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Polli A, Nijs J. Exploring biological mechanisms of lifestyle and environmental factors in humans: Current challenges and future directions. Invited comment on: "Environmental factors and their impact on chronic pain development and maintenance", by Sant'Anna et al. Phys Life Rev 2024; 50:43-45. [PMID: 38905875 DOI: 10.1016/j.plrev.2024.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2024] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/23/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Polli
- Pain in Motion (PAIN) research group, Department of Physiotherapy, Human Physiology, and Anatomy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium; Centre for Environment and Health, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Research Foundation, Flanders (FWO), Belgium.
| | - Jo Nijs
- Pain in Motion (PAIN) research group, Department of Physiotherapy, Human Physiology, and Anatomy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium; Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Department of Health and Rehabilitation, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
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Kunutsor SK, Kaminsky LA, Lehoczki A, Laukkanen JA. Unraveling the link between cardiorespiratory fitness and cancer: a state-of-the-art review. GeroScience 2024:10.1007/s11357-024-01222-z. [PMID: 38831183 DOI: 10.1007/s11357-024-01222-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) not only reflects an individual's capacity to perform physical activities but also encapsulates broader effects on the basic biology of aging. This review aims to summarize the evidence on the influence of CRF on overall and site-specific cancer risks. It delves into the biological mechanisms through which CRF may exert its effects, explores the clinical implications of these findings, identifies gaps in the current evidence base, and suggests directions for future research. The synthesis of findings reveals that higher CRF levels (general threshold of > 7 METs) are consistently associated with a reduced risk of a range of cancers, including head and neck, lung, breast, gastrointestinal, particularly pancreatic and colorectal, bladder, overall cancer incidence and mortality, and potentially stomach and liver, bile duct, and gall bladder cancers. These inverse associations between CRF and cancer risk do not generally differ across age groups, sex, race, or adiposity, suggesting a universal protective effect of CRF. Nonetheless, evidence linking CRF with skin, mouth and pharynx, kidney, and endometrial cancers is limited and inconclusive. Conversely, higher CRF levels may be potentially linked to an increased risk of prostate cancer and hematological malignancies, such as leukemia and myeloma, although the evidence is still not conclusive. CRF appears to play a significant role in reducing the risk of several cancers through various biological mechanisms, including inflammation reduction, immune system enhancement, hormonal regulation, and metabolic improvements. Overall, enhancing CRF through regular physical activity offers a vital, accessible strategy for reducing cancer risk and extending the health span. Future research should aim to fill the existing evidence gaps regarding specific cancers and elucidate the detailed dose-response relationships between CRF levels and cancer risk. Studies are also needed to elucidate the causal relationships and mechanistic pathways linking CRF to cancer outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Setor K Kunutsor
- Diabetes Research Centre, Leicester General Hospital, University of Leicester, Leicester, LE5 4WP, UK.
| | - Leonard A Kaminsky
- Clinical Exercise Physiology, College of Health, Ball State University, Muncie, IN, USA
| | - Andrea Lehoczki
- Department of Public Health, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
- Doctoral College, Health Sciences Program, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
- Department of Haematology and Stem Cell Transplantation, National Institute for Haematology and Infectious Diseases, South Pest Central Hospital, 1097, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Jari A Laukkanen
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
- Department of Medicine, Wellbeing Services County of Central Finland, Jyväskylä, Finland
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Sandalova E, Maier AB. Targeting the epigenetically older individuals for geroprotective trials: the use of DNA methylation clocks. Biogerontology 2024; 25:423-431. [PMID: 37968337 DOI: 10.1007/s10522-023-10077-4] [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: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 10/15/2023] [Indexed: 11/17/2023]
Abstract
Chronological age is the most important risk factor for the incidence of age-related diseases. The pace of ageing determines the magnitude of that risk and can be expressed as biological age. Targeting fundamental pathways of human aging with geroprotectors has the potential to lower the biological age and therewith prolong the healthspan, the period of life one spends in good health. Target populations for geroprotective interventions should be chosen based on the ageing mechanisms being addressed and the expected effect of the geroprotector on the primary outcome. Biomarkers of ageing, such as DNA methylation age, can be used to select populations for geroprotective interventions and as a surrogate outcome. Here, the use of DNA methylation clocks for selecting target populations for geroprotective intervention is explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Sandalova
- Healthy Longevity Translational Research Program, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.
