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Thornburg KL, Valent AM. Maternal Malnutrition and Elevated Disease Risk in Offspring. Nutrients 2024; 16:2614. [PMID: 39203750 PMCID: PMC11357549 DOI: 10.3390/nu16162614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2024] [Revised: 07/31/2024] [Accepted: 08/03/2024] [Indexed: 09/03/2024] Open
Abstract
US populations have seen dramatic increases in the prevalence of chronic disease over the past three generations. Rapid increases in type 2 diabetes and obesity have occurred in all the states but have been particularly striking in the Deep South. These increases have contributed to decreases in life expectancy and to painful elevations in health care costs. The causes of worsening population health are complex and incompletely understood. However, there is strong evidence that vulnerability to chronic conditions is determined in early life. Most chronic diseases are developmentally driven. There are specific stressors experienced in early life that influence epigenetic and structural changes during development. These include malnutrition, severe levels of social stress, toxic chemicals, and low oxygen levels. Most US populations have experienced a decrease in the quality of the food they consume as industrial foods have replaced garden-grown foods. Thus, the consumption of too few nutrients before and during pregnancy and during lactation influences the growth of the placenta and fetal organs and their level of resilience when faced with stresses in postnatal life and particularly as adults. Animal studies have shown that the effects of poor nutrition can be passed on to future generations. The most powerful way that the current epidemics of obesity and insulin resistance can be reversed is by providing key nutrients to prospective mothers and those already pregnant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kent L. Thornburg
- OHSU Bob and Charlee Moore Institute for Nutrition and Wellness, School of Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA;
- Center for Developmental Health, Knight Cardiovascular Institute, School of Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - Amy M. Valent
- OHSU Bob and Charlee Moore Institute for Nutrition and Wellness, School of Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA;
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, School of Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
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Rainford M, Barbour LA, Birch D, Catalano P, Daniels E, Gremont C, Marshall NE, Wharton K, Thornburg K. Barriers to implementing good nutrition in pregnancy and early childhood: Creating equitable national solutions. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2024; 1534:94-105. [PMID: 38520393 DOI: 10.1111/nyas.15122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/25/2024]
Abstract
Exposure to deleterious stressors in early life, such as poor nutrition, underlies most adult-onset chronic diseases. As rates of chronic disease continue to climb in the United States, a focus on good nutrition before and during pregnancy, lactation, and early childhood provides a potential opportunity to reverse this trend. This report provides an overview of nutrition investigations in pregnancy and early childhood and addresses racial disparities and health outcomes, current national guidelines, and barriers to achieving adequate nutrition in pregnant individuals and children. Current national policies and community interventions to improve nutrition, as well as the current state of nutrition education among healthcare professionals and students, are discussed. Major gaps in knowledge and implementation of nutrition practices during pregnancy and early childhood were identified and action goals were constructed. The action goals are intended to guide the development and implementation of critical nutritional strategies that bridge these gaps. Such goals create a national blueprint for improving the health of mothers and children by promoting long-term developmental outcomes that improve the overall health of the US population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monique Rainford
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Linda A Barbour
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Darlena Birch
- Public Health Nutrition, National WIC Association, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Patrick Catalano
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tufts University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Ella Daniels
- Veggies Early & Often, Partnership for a Healthier America, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Caron Gremont
- Share Our Strength, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Nicole E Marshall
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Kurt Wharton
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine, Rochester, Michigan, USA
| | - Kent Thornburg
- Knight Cardiovascular Institute, Center for Developmental Health, and Moore Institute for Nutrition & Wellness, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
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Oriá RB, Freitas RS, Roque CR, Nascimento JCR, Silva AP, Malva JO, Guerrant RL, Vitek MP. ApoE Mimetic Peptides to Improve the Vicious Cycle of Malnutrition and Enteric Infections by Targeting the Intestinal and Blood-Brain Barriers. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:pharmaceutics15041086. [PMID: 37111572 PMCID: PMC10141726 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15041086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Apolipoprotein E (apoE) mimetic peptides are engineered fragments of the native apoE protein’s LDL-receptor binding site that improve the outcomes following a brain injury and intestinal inflammation in a variety of models. The vicious cycle of enteric infections and malnutrition is closely related to environmental-driven enteric dysfunction early in life, and such chronic inflammatory conditions may blunt the developmental trajectories of children with worrisome and often irreversible physical and cognitive faltering. This window of time for microbiota maturation and brain plasticity is key to protecting cognitive domains, brain health, and achieving optimal/full developmental potential. This review summarizes the potential role of promising apoE mimetic peptides to improve the function of the gut-brain axis, including targeting the blood-brain barrier in children afflicted with malnutrition and enteric infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reinaldo B. Oriá
- Laboratory of Tissue Healing, Ontogeny and Nutrition, Department of Morphology, School of Medicine, Institute of Biomedicine, Federal University of Ceara, Fortaleza 60430-270, Brazil
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +55-85-3366-8239
| | - Raul S. Freitas
- Laboratory of Tissue Healing, Ontogeny and Nutrition, Department of Morphology, School of Medicine, Institute of Biomedicine, Federal University of Ceara, Fortaleza 60430-270, Brazil
| | - Cássia R. Roque
- Laboratory of Tissue Healing, Ontogeny and Nutrition, Department of Morphology, School of Medicine, Institute of Biomedicine, Federal University of Ceara, Fortaleza 60430-270, Brazil
| | - José Carlos R. Nascimento
- Laboratory of Tissue Healing, Ontogeny and Nutrition, Department of Morphology, School of Medicine, Institute of Biomedicine, Federal University of Ceara, Fortaleza 60430-270, Brazil
- Institute of Health Sciences, Medicine, University of International Integration of Afro-Brazilian Lusofonia, Redenção 62790-970, Brazil
| | - Ana Paula Silva
- Institute of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics and Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Faculty of Medicine and Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - João O. Malva
- Institute of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics and Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Faculty of Medicine and Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Richard L. Guerrant
- Division of Infectious Diseases and International Health, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
| | - Michael P. Vitek
- Division of Neurology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
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4
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Role of microRNA in Endocrine Disruptor-Induced Immunomodulation of Metabolic Health. Metabolites 2022; 12:metabo12111034. [DOI: 10.3390/metabo12111034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Revised: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The prevalence of poor metabolic health is growing exponentially worldwide. This condition is associated with complex comorbidities that lead to a compromised quality of life. One of the contributing factors recently gaining attention is exposure to environmental chemicals, such as endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs). Considerable evidence suggests that EDCs can alter the endocrine system through immunomodulation. More concerning, EDC exposure during the fetal development stage has prominent adverse effects later in life, which may pass on to subsequent generations. Although the mechanism of action for this phenomenon is mostly unexplored, recent reports implicate that non-coding RNAs, such as microRNAs (miRs), may play a vital role in this scenario. MiRs are significant contributors in post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression. Studies demonstrating the immunomodulation of EDCs via miRs in metabolic health or towards the Developmental Origins of Health and Disease (DOHaD) Hypothesis are still deficient. The aim of the current review was to focus on studies that demonstrate the impact of EDCs primarily on innate immunity and the potential role of miRs in metabolic health.
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Abstract
The interaction between the gut and its eventual trillions of microbe inhabitants during microbial colonization, represents a critical time period for establishing the overall health and wellbeing of an individual. The gut microbiome represents a diverse community of microbes that are critical for many physiological roles of the host including host metabolism. These processes are controlled by a fine-tuned chemical cross talk between the host and microbiota. Although the exact mechanisms behind this cross talk remains elusive, microbiota induced epigenetic mechanisms like DNA methylation and histone modifications may be key. This review presents our perspective on the epigenome as a mediator for host-microbiota cross talk, as well as methodology to study epigenetics, the role of dysbiosis in disease, and how the gut microbiome-host axis may be used in personal medicine.
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Zhang Y, Yang M, Li Y, Liu B, Zhang L, Xiao D. Inhibition of DNA methylation in newborns reprograms ischemia-sensitive biomarkers resulting in development of a heart ischemia-sensitive phenotype late in life. Reprod Toxicol 2021; 105:198-210. [PMID: 34536542 PMCID: PMC8511209 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2021.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2021] [Revised: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Adverse environmental stress exposure at critical perinatal stages can alter cardiovascular development, which could persist into adulthood and develop a cardiovascular dysfunctional phenotype late in life. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain largely unknown. The present study provided a direct evidence that DNA methylation is a key epigenetic mechanism contributing to the developmental origins of adult cardiovascular disease. We hypothesized that DNA hypomethylation at neonatal stage alters gene expression patterns in the heart, leading to development of a cardiac ischemia-sensitive phenotype late in life. To test this hypothesis, a DNA methylation inhibitor 5-Aza-2-deoxycytidine (5-Aza) was administered in newborn rats from postnatal day 1-3. Cardiac function and related key genes were measured in 2-week- and 2-month-old animals, respectively. 5-Aza treatment induced an age- and sex-dependent inhibition of global and gene-specific DNA methylation levels in left ventricles, resulting in a long-lasting growth restriction but an asymmetry increase in the heart-to-body weight ratio. In addition, treatment with 5-Aza enhanced ischemia and reperfusion-induced cardiac dysfunction and injury in adults as compared with the saline controls, which was associated with up-regulations of miRNA-181a and angiotensin II receptor type 1 & 2 gene expressions, but down-regulations of PKCε, Atg5, and GSK3β gene expressions in left ventricles. In conclusion, our results provide compelling evidence that neonatal DNA methylation deficiency is a key mechanism contributing to differentially reprogram cardiac gene expression patterns, leading to development of a heart ischemia-sensitive phenotype late in life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanyan Zhang
- Center for Perinatal Biology, Division of Pharmacology, Department of Basic Sciences, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA, United States
| | - Meizi Yang
- Center for Perinatal Biology, Division of Pharmacology, Department of Basic Sciences, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA, United States; Department of Pharmacology, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, Shandong, China
| | - Yong Li
- Center for Perinatal Biology, Division of Pharmacology, Department of Basic Sciences, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA, United States
| | - Bailin Liu
- Center for Perinatal Biology, Division of Pharmacology, Department of Basic Sciences, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA, United States
| | - Lubo Zhang
- Center for Perinatal Biology, Division of Pharmacology, Department of Basic Sciences, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA, United States
| | - Daliao Xiao
- Center for Perinatal Biology, Division of Pharmacology, Department of Basic Sciences, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA, United States.
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Braun D, Schernhammer E, Marko D, Warth B. Longitudinal assessment of mycotoxin co-exposures in exclusively breastfed infants. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2020; 142:105845. [PMID: 32563012 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2020.105845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2020] [Revised: 05/08/2020] [Accepted: 05/31/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Early-life development of infants may be critically affected by man-made or natural contaminants including mycotoxins. However, data on the occurrence of food contaminants in breast milk is scarce and prohibits a comprehensive exposure and risk assessment for mothers and their infants. Here, we present a longitudinal exposure assessment over the first 211 days of a single newborn girl (studyA) by measuring multiple mycotoxins in milk. Eighty-seven consecutive breast milk samples were obtained from the newborn's mother living in Austria and following a regular mixed diet. Mycotoxins were analyzed by utilizing a highly sensitive LC-MS/MS approach covering 29mycotoxins and key metabolites. In addition to this longitudinal study, three mothers provided breast milk samples each on five consecutive days, for a preliminary comparison of inter-day and inter-individual variation in exposures (studyB). StudyA revealed that mycotoxin occurrence in breast milk was limited to the emerging mycotoxins alternariol monomethyl ether (AME), beauvericin (BEA), enniatins (A, A1, B, B1) and to ochratoxin A (OTA), which is regulated in commercial infant food. These mycotoxins were, if present, mostly detected at very low concentrations (<10 ng/L), except AME which exceeded this concentration on two distinct days by a factor of 3x and 5x. Overall, longitudinal results indicated chronic low-dose exposure to the detected mycotoxins. Other regulated mycotoxins including the carcinogenic aflatoxins or the estrogenic zearalenone and their biotransformation products were absent in all tested samples. StudyB confirmed the results of studyA, with minimal inter-day and inter-individual variation. In addition, a preliminary correlation of OTA levels occurring in breast milk and matched urine samples was found (r = 0.64, p = 0.034) in study B. Based on the data set obtained in studyA, exposure of the infant was estimated. Exposure estimates of individual mycotoxins were on average below 1 ng/kg body weight per day. Our preliminary findings suggest that recommended maximum daily intake levels might not be exceeded in the Austrian population. However, exposure is likely to be higher in populations with lower food safety standards. In the light of co-occurrence of several emerging mycotoxins in breast milk, future studies should address low-dose mixture effects. This also includes other environmental contaminants which may be present in this bio-fluid and should involve an exposome-scale risk assessment. All these efforts must be intended to minimize exposure of mothers and infants in a window of high susceptibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominik Braun
- University of Vienna, Faculty of Chemistry, Department of Food Chemistry and Toxicology, Währinger Straße 38, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Eva Schernhammer
- Department of Epidemiology, Center for Public Health, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; Channing Division of Network Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Doris Marko
- University of Vienna, Faculty of Chemistry, Department of Food Chemistry and Toxicology, Währinger Straße 38, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Benedikt Warth
- University of Vienna, Faculty of Chemistry, Department of Food Chemistry and Toxicology, Währinger Straße 38, 1090 Vienna, Austria.
