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Xing F, Han F, Wu Y, Lv B, Tian H, Wang W, Tian X, Xu C, Duan H, Zhang D, Wu Y. An epigenome-wide association study of waist circumference in Chinese monozygotic twins. Int J Obes (Lond) 2024:10.1038/s41366-024-01538-y. [PMID: 38773251 DOI: 10.1038/s41366-024-01538-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2023] [Revised: 05/05/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Central obesity poses significant health risks because it increases susceptibility to multiple chronic diseases. Epigenetic features such as DNA methylation may be associated with specific obesity traits, which could help us understand how genetic and environmental factors interact to influence the development of obesity. This study aims to identify DNA methylation sites associated with the waist circumference (WC) in Northern Han Chinese population, and to elucidate potential causal relationships. METHODS A total of 59 pairs of WC discordant monozygotic twins (ΔWC >0) were selected from the Qingdao Twin Registry in China. Generalized estimated equation model was employed to estimate the methylation levels of CpG sites on WC. Causal relationships between methylation and WC were assessed through the examination of family confounding factors using FAmiliaL CONfounding (ICE FALCON). Additionally, the findings of the epigenome-wide analysis were corroborated in the validation stage. RESULTS We identified 26 CpG sites with differential methylation reached false discovery rate (FDR) < 0.05 and 22 differentially methylated regions (slk-corrected p < 0.05) strongly linked to WC. These findings provided annotations for 26 genes, with notable emphasis on MMP17, ITGA11, COL23A1, TFPI, A2ML1-AS1, MRGPRE, C2orf82, and NINJ2. ICE FALCON analysis indicated the DNA methylation of ITGA11 and TFPI had a causal effect on WC and vice versa (p < 0.05). Subsequent validation analysis successfully replicated 10 (p < 0.05) out of the 26 identified sites. CONCLUSIONS Our research has ascertained an association between specific epigenetic variations and WC in the Northern Han Chinese population. These DNA methylation features can offer fresh insights into the epigenetic regulation of obesity and WC as well as hints to plausible biological mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fangjie Xing
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, Public Health College, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Fulei Han
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, Public Health College, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Yan Wu
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, Public Health College, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Bosen Lv
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, Public Health College, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Huimin Tian
- Zhonglou District Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Changzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Weijing Wang
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, Public Health College, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Xiaocao Tian
- Qingdao Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Chunsheng Xu
- Qingdao Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Haiping Duan
- Qingdao Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Dongfeng Zhang
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, Public Health College, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Yili Wu
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, Public Health College, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China.
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Luo J, Wang W, Li J, Duan H, Xu C, Tian X, Zhang D. Epigenome-wide association study identifies DNA methylation loci associated with handgrip strength in Chinese monozygotic twins. Front Cell Dev Biol 2024; 12:1378680. [PMID: 38633108 PMCID: PMC11021642 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2024.1378680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: The decline in muscle strength and function with aging is well recognized, but remains poorly characterized at the molecular level. Here, we report the epigenetic relationship between genome-wide DNA methylation and handgrip strength (HGS) among Chinese monozygotic (MZ) twins. Methods: DNA methylation (DNAm) profiling was conducted in whole blood samples through Reduced Representation Bisulfite Sequencing method. Generalized estimating equation was applied to regress the DNAm of each CpG with HGS. The Genomic Regions Enrichment of Annotations Tool was used to perform enrichment analysis. Differentially methylated regions (DMRs) were detected using comb-p. Causal inference was performed using Inference about Causation through Examination of Familial Confounding method. Finally, we validated candidate CpGs in community residents. Results: We identified 25 CpGs reaching genome-wide significance level. These CpGs located in 9 genes, especially FBLN1, RXRA, and ABHD14B. Many enriched terms highlighted calcium channels, neuromuscular junctions, and skeletal muscle organ development. We identified 21 DMRs of HGS, with several DMRs within FBLN1, SLC30A8, CST3, and SOCS3. Causal inference indicated that the DNAm of 16 top CpGs within FBLN1, RXRA, ABHD14B, MFSD6, and TYW1B might influence HGS, while HGS influenced DNAm at two CpGs within FBLN1 and RXRA. In validation analysis, methylation levels of six CpGs mapped to FLBN1 and one CpG mapped to ABHD14B were negatively associated with HGS weakness in community population. Conclusion: Our study identified multiple DNAm variants potentially related to HGS, especially CpGs within FBLN1 and ABHD14B. These findings provide new clues to the epigenetic modification underlying muscle strength decline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Luo
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Weijing Wang
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Jingxian Li
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Haiping Duan
- Qingdao Municipal Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, Qingdao, Shandong, China
- Qingdao Institute of Preventive Medicine, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Chunsheng Xu
- Qingdao Municipal Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, Qingdao, Shandong, China
- Qingdao Institute of Preventive Medicine, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Xiaocao Tian
- Qingdao Municipal Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, Qingdao, Shandong, China
- Qingdao Institute of Preventive Medicine, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Dongfeng Zhang
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
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Li Z, Wang W, Li W, Duan H, Xu C, Tian X, Ning F, Zhang D. Co-methylation analyses identify CpGs associated with lipid traits in Chinese discordant monozygotic twins. Hum Mol Genet 2024; 33:583-593. [PMID: 38142287 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddad207] [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: 09/13/2023] [Revised: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/25/2023] Open
Abstract
To control genetic background and early life milieu in genome-wide DNA methylation analysis for blood lipids, we recruited Chinese discordant monozygotic twins to explore the relationships between DNA methylations and total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and triglycerides (TG). 132 monozygotic (MZ) twins were included with discordant lipid levels and completed data. A linear mixed model was conducted in Epigenome-wide association study (EWAS). Generalized estimating equation model was for gene expression analysis. We conducted Weighted correlation network analysis (WGCNA) to build co-methylated interconnected network. Additional Qingdao citizens were recruited for validation. Inference about Causation through Examination of Familial Confounding (ICE FALCON) was used to infer the possible direction of these relationships. A total of 476 top CpGs reached suggestively significant level (P < 10-4), of which, 192 CpGs were significantly associated with TG (FDR < 0.05). They were used to build interconnected network and highlight crucial genes from WGCNA. Finally, four CpGs in GATA4 were validated as risk factors for TC; six CpGs at ITFG2-AS1 were negatively associated with TG; two CpGs in PLXND1 played protective roles in HDL-C. ICE FALCON indicated abnormal TC was regarded as the consequence of DNA methylation in CpGs at GATA4, rather than vice versa. Four CpGs in ITFG2-AS1 were both causes and consequences of modified TG levels. Our results indicated that DNA methylation levels of 12 CpGs in GATA4, ITFG2-AS1, and PLXND1 were relevant to TC, TG, and HDL-C, respectively, which might provide new epigenetic insights into potential clinical treatment of dyslipidemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaoying Li
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, The College of Public Health of Qingdao University, No. 308 Ning Xia Street, Qingdao 266071, Shandong Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Weijing Wang
