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Stübner C, Nielsen C, Jakobsson K, Gillberg C, Miniscalco C. Early-Life Exposure to Perfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) and Child Language and Communication Development: A Systematic Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:7170. [PMID: 38131721 PMCID: PMC10742458 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20247170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Language development starts during the fetal period when the brain is sensitive to endocrine disruptions from environmental contaminants. This systematic review aims to systematically summarize the existing literature on early-life exposure to PFAS and children's language and communication development, which is an indicator of neurocognitive development. A structured literature search was conducted using three databases, PubMed, Scopus, and CINAHL, last updated in April 2023. The population was defined as children and young adults. PFAS exposure was assessed pre- or postnatally. The outcome was defined as a language and communication ability assessed with validated instruments, parental self-reports, or clinical language disorder diagnoses. In total, 15 studies were identified for subsequent analyses. Thirteen were performed in background-exposed populations and two in highly exposed populations. There were some indications of potential adverse effects; however, these were not consistent across child sex, age of assessment, or PFAS exposure levels. No systematic effect of early-life PFAS exposure on language and communication development was found. These inconclusive findings may partly be explained by the use of general test instruments with limited validity as to children's language and communication development. Further studies over a wider exposure range using specific language test instruments are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte Stübner
- Gillberg Neuropsychiatry Centre, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, 413 90 Gothenburg, Sweden; (C.G.); (C.M.)
- Department of Pediatric Speech and Language Pathology, Queen Silvia Children’s Hospital, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, 416 50 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Christel Nielsen
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Lund University, 223 81 Lund, Sweden;
- Clinical Pharmacology, Pharmacy and Environmental Medicine, Department of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, 5000 Odense, Denmark
| | - Kristina Jakobsson
- School of Public Health and Community Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, 413 90 Gothenburg, Sweden;
- Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, 413 90 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Christopher Gillberg
- Gillberg Neuropsychiatry Centre, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, 413 90 Gothenburg, Sweden; (C.G.); (C.M.)
- Department of Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Unit, Queen Silvia Children’s Hospital, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, 416 50 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Carmela Miniscalco
- Gillberg Neuropsychiatry Centre, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, 413 90 Gothenburg, Sweden; (C.G.); (C.M.)
- Department of Pediatric Speech and Language Pathology, Queen Silvia Children’s Hospital, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, 416 50 Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Unit, Queen Silvia Children’s Hospital, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, 416 50 Gothenburg, Sweden
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Romero AN, Dickinson E, Turcotte CM, Terhune CE. Skeletal age during hurricane impacts fluctuating asymmetry in Cayo Santiago rhesus macaques. Ecol Evol 2023; 13:e10425. [PMID: 37575591 PMCID: PMC10421717 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.10425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2023] [Revised: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023] Open
Abstract
As natural disasters become more frequent due to climate change, understanding the biological impact of these ecological catastrophes on wild populations becomes increasingly pertinent. Fluctuating asymmetry (FA), or random deviations from bilateral symmetry, is reflective of developmental instability and has long been positively associated with increases in environmental stress. This study investigates craniofacial FA in a population of free-ranging rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) that has experienced multiple Category 3 hurricanes since the colony's inception on Cayo Santiago, including 275 individuals from ages 9 months to 31 years (F = 154; M = 121). Using geometric morphometrics to quantify FA and a linear mixed-effect model for analysis, we found that sex, age, and decade of birth did not influence the amount of FA in the individuals included in the study, but the developmental stage at which individuals experienced these catastrophic events greatly impacted the amount of FA exhibited (p = .001). Individuals that experienced these hurricanes during fetal life exhibited greater FA than any other post-natal developmental period. These results indicate that natural disasters can be associated with developmental disruption that results in long-term effects if occurring during the prenatal period, possibly due to increases in maternal stress-related hormones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashly N. Romero
