in the term pre-eclampsia group, whereas there was no association with birth outcome. The study for the first time provides evidence for altered global DNA methylation patterns in pre-eclampsia placentas and its association with blood pressure. It is possible that increased homocysteine levels may be related to increased methylation in pre-eclampsia.

Global DNA methylation: comparison of enzymatic- and non-enzymatic-based methods

BACKGROUND

The most frequently used methods for measuring global DNA methylation are based on two different principles: the use of methylation-sensitive restriction endonucleases followed by analysis of the obtained fragments, or the hydrolysis of genomic DNA followed by specific detection and quantification of the 5-methylcytosine content. We aimed to compare two different methods for evaluation of global DNA methylation: the cytosine extension assay after enzymatic digestion of DNA (Cyt-Ext), and a recently described method using liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry after DNA hydrolysis (LC-MS/MS).

METHODS

Both approaches were applied to evaluate global DNA methylation in leukocyte DNA from 96 healthy subjects. Calf thymus and pBR322 DNAs were used as hyper- and hypo-methylated references, respectively.

RESULTS

Using the Cyt-Ext method, the DNA from healthy individuals showed radiolabel incorporation of 11,312±1600 Dpm/μg DNA, while the LC-MS/MS method showed 4.55±0.1% methylation. Results are shown as mean±SD. The analysis of hypo- and hyper-methylated references showed that both methods are practical for discriminating different levels of methylation.

CONCLUSIONS

Cyt-Ext and LC-MS/MS are viable methods in evaluating global DNA methylation status. However, the LC-MS/MS assay allows absolute quantification and displays far superior intra-day precision. Therefore, we consider the later approach to be better for use in global DNA methylation studies.