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, The College of Public Health of Qingdao University, No. 308 Ning Xia Street, Qingdao 266071, Shandong Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Weilong Li
- Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Department of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, J.B. Winsløws Vej 9 B, st. tv. Odense C DK-5000, Denmark
| | - Haiping Duan
- Qingdao Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention, No. 175 Shandong Road, Qingdao 266000, Shandong Province, People's Republic of China
- Qingdao Institute of Preventive Medicine, No. 175 Shandong Road, Qingdao 266000, Shandong Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Chunsheng Xu
- Qingdao Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention, No. 175 Shandong Road, Qingdao 266000, Shandong Province, People's Republic of China
- Qingdao Institute of Preventive Medicine, No. 175 Shandong Road, Qingdao 266000, Shandong Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaocao Tian
- Qingdao Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention, No. 175 Shandong Road, Qingdao 266000, Shandong Province, People's Republic of China
- Qingdao Institute of Preventive Medicine, No. 175 Shandong Road, Qingdao 266000, Shandong Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Feng Ning
- Qingdao Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention, No. 175 Shandong Road, Qingdao 266000, Shandong Province, People's Republic of China
- Qingdao Institute of Preventive Medicine, No. 175 Shandong Road, Qingdao 266000, Shandong Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Dongfeng Zhang
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, The College of Public Health of Qingdao University, No. 308 Ning Xia Street, Qingdao 266071, Shandong Province, People's Republic of China
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Tian H, Qiao H, Han F, Kong X, Zhu S, Xing F, Duan H, Li W, Wang W, Zhang D, Wu Y. Genome-wide DNA methylation analysis of body composition in Chinese monozygotic twins. Eur J Clin Invest 2023; 53:e14055. [PMID: 37392072 DOI: 10.1111/eci.14055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Revised: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Little is currently known about epigenetic alterations associated with body composition in obesity. Thus, we aimed to explore epigenetic relationships between genome-wide DNA methylation levels and three common traits of body composition as measured by body fat percentage (BF%), fat mass (FM) and lean body mass (LBM) among Chinese monozygotic twins. METHODS Generalized estimated equation model was used to regress the methylation level of CpG sites on body composition. Inference about Causation Through Examination Of Familial Confounding was used to explore the evidence of a causal relationship. Gene expression analysis was further performed to validate the results of differentially methylated genes. RESULTS We identified 32, 22 and 28 differentially methylated CpG sites (p < 10-5 ) as well as 20, 17 and eight differentially methylated regions (slk-corrected p < 0.05) significantly associated with BF%, FM and LBM which were annotated to 65 genes, showing partially overlapping. Causal inference demonstrated bidirectional causality between DNA methylation and body composition (p < 0.05). Gene expression analysis revealed significant correlations between expression levels of five differentially methylated genes and body composition (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS These DNA methylation signatures will contribute to increased knowledge about the epigenetic basis of body composition and provide new strategies for early prevention and treatment of obesity and its related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huimin Tian
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, Public Health College, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Haofei Qiao
- Qingdao Mental Health Centre, Qingdao, China
| | - Fulei Han
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, Public Health College, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Xiangjie Kong
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, Public Health College, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Shuai Zhu
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, Public Health College, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Fangjie Xing
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, Public Health College, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Haiping Duan
- Qingdao Municipal Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, Qingdao, China
| | - Weilong Li
- Population Research Unit, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Weijing Wang
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, Public Health College, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Dongfeng Zhang
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, Public Health College, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Yili Wu
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, Public Health College, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
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Wang W, Yao W, Tan Q, Li S, Duan H, Tian X, Xu C, Zhang D. Identification of key DNA methylation changes on fasting plasma glucose: a genome-wide DNA methylation analysis in Chinese monozygotic twins. Diabetol Metab Syndr 2023; 15:159. [PMID: 37461060 PMCID: PMC10351111 DOI: 10.1186/s13098-023-01136-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/09/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Elevated fasting plasma glucose (FPG) levels can increase morbidity and mortality even when it is below the diagnostic threshold of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). We conducted a genome-wide DNA methylation analysis to detect DNA methylation (DNAm) variants potentially related to FPG in Chinese monozygotic twins. METHODS Genome-wide DNA methylation profiling in whole blood of twins was performed using Reduced Representation Bisulfite Sequencing (RRBS), yielding 551,447 raw CpGs. Association between DNAm of single CpG and FPG was tested using a generalized estimation equation. Differentially methylated regions (DMRs) were identified using comb-P approach. ICE FALCON method was utilized to perform the causal inference. Candidate CpGs were quantified and validated using Sequenom MassARRAY platform in a community population. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) was conducted using gene expression data from twins. RESULTS The mean age of 52 twin pairs was 52 years (SD: 7). The relationship between DNAm of 142 CpGs and FPG reached the genome-wide significance level. Thirty-two DMRs within 24 genes were identified, including TLCD1, MRPS31P5, CASZ1, and CXADRP3. The causal relationship of top CpGs mapped to TLCD1, MZF1, PTPRN2, SLC6A18, ASTN2, IQCA1, GRIN1, and PDE2A genes with FPG were further identified using ICE FALCON method. Pathways potentially related to FPG were also identified, such as phospholipid-hydroperoxide glutathione peroxidase activity and mitogen-activated protein kinase p38 binding. Three CpGs mapped to SLC6A18 gene were validated in a community population, with a hypermethylated direction in diabetic patients. The expression levels of 18 genes (including SLC6A18 and TLCD1) were positively correlated with FPG levels. CONCLUSIONS We detect many DNAm variants that may be associated with FPG in whole blood, particularly the loci within SLC6A18 gene. Our findings provide important reference for the epigenetic regulation of elevated FPG levels and diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weijing Wang
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Qingdao University, No. 308 Ningxia Road, Qingdao, 266071 Shandong Province China
| | - Wenqin Yao
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Qingdao University, No. 308 Ningxia Road, Qingdao, 266071 Shandong Province China
- Shandong Province Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shandong, China
| | - Qihua Tan
- Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Department of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Shuxia Li
- Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Department of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Haiping Duan
- Qingdao Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention/Qingdao Institute of Preventive Medicine, Qingdao, Shandong China
| | - Xiaocao Tian
- Qingdao Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention/Qingdao Institute of Preventive Medicine, Qingdao, Shandong China
| | - Chunsheng Xu
- Qingdao Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention/Qingdao Institute of Preventive Medicine, Qingdao, Shandong China
| | - Dongfeng Zhang
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Qingdao University, No. 308 Ningxia Road, Qingdao, 266071 Shandong Province China