- Department of AnthropologyUniversity of ArkansasFayettevilleArkansasUSA
- Department of Basic Medical SciencesUniversity of Arizona College of Medicine – PhoenixPhoenixArizonaUSA
| | - Edwin Dickinson
- College of Osteopathic MedicineNew York Institute of TechnologyOld WestburyNew YorkUSA
| | - Cassandra M. Turcotte
- College of Osteopathic MedicineNew York Institute of TechnologyOld WestburyNew YorkUSA
| | - Claire E. Terhune
- Department of AnthropologyUniversity of ArkansasFayettevilleArkansasUSA
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Situ BA, Borchert MS, Brown B, Garcia-Filion P. Association of prepregnancy body mass index and gestational weight gain on severity of optic nerve hypoplasia. Birth Defects Res 2023; 115:753-763. [PMID: 36916489 PMCID: PMC10125100 DOI: 10.1002/bdr2.2165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2022] [Revised: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Optic nerve hypoplasia (ONH) is a birth defect of unknown etiology and a leading cause of visual impairment in developed countries. Recent studies suggest that factors of deprivation and exposures of poor nutritional status, such as lower gestational weight gain (GWG), may be associated with increased risk of ONH. The present study describes the prenatal features of mothers of ONH cases, including prepregnancy BMI and GWG, and the associations with clinical features of disease severity. METHODS Retrospective study of prenatal records for cases of ONH enrolled in a research registry. Prepregnancy BMI and GWG were compared to maternal characteristics and clinical findings of ONH severity including bilaterality, hypopituitarism, and neuroradiographic abnormalities. RESULTS Compared to population-based normative data of births in the United States, mothers of ONH cases (n = 55) were younger (23.3 vs. 25.8 years; p = 0.03), with higher incidence of inadequate GWG (34.0% vs. 20.4%; p = 0.03) predominantly in the first and second trimesters. The presence of major brain malformations was associated with younger maternal age (21.6 [IQR 19.4, 24.7] vs. 24.9 years [IQR 22.1, 28.5] [p = 0.02]), primiparity (44.1% vs. 13.3%; p = 0.05) and decreased prepregnancy BMI (20.9 kg/m2 [19, 22.5] vs. 25.5 kg/m2 [21.3, 28.2]; p < 0.01). CONCLUSION Decreased prepregnancy BMI and inadequate GWG correlated with clinical features of ONH severity, specifically bilateral disease and presence of major brain malformations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Betty A Situ
- USC Roski Eye Institute, Keck School of Medicine of University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Mark S Borchert
- USC Roski Eye Institute, Keck School of Medicine of University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Brianne Brown
- Department of Ophthalmology, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Pamela Garcia-Filion
- Department of Ophthalmology, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, College of Medicine- Phoenix, University of Arizona, Phoenix, Arizona, USA
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D'avila LF, Dias VT, Trevizol F, Metz VG, Roversi K, Milanesi L, Maurer LH, Baranzelli J, Emanuelli T, Burger ME. INTERESTERIFIED FAT MATERNAL CONSUMPTION BEFORE CONCEPTION PROGRAMMS MEMORY AND LEARNING OF ADULTHOOD OFFSPRING: how big is this deleterious repercussion? Toxicol Lett 2022; 361:10-20. [PMID: 35301046 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2022.03.002] [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: 10/14/2021] [Revised: 03/02/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
In recent years, interesterified fat (IF) has largely replaced trans fat in industrialized food. Studies of our research group showed that IF consumption may not be safe for central nervous system (CNS) functions. Our current aim was to evaluate IF maternal consumption before conception on cognitive performance of adult rat offspring. Female Wistar rats were fed with standard chow plus 20% soybean and fish oil mix (control group) or plus 20% IF from weaning until adulthood (before mating), when the diets were replaced by standard chow only. Following the gestation and pups' development, locomotion and memory performance followed by neurotrophin immunocontent and fatty acids (FA) profile in the hippocampus of the adulthood male offspring were quantified. Maternal IF consumption before conception decreased hippocampal palmitoleic acid incorporation, proBDNF and BDNF levels, decreasing both exploratory activity and memory performance in adult offspring. Considering that, the adult male offspring did not consume IF directly, further studies are needed to understand the molecular mechanisms and if the IF maternal preconception consumption could induce the epigenetic changes observed here. Our outcomes reinforce an immediate necessity to monitor and / or question the replacement of trans fat by IF with further studies involving CNS functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lívia Ferraz D'avila
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Farmacologia, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM), RS, Brazil.
| | - Verônica Tironi Dias
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Farmacologia, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM), RS, Brazil.
| | - Fabíola Trevizol
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Farmacologia, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM), RS, Brazil.