- Centre for Healthy Longevity, @AgeSingapore, National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore.
| | - Andrea B Maier
- Healthy Longevity Translational Research Program, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.
- Centre for Healthy Longevity, @AgeSingapore, National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore.
- Department of Human Movement Sciences, @AgeAmsterdam, Amsterdam Movement Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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Caporossi D, Dimauro I. Exercise-induced redox modulation as a mediator of DNA methylation in health maintenance and disease prevention. Free Radic Biol Med 2024; 213:113-122. [PMID: 38242245 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2024.01.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Revised: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 01/21/2024]
Abstract
The evidence for physical activity (PA) as a major public health preventive approach and a potent medical therapy has increased exponentially in the last decades. The biomolecular mechanisms supporting the associations between PA and/or structured exercise training with health maintenance and disease prevention are not completely characterized. However, increasing evidence pointed out the role of epigenetic modifications in exercise adaptation and health-enhancing PA throughout life, DNA methylation being the most intensely studied epigenetic modification induced by acute and chronic exercise. The current data on the modulation of DNA methylation determined by physically active behavior or exercise interventions points out genes related to energy regulation, mitochondrial function, and biosynthesis, as well as muscle regeneration, calcium signaling pathways, and brain plasticity, all consistent with the known exercise-induced redox signaling and/or reactive oxygen species (ROS) unbalance. Thus, the main focus of this review is to discuss the role of ROS and redox-signaling on DNA methylation profile and its impact on exercise-induced health benefits in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Caporossi
- Unit of Biology and Genetics of Movement, Department of Movement, Human and Health Sciences, University of Rome Foro Italico, Piazza Lauro De Bosis 15, Rome, 00135, Italy.
| | - Ivan Dimauro
- Unit of Biology and Genetics of Movement, Department of Movement, Human and Health Sciences, University of Rome Foro Italico, Piazza Lauro De Bosis 15, Rome, 00135, Italy
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Nwanaji-Enwerem JC. Clinical Perspectives on "Socioeconomic Status, Knee Pain, and Epigenetic Aging in Community-Dwelling Middle-to-Older Age Adults". THE JOURNAL OF PAIN 2024; 25:570-571. [PMID: 38245101 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpain.2023.07.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Revised: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Jamaji C Nwanaji-Enwerem
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Emory Rollins School of Public Health, Atlanta, Georgia; Department of Emergency Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
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Knight AK, Spencer JB, Smith AK. DNA methylation as a window into female reproductive aging. Epigenomics 2024; 16:175-188. [PMID: 38131149 PMCID: PMC10841041 DOI: 10.2217/epi-2023-0298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
People with ovaries experience reproductive aging as their reproductive function and system declines. This has significant implications for both fertility and long-term health, with people experiencing an increased risk of cardiometabolic disorders after menopause. Reproductive aging can be assessed through markers of ovarian reserve, response to fertility treatment or molecular biomarkers, including DNA methylation. Changes in DNA methylation with age associate with poorer reproductive outcomes, and epigenome-wide studies can provide insight into genes and pathways involved. DNA methylation-based epigenetic clocks can quantify biological age in reproductive tissues and systemically. This review provides an overview of hallmarks and theories of aging in the context of the reproductive system, and then focuses on studies of DNA methylation in reproductive tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna K Knight
- Research Division, Department of Gynecology & Obstetrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Jessica B Spencer
- Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility Division, Department of Gynecology & Obstetrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Alicia K Smith
- Research Division, Department of Gynecology & Obstetrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
- Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility Division, Department of Gynecology & Obstetrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
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Dutta S, Goodrich JM, Dolinoy DC, Ruden DM. Biological Aging Acceleration Due to Environmental Exposures: An Exciting New Direction in Toxicogenomics Research. Genes (Basel) 2023; 15:16. [PMID: 38275598 PMCID: PMC10815440 DOI: 10.3390/genes15010016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Revised: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Biological clock technologies are designed to assess the acceleration of biological age (B-age) in diverse cell types, offering a distinctive opportunity in toxicogenomic research to explore the impact of environmental stressors, social challenges, and unhealthy lifestyles on health impairment. These clocks also play a role in identifying factors that can hinder aging and promote a healthy lifestyle. Over the past decade, researchers in epigenetics have developed testing methods that predict the chronological and biological age of organisms. These methods rely on assessing DNA methylation (DNAm) levels at specific CpG sites, RNA levels, and various biomolecules across multiple cell types, tissues, and entire organisms. Commonly known as 'biological clocks' (B-clocks), these estimators hold promise for gaining deeper insights into the pathways contributing to the development of age-related disorders. They also provide a foundation for devising biomedical or social interventions to prevent, reverse, or mitigate these disorders. This review article provides a concise overview of various epigenetic clocks and explores their susceptibility to environmental stressors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sudipta Dutta
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA;
| | - Jaclyn M. Goodrich
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; (J.M.G.); (D.C.D.)