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Maternal healthful dietary patterns during peripregnancy and long-term overweight risk in their offspring. Eur J Epidemiol 2020; 35:283-293. [PMID: 32185575 PMCID: PMC7154013 DOI: 10.1007/s10654-020-00621-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2019] [Accepted: 03/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Adherence to healthful dietary patterns is associated with lower body mass index (BMI) in adults; however, whether maternal diet quality during peripregnancy is related to a lower overweight risk in the offspring remains to be elucidated. We investigated the associations between the Alternate Healthy Eating Index (AHEI), Alternate Mediterranean Diet (aMED) and Dietary Approach to Stop Hypertension (DASH) during peripregnancy and offspring weight outcomes in a study including 2729 mother–child pairs from the Nurses’ Health Study II and offspring cohort Growing Up Today Study II. Children, 12–14 years at baseline were 21–23 years at the last follow-up. Overweight or obesity was defined according to International Obesity Task Force (< 18 years) and World-Health-Organization guidelines (18 + years). Maternal dietary patterns were calculated from food frequency questionnaires. Log-binomial models were used to estimate relative risks (RR) and 95% confidence intervals. In models adjusted for sex, gestational age at delivery and maternal total energy intake, greater maternal adherence to aMED and DASH, but not AHEI, was associated with lower overweight risk in the offspring (RRQ5 vs Q1 = 0.82 [0.70–0.97] for aMED and 0.86 [0.72–1.04] for DASH, P for trend < 0.05 for both). After additional adjustment for maternal pre-pregnancy lifestyle factors and socio-demographic characteristic, none of the diet quality scores were significantly associated with offspring overweight risk. Maternal pre-pregnancy BMI did not modify any of these associations. In this population of generally well-nourished women, maternal healthful dietary patterns during the period surrounding pregnancy were not independently associated with offspring overweight risk at ages 12–23 years.
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Chen JR, Zhao H, Lazarenko OP, Blackburn ML, Shankar K. Maternal regulation of SATB2 in osteo-progeniters impairs skeletal development in offspring. FASEB J 2019; 34:2511-2523. [PMID: 31908011 DOI: 10.1096/fj.201901901r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2019] [Revised: 11/18/2019] [Accepted: 12/03/2019] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Nutritional status during intrauterine and/or early postnatal life has substantial influence on adult offspring health. Along these lines, there is a growing body of evidence illustrating that high fat diet (HFD)-induced maternal obesity can regulate fetal bone development. Thus, we investigated the effects of maternal obesity on both fetal skeletal development and mechanisms linking maternal obesity to osteoblast differentiation in offspring. Embryonic osteogenic calvarial cells (EOCCs) were isolated from fetuses at gestational day 18.5 (E18.5) of HFD-induced obese rat dams. We observed impaired differentiation of EOCCs to mature osteoblasts from HFD obese dams. ChIP-seq-based genome-wide localization of the repressive histone mark H3K27me3 (mediated via the polycomb histone methyltransferase, enhancer of zeste homologue 2 [Ezh2]) showed that this phenotype was associated with increased enrichment of H3K27me3 on the gene of SATB2, a critical transcription factor required for osteoblast differentiation. Knockdown of Ezh2 in EOCCs and ST2 cells increased SATB2 expression; while Ezh2 overexpression in EOCCs and ST2 cells decreased SATB2 expression. These data were consistent with experimental results showing strong association between H3K27me3, Ezh2, and SATB2 in cells from rats and humans. We have further presented that SATB2 mRNA and protein expression were increased in bones, and increased trabecular bone mass from pre-osteoblast specific Ezh2 deletion (Ezh2flox/flox Osx-Cre+ cko) mice compared with those from control Cre+ mice. These findings indicate that maternal HFD-induced obesity may be associated with decreasing fetal pre-osteoblastic cell differentiation, under epigenetic control of SATB2 expression via Ezh2-dependent mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin-Ran Chen
- Arkansas Children's Nutrition Center, Little Rock, AR, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Haijun Zhao
- Arkansas Children's Nutrition Center, Little Rock, AR, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Oxana P Lazarenko
- Arkansas Children's Nutrition Center, Little Rock, AR, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Michael L Blackburn
- Arkansas Children's Nutrition Center, Little Rock, AR, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Kartik Shankar
- Arkansas Children's Nutrition Center, Little Rock, AR, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
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Larose TL, Sætrom P, Martinussen MP, Skogseth H, Sandanger TM, Scélo G, McHale CM, Jacobsen GW, Smith MT. In utero exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals, micro-RNA profiles, and fetal growth: a pilot study protocol. J Public Health Res 2019; 8:1550. [PMID: 31572695 PMCID: PMC6747021 DOI: 10.4081/jphr.2019.1550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2019] [Accepted: 05/15/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The developing fetus is particularly vulnerable to the effects of endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs). Molecular fingerprints of EDCs can be identified via microRNA (miRNA) expression profiles and may be etiologically implicated in the developmental origin of disease (DOHaD). Methods/design: This pilot study includes pregnant women at high risk (smoking at conception), and low risk (non-smoking at conception) for SGA birth (birthweight<10th percentile for gestational age). We have randomly selected 12 mothers (3 high-risk SGA birth, 3 low-risk SGA birth, 3 high-risk non-SGA birth, 3 low-risk non-SGA birth), with EDC measurements from gestational week 17. All offspring are female. We aim to test the stability of our samples (maternal serum, cord blood, placenta tissue), observe the differential expression of miRNA profiles over time (gestational weeks 17, 25, 33, 37, birth), and study the consistency between maternal EDC measures and miRNA expression profiles across our repeated measures. Expected impact of the study for Public Health: Results from this pilot study will inform the development of a larger cohort wide analysis, and will impact the current state of knowledge in the fields of public health, epigenetics, and the DOHaD. Significance for public health This research focuses on the developmental origin of disease with particular emphasis on maternal exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals during pregnancy and fetal growth by examining microRNA profiles in maternal serum, placenta tissue, and cord blood. Pregnant mothers and offspring are the most vulnerable populations affected by environmental exposures including exposure to pesticides, metals, and contaminants in food. Results from our pilot study will inform a larger project proposal that will look not only at epigenetic modifications and fetal development, but also the epigenetic effects on longer term neurodevelopmental and metabolic outcomes in childhood and early adulthood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tricia L Larose
- K.G. Jebsen Center for Genetic Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway.,Department of Public Health and Nursing, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Pål Sætrom
- K.G. Jebsen Center for Genetic Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway.,Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway.,Department of Computer Science, Faculty of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway.,Bioinformatics core facility - BioCore, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Marit P Martinussen
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Håkon Skogseth
- Biobank 1, St. Olavs University Hospital, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Torkjel M Sandanger
- Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, UiT-the Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Ghislaine Scélo
- Genetic Epidemiology Group, Section of Genetics, International Agency for Research on Cancer, World Health Organization, Lyon, France
| | - Cliona M McHale
- Division of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Geir W Jacobsen
- Department of Public Health and Nursing, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Martyn T Smith
- Division of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
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Pinel C, Prainsack B, McKevitt C. Markers as mediators: A review and synthesis of epigenetics literature. BIOSOCIETIES 2019; 13:276-303. [PMID: 31105763 PMCID: PMC6520226 DOI: 10.1057/s41292-017-0068-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Epigenetics, the study of the processes that control gene expression without a change in DNA sequence, highlights the importance of environmental factors in gene regulation. This paper maps the terrain of epigenetics and identifies four main research subfields: gene expression; molecular epigenetics; clinical epigenetics and epigenetic epidemiology. Within and across these fields, we analyse of what is conceptualised as environment and demonstrate the variable ways authors understand epigenetics environments. Then, following an analysis of the discursive strategies employed by epigenetics researchers, we demonstrate how authors portray the interactions between genes, epigenetics, and environment as relationships linking the outside (where the environment is located) with the inside (where the genes are located). We argue that authors assign specific roles to each actor: the environment as the active player initiating the relationship, the genes as recipients, and epigenetics as mediators between environment and genes. Framed as mediators, epigenetic markers can be understood as enablers of communication between environment and genome, capable of processing and organising signals so as to regulate the interactions between the actors of epigenetic relationships. This finding complicates the observation by social science scholars that the interactions between environment and genes can be understood through the concept of signal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clémence Pinel
- School of Population Sciences and Health Services Research, King’s College London, UK
| | - Barbara Prainsack
- Department of Political Science, University of Vienna, Austria
- Department of Global Health & Social Medicine, King’s College London, UK
| | - Christopher McKevitt
- School of Population Sciences and Health Services Research, King’s College London, UK
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12
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Fiore M, Oliveri Conti G, Caltabiano R, Buffone A, Zuccarello P, Cormaci L, Cannizzaro MA, Ferrante M. Role of Emerging Environmental Risk Factors in Thyroid Cancer: A Brief Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:ijerph16071185. [PMID: 30986998 PMCID: PMC6480006 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16071185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2019] [Revised: 03/22/2019] [Accepted: 03/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Environmental factors are recognized as risk factors of thyroid cancer in humans. Exposure to radiation, both from nuclear weapon or fallout or medical radiation, and to some organic and inorganic chemical toxicants represent a worldwide public health issue for their proven carcinogenicity. Halogenated compounds, such as organochlorines and pesticides, are able to disrupt thyroid function. Polychlorinated biphenyls and their metabolites and polybrominated diethyl ethers bind to thyroid, transport proteins, replace thyroxin, and disrupt thyroid function as phthalates and bisphenolates do, highly mimicking thyroid hormones. A better knowledge of environmental risks represents a very important tool for cancer prevention through true risks prevention and management. This approach is very important because of the epigenetic origin’s theory of cancer. Therefore, the aim of this review was study the association between environmental agents and thyroid cancer promotion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Fiore
- Environmental and Food Hygiene Laboratories (LIAA), Department of Medical Sciences, Surgical and Advanced Technologies "G.F. Ingrassia", University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy.
| | - Gea Oliveri Conti
- Environmental and Food Hygiene Laboratories (LIAA), Department of Medical Sciences, Surgical and Advanced Technologies "G.F. Ingrassia", University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy.
| | - Rosario Caltabiano
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies, "G.F. Ingrassia", Section of Anatomic Pathology, 95123 Catania, Italy.
| | - Antonino Buffone
- Department of General Surgery and Specialty Medical Surgery, Endocrine surgery, A.O.U. Policlinico-Vittorio Emanuele P.O. G. Rodolico, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy.
| | - Pietro Zuccarello
- Environmental and Food Hygiene Laboratories (LIAA), Department of Medical Sciences, Surgical and Advanced Technologies "G.F. Ingrassia", University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy.
| | - Livia Cormaci
- Hygiene and Preventive Medicine Specializaton School, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies, "G.F. Ingrassia", 95123 Catania, Italy.
| | - Matteo Angelo Cannizzaro
- Chirugia Generale, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies, "G.F. Ingrassia", 95123 Catania, Italy.
| | - Margherita Ferrante
- Environmental and Food Hygiene Laboratories (LIAA), Department of Medical Sciences, Surgical and Advanced Technologies "G.F. Ingrassia", University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy.