| | - Vinícia Garzella Metz
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Farmacologia, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM), RS, Brazil.
| | - Karine Roversi
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Farmacologia, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM), RS, Brazil.
| | - Laura Milanesi
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Farmacologia, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM), RS, Brazil.
| | - Luana Haselein Maurer
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciência e Tecnologia dos Alimentos, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM), RS, Brazil.
| | - Júlia Baranzelli
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciência e Tecnologia dos Alimentos, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM), RS, Brazil.
| | - Tatiana Emanuelli
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciência e Tecnologia dos Alimentos, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM), RS, Brazil.
| | - Marilise Escobar Burger
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Farmacologia, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM), RS, Brazil; Departamento de Fisiologia e Farmacologia, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM), RS, Brazil.
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Maternal and neonatal one-carbon metabolites and the epigenome-wide infant response. J Nutr Biochem 2022; 101:108938. [PMID: 35017001 PMCID: PMC8847320 DOI: 10.1016/j.jnutbio.2022.108938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2021] [Revised: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Maternal prenatal status, as encapsulated by that to which a mother is exposed through diet and environment, is a key determinant of offspring health and disease. Alterations in DNA methylation (DNAm) may be a mechanism through which suboptimal prenatal conditions confer disease risk later in life. One-carbon metabolism (OCM) is critical to both fetal development and in supplying methyl donors needed for DNAm. Plasma concentrations of one-carbon metabolites across maternal first trimester (M1), maternal term (M3), and infant cord blood (CB) at birth were tested for association with DNAm patterns in CB from the Michigan Mother and Infant Pairs (MMIP) pregnancy cohort. The Illumina Infinium MethylationEPIC BeadChip was used to quantitatively evaluate DNAm across the epigenome. Global and single-site DNAm and metabolite models were adjusted for infant sex, estimated cell type proportions, and batch as covariates. Change in mean metabolite concentration across pregnancy (M1 to M3) was significantly different for S-adenosylhomocysteine (SAH), S-adenosylmethionine (SAM), betaine, and choline. Both M1 SAH and CB SAH were significantly associated with the global distribution of DNAm in CB, with indications of a shift toward less methylation. M3 SAH and CB SAH also displayed significant associations with locus-specific DNAm in infant CB (FDR<0.05). Our findings underscore the role of maternal one-carbon metabolites in shifting the global DNAm pattern in CB and emphasizes the need to closely evaluate how dietary status influences cellular methylation potential and ultimately offspring health.
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Lee KS, Lim YH, Lee YA, Shin CH, Kim BN, Hong YC, Kim JI. The association of prenatal and childhood pyrethroid pesticide exposure with school-age ADHD traits. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2022; 161:107124. [PMID: 35134717 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2022.107124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Revised: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pyrethroid insecticides are commonly used in residential settings, and their use has increased rapidly. Although research has been scarce, they have been reported to be associated with impaired neurodevelopment. Moreover, susceptible exposure windows and the long-term effects of pyrethroids have not been investigated. We examined the association between pyrethroid exposure and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms over time, with exposure windows spanning from the prenatal period to school-age. METHODS Using 524 mother-child pairs, we measured urinary concentrations of 3-phenoxybenzoic acid (3-PBA), a major pyrethroid metabolite, and asked parents to fill-out the ADHD Rating Scale IV (ARS). We used Poisson regression to identify the susceptible periods of pyrethroid exposure, by correlating various 3-PBA exposure windows (prenatal, ages 2, 4, 6 and 8) with ADHD symptoms at ages 6 and 8. RESULTS Doubling of prenatal and age 2 3-PBA concentrations was associated with increased ADHD symptoms at age 6 (2.7% change, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.3, 5.2; 5.2% change [95% CI: 0.5, 10.2], respectively). The 3-PBA concentrations at age 4 and age 6 were linked with ADHD symptoms at age 8 (2.7% change [95% CI: 0.3, 5.3]; 3.3% change [95% CI: 0.2, 6.4], respectively). There were no clear sex-specific patterns in association. DISCUSSION Both prenatal and early-childhood exposure to 3-PBA were found to be associated with ADHD symptoms. Exposure during pregnancy, and at ages 2 to 6 were found to be susceptible periods for pyrethroid neurotoxicity at ages 6 and 8.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyung-Shin Lee
- Research Institue for Public Health, National Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
| | - Youn-Hee Lim
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea; Section of Environmental Health, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Young Ah Lee
- Department of Pediatrics, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
| | - Choong Ho Shin
- Department of Pediatrics, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
| | - Bung-Nyun Kim
- Division of Children and Adolescent Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
| | - Yun-Chul Hong
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea; Environmental Health Center, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea; Institute of Environmental Medicine, Seoul National University Medical Research Center, Seoul, South Korea.