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Wang A, Zhang T, Li J, Wang W, Xu C, Duan H, Tian X, Zhang D. Genetic and Environmental Correlation Analysis of Serum Creatinine Levels in Chinese Twins. Twin Res Hum Genet 2023; 26:219-222. [PMID: 37170793 DOI: 10.1017/thg.2023.20] [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] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Almost all creatinine is excreted by the kidney in individuals. Serum creatinine concentration, a widely used renal function index in clinical practice, can be affected by both genetic and environmental factors, as evidenced by current research exploring the relationship between these factors and kidney function. However, few studies have explored the heritability of serum creatinine in Asian populations. Therefore, we explored the genetic and environmental factors that affect the serum creatinine level in Asian populations. Participants in this study came from the Qingdao Twin Registry in China, and 374 pairs of twins were included, of which 139 pairs were dizygotic twins, whose ages ranged from 40 to 80 years old, and the serum creatinine level ranged from 10 to 126 μmol/L. Structural equation models were constructed using Mx software to calculate heritability, with adjusted covariates being age, sex, and body mass index. The results of heritability analysis showed that ACE was the best fit model. Serum creatinine level is influenced by genetic and environmental factors. The result of heritability was 35.44%, and the influence of shared environmental factors accounted for 52.13%. This study provided the relevant basis for future research on genetic and environmental factors affecting serum creatinine levels in Asian populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anni Wang
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, The School of Public Health of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong Province, China
| | - Tianhao Zhang
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, The School of Public Health of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong Province, China
| | - Jingxian Li
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, The School of Public Health of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong Province, China
| | - Weijing Wang
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, The School of Public Health of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong Province, China
| | - Chunsheng Xu
- Qingdao Municipal Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, Qingdao, Shandong Province, China
| | - Haiping Duan
- Qingdao Municipal Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, Qingdao, Shandong Province, China
| | - Xiaocao Tian
- Qingdao Municipal Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, Qingdao, Shandong Province, China
| | - Dongfeng Zhang
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, The School of Public Health of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong Province, China
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Wang W, Yao J, Li W, Wu Y, Duan H, Xu C, Tian X, Li S, Tan Q, Zhang D. Epigenome-wide association study in Chinese monozygotic twins identifies DNA methylation loci associated with blood pressure. Clin Epigenetics 2023; 15:38. [PMID: 36869404 PMCID: PMC9985232 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-023-01457-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 02/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hypertension is a crucial risk factor for developing cardiovascular disease and reducing life expectancy. We aimed to detect DNA methylation (DNAm) variants potentially related to systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) by conducting epigenome-wide association studies in 60 and 59 Chinese monozygotic twin pairs, respectively. METHODS Genome-wide DNA methylation profiling in whole blood of twins was performed using Reduced Representation Bisulfite Sequencing, yielding 551,447 raw CpGs. Association between DNAm of single CpG and blood pressure was tested by applying generalized estimation equation. Differentially methylated regions (DMRs) were identified by comb-P approach. Inference about Causation through Examination of Familial Confounding was utilized to perform the causal inference. Ontology enrichment analysis was performed using Genomic Regions Enrichment of Annotations Tool. Candidate CpGs were quantified using Sequenom MassARRAY platform in a community population. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) was conducted using gene expression data. RESULTS The median age of twins was 52 years (95% range 40, 66). For SBP, 31 top CpGs (p < 1 × 10-4) and 8 DMRs were identified, with several DMRs within NFATC1, CADM2, IRX1, COL5A1, and LRAT. For DBP, 43 top CpGs (p < 1 × 10-4) and 12 DMRs were identified, with several DMRs within WNT3A, CNOT10, and DAB2IP. Important pathways, such as Notch signaling pathway, p53 pathway by glucose deprivation, and Wnt signaling pathway, were significantly enriched for SBP and DBP. Causal inference analysis suggested that DNAm at top CpGs within NDE1, MYH11, SRRM1P2, and SMPD4 influenced SBP, while SBP influenced DNAm at CpGs within TNK2. DNAm at top CpGs within WNT3A influenced DBP, while DBP influenced DNAm at CpGs within GNA14. Three CpGs mapped to WNT3A and one CpG mapped to COL5A1 were validated in a community population, with a hypermethylated and hypomethylated direction in hypertension cases, respectively. Gene expression analysis by WGCNA further identified some common genes and enrichment terms. CONCLUSION We detect many DNAm variants that may be associated with blood pressure in whole blood, particularly the loci within WNT3A and COL5A1. Our findings provide new clues to the epigenetic modification underlying hypertension pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weijing Wang
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, Public Health College, Qingdao University, No. 308 Ningxia Road, Qingdao, 266021, Shandong, China
| | - Jie Yao
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, Public Health College, Qingdao University, No. 308 Ningxia Road, Qingdao, 266021, Shandong, China
- Jiangsu Health Development Research Center, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Weilong Li
- Population Research Unit, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Yili Wu
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, Public Health College, Qingdao University, No. 308 Ningxia Road, Qingdao, 266021, Shandong, China
| | - Haiping Duan
- Qingdao Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention/Qingdao Institute of Preventive Medicine, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Chunsheng Xu
- Qingdao Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention/Qingdao Institute of Preventive Medicine, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Xiaocao Tian
- Qingdao Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention/Qingdao Institute of Preventive Medicine, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Shuxia Li
- Unit of Human Genetics, Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Qihua Tan
- Unit of Human Genetics, Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Dongfeng Zhang
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, Public Health College, Qingdao University, No. 308 Ningxia Road, Qingdao, 266021, Shandong, China.
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Wu Y, Tian H, Wang W, Li W, Duan H, Zhang D. DNA methylation and waist-to-hip ratio: an epigenome-wide association study in Chinese monozygotic twins. J Endocrinol Invest 2022; 45:2365-2376. [PMID: 35882828 DOI: 10.1007/s40618-022-01878-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Epigenetic signatures such as DNA methylation may be associated with specific obesity traits. We performed an epigenome-wide association study (EWAS) by combining with the waist-to-hip ratio (WHR)-discordant monozygotic (MZ) twin design in an attempt to identify genetically independent DNA methylation marks associated with abdominal obesity in Northern Han Chinese and to determine the causation underlying. METHODS A total of 60 WHR discordant MZ twin pairs were selected from the Qingdao Twin Registry, China. Generalized estimated equation (GEE) model was used to regress the methylation level of CpG sites on WHR. The Inference about Causation through Examination of FAmiliaL CONfounding (ICE FALCON) was used to assess the temporal relationship between methylation and WHR. Gene expression analysis was conducted to validate the results of differentially methylated analyses. RESULTS EWAS identified 92 CpG sites with the level of P < 10 - 4 which were annotated to 32 genes, especially CADPS2, TUSC5, ZCCHC14, CORO7, COL23A1, CACNA1C, CYP26B1, and BCAT1. ICE FALCON showed significant causality between DNA methylation of several genes and WHR (P < 0.05). In region-based analysis, 14 differentially methylated regions (DMRs) located at 15 genes (slk-corrected P < 0.05) were detected. The gene expression analysis identified the significant correlation between expression levels of 5 differentially methylated genes and WHR (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Our study identifies the associations between specific epigenetic variations and WHR in Northern Han Chinese. These DNA methylation signatures may have value as diagnostic biomarkers and provide novel insights into the molecular mechanisms of pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y Wu
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, Public Health College, Qingdao University, NO. 308 Ningxia Road, 266071, Qingdao, Shandong, China.