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13
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Montero López MP, Mora-Urda AI, Mill JG, Silva ABT, Santos Batista M, B Molina MDC. Arterial Stiffness and Blood Pressure in a Multicultural Child Sample (Angola, Brazil, and Spain). Am J Hypertens 2019; 32:265-271. [PMID: 30508175 DOI: 10.1093/ajh/hpy182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2018] [Accepted: 11/29/2018] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND To analyze the relationship between early-life indicators, blood pressure (BP), and arterial stiffness in childhood, in three samples with different bio-cultural characteristics. METHODS The total sample included 520 schoolchildren 9-10 years of age from Madrid (Spain), Vitória (Brazil), and Luanda (Angola). Height and weight, BP, and carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cf-PWV) were measured, all by one observer in each site, and body mass index (BMI) was calculated. Birth weight, gestational age, type of feeding, and age at weaning were extracted from official health cards. Data were analyzed by multiple linear regression models. RESULTS No significant differences were observed in systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) among the samples (P = 0.107 and P = 0.808). Luanda showed the higher cf-PWV (5.7 m/s), followed by Vitória (5.3 m/s) and Madrid (4.9 m/s; P < 0.001). Explanatory factors for the observed variability in SBP, DBP, and cf-PWV, obtained by means of multiple linear regression models, were different in three samples. BMI showed a positive and significant association with SBP, DBP, and cf-PWV in three samples. In the Angolan sample, in addition to BMI, birth weight was maintained in the explanatory models of SBP and cf-PWV adjusted for BP, with a negative and significant coefficient (-0.019 and -0.019). CONCLUSIONS Higher values of BMI in childhood are related with higher values of cf-PWV, SBP, and DBP in the three samples. Children from Angola showed the highest mean value of cf-PWV, especially those who had lower birth weight, suggesting that worse conditions in fetal life may contribute to increased aortic stiffness in childhood.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Pilar Montero López
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana Isabel Mora-Urda
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - José Geraldo Mill
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Federal University of Espírito Santo, Brazil
| | - Amílcar B T Silva
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Federal University of Espírito Santo, Brazil
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Medical School of the Agostinho Neto University, Luanda, Angola
| | - Milena Santos Batista
- Postgraduate Program in Public Health, Institut of Medicina Social, University of Rio de Janeiro State, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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14
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Morales-Rubio RA, Alvarado-Cruz I, Manzano-León N, Andrade-Oliva MDLA, Uribe-Ramirez M, Quintanilla-Vega B, Osornio-Vargas Á, De Vizcaya-Ruiz A. In utero exposure to ultrafine particles promotes placental stress-induced programming of renin-angiotensin system-related elements in the offspring results in altered blood pressure in adult mice. Part Fibre Toxicol 2019; 16:7. [PMID: 30691489 PMCID: PMC6350404 DOI: 10.1186/s12989-019-0289-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2018] [Accepted: 01/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Exposure to particulate matter (PM) is associated with an adverse intrauterine environment, which can promote adult cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. Ultrafine particles (UFP) (small size and large surface area/mass ratio) are systemically distributed, induce inflammation and oxidative stress, and have been associated with vascular endothelial dysfunction and arterial vasoconstriction, increasing hypertension risk. Placental stress and alterations in methylation of promoter regions of renin-angiotensin system (RAS)-related elements could be involved in UFP exposure-related programming of hypertension. We investigated whether in utero UFP exposure promotes placental stress by inflammation and oxidative stress, alterations in hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 11b-type 2 (HSD11B2) and programming of RAS-related elements, and result in altered blood pressure in adult offspring. UFP were collected from ambient air using an aerosol concentrator and physicochemically characterized. Pregnant C57BL/6J pun/pun female mice were exposed to collected UFP (400 μg/kg accumulated dose) by intratracheal instillation and compared to control (nonexposed) and sterile H2O (vehicle) exposed mice. Embryo reabsorption and placental stress by measurement of the uterus, placental and fetal weights, dam serum and fetal cortisol, placental HSD11B2 DNA methylation and protein levels, were evaluated. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) biotransformation (CYP1A1 and NQO1 (NAD(P)H dehydrogenase (quinone)1)) enzymes, inflammation and oxidative stress in placentas and fetuses were measured. Postnatal day (PND) 50 in male offspring blood pressure was measured. Methylation and protein expression of (RAS)-related elements, angiotensin II receptor type 1 (AT1R) and angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE) in fetuses and lungs of PND 50 male offspring were also assessed. Results In utero UFP exposure induced placental stress as indicated by an increase in embryo reabsorption, decreases in the uterus, placental, and fetal weights, and HSD11B2 hypermethylation and protein downregulation. In utero UFP exposure induced increases in the PAH-biotransforming enzymes, intrauterine oxidative damage and inflammation and stimulated programming and activation of AT1R and ACE, which resulted in increased blood pressure in the PND 50 male offspring. Conclusions In utero UFP exposure promotes placental stress through inflammation and oxidative stress, and programs RAS-related elements that result in altered blood pressure in the offspring. Exposure to UFP during fetal development could influence susceptibility to CVD in adulthood. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12989-019-0289-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Russell A Morales-Rubio
- Departamento de Toxicología, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del IPN, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Isabel Alvarado-Cruz
- Departamento de Toxicología, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del IPN, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Natalia Manzano-León
- Departamento de Investigación Básica, Instituto Nacional de Cancerología, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Maria-de-Los-Angeles Andrade-Oliva
- Departamento de Fisiología, Biofísica y Neurociencias, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del IPN, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Marisela Uribe-Ramirez
- Departamento de Toxicología, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del IPN, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Betzabet Quintanilla-Vega
- Departamento de Toxicología, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del IPN, Ciudad de México, México
| | | | - Andrea De Vizcaya-Ruiz
- Departamento de Toxicología, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del IPN, Ciudad de México, México.
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15
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McKeating DR, Fisher JJ, Perkins AV. Elemental Metabolomics and Pregnancy Outcomes. Nutrients 2019; 11:E73. [PMID: 30609706 PMCID: PMC6356574 DOI: 10.3390/nu11010073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2018] [Revised: 12/26/2018] [Accepted: 01/01/2019] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Trace elements are important for human health and development. The body requires specific micronutrients to function, with aberrant changes associated with a variety of negative health outcomes. Despite this evidence, the status and function of micronutrients during pregnancy are relatively unknown and more information is required to ensure that women receive optimal intakes for foetal development. Changes in trace element status have been associated with pregnancy complications such as gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), pre-eclampsia (PE), intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), and preterm birth. Measuring micronutrients with methodologies such as elemental metabolomics, which involves the simultaneous quantification and characterisation of multiple elements, could provide insight into gestational disorders. Identifying unique and subtle micronutrient changes may highlight associated proteins that are affected underpinning the pathophysiology of these complications, leading to new means of disease diagnosis. This review will provide a comprehensive summary of micronutrient status during pregnancy, and their associations with gestational disorders. Furthermore, it will also comment on the potential use of elemental metabolomics as a technique for disease characterisation and prediction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel R McKeating
- School of Medical Science, Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Southport 9726, Queensland, Australia.
| | - Joshua J Fisher
- School of Medical Science, Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Southport 9726, Queensland, Australia.
| | - Anthony V Perkins
- School of Medical Science, Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Southport 9726, Queensland, Australia.
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16
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Tsai CC, Lin YJ, Yu HR, Sheen JM, Lin IC, Lai YJ, Tain YL, Huang LT, Tiao MM. Regulation of Leptin Methylation Not via Apoptosis by Melatonin in the Rescue of Chronic Programming Liver Steatosis. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19113565. [PMID: 30424542 PMCID: PMC6274685 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19113565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2018] [Revised: 10/28/2018] [Accepted: 11/07/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
We examined the mechanisms of chronic liver steatosis after prenatal dexamethasone exposure and whether melatonin rescues adult offspring with liver steatosis. Melatonin rescued prenatal dexamethasone-exposed livers with steatosis in young rats. Sprague-Dawley rats pregnant at gestational day 14–21 were administered with intraperitoneal dexamethasone (DEX) or prenatal dexamethasone and melatonin between gestational day 14 and postnatal day ~120 (DEX+MEL). Chronic programming effects in the liver were assessed at day ~120. Liver steatosis increased in the DEX compared with that in the vehicle group and decreased in the DEX+MEL group (p < 0.05), with no changes in cellular apoptosis. Expression of leptin and its receptor decreased in the DEX (p < 0.05) and increased in the DEX+MEL group (p < 0.05), as revealed by RT-PCR and Western blotting. Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin (IL)-6 expression increased in the DEX group compared with that in the vehicle group and decreased in the DEX+MEL group (p < 0.05). Liver DNA methyltransferase activity and leptin methylation increased in the DEX group (p < 0.05) and decreased in the DEX+MEL group (p < 0.05), with no changes in HDAC activity. Thus, prenatal dexamethasone induces liver steatosis at ~120 days via altered leptin expression and liver inflammation without leptin resistance. Melatonin reverses leptin methylation and expression and decreases inflammation and chronic liver steatosis not via apoptosis or histone deacetylation (HDAC).
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Affiliation(s)
- Ching-Chou Tsai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University, Kaohsiung 83301, Taiwan.
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan.
| | - Yu-Ju Lin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University, Kaohsiung 83301, Taiwan.
| | - Hong-Ren Yu
- Department of Pediatrics, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University, Kaohsiung 83301, Taiwan.
| | - Jiunn-Ming Sheen
- Department of Pediatrics, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University, Kaohsiung 83301, Taiwan.
| | - I-Chun Lin
- Department of Pediatrics, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University, Kaohsiung 83301, Taiwan.
| | - Yun-Ju Lai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University, Kaohsiung 83301, Taiwan.
| | - You-Lin Tain
- Department of Pediatrics, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University, Kaohsiung 83301, Taiwan.
| | - Li-Tung Huang
- Department of Pediatrics, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University, Kaohsiung 83301, Taiwan.
| | - Mao-Meng Tiao
- Department of Pediatrics, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University, Kaohsiung 83301, Taiwan.
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17
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Abstract
Intrauterine or early postnatal high-fat diet (HFD) has substantial influences on adult offspring health; however, studies of HFD-induced maternal obesity on regulation of adult offspring bone formation are sparse. Here, we investigated the effects of HFD-induced maternal obesity on both fetal and adult offspring skeletal development. We found that HFD-induced maternal obesity significantly decreased fetal skeletal development, but enhanced fetal osteoblastic cell senescence signaling and significantly increased the expression of inflammatory factors of the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) in osteo-progenitors. It was found that p300/CBP activation led to H3K27 acetylation to increase the expression of senescence-related genes and PPARγ in embryonic mouse osteogenic calvarial cells from HFD obese dams. These results were recapitulated in human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (UC MSCs) isolated from offspring of pregnant obese and lean mothers following delivery. Regardless of postnatal HFD challenge, adult offspring from HFD obese dams showed significantly suppressed bone formation. Such early involution of bone formation of adult offspring from HFD obese dams may at least in part due to histone acetylation, i.e., epigenetic regulation of genes involved in cell senescence signaling in pre-osteoblasts from prenatal development. These findings indicate fetal pre-osteoblastic cell senescence signaling is epigenetically regulated by maternal obesity to repress bone formation in adult offspring in rodents and suggest that at least some of these effects may also manifest in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin-Ran Chen
- Arkansas Children’s Nutrition CenterLittle Rock, Arkansas, USA
- Department of PediatricsUniversity of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas, USA
- Correspondence should be addressed to J-R Chen:
| | - Oxana P Lazarenko
- Arkansas Children’s Nutrition CenterLittle Rock, Arkansas, USA
- Department of PediatricsUniversity of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas, USA
| | - Haijun Zhao
- Arkansas Children’s Nutrition CenterLittle Rock, Arkansas, USA
- Department of PediatricsUniversity of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas, USA
| | - Alexander W Alund
- Interdisciplinary Biomedical Sciences University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas, USA
| | - Kartik Shankar
- Arkansas Children’s Nutrition CenterLittle Rock, Arkansas, USA
- Department of PediatricsUniversity of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas, USA
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18
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Athanasio CG, Sommer U, Viant MR, Chipman JK, Mirbahai L. Use of 5-azacytidine in a proof-of-concept study to evaluate the impact of pre-natal and post-natal exposures, as well as within generation persistent DNA methylation changes in Daphnia. ECOTOXICOLOGY (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2018; 27:556-568. [PMID: 29623456 PMCID: PMC6010494 DOI: 10.1007/s10646-018-1927-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/14/2018] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Short-term exposures at critical stages of development can lead to delayed adverse effects long after the initial stressor has been removed, a concept referred to as developmental origin of adult disease. This indicates that organisms' phenotypes may epigenetically reflect their past exposure history as well as reflecting chemicals currently present in their environment. This concept has significant implications for environmental monitoring. However, there is as yet little or no implementation of epigenetics in environmental risk assessment. In a proof-of-principle study we exposed Daphnia magna to 5-azacytidine, a known DNA de-methylating agent. Exposures covered combinations of prenatal and postnatal exposures as well as different exposure durations and recovery stages. Growth, the transcription of genes and levels of metabolites involved in regulating DNA methylation, and methylation levels of several genes were measured. Our data shows that prenatal exposures caused significant changes in the methylome of target genes, indicating that prenatal stages of Daphnia are also susceptible to same level of change as post-natal stages of Daphnia. While the combination of pre- and postnatal exposures caused the most extreme reduction in DNA methylation compared to the control group. Furthermore, some of the changes in the methylation patterns were persistent even after the initial stressor was removed. Our results suggest that epigenetic biomarkers have the potential to be used as indicators of past chemical exposure history of organisms and provide strong support for implementing changes to the current regimes for chemical risk assessment to mimic realistic environmental scenarios.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ulf Sommer
- NERC Biomolecular Analysis Facility-Metabolomics Node (NBAF-B), School of Biosciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | - Mark R Viant
- NERC Biomolecular Analysis Facility-Metabolomics Node (NBAF-B), School of Biosciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | - James Kevin Chipman
- School of Biosciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | - Leda Mirbahai
- School of Biosciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
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19