| | - Johanna Inhyang Kim
- Department of Psychiatry, Hanyang University Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
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Raja GL, Subhashree KD, Kantayya KE. In utero exposure to endocrine disruptors and developmental neurotoxicity: Implications for behavioural and neurological disorders in adult life. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 203:111829. [PMID: 34358505 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.111829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2021] [Revised: 07/30/2021] [Accepted: 07/31/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are a class of environmental toxicants that interfere with the endocrine system, resulting in developmental malformations, reproductive disorders, and alterations to immune and nervous system function. The emergence of screening studies identifying these chemicals in fetal developmental matrices such as maternal blood, placenta and amniotic fluid has steered research focus towards elucidation of in utero effects of exposure to these chemicals, as their capacity to cross the placenta and reach the fetus was established. The presence of EDCs, a majority of which are estrogen mimics, in the fetal environment during early development could potentially affect neurodevelopment, with implications for behavioural and neurological disorders in adult life. This review summarizes studies in animal models and human cohorts that aim to elucidate mechanisms of action of EDCs in the context of neurodevelopment and disease risk in adult life. This is a significant area of study as early brain development is heavily mediated by estrogen and could be particularly sensitive to EDC exposure. A network analysis presented using genes summarized in this review, further show a significant association with disorders such as major depressive disorder, alcoholic disorder, psychotic disorders and autism spectrum disorder. Functional outcomes such as alterations in memory, behaviour, cognition, learning memory, feeding behaviour and regulation of ion transport are also highlighted. Interactions between genes, receptors and signaling pathways like NMDA glutamate receptor activity, 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor activity, Ras-activated Ca2+ influx and Grin2A interactions, provide further potential mechanisms of action of EDCs in mediating brain function. Taken together with the growing pool of human and animal studies, this review summarizes current status of EDC neurotoxicity research, limitations and future directions of study for researchers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Glancis Luzeena Raja
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Rochester, MN, 55902, USA.
| | - K Divya Subhashree
- Department of Biotechnology, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai, 603203, India
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SARS-CoV-2, Zika viruses and mycoplasma: Structure, pathogenesis and some treatment options in these emerging viral and bacterial infectious diseases. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2021; 1867:166264. [PMID: 34481867 PMCID: PMC8413106 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2021.166264] [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: 02/23/2021] [Revised: 07/22/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
The molecular evolution of life on earth along with changing environmental, conditions has rendered mankind susceptible to endemic and pandemic emerging infectious diseases. The effects of certain systemic viral and bacterial infections on morbidity and mortality are considered as examples of recent emerging infections. Here we will focus on three examples of infections that are important in pregnancy and early childhood: SARS-CoV-2 virus, Zika virus, and Mycoplasma species. The basic structural characteristics of these infectious agents will be examined, along with their general pathogenic mechanisms. Coronavirus infections, such as caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, likely evolved from zoonotic bat viruses to infect humans and cause a pandemic that has been the biggest challenge for humanity since the Spanish Flu pandemic of the early 20th century. In contrast, Zika Virus infections represent an expanding infectious threat in the context of global climate change. The relationship of these infections to pregnancy, the vertical transmission and neurological sequels make these viruses highly relevant to the topics of this special issue. Finally, mycoplasmal infections have been present before mankind evolved, but they were rarely identified as human pathogens until recently, and they are now recognized as important coinfections that are able to modify the course and prognosis of various infectious diseases and other chronic illnesses. The infectious processes caused by these intracellular microorganisms are examined as well as some general aspects of their pathogeneses, clinical presentations, and diagnoses. We will finally consider examples of treatments that have been used to reduce morbidity and mortality of these infections and discuss briefly the current status of vaccines, in particular, against the SARS-CoV-2 virus. It is important to understand some of the basic features of these emerging infectious diseases and the pathogens involved in order to better appreciate the contributions of this special issue on how infectious diseases can affect human pregnancy, fetuses and neonates.