| | - Dana C. Dolinoy
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; (J.M.G.); (D.C.D.)
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Douglas M. Ruden
- C. S. Mott Center for Human Health and Development, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
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Mallick R, Duttaroy AK. Epigenetic modification impacting brain functions: Effects of physical activity, micronutrients, caffeine, toxins, and addictive substances. Neurochem Int 2023; 171:105627. [PMID: 37827244 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2023.105627] [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: 08/23/2023] [Revised: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023]
Abstract
Changes in gene expression are involved in many brain functions. Epigenetic processes modulate gene expression by histone modification and DNA methylation or RNA-mediated processes, which is important for brain function. Consequently, epigenetic changes are also a part of brain diseases such as mental illness and addiction. Understanding the role of different factors on the brain epigenome may help us understand the function of the brain. This review discussed the effects of caffeine, lipids, addictive substances, physical activity, and pollutants on the epigenetic changes in the brain and their modulatory effects on brain function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rahul Mallick
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Finland
| | - Asim K Duttaroy
- Department of Nutrition, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, POB 1046 Blindern, Oslo, Norway.
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Cuomo M, Coretti L, Costabile D, Della Monica R, De Riso G, Buonaiuto M, Trio F, Bravaccio C, Visconti R, Berni Canani R, Chiariotti L, Lembo F. Host fecal DNA specific methylation signatures mark gut dysbiosis and inflammation in children affected by autism spectrum disorder. Sci Rep 2023; 13:18197. [PMID: 37875530 PMCID: PMC10598023 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-45132-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The gut-brain axis involves several bidirectional pathway communications including microbiome, bacterial metabolites, neurotransmitters as well as immune system and is perturbed both in brain and in gastrointestinal disorders. Consistently, microbiota-gut-brain axis has been found altered in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). We reasoned that such alterations occurring in ASD may impact both on methylation signatures of human host fecal DNA (HFD) and possibly on the types of human cells shed in the stools from intestinal tract giving origin to HFD. To test this hypothesis, we have performed whole genome methylation analysis of HFD from an age-restricted cohort of young children with ASD (N = 8) and healthy controls (N = 7). In the same cohort we have previously investigated the fecal microbiota composition and here we refined such analysis and searched for eventual associations with data derived from HFD methylome analysis. Our results showed that specific epigenetic signatures in human fecal DNA, especially at genes related to inflammation, associated with the disease. By applying methylation-based deconvolution algorithm, we found that the HFD derived mainly from immune cells and the relative abundance of those differed between patients and controls. Consistently, most of differentially methylated regions fitted with genes involved in inflammatory response. Interestingly, using Horvath epigenetic clock, we found that ASD affected children showed both epigenetic and microbiota age accelerated. We believe that the present unprecedented approach may be useful for the identification of the ASD associated HFD epigenetic signatures and may be potentially extended to other brain disorders and intestinal inflammatory diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariella Cuomo
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnologies, University of Naples "Federico II", Via S. Pansini 5, 80131, Naples, Italy
- CEINGE Advanced Biotechnologies "Franco Salvatore", Via G. Salvatore 482, 80145, Naples, Italy
| | - Lorena Coretti
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples "Federico II", Via Domenico Montesano 49, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Davide Costabile
- CEINGE Advanced Biotechnologies "Franco Salvatore", Via G. Salvatore 482, 80145, Naples, Italy
- SEMM-European School of Molecular Medicine, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Rosa Della Monica
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnologies, University of Naples "Federico II", Via S. Pansini 5, 80131, Naples, Italy