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Hofstee P, McKeating DR, Perkins AV, Cuffe JS. Placental adaptations to micronutrient dysregulation in the programming of chronic disease. Clin Exp Pharmacol Physiol 2018; 45:871-884. [PMID: 29679395 DOI: 10.1111/1440-1681.12954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2017] [Revised: 03/27/2018] [Accepted: 04/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Poor nutrition during pregnancy is known to impair foetal development and increase the risk of chronic disease in offspring. Both macronutrients and micronutrients are required for a healthy pregnancy although significantly less is understood about the role of micronutrients in the programming of chronic disease. This is despite the fact that modern calorie rich diets are often also deficient in key micronutrients. The importance of micronutrients in gestational disorders is clearly understood but how they impact long term disease in humans requires further investigation. In contrast, animal studies have demonstrated how diets high or low in specific micronutrients influence offspring physiology. Many of these studies highlight the importance of the placenta in determining disease risk. This review will explore the effects of individual vitamins, minerals and trace elements on offspring disease outcomes and discuss several key placental adaptations that are affected by multiple micronutrients. These placental adaptations include micronutrient induced dysregulation of oxidative stress, altered methyl donor availability and its impact on epigenetic mechanisms as well as endocrine dysfunction. Critical gaps in our current knowledge and the relative importance of different micronutrients at different gestational ages will also be highlighted. Finally, this review will discuss the need for further studies to characterise the micronutrient status of Australian women of reproductive age and correlate micronutrient status to placental adaptations, pregnancy complications and offspring disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierre Hofstee
- School of Medical Science, Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University Gold Coast Campus, Southport, QLD, Australia
| | - Daniel R McKeating
- School of Medical Science, Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University Gold Coast Campus, Southport, QLD, Australia
| | - Anthony V Perkins
- School of Medical Science, Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University Gold Coast Campus, Southport, QLD, Australia
| | - James Sm Cuffe
- School of Medical Science, Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University Gold Coast Campus, Southport, QLD, Australia
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20
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Song T, Lu J, Deng Z, Xu T, Yang Y, Wei H, Li S, Jiang S, Peng J. Maternal obesity aggravates the abnormality of porcine placenta by increasing N 6-methyladenosine. Int J Obes (Lond) 2018; 42:1812-1820. [PMID: 29795472 DOI: 10.1038/s41366-018-0113-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2017] [Revised: 03/05/2018] [Accepted: 04/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The growing prevalence of overweight or obese pregnancies shows an increasing risk for aberrant fetal growth and postnatal complications. Maternal obesity is associated with low birth weight (LBW) of piglets. However, the development of LBW from maternal obesity is not well understood. OBJECTIVE This study attempts to investigate the novel RNA modification N6-methyladenosine (m6A) in the placenta tissues by using sows with high backfat thickness as a model for obese pregnancy. SUBJECTS/METHODS Forty four placentas from eight sows (backfat thickness ≥21 mm) were divided into four groups by piglet weight, with group1 being LBW group (<1.0 kg), group2 (1.0-1.4 kg), group3 (1.4-1.6 kg), and group4 (>1.6 kg) as the comparative groups of normal birth weight. QPCR was used to measure the mRNA levels of the genes and western blot was used to test the content of proteins. At the same time, LC-MS/MS method was built to test the content of m6A modification in the placental RNA, and finally MeRIP-QPCR technology was employed to check the specific m6A modification in the key genes. RESULTS Compared with the comparative groups, the expression levels of PPARγ, VEGFA, ABHD5, and GPR120 in both mRNA and protein decreased noticeably in the LBW group. It was also observed that the density of the H&E stained vessels became attenuated in LBW group. Importantly, for the first time, the increased m6A levels were found in LBW placentas. Lower protein level of FTO (the key demethylase of m6A) was observed in LBW placentas, whereas no difference was found among the four groups in the expression levels of METTL3, the main methyltransferase of m6A. By using MeRIP-QPCR technology, the m6A modification in PPARγ, VEGFA, ABHD5, and GPR120, as well as FTO, was considerably enhanced in the placentas from LBW group. CONCLUSION We infer that in maternity obesity, the higher m6A modification displayed in the genes related to placental development, lipid metabolism and angiogenesis may result in the down regulation of these genes, which could be associated with m6A demethylase FTO.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tongxing Song
- Department of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China.,The Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable Pig Production, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Jinxin Lu
- Department of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China.,The Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable Pig Production, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Zhao Deng
- Department of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China.,The Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable Pig Production, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Tao Xu
- Department of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China.,The Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable Pig Production, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Yue Yang
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Hongkui Wei
- Department of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China.,The Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable Pig Production, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Shengqing Li
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Siwen Jiang
- The Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable Pig Production, Wuhan, 430070, China. .,Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Education, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China.
| | - Jian Peng
- Department of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China. .,The Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable Pig Production, Wuhan, 430070, China.
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21
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Introduction: A Brief Guide to the Periconception Environment. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2017; 1014:1-14. [PMID: 28864982 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-62414-3_1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/17/2023]
Abstract
Definition of the periconception period is not an exact science and is probably somewhat arbitrary. One can define it as spanning the period from the final stages of gamete maturation until formation of the embryo and the stages of embryonic development and implantation. Hence, the periconception period includes periods when spermatozoa are in the female reproductive tract, oocytes are matured and ovulated into the oviduct, fertilization occurs and the embryo undergoes development. By definition the implantation process and the early stages of placenta formation are also regarded as a part of the periconception period. In this article we highlight a few of the major advances which have transformed this topic over the last two decades. It is now clear that the fitness and wellbeing of developing mammalian embryos, including the human, are highly dependent on the health status, diet and habits of both parents especially in the months and weeks that precede the formation of oocytes and spermatozoa.
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22
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Laqqan M, Hammadeh ME. Aberrations in sperm DNA methylation patterns of males suffering from reduced fecundity. Andrologia 2017; 50. [PMID: 29072328 DOI: 10.1111/and.12913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/20/2017] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the aberrations in sperm DNA methylation patterns of males suffering from reduced fecundity. A total of 108 males (65 males suffering from reduced fecundity as cases and 43 proven fertile males as a control) were included in the study. Thirty samples were subjected to 450K arrays as a screening phase, and then, three CpG sites located in the following genes: TYRO3, CGβ and FAM189A1 were selected to validate on 78 samples using deep bisulphite sequencing. A significant difference in the methylation level was found between cases and controls at all CpGs in TYRO3 gene-related amplicon (CpG1, p ≤ .003, CpG2, p ≤ .0001, CpG3, p ≤ .003 and CpG4, p ≤ .030) and CpG1 in CGβ gene-related amplicon (p ≤ .0001). Besides, a significant difference was found at two CpGs (CpG1, p ≤ .004 and CpG2, p ≤ .002) tested in the FAM189A1 gene-related amplicon. A significant correlation was found between the methylation level at CpG1 in the FAM189A1 gene and the different types of sperm motility. In conclusion, an alteration in the methylation levels of sperm DNA from males with reduced fecundity was showed. In addition, a relationship between variations in the methylation level of these CpGs and sperm motility has been observed.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Laqqan
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Assisted Reproduction Laboratory, Saarland University, Homburg, Germany
| | - M E Hammadeh
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Assisted Reproduction Laboratory, Saarland University, Homburg, Germany
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23
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Dong Y, Huang Y, Gutin B, Raed A, Dong Y, Zhu H. Associations between Global DNA Methylation and Telomere Length in Healthy Adolescents. Sci Rep 2017. [PMID: 28646162 PMCID: PMC5482897 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-04493-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Emerging evidence suggests that epigenetics regulates telomere dynamics in adults. However, the relationship between these pathways in children and youth remains unknown. Thus, we examined this association in 542 healthy adolescents aged 14 to 18 years old (44.8% African Americans; 55.2% females). Global DNA methylation level (%5-mC) was quantified using ELISA method. Leukocyte telomere length (LTL) was defined as relative telomere to single copy gene (T/S) ratio. Multiple linear regression models, adjusted for age, gender, ethnicity, Tanner stage, BMI, PA, and batch effect, revealed that %5 mC was associated with LTL (adjusted β = 0.17, p < 0.01). %5 mC accounted for 5.0% of the variation for LTL. A significant gender interaction was identified (p < 0.01). There was an association between %5 mC and LTL in females (all ps < 0.01), but not in males. Further sensitivity analyses by race revealed similar associations in African Americans and whites (all ps < 0.03). The present study, for the first time, shows that lower levels of global DNA methylation are associated with shorter telomere lengths in youth, which may decrease genome stability and augment the susceptibility to diseases. Longitudinal studies are warranted to establish the effects of global DNA methylation on LTL maintenance over time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yutong Dong
- Georgia Prevention Institute, Department of Pediatrics, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia, 30912, USA
| | - Ying Huang
- Georgia Prevention Institute, Department of Pediatrics, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia, 30912, USA
| | - Bernard Gutin
- Georgia Prevention Institute, Department of Pediatrics, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia, 30912, USA
| | - Anas Raed
- Georgia Prevention Institute, Department of Pediatrics, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia, 30912, USA.,Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia, 30912, USA
| | - Yanbin Dong
- Georgia Prevention Institute, Department of Pediatrics, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia, 30912, USA
| | - Haidong Zhu
- Georgia Prevention Institute, Department of Pediatrics, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia, 30912, USA.
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24
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Trosko JE, Carruba G. "Bad Luck Mutations": DNA Mutations Are not the Whole Answer to Understanding Cancer Risk. Dose Response 2017; 15:1559325817716585. [PMID: 28717349 PMCID: PMC5502948 DOI: 10.1177/1559325817716585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
It has been proposed that many human cancers are generated by intrinsic mechanisms that produce "Bad Luck" mutations by the proliferation of organ-specific adult stem cells. There have been serious challenges to this interpretation, including multiple extrinsic factors thought to be correlated with mutations found in cancers associated with these exposures. While support for both interpretations provides some validity, both interpretations ignore several concepts of the multistage, multimechanism process of carcinogenesis, namely, (1) mutations can be generated by both "errors of DNA repair" and "errors of DNA replication," during the "initiation" process of carcinogenesis; (2) "initiated" stem cells must be clonally amplified by nonmutagenic, intrinsic or extrinsic epigenetic mechanisms; (3) organ-specific stem cell numbers can be modified during in utero development, thereby altering the risk to cancer later in life; and (4) epigenetic tumor promoters are characterized by species, individual genetic-, gender-, developmental state-specificities, and threshold levels to be active; sustained and long-term exposures; and exposures in the absence of antioxidant "antipromoters." Because of the inevitability of some of the stem cells generating "initiating" mutations by either "errors of DNA repair" or "errors of DNA replication," a tumor is formed depending on the promotion phase of carcinogenesis. While it is possible to reduce our frequencies of mutagenic "initiated" cells, one can never reduce it to zero. Because of the extended period of the promotion phase of carcinogenesis, strategies to reduce the appearance of cancers must involve the interruption of the promotion of these initiated cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- James E. Trosko
- Department of Pediatrics/Human Development, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Giuseppe Carruba
- ARNAS-Azienda di Rilievo Nationale e di Alta Specializzazione Civico, Di Cristina e Benfratelli-Palermo, Italy
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25
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Díaz M, García C, Sebastiani G, de Zegher F, López-Bermejo A, Ibáñez L. Placental and Cord Blood Methylation of Genes Involved in Energy Homeostasis: Association With Fetal Growth and Neonatal Body Composition. Diabetes 2017; 66:779-784. [PMID: 27986832 DOI: 10.2337/db16-0776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2016] [Accepted: 12/09/2016] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Low weight at birth is associated with subsequent susceptibility to diabetes. Epigenetic modulation is among the mechanisms potentially mediating this association. We performed a genome-wide DNA methylation analysis in placentas from term infants born appropriate-for-gestational-age (AGA) or small-for-gestational-age (SGA) to identify new genes related to fetal growth and neonatal body composition. Candidate genes were validated by bisulfite pyrosequencing (30 AGA, 21 SGA) and also analyzed in cord blood. Gene expression analyses were performed by RT-PCR. Neonatal body composition was assessed by dual X-ray absorptiometry at age 2 weeks. The ATG2B, NKX6.1, and SLC13A5 genes (respectively related to autophagy, β-cell development and function, and lipid metabolism) were hypermethylated in placenta and cord blood from SGA newborns, whereas GPR120 (related to free fatty acid regulation) was hypomethylated in placenta and hypermethylated in cord blood. Gene expression levels were opposite to methylation status, and both correlated with birth weight, circulating IGF-I, and total and abdominal fat at age 2 weeks. In conclusion, alterations in methylation and expression of genes involved in the regulation of energy homeostasis were found to relate to fetal growth and neonatal body composition and thus may be among the early mechanisms modulating later susceptibility to diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Díaz
- Institut Pediàtric, Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- CIBERDEM, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Cristina García
- Institut Pediàtric, Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- CIBERDEM, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Giorgia Sebastiani
- Institut Pediàtric, Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- CIBERDEM, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Francis de Zegher
- Department of Development and Regeneration, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Abel López-Bermejo
- Department of Pediatrics, Dr. Josep Trueta Hospital, Girona, Spain
- Girona Institute for Biomedical Research, Girona, Spain
| | - Lourdes Ibáñez
- Institut Pediàtric, Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- CIBERDEM, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
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26