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Altered neurodevelopmental DNA methylation status after fetal growth restriction with brain-sparing. J Dev Orig Health Dis 2021; 13:378-389. [PMID: 34325767 DOI: 10.1017/s2040174421000374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
It is under debate how preferential perfusion of the brain (brain-sparing) in fetal growth restriction (FGR) relates to long-term neurodevelopmental outcome. Epigenetic modification of neurotrophic genes by altered fetal oxygenation may be involved. To explore this theory, we performed a follow-up study of 21 FGR children, in whom we prospectively measured the prenatal cerebroplacental ratio (CPR) with Doppler sonography. At 4 years of age, we tested their neurodevelopmental outcome using the Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence, the Child Behavior Checklist, and the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function. In addition, we collected their buccal DNA to determine the methylation status at predefined genetic regions within the genes hypoxia-inducible factor-1 alpha (HIF1A), vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA), erythropoietin (EPO), EPO-receptor (EPOR), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and neurotrophic tyrosine kinase, receptor, type 2 (NTRK2) by pyrosequencing. We found that FGR children with fetal brain-sparing (CPR <1, n = 8) demonstrated a trend (0.05 < p < 0.1) toward hypermethylation of HIF1A and VEGFA at their hypoxia-response element (HRE) compared with FGR children without fetal brain-sparing. Moreover, in cases with fetal brain-sparing, we observed statistically significant hypermethylation at a binding site for cyclic adenosine monophophate response element binding protein (CREB) of BDNF promoter exon 4 and hypomethylation at an HRE located within the NTRK2 promoter (both p <0.05). Hypermethylation of VEGFA was associated with a poorer Performance Intelligence Quotient, while hypermethylation of BDNF was associated with better inhibitory self-control (both p <0.05). These results led us to formulate the hypothesis that early oxygen-dependent epigenetic alterations due to hemodynamic alterations in FGR may be associated with altered neurodevelopmental outcome in later life. We recommend further studies to test this hypothesis.
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The regulation mechanisms and the Lamarckian inheritance property of DNA methylation in animals. Mamm Genome 2021; 32:135-152. [PMID: 33860357 DOI: 10.1007/s00335-021-09870-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2020] [Accepted: 04/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
DNA methylation is a stable and heritable epigenetic mechanism, of which the main functions are stabilizing the transcription of genes and promoting genetic conservation. In animals, the direct molecular inducers of DNA methylation mainly include histone covalent modification and non-coding RNA, whereas the fundamental regulators of DNA methylation are genetic and environmental factors. As is well known, competition is present everywhere in life systems, and will finally strike a balance that is optimal for the animal's survival and reproduction. The same goes for the regulation of DNA methylation. Genetic and environmental factors, respectively, are responsible for the programmed and plasticity changes of DNA methylation, and keen competition exists between genetically influenced procedural remodeling and environmentally influenced plastic alteration. In this process, genetic and environmental factors collaboratively decide the methylation patterns of corresponding loci. DNA methylation alterations induced by environmental factors can be transgenerationally inherited, and exhibit the characteristic of Lamarckian inheritance. Further research on regulatory mechanisms and the environmental plasticity of DNA methylation will provide strong support for understanding the biological function and evolutionary effects of DNA methylation.