| | - H Tian
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, Public Health College, Qingdao University, NO. 308 Ningxia Road, 266071, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - W Wang
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, Public Health College, Qingdao University, NO. 308 Ningxia Road, 266071, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - W Li
- Population Research Unit, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - H Duan
- Qingdao Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - D Zhang
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, Public Health College, Qingdao University, NO. 308 Ningxia Road, 266071, Qingdao, Shandong, China
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Xu C, Wang C, Tian X, Wu Y, Zhang D, Pang Z, Li S, Tan Q. Analysis of genetic and environmental correlation between leisure activities and cognitive function in aging Chinese twins. Aging Ment Health 2022; 26:493-498. [PMID: 33295797 DOI: 10.1080/13607863.2020.1856777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Leisure activity has been shown to be beneficial to mental health and cognitive aging. The biological basis of the correlation is, however, poorly understood. This study aimed at exploring the genetic and environmental impacts on correlation between leisure activities and cognitive function in the Chinese middle- and old-aged twins. METHODS Cognition measured using a screening test (Montreal Cognitive Assessment, MoCA) and leisure activities including intellectual and social activity were investigated on 379 complete twin pairs of middle- and old-aged twins. Univariate and bivariate twin models were fitted to estimate the genetic and environmental components in their variance and covariance. RESULTS Moderate heritability was estimated for leisure activities and cognition (0.44-0.53) but insignificant for social activity. Common environmental factors accounted for about 0.36 of the total variance to social activity with no significant contribution to leisure activity, intellectual activity and cognition. Unique environmental factors displayed moderate contributions (0.47-0.64) to leisure activities and cognition. Bivariate analysis showed highly and positively genetic correlations between leisure activities and cognition (rG=0.80-0.96). Besides, intellectual activity and cognition presented low but significant unique environmental correlation (rE=0.12). CONCLUSIONS Genetic factor had the moderate contribution to leisure activities and cognition. Cognitive function was highly genetically related to leisure activities. Intellectual activity and cognitive function may share some unique environmental basis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunsheng Xu
- Qingdao Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Qingdao, Shandong, China.,Qingdao Institute of Preventive Medicine, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Chu Wang
- The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Xiaocao Tian
- Qingdao Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Qingdao, Shandong, China.,Qingdao Institute of Preventive Medicine, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Yili Wu
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Dongfeng Zhang
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Zengchang Pang
- Qingdao Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Qingdao, Shandong, China.,Qingdao Institute of Preventive Medicine, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Shuxia Li
- Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Biodemography, Department of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Qihua Tan
- Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Biodemography, Department of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark.,Unit of Human Genetics, Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
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Wang T, Wang W, Li W, Duan H, Xu C, Tian X, Zhang D. Genome-wide DNA methylation analysis of pulmonary function in middle and old-aged Chinese monozygotic twins. Respir Res 2021; 22:300. [PMID: 34809630 PMCID: PMC8609861 DOI: 10.1186/s12931-021-01896-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 11/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous studies have determined the epigenetic association between DNA methylation and pulmonary function among various ethnics, whereas this association is largely unknown in Chinese adults. Thus, we aimed to explore epigenetic relationships between genome-wide DNA methylation levels and pulmonary function among middle-aged Chinese monozygotic twins. METHODS The monozygotic twin sample was drawn from the Qingdao Twin Registry. Pulmonary function was measured by three parameters including forced expiratory volume the first second (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), and FEV1/FVC ratio. Linear mixed effect model was used to regress the methylation level of CpG sites on pulmonary function. After that, we applied Genomic Regions Enrichment of Annotations Tool (GREAT) to predict the genomic regions enrichment, and used comb-p python library to detect differentially methylated regions (DMRs). Gene expression analysis was conducted to validate the results of differentially methylated analyses. RESULTS We identified 112 CpG sites with the level of P < 1 × 10-4 which were annotated to 40 genes. We identified 12 common enriched pathways of three pulmonary function parameters. We detected 39 DMRs located at 23 genes, of which PRDM1 was related to decreased pulmonary function, and MPL, LTB4R2, and EPHB3 were related to increased pulmonary function. The gene expression analyses validated DIP2C, ASB2, SLC6A5, and GAS6 related to decreased pulmonary function. CONCLUSION Our DNA methylation sequencing analysis on identical twins provides new references for the epigenetic regulation on pulmonary function. Several CpG sites, genes, biological pathways and DMRs are considered as possible crucial to pulmonary function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tong Wang
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, the College of Public Health of Qingdao University, NO. 308 Ning Xia Street, Qingdao, 266071, Shandong Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Weijing Wang
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, the College of Public Health of Qingdao University, NO. 308 Ning Xia Street, Qingdao, 266071, Shandong Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Weilong Li
- Population Research Unit, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Haiping Duan
- Qingdao Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Qingdao, Shandong Province, People's Republic of China.,Qingdao Institute of Preventive Medicine, Qingdao, Shandong Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Chunsheng Xu
- Qingdao Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Qingdao, Shandong Province, People's Republic of China.,Qingdao Institute of Preventive Medicine, Qingdao, Shandong Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaocao Tian
- Qingdao Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Qingdao, Shandong Province, People's Republic of China.,Qingdao Institute of Preventive Medicine, Qingdao, Shandong Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Dongfeng Zhang
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, the College of Public Health of Qingdao University, NO. 308 Ning Xia Street, Qingdao, 266071, Shandong Province, People's Republic of China.
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11
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Chen J, Wang W, Li Z, Xu C, Tian X, Zhang D. Heritability and genome-wide association study of blood pressure in Chinese adult twins. Mol Genet Genomic Med 2021; 9:e1828. [PMID: 34586716 PMCID: PMC8606211 DOI: 10.1002/mgg3.1828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Revised: 08/12/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Blood pressure (BP) is an independent and important factor for chronic diseases such as cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. METHODS We firstly conducted twin modeling analyses to explore the heritability of BP, including systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), pulse pressure (PP) and mean arterial pressure (MAP), and then performed genome-wide association studies to explore the associated genomic loci, genes, and pathways. RESULTS A total of 380 Chinese twin pairs were included. The AE model containing additive genetic parameter (A) and unique/non-shared environmental parameter (E) was the best fit model, with A accounting for 53.7%, 50.1%, 48.1%, and 53.3% for SBP, DBP, PP and MAP, respectively. No SNP was found to reach the genome-wide significance level (p < 5 × 10-8 ), however, three, four, 14 and nine SNPs were found to exceed suggestive significance level (p < 1 × 10-5 ) for SBP, DBP, PP, and MAP, respectively. And after imputation, 46, 37, 91 and 61 SNPs were found to exceed the suggestive significance level for SBP, DBP, PP, and MAP, respectively. In gene-based analysis, 53 common genes were found among SBP, DBP, PP, and MAP. In pathway enrichment analysis, 672, 706, 701, and 596 biological pathways were associated with SBP, DBP, PP, and MAP, respectively (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION Our study suggests that BP is moderately heritable in the Chinese population and could be mediated by a series of genomic loci, genes, and pathways. Future larger-scale studies are needed to confirm our findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiahao Chen
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, Public Health College, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China.,State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Weijing Wang
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, Public Health College, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Zhaoying Li
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, Public Health College, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Chunsheng Xu
- Qingdao Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Qingdao Institute of Preventive Medicine, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Xiaocao Tian
- Qingdao Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Qingdao Institute of Preventive Medicine, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Dongfeng Zhang
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, Public Health College, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
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12
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A Genome-Wide Association Study of Age-Related Hearing Impairment in Middle- and Old-Aged Chinese Twins. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2021; 2021:3629624. [PMID: 34337005 PMCID: PMC8314043 DOI: 10.1155/2021/3629624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2020] [Revised: 06/17/2021] [Accepted: 07/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Background Age-related hearing impairment (ARHI) is considered an unpreventable disorder. We aimed to detect specific genetic variants that are potentially related to ARHI via genome-wide association study (GWAS). Methods A sample of 131 dizygotic twins was genotyped for single-nucleotide polymorphism- (SNP-) based GWAS. Gene-based test was performed using VEGAS2. Pathway enrichment analysis was conducted by PASCAL. Results The twins are with a median age of 49 years, of which 128 were females and 134 were males. rs6633657 was the only SNP that reached the genome-wide significance level for better ear hearing level (BEHL) at 2.0 kHz (P = 1.19 × 10-8). Totally, 9, 10, 42, 7, 17, and 5 SNPs were suggestive evidence level for (P < 1 × 10-5) BEHLs at 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, 4.0, and 8.0 kHz and pure tone average (PTA), respectively. Several promising genetic regions in chromosomes (near the C20orf196, AQPEP, UBQLN3, OR51B5, OR51I2, OR52D1, GLTP, GIT2, and PARK2) nominally associated with ARHI were identified. Gene-based analysis revealed 165, 173, 77, 178, 170, and 145 genes nominally associated with BEHLs at 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, 4.0, and 8.0 kHz and PTA, respectively (P < 0.05). For BEHLs at 0.5, 1.0, and 2.0 kHz, the main enriched pathways were phosphatidylinositol signaling system, regulation of ornithine decarboxylase, eukaryotic translation initiation factor (EIF) pathway, amine compound solute carrier (SLC) transporters, synthesis of phosphoinositides (PIPS) at the plasma membrane, and phosphatidylinositols (PI) metabolism. Conclusions The genetic variations reported herein are significantly involved in functional genes and regulatory domains that mediate ARHI pathogenesis. These findings provide clues for the further unraveling of the molecular physiology of hearing functions and identifying novel diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets of ARHI.