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Chen JR, Lazarenko OP, Blackburn ML, Rose S, Frye RE, Badger TM, Andres A, Shankar K. Maternal Obesity Programs Senescence Signaling and Glucose Metabolism in Osteo-Progenitors From Rat and Human. Endocrinology 2016; 157:4172-4183. [PMID: 27653035 DOI: 10.1210/en.2016-1408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Nutritional status during intrauterine and early postnatal life impacts the risk of chronic diseases, presumably via epigenetic mechanisms. However, evidence on the impact of gestational events on regulation of embryonic bone cell fate is sparse. We investigated the effects of maternal obesity on fetal osteoblast development in both rodents and humans. Female rats were fed control or an obesogenic high-fat diet (HFD) for 12 weeks and mated with male rats fed control diets, and respective maternal diets were continued during pregnancy. Embryonic rat osteogenic calvarial cells (EOCCs) were taken from gestational day 18.5 fetuses from control and HFD dams. EOCCs from HFD obese dams showed increases in p53/p21-mediated cell senescence signaling but decreased glucose metabolism. Decreased aerobic glycolysis in HFD-EOCCs was associated with decreased osteoblastic cell differentiation and proliferation. Umbilical cord human mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) from 24 pregnant women (12 obese and 12 lean) along with placentas were collected upon delivery. The umbilical cord MSCs of obese mothers displayed less potential toward osteoblastogenesis and more towards adipogenesis. Human MSCs and placenta from obese mothers also exhibited increased cell senescence signaling, whereas MSCs showed decreased glucose metabolism and insulin resistance. Finally, we showed that overexpression of p53 linked increased cell senescence signaling and decreased glucose metabolism in fetal osteo-progenitors from obese rats and humans. These findings suggest programming of fetal preosteoblastic cell senescence signaling and glucose metabolism by maternal obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin-Ran Chen
- Arkansas Children's Nutrition Center (J.-R.C., O.P.L., M.L.B., T.M.B., A.A., K.S.), Department of Pediatrics (J.-R.C., O.P.L., M.L.B., R.E.F., T.M.B., A.A., K.S.), University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, and Arkansas Children's Hospital Research Institute (S.R., R.E.F.), Little Rock, Arkansas 72202
| | - Oxana P Lazarenko
- Arkansas Children's Nutrition Center (J.-R.C., O.P.L., M.L.B., T.M.B., A.A., K.S.), Department of Pediatrics (J.-R.C., O.P.L., M.L.B., R.E.F., T.M.B., A.A., K.S.), University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, and Arkansas Children's Hospital Research Institute (S.R., R.E.F.), Little Rock, Arkansas 72202
| | - Michael L Blackburn
- Arkansas Children's Nutrition Center (J.-R.C., O.P.L., M.L.B., T.M.B., A.A., K.S.), Department of Pediatrics (J.-R.C., O.P.L., M.L.B., R.E.F., T.M.B., A.A., K.S.), University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, and Arkansas Children's Hospital Research Institute (S.R., R.E.F.), Little Rock, Arkansas 72202
| | - Shannon Rose
- Arkansas Children's Nutrition Center (J.-R.C., O.P.L., M.L.B., T.M.B., A.A., K.S.), Department of Pediatrics (J.-R.C., O.P.L., M.L.B., R.E.F., T.M.B., A.A., K.S.), University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, and Arkansas Children's Hospital Research Institute (S.R., R.E.F.), Little Rock, Arkansas 72202
| | - Richard E Frye
- Arkansas Children's Nutrition Center (J.-R.C., O.P.L., M.L.B., T.M.B., A.A., K.S.), Department of Pediatrics (J.-R.C., O.P.L., M.L.B., R.E.F., T.M.B., A.A., K.S.), University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, and Arkansas Children's Hospital Research Institute (S.R., R.E.F.), Little Rock, Arkansas 72202
| | - Thomas M Badger
- Arkansas Children's Nutrition Center (J.-R.C., O.P.L., M.L.B., T.M.B., A.A., K.S.), Department of Pediatrics (J.-R.C., O.P.L., M.L.B., R.E.F., T.M.B., A.A., K.S.), University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, and Arkansas Children's Hospital Research Institute (S.R., R.E.F.), Little Rock, Arkansas 72202
| | - Aline Andres
- Arkansas Children's Nutrition Center (J.-R.C., O.P.L., M.L.B., T.M.B., A.A., K.S.), Department of Pediatrics (J.-R.C., O.P.L., M.L.B., R.E.F., T.M.B., A.A., K.S.), University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, and Arkansas Children's Hospital Research Institute (S.R., R.E.F.), Little Rock, Arkansas 72202
| | - Kartik Shankar
- Arkansas Children's Nutrition Center (J.-R.C., O.P.L., M.L.B., T.M.B., A.A., K.S.), Department of Pediatrics (J.-R.C., O.P.L., M.L.B., R.E.F., T.M.B., A.A., K.S.), University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, and Arkansas Children's Hospital Research Institute (S.R., R.E.F.), Little Rock, Arkansas 72202
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27
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Winett L, Wallack L, Richardson D, Boone-Heinonen J, Messer L. A Framework to Address Challenges in Communicating the Developmental Origins of Health and Disease. Curr Environ Health Rep 2016; 3:169-77. [PMID: 27449924 PMCID: PMC5560864 DOI: 10.1007/s40572-016-0102-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Findings from the field of Developmental Origins of Health and Disease (DOHaD) suggest that some of the most pressing public health problems facing communities today may begin much earlier than previously understood. In particular, this body of work provides evidence that social, physical, chemical, environmental, and behavioral influences in early life play a significant role in establishing vulnerabilities for chronic disease later in life. Further, because this work points to the importance of adverse environmental exposures that cluster in population groups, it suggests that existing opportunities to intervene at a population level may need to refocus their efforts "upstream" to sufficiently combat the fundamental causes of disease. To translate these findings into improved public health, however, the distance between scientific discovery and population application will need to be bridged by conversations across a breadth of disciplines and social roles. And importantly, those involved will likely begin without a shared vocabulary or conceptual starting point. The purpose of this paper is to support and inform the translation of DOHaD findings from the bench to population-level health promotion and disease prevention, by: (1) discussing the unique communication challenges inherent to translation of DOHaD for broad audiences, (2) introducing the First-hit/Second-hit Framework with an epidemiologic planning matrix as a model for conceptualizing and structuring communication around DOHaD, and (3) discussing the ways in which patterns of communicating DOHaD findings can expand the range of solutions considered and encourage discussion of population-level solutions in relation to one another, rather than in isolation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liana Winett
- School of Community Health and OHSU/PSU School of Public Health, Portland State University, PO Box 751, Portland, OR, 97201, USA.
| | - Lawrence Wallack
- School of Community Health and OHSU/PSU School of Public Health, Portland State University, PO Box 751, Portland, OR, 97201, USA
| | - Dawn Richardson
- School of Community Health and OHSU/PSU School of Public Health, Portland State University, PO Box 751, Portland, OR, 97201, USA
| | - Janne Boone-Heinonen
- Public Health and Preventive Medicine and OHSU/PSU School of Public Health, Oregon Health and Science University, 3181 Sam Jackson Park Road, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
| | - Lynne Messer
- School of Community Health and OHSU/PSU School of Public Health, Portland State University, PO Box 751, Portland, OR, 97201, USA
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28
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Carruba G, Cocciadiferro L, Di Cristina A, Granata OM, Dolcemascolo C, Campisi I, Zarcone M, Cinquegrani M, Traina A. Nutrition, aging and cancer: lessons from dietary intervention studies. IMMUNITY & AGEING 2016; 13:13. [PMID: 27057203 PMCID: PMC4823849 DOI: 10.1186/s12979-016-0069-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2016] [Accepted: 03/30/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
There is convincing epidemiological and clinical evidence that, independent of aging, lifestyle and, notably, nutrition are associated with development or progression of major human cancers, including breast, prostate, colorectal tumors, and an increasingly large collection of diet-related cancers. Mechanisms underlying this association are mostly related to the distinct epigenetic effects of different dietary patterns. In this context, Mediterranean diet has been reported to significantly reduce mortality rates for various chronic illnesses, including cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative diseases and cancer. Although many observational studies have supported this evidence, dietary intervention studies using a Mediterranean dietary pattern or its selected food components are still limited and affected by a rather large variability in characteristics of study subjects, type and length of intervention, selected end-points and statistical analysis. Here we review data of two of our intervention studies, the MeDiet study and the DiMeSa project, aimed at assessing the effects of traditional Mediterranean diet and/or its component(s) on a large panel of both plasma and urine biomarkers. Both published and unpublished results are presented and discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Carruba
- Division of Research and Internationalization, ARNAS-Civico Di Cristina e Benfratelli, Palermo, Italy
| | | | | | - Orazia M Granata
- Clinical Pathology, "G. DI Cristina" Pediatric Hospital ARNAS-Civico Di Cristina e Benfratelli, Palermo, Italy
| | - Cecilia Dolcemascolo
- Division of Research and Internationalization, ARNAS-Civico Di Cristina e Benfratelli, Palermo, Italy
| | - Ildegarda Campisi
- Division of Research and Internationalization, ARNAS-Civico Di Cristina e Benfratelli, Palermo, Italy
| | - Maurizio Zarcone
- Division of Research and Internationalization, ARNAS-Civico Di Cristina e Benfratelli, Palermo, Italy
| | | | - Adele Traina
- The Diana Project, National Cancer Institute, Milan, Italy
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29
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Sarkar DK. Male germline transmits fetal alcohol epigenetic marks for multiple generations: a review. Addict Biol 2016; 21:23-34. [PMID: 25581210 DOI: 10.1111/adb.12186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Alcohol exposure during fetal and early postnatal development can lead to an increased incidence of later life adult-onset diseases. Examples include central nervous system dysfunction, depression, anxiety, hyperactivity, and an inability to deal with stressful situations, increased infection and cancer. Direct effects of alcohol leading to developmental abnormalities often involve epigenetic modifications of genes that regulate cellular functions. Epigenetic marks carried over from the parents are known to undergo molecular programming events that happen early in embryonic development by a wave of DNA demethylation, which leaves the embryo with a fresh genomic composition. The proopiomelanocortin (Pomc) gene controls neuroendocrine-immune functions and is imprinted by fetal alcohol exposure. Recently, this gene has been shown to be hypermethylated through three generations. Additionally, the alcohol epigenetic marks on the Pomc gene are maintained in the male but not in the female germline during this transgenerational transmission. These data suggest that the male-specific chromosome might be involved in transmitting alcohol epigenetic marks through multiple generations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dipak K. Sarkar
- Rutgers Endocrine Program; Department of Animal Sciences; Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey; Piscataway Township NJ USA
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30
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Jones S, Bischof H, Lang I, Desoye G, Greenwood SL, Johnstone ED, Wareing M, Sibley CP, Brownbill P. Dysregulated flow-mediated vasodilatation in the human placenta in fetal growth restriction. J Physiol 2015; 593:3077-92. [PMID: 25920377 PMCID: PMC4532528 DOI: 10.1113/jp270495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2014] [Accepted: 04/22/2015] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Increased vascular resistance and reduced fetoplacental blood flow are putative aetiologies in the pathogenesis of fetal growth restriction (FGR); however, the regulating sites and mechanisms remain unclear. We hypothesised that placental vessels dictate fetoplacental resistance and in FGR exhibit endothelial dysfunction and reduced flow-mediated vasodilatation (FMVD). Resistance was measured in normal pregnancies (n = 10) and FGR (n = 10) both in vivo by umbilical artery Doppler velocimetry and ex vivo by dual placental perfusion. Ex vivo FMVD is the reduction in fetal-side inflow hydrostatic pressure (FIHP) following increased flow rate. Results demonstrated a significant correlation between vascular resistance measured in vivo and ex vivo in normal pregnancy, but not in FGR. In perfused FGR placentas, vascular resistance was significantly elevated compared to normal placentas (58 ± 7.7 mmHg and 36.8 ± 4.5 mmHg, respectively; 8 ml min−1; means ± SEM; P < 0.0001) and FMVD was severely reduced (3.9 ± 1.3% and 9.1 ± 1.2%, respectively). In normal pregnancies only, the highest level of ex vivo FMVD was associated with the lowest in vivo resistance. Inhibition of NO synthesis during perfusion (100 μm l-NNA) moderately elevated FIHP in the normal group, but substantially in the FGR group. Human placenta artery endothelial cells from FGR groups exhibited increased shear stress-induced NO generation, iNOS expression and eNOS expression compared with normal groups. In conclusion, fetoplacental resistance is determined by placental vessels, and is increased in FGR. The latter also exhibit reduced FMVD, but with a partial compensatory increased NO generation capacity. The data support our hypothesis, which highlights the importance of FMVD regulation in normal and dysfunctional placentation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Jones
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Institute of Human Development, Faculty of Medical and Human Sciences, University of Manchester, St. Mary's Hospital, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9WL, UK.,Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, St Mary's Hospital, Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, M13 9WL, UK
| | - Helen Bischof
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Institute of Human Development, Faculty of Medical and Human Sciences, University of Manchester, St. Mary's Hospital, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9WL, UK.,Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, St Mary's Hospital, Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, M13 9WL, UK
| | - Ingrid Lang
- Institute of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Gernot Desoye
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Sue L Greenwood
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Institute of Human Development, Faculty of Medical and Human Sciences, University of Manchester, St. Mary's Hospital, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9WL, UK.,Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, St Mary's Hospital, Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, M13 9WL, UK
| | - Edward D Johnstone
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Institute of Human Development, Faculty of Medical and Human Sciences, University of Manchester, St. Mary's Hospital, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9WL, UK.,Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, St Mary's Hospital, Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, M13 9WL, UK
| | - Mark Wareing
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Institute of Human Development, Faculty of Medical and Human Sciences, University of Manchester, St. Mary's Hospital, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9WL, UK.,Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, St Mary's Hospital, Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, M13 9WL, UK
| | - Colin P Sibley
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Institute of Human Development, Faculty of Medical and Human Sciences, University of Manchester, St. Mary's Hospital, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9WL, UK.,Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, St Mary's Hospital, Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, M13 9WL, UK
| | - Paul Brownbill
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Institute of Human Development, Faculty of Medical and Human Sciences, University of Manchester, St. Mary's Hospital, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9WL, UK.,Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, St Mary's Hospital, Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, M13 9WL, UK
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31
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Chango A, Pogribny IP. Considering maternal dietary modulators for epigenetic regulation and programming of the fetal epigenome. Nutrients 2015; 7:2748-70. [PMID: 25875118 PMCID: PMC4425171 DOI: 10.3390/nu7042748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2014] [Revised: 02/16/2015] [Accepted: 03/19/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Fetal life is characterized by a tremendous plasticity and ability to respond to various environmental and lifestyle factors, including maternal nutrition. Identification of the role of dietary factors that can modulate and reshape the cellular epigenome during development, including methyl group donors (e.g., folate, choline) and bioactive compounds (e.g., polyphenols) is of great importance; however, there is insufficient knowledge of a particular effect of each type of modulator and/or their combination on fetal life. To enhance the quality and safety of food products for proper fetal health and disease prevention in later life, a better understanding of the underlying mechanisms of dietary epigenetic modulators during the critical prenatal period is necessary. This review focuses on the influence of maternal dietary components on DNA methylation, histone modification, and microRNAs, and summarizes current knowledge of the effect and importance of dietary components on epigenetic mechanisms that control the proper expression of genetic information. Evidence reveals that some components in the maternal diet can directly or indirectly affect epigenetic mechanisms. Understanding the underlying mechanisms of how early-life nutritional environment affects the epigenome during development is of great importance for the successful prevention of adult chronic diseases through optimal maternal nutrition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abalo Chango
- Polytechnic Institute LaSalle Beauvais, Department of Nutrition and Health Sciences, EGEAL UP:2012.10.101, F-60026 Beauvais Cedex, France.