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Calcaterra V, Cena H, Verduci E, Bosetti A, Pelizzo G, Zuccotti GV. Nutritional Surveillance for the Best Start in Life, Promoting Health for Neonates, Infants and Children. Nutrients 2020; 12:nu12113386. [PMID: 33158088 PMCID: PMC7694195 DOI: 10.3390/nu12113386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2020] [Accepted: 11/03/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
This Special Issue aims to examine the crucial role of nutritional status starting from pregnancy in modulating fetal, neonatal and infant growth and metabolic pathways, with potential long-term impacts on adult health. Poor maternal nutritional conditions in the earliest stages of life during fetal development and early life may induce both short-term and longer lasting effects; in particular, an increased risk of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) and other chronic diseases such as obesity, which itself is a major risk factor for NCDs, is observed over the lifespan. Poor maternal nutrition affects the fetal developmental schedule, leading to irreversible changes and slowdown in growth. The fetus limits its size to conserve the little energy available for cardiac functions and neuronal development. The organism will retain memory of the early insult, and the adaptive response will result in pathology later on. Epigenetics may contribute to disease manifestation affecting developmental programming. After birth, even though there is a limited evidence base suggesting a relationship between breastfeeding, timing and type of foods used in weaning with disease later in life, nutritional surveillance is also mandatory in infants in the first year of life. We will explore the latest findings on nutrition in early life and term and preterm babies, as well as the role of malnutrition in the short- and long-term impact over the lifespan. Focusing on nutritional interventions represents part of an integrated life-cycle approach to prevent communicable and non-communicable diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Calcaterra
- Pediatric and Adolescent Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
- Department of Pediatrics, “V. Buzzi” Children’s Hospital, 20157 Milano, Italy or (E.V.); (A.B.); or (G.V.Z.)
- Correspondence: or
| | - Hellas Cena
- Laboratory of Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition, Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy; or
- Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics Service, Unit of Internal Medicine and Endocrinology, ICS Maugeri IRCCS, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Elvira Verduci
- Department of Pediatrics, “V. Buzzi” Children’s Hospital, 20157 Milano, Italy or (E.V.); (A.B.); or (G.V.Z.)
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Milano, 20142 Milano, Italy
| | - Alessandra Bosetti
- Department of Pediatrics, “V. Buzzi” Children’s Hospital, 20157 Milano, Italy or (E.V.); (A.B.); or (G.V.Z.)
| | - Gloria Pelizzo
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Science “L. Sacco”, University of Milano, 20157 Milano, Italy; or
- Pediatric Surgery Unit, “V. Buzzi” Children’s Hospital, 20157 Milano, Italy
| | - Gian Vincenzo Zuccotti
- Department of Pediatrics, “V. Buzzi” Children’s Hospital, 20157 Milano, Italy or (E.V.); (A.B.); or (G.V.Z.)
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Science “L. Sacco”, University of Milano, 20157 Milano, Italy; or
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Yang SI, Lee SH, Lee SY, Kim HC, Kim HB, Kim JH, Lim H, Park MJ, Cho HJ, Yoon J, Jung S, Yang HJ, Ahn K, Kim KW, Shin YH, Suh DI, Won HS, Lee MY, Kim SH, Choi SJ, Kwon JY, Jun JK, Hong SJ. Prenatal PM 2.5 exposure and vitamin D-associated early persistent atopic dermatitis via placental methylation. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol 2020; 125:665-673.e1. [PMID: 32971247 DOI: 10.1016/j.anai.2020.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2020] [Revised: 09/09/2020] [Accepted: 09/13/2020] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The effects of prenatal particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter ranging from 0.1 μm to 2.5 μm (PM2.5) and vitamin D on atopic dermatitis (AD) phenotypes have not been evaluated. DNA methylation and cord blood (CB) vitamin D could represent a plausible link between prenatal PM2.5 exposure and AD in an offspring. OBJECTIVE To determine the critical windows of prenatal PM2.5 exposure on the AD phenotypes, if vitamin D modulated these effects, and if placental DNA methylation mediated these effects on AD in offspring. METHODS Mother-child pairs were enrolled from the birth cohort of the Cohort for Childhood Origin of Asthma and allergic diseases (COCOA) study. PM2.5 was estimated by land-use regression models, and CB vitamin D was measured by chemiluminescence immunoassay. AD was identified by the parental report of a physician's diagnosis. We defined the following 4 AD phenotypes according to onset age (by the age of 2 years) and persistence (by the age of 3 years): early-onset transient and persistent, late onset, and never. Logistic regression analysis and Bayesian distributed lag interaction model were used. DNA methylation microarray was analyzed using an Infinium Human Methylation EPIC BeadChip (Illumina, San Diego, California) in placenta. RESULTS PM2.5 exposure during the first trimester of pregnancy, especially during 6 to 7 weeks of gestation, was associated with early-onset persistent AD. This effect increased in children with low CB vitamin D, especially in those with PM2.5 exposure during 3 to 7 weeks of gestation. AHRR (cg16371648), DPP10 (cg19211931), and HLADRB1 (cg10632894) were hypomethylated in children with AD with high PM2.5 and low CB vitamin D. CONCLUSION Higher PM2.5 during the first trimester of pregnancy and low CB vitamin D affected early-onset persistent AD, and the most sensitive window was 6 to 7 weeks of gestation. Placental DNA methylation mediated this effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Song-I Yang