- CEINGE Advanced Biotechnologies "Franco Salvatore", Via G. Salvatore 482, 80145, Naples, Italy
| | - Giulia De Riso
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnologies, University of Naples "Federico II", Via S. Pansini 5, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Michela Buonaiuto
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnologies, University of Naples "Federico II", Via S. Pansini 5, 80131, Naples, Italy
- CEINGE Advanced Biotechnologies "Franco Salvatore", Via G. Salvatore 482, 80145, Naples, Italy
| | - Federica Trio
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnologies, University of Naples "Federico II", Via S. Pansini 5, 80131, Naples, Italy
- CEINGE Advanced Biotechnologies "Franco Salvatore", Via G. Salvatore 482, 80145, Naples, Italy
| | - Carmela Bravaccio
- Department of Translational Medical Science - Pediatric Section, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Roberta Visconti
- Institute for the Experimental Endocrinology and Oncology "G. Salvatore", Italian National Council of Research, Via S. Pansini 5, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Roberto Berni Canani
- Department of Translational Medical Science - Pediatric Section, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Chiariotti
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnologies, University of Naples "Federico II", Via S. Pansini 5, 80131, Naples, Italy.
- CEINGE Advanced Biotechnologies "Franco Salvatore", Via G. Salvatore 482, 80145, Naples, Italy.
- SEMM-European School of Molecular Medicine, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy.
| | - Francesca Lembo
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples "Federico II", Via Domenico Montesano 49, 80131, Naples, Italy.
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Hawn SE, Zhao X, Miller MW, Wallander S, Govan C, Stone A, Schichman SA, Logue MW, Wolf EJ. PTSD and Alcohol Use Disorders Predict the Pace of Cellular Aging. JOURNAL OF MOOD AND ANXIETY DISORDERS 2023; 3:100026. [PMID: 37900051 PMCID: PMC10602583 DOI: 10.1016/j.xjmad.2023.100026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2023]
Abstract
Advanced epigenetic age is associated with psychopathology and may help to explain the link between psychopathology and physical health morbidity and mortality. Using a longitudinal sample of 171 trauma-exposed Veterans, we modeled the rate of change in epigenetic age across two time points (averaging 5.58 years apart) using two epigenetic age algorithms (GrimAge and Horvath) and tested associations with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), alcohol use disorder (AUD), and depression. Results showed that PTSD (β = .199) and AUD (β = .186) were associated with a quickened pace of epigenetic aging over time (ps < .021). Results replicate and extend prior work and offer foundational support for identifying interventions that slow the pace of biological aging among those with psychopathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sage E. Hawn
- National Center for PTSD at VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA, USA
- Old Dominion University, Department of Psychology, Norfolk, VA, USA
| | - Xiang Zhao
- National Center for PTSD at VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA, USA
- Boston University School of Public Health, Department of Biostatistics, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Mark W. Miller
- National Center for PTSD at VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA, USA
- Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sara Wallander
- National Center for PTSD at VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA, USA
- Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Christine Govan
- MAVERIC Central Biorepository, VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Anjanette Stone
- Pharmacogenomics Analysis Laboratory, Research Service, Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Steven A. Schichman
- Pharmacogenomics Analysis Laboratory, Research Service, Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Mark W. Logue
- National Center for PTSD at VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA, USA
- Boston University School of Public Health, Department of Biostatistics, Boston, MA, USA
- Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, Boston, MA, USA
- Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Department of Medicine, Biomedical Genetics, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Erika J. Wolf
- National Center for PTSD at VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA, USA
- Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, Boston, MA, USA
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