| | - Igor P Pogribny
- Division of Biochemical Toxicology, Food and Drug Administration National Center for Toxicological Research, Jefferson, AR 72079, USA.
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32
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Messer LC, Boone-Heinonen J, Mponwane L, Wallack L, Thornburg KL. Developmental Programming: Priming Disease Susceptibility for Subsequent Generations. CURR EPIDEMIOL REP 2015; 2:37-51. [PMID: 26366336 PMCID: PMC4563822 DOI: 10.1007/s40471-014-0033-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Racial and/or ethnic minorities carry the highest burden of many adverse health outcomes intergenerationally We propose a paradigm in which developmental programming exacerbates the effects of racial patterning of adverse environmental conditions, thereby contributing to health disparity persistence. Evidence that developmental programming induces a heightened response to adverse exposures ("second hits") encountered later in life is considered. We evaluated the evidence for the second hit phenomenon reported in animal and human studies from three domains (air, stress, nutrition). Original research including a gestational exposure and a childhood or adulthood second hit exposure was reviewed. Evidence from animal studies suggest that prenatal exposure to air pollutants is associated with an exaggerated reaction to postnatal air pollution exposure, which results in worse health outcomes. It also indicates offspring exposed to prenatal maternal stress produce an exaggerated response to subsequent stressors, including anxiety and hyper-responsiveness of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. Similarly, prenatal and postnatal Western-style diets induce synergistic effects on weight gain, metabolic dysfunction, and atherosclerotic risk. Cross-domain second hits (e.g., gestational air pollution followed by childhood stressor) were also considered. Suboptimal gestational environments induce exaggerated offspring responses to subsequent environmental and social exposures. These developmental programming effects may result in enhanced sensitivity of ongoing, racially patterned, adverse exposures in race/ethnic minorities, thereby exacerbating health disparities from one generation to the next. Empirical assessment of the hypothesized role of priming processes in the propagation of health disparities is needed. Future social epidemiology research must explicitly consider synergistic relationships among social environmental conditions to which gestating females are exposed and offspring exposures when assessing causes for persistent health disparities.
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Affiliation(s)
- L. C. Messer
- School of Community Health, College of Urban and Public Affairs, Portland State University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - J. Boone-Heinonen
- Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - L. Mponwane
- School of Community Health, College of Urban and Public Affairs, Portland State University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - L. Wallack
- School of Community Health, College of Urban and Public Affairs, Portland State University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - K. L. Thornburg
- Moore Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
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33
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Marioni RE, Shah S, McRae AF, Chen BH, Colicino E, Harris SE, Gibson J, Henders AK, Redmond P, Cox SR, Pattie A, Corley J, Murphy L, Martin NG, Montgomery GW, Feinberg AP, Fallin MD, Multhaup ML, Jaffe AE, Joehanes R, Schwartz J, Just AC, Lunetta KL, Murabito JM, Starr JM, Horvath S, Baccarelli AA, Levy D, Visscher PM, Wray NR, Deary IJ. DNA methylation age of blood predicts all-cause mortality in later life. Genome Biol 2015; 16:25. [PMID: 25633388 PMCID: PMC4350614 DOI: 10.1186/s13059-015-0584-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 753] [Impact Index Per Article: 83.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2014] [Accepted: 01/12/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND DNA methylation levels change with age. Recent studies have identified biomarkers of chronological age based on DNA methylation levels. It is not yet known whether DNA methylation age captures aspects of biological age. RESULTS Here we test whether differences between people's chronological ages and estimated ages, DNA methylation age, predict all-cause mortality in later life. The difference between DNA methylation age and chronological age (Δage) was calculated in four longitudinal cohorts of older people. Meta-analysis of proportional hazards models from the four cohorts was used to determine the association between Δage and mortality. A 5-year higher Δage is associated with a 21% higher mortality risk, adjusting for age and sex. After further adjustments for childhood IQ, education, social class, hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and APOE e4 status, there is a 16% increased mortality risk for those with a 5-year higher Δage. A pedigree-based heritability analysis of Δage was conducted in a separate cohort. The heritability of Δage was 0.43. CONCLUSIONS DNA methylation-derived measures of accelerated aging are heritable traits that predict mortality independently of health status, lifestyle factors, and known genetic factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riccardo E Marioni
- Centre for Cognitive Ageing and Cognitive Epidemiology, University of Edinburgh, 7 George Square, Edinburgh, EH8 9JZ, UK. .,Medical Genetics Section, Centre for Genomic and Experimental Medicine, Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH4 2XU, UK. .,Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, 4072, QLD, Australia.
| | - Sonia Shah
- Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, 4072, QLD, Australia. .,University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, Translational Research Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, 4072, QLD, Australia.
| | - Allan F McRae
- Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, 4072, QLD, Australia. .,University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, Translational Research Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, 4072, QLD, Australia.
| | - Brian H Chen
- The NHLBI's Framingham Heart Study, Framingham, MA, 01702, USA. .,Population Sciences Branch, Division of Intramural Research, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, Bethesda, MD, 01702, USA.
| | - Elena Colicino
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
| | - Sarah E Harris
- Centre for Cognitive Ageing and Cognitive Epidemiology, University of Edinburgh, 7 George Square, Edinburgh, EH8 9JZ, UK. .,Medical Genetics Section, Centre for Genomic and Experimental Medicine, Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH4 2XU, UK.
| | - Jude Gibson
- Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Facility, University of Edinburgh, Western General Hospital, Crewe Road, Edinburgh, EH4 2XU, UK.
| | - Anjali K Henders
- Queensland Institute of Medical Research Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, 4029, QLD, Australia.
| | - Paul Redmond
- Department of Psychology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH8 9JZ, UK.
| | - Simon R Cox
- Centre for Cognitive Ageing and Cognitive Epidemiology, University of Edinburgh, 7 George Square, Edinburgh, EH8 9JZ, UK. .,Department of Psychology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH8 9JZ, UK.
| | - Alison Pattie
- Department of Psychology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH8 9JZ, UK.
| | - Janie Corley
- Department of Psychology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH8 9JZ, UK.
| | - Lee Murphy
- Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Facility, University of Edinburgh, Western General Hospital, Crewe Road, Edinburgh, EH4 2XU, UK.
| | - Nicholas G Martin
- Queensland Institute of Medical Research Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, 4029, QLD, Australia.
| | - Grant W Montgomery
- Queensland Institute of Medical Research Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, 4029, QLD, Australia.
| | - Andrew P Feinberg
- Center for Epigenetics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA. .,Departments of Medicine, Molecular Biology/Genetics, Oncology, and Biostatistics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA.
| | - M Daniele Fallin
- Center for Epigenetics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA. .,Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA.
| | - Michael L Multhaup
- Center for Epigenetics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA.
| | - Andrew E Jaffe
- Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA. .,Lieber Institute for Brain Development, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA.
| | - Roby Joehanes
- The NHLBI's Framingham Heart Study, Framingham, MA, 01702, USA. .,Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA. .,Hebrew Senior Life, Boston, MA, 02131, USA.
| | - Joel Schwartz
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, 02115, USA. .,Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, 665 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
| | - Allan C Just
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
| | - Kathryn L Lunetta
- The NHLBI's Framingham Heart Study, Framingham, MA, 01702, USA. .,Department of Biostatistics, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, 02118, USA.
| | - Joanne M Murabito
- The NHLBI's Framingham Heart Study, Framingham, MA, 01702, USA. .,Section of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, 02118, USA.
| | - John M Starr
- Centre for Cognitive Ageing and Cognitive Epidemiology, University of Edinburgh, 7 George Square, Edinburgh, EH8 9JZ, UK. .,Alzheimer Scotland Dementia Research Centre, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH8 9JZ, UK.
| | - Steve Horvath
- Human Genetics, Gonda Research Center, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095-7088, USA. .,Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
| | - Andrea A Baccarelli
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, 02115, USA. .,Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, 665 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
| | - Daniel Levy
- The NHLBI's Framingham Heart Study, Framingham, MA, 01702, USA. .,Population Sciences Branch, Division of Intramural Research, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, Bethesda, MD, 01702, USA.
| | - Peter M Visscher
- Centre for Cognitive Ageing and Cognitive Epidemiology, University of Edinburgh, 7 George Square, Edinburgh, EH8 9JZ, UK. .,Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, 4072, QLD, Australia. .,University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, Translational Research Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, 4072, QLD, Australia.
| | - Naomi R Wray
- Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, 4072, QLD, Australia.
| | - Ian J Deary
- Centre for Cognitive Ageing and Cognitive Epidemiology, University of Edinburgh, 7 George Square, Edinburgh, EH8 9JZ, UK. .,Department of Psychology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH8 9JZ, UK.