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13
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Wang W, Li W, Jiang W, Lin H, Wu Y, Wen Y, Xu C, Tian X, Li S, Tan Q, Zhang D. Genome-wide DNA methylation analysis of cognitive function in middle and old-aged Chinese monozygotic twins. J Psychiatr Res 2021; 136:571-580. [PMID: 33131831 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2020.10.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2020] [Revised: 08/13/2020] [Accepted: 10/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Cognitive ability plays an important role in mental and physical well-beings in the increasingly ageing populations. Here, based on a sample of 30 cognitive function-discordant monozygotic twin pairs, we aimed to detect specific epigenetic variants potentially related to cognitive function by conducting an epigenome-wide association study (EWAS). Association between methylation level of single CpG site with cognitive function score was tested by linear mixed effect model. Functions of cis-regulatory regions and ontology enrichments were predicted by Genomic Regions Enrichment of Annotations Tool (GREAT). Differentially methylated regions (DMRs) were detected by comb-p python library. A list of 28 CpG sites were identified to reach the level of P < 1 × 10-4, and the strongest association (cor = 0.138, P = 2.549 × 10-6) was detected for DNA CpG site (Chr17: 40,700,490 bp) located at HSD17B1P1. The identified 14,065 genomic CpG sites (P < 0.05) were mapped to 2646 genes, especially HSD17B1P1, CUL4A, INTS8, GFI1B, ZNF467, CDH15, and PSMA1. GREAT ontology enrichments mainly highlighted nicotine pharmacodynamics pathway, GABA-B receptor II/nicotinic acetylcholine receptor/hedgehog/endothelin/Wnt signaling pathways, Parkinson disease, Huntington disease, glycolysis, neuronal system, and toll-like receptor binding. We detected 15 DMRs located at/near 16 genes, especially LINC01551, LINC02282, and FAM32A. And 32 cognitive function-associated differentially methylated genes could be replicated, such as SHANK2, ABCA2, PRDM16, NCOR2, and INPP5A. Our EWAS in monozygotic twins identify specific epigenetic variations which are significantly involved in functional genes, biological function and pathways that mediate cognitive function. The findings provide clues to further identify new diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets for cognitive dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weijing Wang
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, Public Health College, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266021, Shandong Province, China.
| | - Weilong Li
- Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Department of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, DK-5000, Odense C, Denmark.
| | - Wenjie Jiang
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, Public Health College, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266021, Shandong Province, China.
| | - Haijun Lin
- Biomarker Technologies orporation, Beijing, 100000, China.
| | - Yili Wu
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, Public Health College, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266021, Shandong Province, China.
| | - Yanhua Wen
- Biomarker Technologies orporation, Beijing, 100000, China.
| | - Chunsheng Xu
- Qingdao Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Qingdao, 266033, Shandong Province, China; Qingdao Institute of Preventive Medicine, Qingdao, 266033, Shandong Province, China.
| | - Xiaocao Tian
- Qingdao Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Qingdao, 266033, Shandong Province, China; Qingdao Institute of Preventive Medicine, Qingdao, 266033, Shandong Province, China.
| | - Shuxia Li
- Unit of Human Genetics, Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, DK-5000, Odense C, Denmark.
| | - Qihua Tan
- Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Department of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, DK-5000, Odense C, Denmark; Unit of Human Genetics, Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, DK-5000, Odense C, Denmark.
| | - Dongfeng Zhang
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, Public Health College, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266021, Shandong Province, China.
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Li Z, Wang W, Tian X, Duan H, Xu C, Zhang D. Bivariate genome-wide association study (GWAS) of body mass index and blood pressure phenotypes in northern Chinese twins. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0246436. [PMID: 33539483 PMCID: PMC7861438 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0246436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2020] [Accepted: 01/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Recently, new loci related to body mass index (BMI) or blood pressure (BP) have been identified respectively in genome-wide association studies (GWAS). However, limited studies focused on jointly associated genetic variance between systolic pressure (SBP), diastolic pressure (DBP) and BMI. Therefore, a bivariate twin study was performed to explore the genetic variants associated with BMI-SBP, BMI-DBP and SBP-DBP. A total of 380 twin pairs (137 dizygotic pairs and 243 monozygotic pairs) recruited from Qingdao Twin Registry system were used to access the genetic correlations (0.2108 for BMI-SBP, 0.2345 for BMI-DBP, and 0.6942 for SBP-DBP, respectively) by bivariate Cholesky decomposition model. Bivariate GWAS in 137 dizygotic pairs nominated 27 single identified 27 quantitative trait nucleotides (QTNs) for BMI and SBP, 27 QTNs for BMI and DBP, and 25 QTNs for SBP and DBP with the suggestive P-value threshold of 1×10−5. After imputation, we found eight SNPs, one for both BMI-SBP and SBP-DBP, and eight for SBP-DBP, exceed significant statistic level. Expression quantitative trait loci analysis identified rs4794029 as new significant eQTL in tissues related to BMI and SBP. Also, we found 6 new significant eQTLs (rs4400367, rs10113750, rs11776003, rs3739327, rs55978930, and rs4794029) in tissues were related to SBP and DBP. Gene-based analysis identified nominally associated genes (P < 0.05) with BMI-SBP, BMI-DBP, and SBP-DBP, respectively, such as PHOSPHO1, GNGT2, KEAP1, and S1PR5. In the pathway analysis, we found some pathways associated with BMI-SBP, BMI-DBP and SBP-DBP, such as prion diseases, IL5 pathway, cyclin E associated events during G1/S transition, TGF beta signaling pathway, G βγ signaling through PI3Kγ, prolactin receptor signaling etc. These findings may enrich the results of genetic variants related to BMI and BP traits, and provide some evidences to future study the pathogenesis of hypertension and obesity in the northern Chinese population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaoying Li
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, the College of Public Health of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Weijing Wang
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, the College of Public Health of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiaocao Tian
- Qingdao Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Qingdao, Shandong Province, People’s Republic of China
- Qingdao Institute of Preventive Medicine, Qingdao, Shandong Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Haiping Duan
- Qingdao Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Qingdao, Shandong Province, People’s Republic of China
- Qingdao Institute of Preventive Medicine, Qingdao, Shandong Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Chunsheng Xu
- Qingdao Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Qingdao, Shandong Province, People’s Republic of China
- Qingdao Institute of Preventive Medicine, Qingdao, Shandong Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Dongfeng Zhang
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, the College of Public Health of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong Province, People’s Republic of China
- * E-mail:
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15
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Mohammadnejad A, Nygaard M, Li S, Zhang D, Xu C, Li W, Lund J, Christiansen L, Baumbach J, Christensen K, Hjelmborg JVB, Tan Q. Generalized correlation coefficient for genome-wide association analysis of cognitive ability in twins. Aging (Albany NY) 2020; 12:22457-22494. [PMID: 33232274 PMCID: PMC7746382 DOI: 10.18632/aging.104198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2020] [Accepted: 09/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Despite a strong genetic background in cognitive function only a limited number of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) have been found in genome-wide association studies (GWASs). We hypothesize that this is partially due to mis-specified modeling concerning phenotype distribution as well as the relationship between SNP dosage and the level of the phenotype. To overcome these issues, we introduced an assumption-free method based on generalized correlation coefficient (GCC) in a GWAS of cognitive function in Danish and Chinese twins to compare its performance with traditional linear models. The GCC-based GWAS identified two significant SNPs in Danish samples (rs71419535, p = 1.47e-08; rs905838, p = 1.69e-08) and two significant SNPs in Chinese samples (rs2292999, p = 9.27e-10; rs17019635, p = 2.50e-09). In contrast, linear models failed to detect any genome-wide significant SNPs. The number of top significant genes overlapping between the two samples in the GCC-based GWAS was higher than when applying linear models. The GCC model identified significant genetic variants missed by conventional linear models, with more replicated genes and biological pathways related to cognitive function. Moreover, the GCC-based GWAS was robust in handling correlated samples like twin pairs. GCC is a useful statistical method for GWAS that complements traditional linear models for capturing genetic effects beyond the additive assumption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Afsaneh Mohammadnejad
- Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Biodemography, Department of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Marianne Nygaard
- Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Biodemography, Department of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Shuxia Li
- Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Biodemography, Department of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Dongfeng Zhang
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Chunsheng Xu
- Qingdao Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Qingdao, China
| | - Weilong Li
- Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Biodemography, Department of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Jesper Lund
- Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Biodemography, Department of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Lene Christiansen
- Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Biodemography, Department of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Immunology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen Ø, Denmark
| | - Jan Baumbach
- Computational Biomedicine, Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark.,Experimental Bioinformatics, TUM School of Life Sciences, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Kaare Christensen
- Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Biodemography, Department of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark.,Unit of Human Genetics, Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Jacob V B Hjelmborg
- Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Biodemography, Department of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Qihua Tan
- Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Biodemography, Department of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark.,Unit of Human Genetics, Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
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16
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Aaltonen S, Latvala A, Jelenkovic A, Rose RJ, Kujala UM, Kaprio J, Silventoinen K. Physical Activity and Academic Performance: Genetic and Environmental Associations. Med Sci Sports Exerc 2020; 52:381-390. [PMID: 31425387 DOI: 10.1249/mss.0000000000002124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Physical activity and academic performance are believed to be associated. Though both traits are partially heritable, it remains unclear whether these traits also share a genetic and/or environmental background in common. We aimed to examine to what extent leisure time physical activity and academic performance share genetic and environmental effects from early adolescence to young adulthood. METHODS Participants were Finnish twins (2543-2693 individuals/study wave) who reported their leisure-time physical activity at ages 12, 14, 17, and 24 yr. Academic performance was assessed with teacher-reported grade point averages at ages 12 and 14 yr and by self-reported educational levels at ages 17 and 24 yr. Bivariate quantitative genetic modeling at each age and between different ages was performed to decompose the trait correlation between academic performance and physical activity into genetic and environmental components. RESULTS The trait correlations between leisure-time physical activity and academic performance were positive, but modest at most (rtrait = 0.08-0.22 in males, and 0.07-0.18 in females). The genetic correlations between leisure-time physical activity and academic performance were higher than the trait correlations (rA = 0.17-0.43 in males, and 0.15-0.25 in females). Common genetic influences explained 43% to 100% of the trait correlations. Environmental influences shared by cotwins between leisure-time physical activity and academic performance were also correlated (rC = 0.27-0.54 in males, and 0.21-0.69 in females) explaining 41% to 100% of the trait correlations. Unique environmental influences were correlated only in females (rE = 0.10-0.15). CONCLUSIONS Both common genetic background and shared family environment (i.e., familial background) partially account for the associations observed between leisure-time physical activity and academic performance. However, the estimates vary in magnitude by age.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Antti Latvala
- Institute for Molecular Medicine (FIMM), University of Helsinki, Helsinki, FINLAND
| | | | - Richard J Rose
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN
| | - Urho M Kujala
- Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, FINLAND
| | | | - Karri Silventoinen
- Department of Social Research, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, FINLAND
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17
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Wang W, Zhang C, Liu H, Xu C, Duan H, Tian X, Zhang D. Heritability and genome-wide association analyses of fasting plasma glucose in Chinese adult twins. BMC Genomics 2020; 21:491. [PMID: 32682390 PMCID: PMC7368793 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-020-06898-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2019] [Accepted: 07/09/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Currently, diabetes has become one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Fasting plasma glucose (FPG) levels that are higher than optimal, even if below the diagnostic threshold of diabetes, can also lead to increased morbidity and mortality. Here we intend to study the magnitude of the genetic influence on FPG variation by conducting structural equation modelling analysis and to further identify specific genetic variants potentially related to FPG levels by performing a genome-wide association study (GWAS) in Chinese twins. Results The final sample included 382 twin pairs: 139 dizygotic (DZ) pairs and 243 monozygotic (MZ) pairs. The DZ twin correlation for the FPG level (rDZ = 0.20, 95% CI: 0.04–0.36) was much lower than half that of the MZ twin correlation (rMZ = 0.68, 95% CI: 0.62–0.74). For the variation in FPG level, the AE model was the better fitting model, with additive genetic parameters (A) accounting for 67.66% (95% CI: 60.50–73.62%) and unique environmental or residual parameters (E) accounting for 32.34% (95% CI: 26.38–39.55%), respectively. In the GWAS, although no genetic variants reached the genome-wide significance level (P < 5 × 10− 8), 28 SNPs exceeded the level of a suggestive association (P < 1 × 10− 5). One promising genetic region (2q33.1) around rs10931893 (P = 1.53 × 10− 7) was found. After imputing untyped SNPs, we found that rs60106404 (P = 2.38 × 10− 8) located at SPATS2L reached the genome-wide significance level, and 216 SNPs exceeded the level of a suggestive association. We found 1007 genes nominally associated with the FPG level (P < 0.05), including SPATS2L, KCNK5, ADCY5, PCSK1, PTPRA, and SLC26A11. Moreover, C1orf74 (P = 0.014) and SLC26A11 (P = 0.021) were differentially expressed between patients with impaired fasting glucose and healthy controls. Some important enriched biological pathways, such as β-alanine metabolism, regulation of insulin secretion, glucagon signaling in metabolic regulation, IL-1 receptor pathway, signaling by platelet derived growth factor, cysteine and methionine metabolism pathway, were identified. Conclusions The FPG level is highly heritable in the Chinese population, and genetic variants are significantly involved in regulatory domains, functional genes and biological pathways that mediate FPG levels. This study provides important clues for further elucidating the molecular mechanism of glucose homeostasis and discovering new diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets for diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weijing Wang
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, Public Health College, Qingdao University, No. 38 Dengzhou Road, Shibei District, Qingdao, 266021, Shandong Province, China
| | - Caixia Zhang
- The First Hospital of Yulin, Yulin, Shanxi, China
| | - Hui Liu
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, Public Health College, Qingdao University, No. 38 Dengzhou Road, Shibei District, Qingdao, 266021, Shandong Province, China
| | - Chunsheng Xu
- Qingdao Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Qingdao, Shandong, China.,Qingdao Institute of Preventive Medicine, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Haiping Duan
- Qingdao Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Qingdao, Shandong, China.,Qingdao Institute of Preventive Medicine, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Xiaocao Tian
- Qingdao Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Dongfeng Zhang
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, Public Health College, Qingdao University, No. 38 Dengzhou Road, Shibei District, Qingdao, 266021, Shandong Province, China.