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Bove I, Campoy C, Uauy R, Miranda T, Cerruti F. Trends in early growth indices in the first 24 months of life in Uruguay over the past decade. JOURNAL OF HEALTH, POPULATION, AND NUTRITION 2014; 32:600-607. [PMID: 25895193 PMCID: PMC4438690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Early growth is an important indicator of health and wellbeing of children and a good predictor of adult health. The objective of this study was to examine trends and determinants of overweight and stunting among infants aged 0 to 23 month(s) over the past decade (1999-2011) in Uruguay. Data were used from four large representative samples of 11,056 infants aged 0-23 month(s), who attended public and private health services in 1999, 2003, 2007, and 2011, using a similar methodology. Linear regression analysis was used for assessing trends in early growth indices and binary logistic regression to estimate the probability of being stunted and overweight. Although prevalence of overweight fell from 12.5% (1999) to 9.5% (2011) and stunting from 13.6% to 10.9% respectively, both rates remained higher than expected. Low birth- weight (LBW) was the main predictor of stunting [OR 6.5 (5.6-7.6)] and macrosomia of overweight [6.7 (5.3-8.3)]. We did not observe changes in LBW (7.8-8.8%) or macrosomia (5.9-6.7%) over the last decade. Boys showed increased chance of being overweight [OR 1.2 (1.04-1.3)]. Being stunted doubles the chances of being overweight [OR 2.5 (2.2-3.0)]. Overweight [OR 7.1 (6.1-8.3)], LBW [OR 13.2 (11.0-15.9)], and non-breastfed infants [OR 1.9 (1.7-2.1)] showed rapid weight gain. Uruguay has taken positive steps to decline the prevalence of stunting and overweight but both remain excessively high.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel Bove
- Uruguay Catholic University, Granada University, Spain
- Department of Pediatrics, Granada University, Spain
- Uruguayan Network on Infant Feeding, Nutrition and Development (RUANDI)
| | - Cristina Campoy
- Department of Pediatrics, Granada University, Spain
- Center of Excellence for Pediatric Research, EURISTIKOS
| | - Ricardo Uauy
- Institute of Nutrition and Food Technology, University of Chile, Chile
- Department of Nutrition and Public Health Intervention Research, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, UK
| | | | - Florencia Cerruti
- Uruguay Catholic University, Granada University, Spain
- Uruguayan Network on Infant Feeding, Nutrition and Development (RUANDI)
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Mead EA, Sarkar DK. Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders and their transmission through genetic and epigenetic mechanisms. Front Genet 2014; 5:154. [PMID: 24917878 PMCID: PMC4040491 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2014.00154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2014] [Accepted: 05/09/2014] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) are a group of related conditions that arise from prenatal exposure to maternal consumption of the teratogen, ethanol. It has been estimated that roughly 1% of children in the US suffer from FASD (Sampson etal., 1997), though in some world populations, such as inhabitants of some poorer regions of South Africa, the rate can climb to as high as 20% (May etal., 2013). FASD are the largest cause of mental retardation in U.S. neonates, and ironically, are entirely preventable. FASD have been linked to major changes in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, resulting in lifelong impairments through mental disorders, retardation, and sensitivity to stress. FASD are linked to an impaired immune system which consequently leads to an elevated risk of cancer and other diseases. FASD arise from a complex interplay of genetic and epigenetic factors. Here, we review current literature on the topic to tease apart what is known in these areas particularly emphasizing HPA axis dysfunction and how this ties into new studies of transgenerational inheritance in FASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edward A Mead
- Rutgers Endocrine Program, Department of Animal Sciences, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - Dipak K Sarkar
- Rutgers Endocrine Program, Department of Animal Sciences, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
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Wu HC, Wang Q, Chung WK, Andrulis IL, Daly MB, John EM, Keegan THM, Knight J, Bradbury AR, Kappil MA, Gurvich I, Santella RM, Terry MB. Correlation of DNA methylation levels in blood and saliva DNA in young girls of the LEGACY Girls study. Epigenetics 2014; 9:929-33. [PMID: 24756002 DOI: 10.4161/epi.28902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Many epidemiologic studies of environmental exposures and disease susceptibility measure DNA methylation in white blood cells (WBC). Some studies are also starting to use saliva DNA as it is usually more readily available in large epidemiologic studies. However, little is known about the correlation of methylation between WBC and saliva DNA. We examined DNA methylation in three repetitive elements, Sat2, Alu, and LINE-1, and in four CpG sites, including AHRR (cg23576855, cg05575921), cg05951221 at 2q37.1, and cg11924019 at CYP1A1, in 57 girls aged 6-15 years with blood and saliva collected on the same day. We measured all DNA methylation markers by bisulfite-pyrosequencing, except for Sat2 and Alu, which were measured by the MethyLight assay. Methylation levels measured in saliva DNA were lower than those in WBC DNA, with differences ranging from 2.8% for Alu to 14.1% for cg05575921. Methylation levels for the three repetitive elements measured in saliva DNA were all positively correlated with those in WBC DNA. However, there was a wide range in the Spearman correlations, with the smallest correlation found for Alu (0.24) and the strongest correlation found for LINE-1 (0.73). Spearman correlations for cg05575921, cg05951221, and cg11924019 were 0.33, 0.42, and 0.79, respectively. If these findings are replicated in larger studies, they suggest that, for selected methylation markers (e.g., LINE-1), methylation levels may be highly correlated between blood and saliva, while for others methylation markers, the levels may be more tissue specific. Thus, in studies that differ by DNA source, each interrogated site should be separately examined in order to evaluate the correlation in DNA methylation levels across DNA sources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui-Chen Wu
- Department of Epidemiology; Mailman School of Public Health of Columbia University; New York, NY USA; Department of Environmental Health Sciences; Mailman School of Public Health of Columbia University; New York, NY USA
| | - Qiao Wang
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences; Mailman School of Public Health of Columbia University; New York, NY USA
| | - Wendy K Chung
- Departments of Pediatrics and Medicine; Columbia University Medical Center; New York, NY USA
| | - Irene L Andrulis
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute of Mount Sinai Hospital; Toronto, ON Canada; Departments of Molecular Genetics and Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology; University of Toronto; Toronto, ON Canada
| | - Mary B Daly
- Department of Clinical Genetics; Fox Chase Cancer Center; Fremont, CA USA
| | - Esther M John
- Cancer Prevention Institute of California; Fremont, CA USA; Division of Epidemiology; Department of Health Research & Policy; Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine; Stanford, CA USA
| | - Theresa H M Keegan
- Cancer Prevention Institute of California; Fremont, CA USA; Division of Epidemiology; Department of Health Research & Policy; Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine; Stanford, CA USA
| | - Julia Knight
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute of Mount Sinai Hospital; Toronto, ON Canada; Dalla Lana School of Public Health; University of Toronto, TO Canada
| | - Angela R Bradbury
- Department of Medicine and Hematology/Oncology; Perelman School of Medicine; University of Pennsylvania; Philadelphia, PA USA; Department of Medical Ethics and Health Policy; Perelman School of Medicine; University of Pennsylvania; Philadelphia, PA USA
| | - Maya A Kappil
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences; Mailman School of Public Health of Columbia University; New York, NY USA
| | - Irina Gurvich
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences; Mailman School of Public Health of Columbia University; New York, NY USA
| | - Regina M Santella
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center; Columbia University Medical Center; New York, NY USA; Department of Environmental Health Sciences; Mailman School of Public Health of Columbia University; New York, NY USA
| | - Mary Beth Terry
- Department of Epidemiology; Mailman School of Public Health of Columbia University; New York, NY USA; Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center; Columbia University Medical Center; New York, NY USA; Imprints Center; Columbia University Medical Center; New York, NY USA
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Melatonin in the regulation of liver steatosis following prenatal glucocorticoid exposure. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2014; 2014:942172. [PMID: 24822223 PMCID: PMC4005100 DOI: 10.1155/2014/942172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2014] [Accepted: 03/25/2014] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease patients are characterized by hepatic steatosis. Prenatal glucocorticoid overexposure can result in steatosis. In this study, we aimed to determine the mechanism and cellular apoptosis of prenatal glucocorticoid overexposure in rats and whether melatonin can rescue the prenatal glucocorticoid-induced steatosis and apoptosis in neonatal rats. Pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats at gestational days 14 to 21 were administered dexamethasone. Acute effects of prenatal programming liver were assessed at postnatal day 7. The expression of proteins involved in the apoptotic and methylation pathways was analyzed by RT-PCR and Western blotting. Apoptosis and steatosis were examined by histology staining. The liver steatosis and apoptosis were increased in prenatal glucocorticoid group more than in control group and decreased in melatonin group. The expression of leptin decreased in prenatal glucocorticoid and increased in melatonin group by liver RT-PCR and Western blot study. Caspase 3, TNF-α proteins expression, and TUNEL stains increased in prenatal glucocorticoid compared with control and decreased in melatonin group. The liver histone deacetylase, DNA methyltransferase activity, and DNA methylation were increased in prenatal glucocorticoid and decreased in melatonin group. The present study showed that the prenatal glucocorticoid induced programming liver steatosis at day 7 after delivery, possibly via altered leptin expression. Melatonin can reverse the methylation of leptin and decreased liver steatosis.
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Impacts of endocrine disrupting chemicals on reproduction in wildlife. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2014; 753:55-70. [PMID: 25091906 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-0820-2_4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The European Environment Agency (The Weybridge + 15 (1996-2011) report. EEA Technical report, vol 2. Copenhagen, 2012) and the United Nations Environment programme together with the World Health Organisation (State of the science of endocrine disrupting chemicals-2012. Geneva, Switzerland) both recently published major and highly authoritative reviews of endocrine disrupting chemicals in the natural environment and their effects on reproduction and health in both humans and wildlife. One surprising conclusion to emerge from these reviews was that there are relatively few well documented reports of endocrine disruption (ED) in wild mammals, mainly because much of the available evidence is correlative and does not conclusively demonstrate that the chemicals in question cause the physiological and phenotypic problems attributed to them. However, based on strong evidence from studies of wild birds, reptiles, invertebrates, and laboratory animals, it is difficult to imagine that wild mammals would be the exception. This chapter is therefore included to emphasize the point that the role of reproductive science within wildlife conservation is much broader than a narrow focus on artificial breeding technologies.
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Abstract
Neonatal or perinatal tumours frequently relate to prenatal or developmental events and have a short exposure window which provides an opportunity to study tumours in a selective sensitive period of development. As a result, they display a number of host-specific features which include occasional spontaneous maturational changes with cells still responding to developmental influences. Neonatal tumours (NNT) are studied for a number of important reasons. Firstly, many of the benign tumours arising from soft tissue appear to result from disturbances in growth and development and some are associated with other congenital anomalies. Study of these aspects may open the door for investigation of genetic and epigenetic changes in genes controlling foetal development as well as environmental and drug effects during pregnancy. Secondly, the clinical behaviour of NNT differs from that of similar tumours occurring later in childhood. In addition, certain apparently malignant NNT can 'change course' in infancy leading to the maturation of apparently highly malignant tumours. Thirdly, NNT underline the genetic associations of most tumours but appear to differ in the effects of proto-oncogenes and other oncogenic factors. In this context, there are also connections between the foetal and neonatal period and some "adult" cancers. Fourthly, they appear to arise in a period in which minimal environmental interference has occurred, thus providing a unique potential window of opportunity to study the pathogenesis of tumour behaviour. This study will seek to review what is currently known in each of these areas of study as they apply to NNT. Further study of the provocative differences in tumour behaviour in neonates provides insights into the natural history of cancer in humans and promotes novel cancer therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- S W Moore
- Department of Paediatric Surgery, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Stellenbosch, P.O. Box 19063, Tygerberg, 7505, South Africa,
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40
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Wei Y, Du W, Xiong X, He X, Ping Yi, Deng Y, Chen D, Li X. Prenatal exposure to lipopolysaccharide results in myocardial remodelling in adult murine offspring. JOURNAL OF INFLAMMATION-LONDON 2013; 10:35. [PMID: 24764457 PMCID: PMC3874617 DOI: 10.1186/1476-9255-10-35] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2012] [Accepted: 11/14/2013] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The epigenetic plasticity hypothesis indicates that pregnancy exposure may result in adult-onset diseases, including hypertension, diabetes and cardiovascular disease, in offspring. In a previous study, we discovered that prenatal exposure to inflammatory stimulants, such as lipopolysaccharides (LPS), could lead to hypertension in adult rat offspring. In the present study, we further demonstrate that maternal inflammation induces cardiac hypertrophy and dysfunction via ectopic over-expression of nuclear transcription factor κB (NF- κB), and pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (PDTC) can protect cardiac function by reducing maternal inflammation. METHODS Pregnant SD rats were randomly divided into three groups and intraperitoneally injected with a vehicle, LPS (0.79 mg/kg), or LPS (0.79 mg/kg) plus PDTC (100 mg/kg) at 8 to 12 days of gestation. The offspring were raised until 4 and 8 months old, at which point an echocardiographic study was performed. The left ventricular (LV) mass index and apoptosis were examined. RESULTS At 4 months of age, the LPS offspring exhibited augmented posterior wall thickness. These rats displayed left ventricle (LV) hypertrophy and LV diastolic dysfunction as well as a higher apoptotic index, a higher level of Bax and a lower level of Bcl-2 at 8 months of age. The protein levels of NF-κB (p65) in the myocardium of the offspring were measured at this time. NF-κB protein levels were higher in the myocardium of LPS offspring. The offspring that were prenatally treated with PDTC displayed improved signs of blood pressure (BP) and LV hypertrophy. CONCLUSIONS Maternal inflammation can induce cardiac hypertrophy in offspring during aging accompanied with hypertension emergence and can be rescued by the maternal administration of PDTC (the inhibitor of NF-κB).