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18
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Wu Q, Dalman C, Karlsson H, Lewis G, Osborn DPJ, Gardner R, Hayes JF. Childhood and Parental Asthma, Future Risk of Bipolar Disorder and Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders: A Population-Based Cohort Study. Schizophr Bull 2019; 45. [PMID: 29534225 PMCID: PMC6403048 DOI: 10.1093/schbul/sby023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mounting evidence implicates early life and prenatal immune disturbances in the etiology of severe mental illnesses. Asthma is a common illness associated with chronic aberrant immune responses. We aimed to determine if asthma in childhood and parents is associated with bipolar and schizophrenia spectrum disorders. METHODS A cohort study including all children born in Sweden 1973-1995 (N > 2 million) assessing associations between childhood hospitalization for asthma, parental asthma during and pre-pregnancy, and subsequent bipolar and schizophrenia spectrum disorders. RESULTS Children with hospitalizations for asthma between 11 and 15 years had increased rates of bipolar (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] = 1.73, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.21-2.47) and schizophrenia spectrum disorders (aHR = 1.62, 95% CI = 1.08-2.42). However, there was no association with asthma before aged 11. These results were supported by an analysis of siblings discordant for asthma. We found an association between both maternal and paternal asthma and bipolar disorder (aHR = 1.60, 95% CI = 1.27-2.02, and aHR = 1.44, 95% CI = 1.08-1.93, respectively), but not between parental asthma and schizophrenia spectrum disorders. CONCLUSIONS As far as we are aware, this is the first study to find increased risk of bipolar disorder in children of individuals with asthma. Asthma admissions before aged 11 do not appear to be linked to bipolar or schizophrenia spectrum disorders. Taken together, our results do not suggest a straightforward link between asthma and severe mental illness via neurodevelopmental effects of inflammation, but potentially there is shared genetic vulnerability. This finding has implications for understanding the differential pathogenic mechanisms of bipolar and schizophrenia spectrum disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiong Wu
- Division of Psychiatry, University College London, London, UK
| | - Christina Dalman
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Håkan Karlsson
- Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Glyn Lewis
- Division of Psychiatry, University College London, London, UK
| | | | - Renee Gardner
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Joseph F Hayes
- Division of Psychiatry, University College London, London, UK,To whom correspondence should be addressed; Division of Psychiatry, University College London, 6th Floor, Maple House, 149 Tottenham Court Road, London W1T 7NF, UK; tel: +44-(0)20-7679-9736, e-mail:
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Liu H, Wang W, Zhang C, Xu C, Duan H, Tian X, Zhang D. Heritability and Genome-Wide Association Study of Plasma Cholesterol in Chinese Adult Twins. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2018; 9:677. [PMID: 30498476 PMCID: PMC6249314 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2018.00677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2018] [Accepted: 10/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Dyslipidemia represents a strong and independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Plasma cholesterol, such as total cholesterol (TC), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), is the common indicator of diagnosing dyslipidemia. Here based on 382 Chinese twin pairs, we explored the magnitude of genetic impact on TC, HDL-C, LDL-C variation and further searched for genetic susceptibility loci for them using genome-wide association study (GWAS). The ACE model was the best fit model with additive genetic parameter (A) accounting for 26.6%, common or shared environmental parameter (C) accounting for 47.8%, unique/non-shared environmental parameter (E) accounting for 25.6% for the variance in HDL-C. The AE model was the best fit model for TC (A: 61.4%; E: 38.6%) and LDL-C (A: 65.5%; E: 34.5%). While no SNPs reached the genome-wide significance level (P < 5 × 10-8), 8, 14, 9 SNPs exceeded the suggestive significance level (P < 1 × 10-5) for TC, HDL-C, LDL-C, respectively. The promising genetic regions for TC, HDL-C, LDL-C were on chromosome 11 around rs7107698, chromosome 5 around rs12518218, chromosome 2 around rs10490120, respectively. Gene-based analysis found 1038, 1033 and 1090 genes nominally associated with TC, HDL-C, LDL-C (P < 0.05), especially FAF1, KLKB1 for TC, KLKB1 for HDL-C, and NTRK1, FAF1, SNTB2 for LDL-C, respectively. The number of common related genes among TC, HDL-C and LDL-C was 71, including FAF1, KLKB1, etc. Pathway enrichment analysis discovered known related pathways-zinc transporters, metal ion SLC transporters for TC, cell adhesion molecules CAMs, IL-6 signaling for HDL, FC epsilon RI signaling pathway, NFAT pathway for LDL, respectively. In conclusion, the TC and LDL-C level is moderately heritable and the HDL-C level is lowly heritable in Chinese population. The genomic loci, functional genes and pathways are identified to account for the heritability of plasma cholesterol level. Our findings provide important insights into plasma cholesterol molecular physiology and expect future research to replicate and validate our results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Liu
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, Public Health College, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Weijing Wang
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, Public Health College, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Caixia Zhang
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, Public Health College, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Chunsheng Xu
- Qingdao Municipal Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, Qingdao, China
| | - Haiping Duan
- Qingdao Municipal Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, Qingdao, China
| | - Xiaocao Tian
- Qingdao Municipal Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, Qingdao, China
| | - Dongfeng Zhang
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, Public Health College, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
- *Correspondence: Dongfeng Zhang
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Wang W, Zhang D, Xu C, Wu Y, Duan H, Li S, Tan Q. Heritability and Genome-Wide Association Analyses of Serum Uric Acid in Middle and Old-Aged Chinese Twins. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2018; 9:75. [PMID: 29559957 PMCID: PMC5845532 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2018.00075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2017] [Accepted: 02/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Serum uric acid (SUA), as the end product of purine metabolism, has proven emerging roles in human disorders. Here based on a sample of 379 middle and old-aged Chinese twin pairs, we aimed to explore the magnitude of genetic impact on SUA variation by performing sex-limitation twin modeling analyses and further detect specific genetic variants related to SUA by conducting a genome-wide association study. Monozygotic (MZ) twin correlation for SUA level (rMZ = 0.56) was larger than for dizygotic (DZ) twin correlation (rDZ = 0.39). The common effects sex-limitation model provided the best fit with additive genetic parameter (A) accounting for 46.3%, common or shared environmental parameter (C) accounting for 26.3% and unique/nonshared environmental parameter (E) accounting for 27.5% for females and 29.9, 33.1, and 37.0% for males, respectively. Although no SUA-related genetic variants reached genome-wide significance level, 25 SNPs were suggestive of association (P < 1 × 10-5). Most of the SNPs were located in an intronic region and detected to have regulatory effects on gene transcription. The cell-type specific enhancer of skeletal muscle was detected which has been reported to implicate SUA. Two promising genetic regions on chromosome 17 around rs2253277 and chromosome 14 around rs11621523 were found. Gene-based analysis found 167 genes nominally associated with SUA level (P < 0.05), including PTGR2, ENTPD5, well-known SLC2A9, etc. Enrichment analysis identified one pathway of transmembrane transport of small molecules and 20 GO gene sets involving in ion transport, transmembrane transporter activity, hydrolase activity acting on acid anhydrides, etc. In conclusion, SUA shows moderate heritability in women and low heritability in men in the Chinese population and genetic variations are significantly involved in functional genes and regulatory domains that mediate SUA level. Our findings provide clues to further elucidate molecular physiology of SUA homeostasis and identify new diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets for hyperuricemia and gout.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weijing Wang
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, Public Health College, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
- Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Department of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Dongfeng Zhang
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, Public Health College, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
- *Correspondence: Dongfeng Zhang,
| | - Chunsheng Xu
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, Public Health College, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
- Qingdao Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Qingdao, China
- Qingdao Institute of Preventive Medicine, Qingdao, China
| | - Yili Wu
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, Public Health College, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Haiping Duan
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, Public Health College, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
- Qingdao Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Qingdao, China
| | - Shuxia Li
- Unit of Human Genetics, Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Qihua Tan
- Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Department of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
- Unit of Human Genetics, Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
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Xu C, Tian X, Sun J, Wu Y, Zhang D, Pang Z, Li S, Petersen I, Mengel-From J, Christiansen L, Christensen K, Tan Q. Genetic and environmental influences on cardiovascular risk factors and cognitive function: A Chinese twin aging study. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2017; 18:352-359. [PMID: 28857473 DOI: 10.1111/ggi.13161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2016] [Revised: 05/09/2017] [Accepted: 07/05/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
AIM To explore the genetic and environmental influences on cardiovascular risk factors (CVRF) and cognitive function in the world's largest and rapidly aging Chinese population. METHODS Cognitive function and CVRF, including body mass index, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, pulse pressure, glucose, total cholesterol, triglyceride, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLC) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol were measured in 379 complete twin pairs. Univariate and bivariate twin models were fitted to estimate the genetic and environmental components in the variance and covariance of CVRF and cognition. RESULTS Mild-to-high heritability was estimated for CVRF and cognition (0.27-0.74). Unique environmental factors showed low-to-moderate contributions (0.23-0.56). Only HDLC presented significant common environmental contribution (0.50). Bivariate analysis showed significantly negative genetic correlations (rG ) between cognition and systolic blood pressure (rG = -0.56), diastolic blood pressure (rG = -0.42), pulse pressure (rG = -0.45), and positive genetic correlations between cognition and total cholesterol (rG = 0.33), triglyceride (rG = 0.23) and HDLC (rG = 0.41). HDLC and cognition presented a unique environmental correlation (rE = -0.13), but in the opposite direction. CONCLUSIONS Cognitive function was genetically related to systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, pulse pressure, total cholesterol, triglyceride and HDLC with a negative or positive direction. Cognition and HDLC might share part of a similar unique environmental factor. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2018; 18: 352-359.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunsheng Xu
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, Qingdao University Medical College, Qingdao, Shandong, China.,Qingdao Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Qingdao Institute of Preventive Medicine, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Xiaocao Tian
- Qingdao Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Qingdao Institute of Preventive Medicine, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Jianping Sun
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, Qingdao University Medical College, Qingdao, Shandong, China.,Qingdao Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Qingdao Institute of Preventive Medicine, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Yili Wu
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, Qingdao University Medical College, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Dongfeng Zhang
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, Qingdao University Medical College, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Zengchang Pang
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, Qingdao University Medical College, Qingdao, Shandong, China.,Qingdao Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Qingdao Institute of Preventive Medicine, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Shuxia Li
- Unit of Human Genetics, Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Inge Petersen
- Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Biodemography, Department of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Jonas Mengel-From
- Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Biodemography, Department of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Lene Christiansen
- Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Biodemography, Department of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Kaare Christensen
- Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Biodemography, Department of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Qihua Tan
- Unit of Human Genetics, Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark.,Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Biodemography, Department of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
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Xu C, Zhang D, Wu Y, Tian X, Pang Z, Li S, Tan Q. A genome-wide association study of cognitive function in Chinese adult twins. Biogerontology 2017; 18:811-819. [PMID: 28808816 DOI: 10.1007/s10522-017-9725-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2017] [Accepted: 08/09/2017] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Multiple loci or genes have been identified using genome-wide association studies mainly in western countries but with inconsistent results. No similar studies have been conducted in the world's largest and rapidly aging Chinese population. The paper aimed to identify the specific genetic variants associated with cognitive function in middle and old-aged Chinese dizygotic twins (DZ). Cognitive function was measured on 139 pairs of DZ by Montreal Cognitive Assessment. The subjects were genotyped at 1048575 SNP positions. Regression-based mixed-effect kinship model of GWAS was conducted to test the SNPs. Gene-based analysis was performed on VEGAS2. The statistically significant genes were then subject to gene set enrichment analysis to further identify the specific biological pathways associated with cognitive function. No SNPs reached genome-wide significance although there were 13 SNPs of suggestive significance (P < 10-5). Gene-based analysis found 823 significant genes topped by TNRC18P1 (P = 1.00 × 10-6), FGFR1OP2 (P = 6.00 × 10-6), and AKR1D1 (P = 2.30 × 10-5). Enrichment analysis identified 46 biological pathways, mainly involving in signaling transmission, metabolic process and Alzheimer's disease. Analysis of SNPs involved in the regulatory motif detected cell-type specific enhancers involving aorta and colon smooth muscle both have been reported to implicate in cognition. We conclude that genetic variations are significantly involved in functional genes, biological pathways and the regulatory domain that mediate cognitive performances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunsheng Xu
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China.,Qingdao Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Qingdao, Shandong, China.,Qingdao Institute of Preventive Medicine, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Dongfeng Zhang
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China.
| | - Yili Wu
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Xiaocao Tian
- Qingdao Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Qingdao, Shandong, China.,Qingdao Institute of Preventive Medicine, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Zengchang Pang
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China.,Qingdao Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Qingdao, Shandong, China.,Qingdao Institute of Preventive Medicine, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Shuxia Li
- Unit of Human Genetics, Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Qihua Tan
- Unit of Human Genetics, Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark.,Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Department of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
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