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanling Wei
- The Institute of Materia Medica and Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, The Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China ; Department of Gastroenterology, Research Institute of Surgery, Da ping Hospital, The Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Wenhua Du
- Department of Ultrasound, Research Institute of Surgery, Da ping Hospital, The Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xiuqin Xiong
- Department of Ultrasound, Research Institute of Surgery, Da ping Hospital, The Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xiaoyan He
- The Institute of Materia Medica and Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, The Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Ping Yi
- Department of Gynaecology, Research Institute of Surgery, Da ping Hospital, The Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Youcai Deng
- The Institute of Materia Medica and Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, The Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Dongfeng Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, Research Institute of Surgery, Da ping Hospital, The Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xiaohui Li
- The Institute of Materia Medica and Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, The Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
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Maguire G. Using a systems-based approach to overcome reductionist strategies in the development of diagnostics. Expert Rev Mol Diagn 2013; 13:895-905. [PMID: 24138553 DOI: 10.1586/14737159.2013.846828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Systems biology is a recent addition to the necessary but insufficient reductionist approach used in biological research. Systems biology is focused on understanding living things as a function of their various interactions at multiple levels: not simply as a sum of all their individual parts at any one level. This integrative approach yields predictive models of the normal state, the disease state and therapeutic actions. Although molecular biology has collected an enormous amount of information, including the sequencing of the entire human genome in the year 2000, few real-world applications have resulted from this molecular approach. The pharmaceutical industry's R&D expenditure has increased substantially since 2000, but the number of approved therapeutics has dropped simultaneously, due in part to over-reliance on reductionist genomic, and not systems, approaches. Instead of using reductionist genomics approaches alone, genomics should be incorporated into a multi-level systems biology approach to develop diagnostics and therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Greg Maguire
- BioRegenerative Sciences, Inc., San Diego, CA, USA +1 858 413 7372
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Stocks J, Hislop A, Sonnappa S. Early lung development: lifelong effect on respiratory health and disease. THE LANCET RESPIRATORY MEDICINE 2013; 1:728-42. [PMID: 24429276 DOI: 10.1016/s2213-2600(13)70118-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 243] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Interest in the contribution of changes in lung development during early life to subsequent respiratory morbidity is increasing. Most evidence of an association between adverse intrauterine factors and structural effects on the developing lung is from animal studies. Such evidence has been augmented by epidemiological studies showing associations between insults to the developing lung during prenatal and early postnatal life and adult respiratory morbidity or reduced lung function, and by physiological studies that have elucidated mechanisms underlying these associations. The true effect of early insults on subsequent respiratory morbidity can be understood only if the many prenatal and postnatal factors that can affect lung development are taken into account. Adverse factors affecting lung development during fetal life and early childhood reduce the attainment of maximum lung function and accelerate lung function decline in adulthood, initiating or worsening morbidity in susceptible individuals. In this Review, we focus on factors that adversely affect lung development in utero and during the first 5 years after birth, thereby predisposing individuals to reduced lung function and increased respiratory morbidity throughout life. We focus particularly on asthma and COPD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janet Stocks
- University College London, Institute of Child Health, London, UK.
| | - Alison Hislop
- University College London, Institute of Child Health, London, UK
| | - Samatha Sonnappa
- University College London, Institute of Child Health, London, UK
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Stocks J, Sonnappa S. Early life influences on the development of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Ther Adv Respir Dis 2013; 7:161-73. [PMID: 23439689 PMCID: PMC4107852 DOI: 10.1177/1753465813479428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
There is increasing evidence that chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is not simply a disease of old age that is largely restricted to heavy smokers, but may be associated with insults to the developing lung during foetal life and the first few years of postnatal life, when lung growth and development are rapid. A better understanding of the long-term effects of early life factors, such as intrauterine growth restriction, prenatal and postnatal exposure to tobacco smoke and other pollutants, preterm delivery and childhood respiratory illnesses, on the subsequent development of chronic respiratory disease is imperative if appropriate preventive and management strategies to reduce the burden of COPD are to be developed. The extent to which insults to the developing lung are associated with increased risk of COPD in later life depends on the underlying cause, timing and severity of such derangements. Suboptimal conditions in utero result in aberrations of lung development such that affected individuals are born with reduced lung function, which tends to remain diminished throughout life, thereby increasing the risk both of wheezing disorders during childhood and subsequent COPD in genetically susceptible individuals. If the current trend towards the ever-increasing incidence of COPD is to be reversed, it is essential to minimize risks to the developing lung by improvements in antenatal and neonatal care, and to reduce prenatal and postnatal exposures to environmental pollutants, including passive tobacco smoke. Furthermore, adult physicians need to recognize that lung disease is potentially associated with early life insults and provide better education regarding diet, exercise and avoidance of smoking to preserve precious reserves of lung function in susceptible adults. This review focuses on factors that adversely influence lung development in utero and during the first 5 years of life, thereby predisposing to subsequent COPD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janet Stocks
- Portex Unit, University College London Institute of Child Health, 30, Guilford Street, London WC1N 1EH, UK.
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Berenguer AG, Rosa A, Brehm A. Asthma-snapshot or motion picture? Front Genet 2013; 4:73. [PMID: 23641254 PMCID: PMC3639421 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2013.00073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2013] [Accepted: 04/15/2013] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | - Alexandra Rosa
- Human Genetics Laboratory, University of MadeiraFunchal, Portugal
- Medical Sciences Unit, Life Sciences Center, University of MadeiraFunchal, Portugal
| | - António Brehm
- Human Genetics Laboratory, University of MadeiraFunchal, Portugal
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Abstract
Breast cancer incidence is rising worldwide with an increase in aggressive neoplasias in young women. Possible factors involved include lifestyle changes, notably diet that is known to make an impact on gene transcription. However, among dietary factors, there is sufficient support for only greater body weight and alcohol consumption whereas numerous studies revealing an impact of specific diets and nutrients on breast cancer risk show conflicting results. Also, little information is available from middle- and low-income countries. The diversity of gene expression profiles found in breast cancers indicates that transcription control is critical for the outcome of the disease. This suggests the need for studies on nutrients that affect epigenetic mechanisms of transcription, such as DNA methylation and post-translational modifications of histones. In the present review, a new examination of the relationship between diet and breast cancer based on transcription control is proposed in light of epidemiological, animal and clinical studies. The mechanisms underlying the impact of diets on breast cancer development and factors that impede reaching clear conclusions are discussed. Understanding the interaction between nutrition and epigenetics (gene expression control via chromatin structure) is critical in light of the influence of diet during early stages of mammary gland development on breast cancer risk, suggesting a persistent effect on gene expression as shown by the influence of certain nutrients on DNA methylation. Successful development of breast cancer prevention strategies will require appropriate models, identification of biological markers for rapid assessment of preventive interventions, and coordinated worldwide research to discern the effects of diet.
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Nilsson E, Larsen G, Manikkam M, Guerrero-Bosagna C, Savenkova MI, Skinner MK. Environmentally induced epigenetic transgenerational inheritance of ovarian disease. PLoS One 2012; 7:e36129. [PMID: 22570695 PMCID: PMC3343040 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0036129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 189] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2011] [Accepted: 03/30/2012] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
The actions of environmental toxicants and relevant mixtures in promoting the epigenetic transgenerational inheritance of ovarian disease was investigated with the use of a fungicide, a pesticide mixture, a plastic mixture, dioxin and a hydrocarbon mixture. After transient exposure of an F0 gestating female rat during embryonic gonadal sex determination, the F1 and F3 generation progeny adult onset ovarian disease was assessed. Transgenerational disease phenotypes observed included an increase in cysts resembling human polycystic ovarian disease (PCO) and a decrease in the ovarian primordial follicle pool size resembling primary ovarian insufficiency (POI). The F3 generation granulosa cells were isolated and found to have a transgenerational effect on the transcriptome and epigenome (differential DNA methylation). Epigenetic biomarkers for environmental exposure and associated gene networks were identified. Epigenetic transgenerational inheritance of ovarian disease states was induced by all the different classes of environmental compounds, suggesting a role of environmental epigenetics in ovarian disease etiology.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Michael K. Skinner
- School of Biological Sciences, Center for Reproductive Biology, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, United States of America
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Bekemeier B, Grembowski D, Yang YR, Herting JR. Local public health delivery of maternal child health services: are specific activities associated with reductions in Black-White mortality disparities? Matern Child Health J 2012; 16:615-23. [PMID: 21505777 PMCID: PMC4821421 DOI: 10.1007/s10995-011-0794-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
To identify which MCH services delivered by local health departments (LHD) appear associated with reducing differences in Black-White mortality. We used a time-trend design to investigate relationships between change in MCH activities provided by LHDs in 1993 and in 2005 and changes in 1993-2005 Black-White mortality disparities. Secondary data were analyzed for 558 US counties and multi-county districts. Independent variables included the six MCH services provided by LHDs and captured in the 1993 and 2005 NACCHO Profile of Local Public Health Departments surveys. MCH service variables represented change in each service from 1993 to 2005. Control variables included selected LHD characteristics and county-level socioeconomic, demographic, and health provider resource data. Absolute change in Black and White mortality rates and changes in the mortality disparity "gap" between these rates in 1993 and 2005 were examined as dependent variables. Among the MCH services examined, prenatal care had a significant beneficial relationship with Black all-age mortality change and with reducing the mortality "gap." Family planning services had a beneficial relationship with reducing the mortality "gap" for females in the jurisdictions in the study sample. WIC services indicated the most consistently beneficial relationship with both Black mortality and White mortality change, but these changes did not influence the mortality "gap" during the study period. LHD delivery of family planning and prenatal care by LHDs appears related to reductions in Black-White mortality disparities. Implications of this study suggest the importance of certain MCH services for reducing Black-White mortality disparities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Betty Bekemeier
- Department of Health Services, University of Washington School of Public Health, Box 357660, Seattle, WA 98195, USA.
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Relton CL, Groom A, St. Pourcain B, Sayers AE, Swan DC, Embleton ND, Pearce MS, Ring SM, Northstone K, Tobias JH, Trakalo J, Ness AR, Shaheen SO, Davey Smith G. DNA methylation patterns in cord blood DNA and body size in childhood. PLoS One 2012; 7:e31821. [PMID: 22431966 PMCID: PMC3303769 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0031821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 115] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2011] [Accepted: 01/16/2012] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Epigenetic markings acquired in early life may have phenotypic consequences later in development through their role in transcriptional regulation with relevance to the developmental origins of diseases including obesity. The goal of this study was to investigate whether DNA methylation levels at birth are associated with body size later in childhood. Principal Findings A study design involving two birth cohorts was used to conduct transcription profiling followed by DNA methylation analysis in peripheral blood. Gene expression analysis was undertaken in 24 individuals whose biological samples and clinical data were collected at a mean ± standard deviation (SD) age of 12.35 (0.95) years, the upper and lower tertiles of body mass index (BMI) were compared with a mean (SD) BMI difference of 9.86 (2.37) kg/m2. This generated a panel of differentially expressed genes for DNA methylation analysis which was then undertaken in cord blood DNA in 178 individuals with body composition data prospectively collected at a mean (SD) age of 9.83 (0.23) years. Twenty-nine differentially expressed genes (>1.2-fold and p<10−4) were analysed to determine DNA methylation levels at 1–3 sites per gene. Five genes were unmethylated and DNA methylation in the remaining 24 genes was analysed using linear regression with bootstrapping. Methylation in 9 of the 24 (37.5%) genes studied was associated with at least one index of body composition (BMI, fat mass, lean mass, height) at age 9 years, although only one of these associations remained after correction for multiple testing (ALPL with height, pCorrected = 0.017). Conclusions DNA methylation patterns in cord blood show some association with altered gene expression, body size and composition in childhood. The observed relationship is correlative and despite suggestion of a mechanistic epigenetic link between in utero life and later phenotype, further investigation is required to establish causality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline L. Relton
- HNRC, Institute of Genetic Medicine, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Alexandra Groom
- HNRC, Institute of Genetic Medicine, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
| | - Beate St. Pourcain
- MRC Centre for Causal Analyses in Translational Epidemiology, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Adrian E. Sayers
- Musculoskeletal Research Unit, School of Clinical Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Daniel C. Swan
- Bioinformatic Support Unit, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Nicholas D. Embleton
- Newcastle Neonatal Service, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
- Institute of Health and Society, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Mark S. Pearce
- Institute of Health and Society, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Susan M. Ring
- School of Social and Community Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Kate Northstone
- MRC Centre for Causal Analyses in Translational Epidemiology, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Jon H. Tobias
- Musculoskeletal Research Unit, School of Clinical Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Joseph Trakalo
- Wellcome Trust Centre for Human Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Andy R. Ness
- School of Dental Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Seif O. Shaheen
- Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - George Davey Smith
- MRC Centre for Causal Analyses in Translational Epidemiology, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
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Ong TP, Moreno FS, Ross SA. Targeting the epigenome with bioactive food components for cancer prevention. JOURNAL OF NUTRIGENETICS AND NUTRIGENOMICS 2012; 4:275-92. [PMID: 22353664 DOI: 10.1159/000334585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Epigenetic processes participate in cancer development and likely influence cancer prevention. Global DNA hypomethylation, gene promoter hypermethylation and aberrant histone post-translational modifications are hallmarks of neoplastic cells which have been associated with genomic instability and altered gene expression. Because epigenetic deregulation occurs early in carcinogenesis and is potentially reversible, intervention strategies targeting the epigenome have been proposed for cancer prevention. Bioactive food components (BFCs) with anticancer potential, including folate, polyphenols, selenium, retinoids, fatty acids, isothiocyanates and allyl compounds, influence DNA methylation and histone modification processes. Such activities have been shown to affect the expression of genes involved in cell proliferation, death and differentiation that are frequently altered in cancer. Although the epigenome represents a promising target for cancer prevention with BFCs, few studies have addressed the influence of dietary components on these mechanisms in vivo, particularly on the phenotype of humans, and thus the exact mechanisms whereby diet mediates an effect on cancer prevention remains unclear. Primary factors that should be elucidated include the effective doses and dose timing of BFCs to attain epigenetic effects. Because diet-epigenome interactions are likely to occur in utero, the impact of early-life nutrition on cancer risk programming should be further investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Prates Ong
- Laboratory of Diet, Nutrition and Cancer, Department of Food and Experimental Nutrition, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
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