- Department of Pediatrics, Hallym University Sacred Heart Hospital, Hallym University College of Medicine, Anyang, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung-Hwa Lee
- Asan Institute for Life Science, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - So-Yeon Lee
- Department of Pediatrics, Childhood Asthma Atopy Center, Environmental Health Center, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hwan-Cheol Kim
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Inha University School of Medicine, Incheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyo-Bin Kim
- Department of Pediatrics, Inje University Sanggye Paik Hospital, Inje University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeong-Hyun Kim
- Department of Medicine, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyeyeun Lim
- Asan Institute for Life Science, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Min Jee Park
- Department of Pediatrics, Childhood Asthma Atopy Center, Environmental Health Center, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun-Ju Cho
- Department of Pediatrics, International St. Mary's Hospital, Catholic Kwandong University College of Medicine, Incheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Jisun Yoon
- Department of Pediatrics, Mediplex Sejong Hospital, Incheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Sungsu Jung
- Department of Pediatrics, Pusan National University Yangsan Hospital, Yangsan, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyeon-Jong Yang
- Department of Pediatrics, Soonchunhyang University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Kangmo Ahn
- Department of Pediatrics, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyung Won Kim
- Department of Pediatrics, Severance Children's Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Youn Ho Shin
- Department of Pediatrics, CHA Gangnam Medical Center, CHA University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong In Suh
- Department of Pediatrics, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hye-Sung Won
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Mi-Young Lee
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Soo Hyun Kim
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, CHA Gangnam Medical Center, CHA University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Suk-Joo Choi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Ja-Young Kwon
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jong Kwan Jun
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Soo-Jong Hong
- Department of Pediatrics, Childhood Asthma Atopy Center, Environmental Health Center, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
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Song W, Puttabyatappa M, Zeng L, Vazquez D, Pennathur S, Padmanabhan V. Developmental programming: Prenatal bisphenol A treatment disrupts mediators of placental function in sheep. CHEMOSPHERE 2020; 243:125301. [PMID: 31726260 PMCID: PMC7243413 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2019.125301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2019] [Revised: 10/21/2019] [Accepted: 11/02/2019] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Gestational Bisphenol A (BPA) exposure is associated with low birth weight. We hypothesized that the low birth weight is the consequence of reduced placental efficiency and a function of BPA-induced inflammatory, oxidative, lipotoxic, angiogenic, steroidal and fibrotic changes involving epigenetic alterations. Placentomes were collected during early (day 65) and mid (day 90) gestation (term ∼147 days) from control and BPA (gestational day 30-90)-treated pregnant sheep. BPA treatment: reduced placental efficiency and fetal weight; increased interleukin 8, lipid peroxidation marker, antioxidants, aromatase, 17 alpha-hydroxylase, estrogen receptor 2, insulin like growth factor (IGF) 2 receptor and IGF binding proteins (IGFBP), and histone deacetylase 1 and 2; reduced tumor necrosis factor alpha and IGF1 receptor at early gestation (Day 65). Gestational BPA-induced mid-gestational changes include: reduced angiogenic factor hypoxia inducible factor 1 alpha; increased IL1beta, oxidative stress markers, triglyceride, 17alpha hydroxylase, IGFBP 1, DNA methyltransferase 3 A and histone deacetylase 1. These findings indicate that gestational BPA, either acting directly or by altering steroidal input, produces early/mid-gestational-specific epigenetic changes culminating in placental disruptions at several levels, in keeping with time-specific/time-lagged pregnancy-associated changes in placental efficiency and fetal weight. The reduced early-gestational placental efficiency may be a function of increased inflammation/oxidative stress and reduced IGF bioavailability with the mid-gestational restoration of placental efficiency likely driven by improved IGF bioavailability and the time-lagged response to antioxidant increase. This compensation, the result of time-lagged response to increases in negative mediators of placental function must have failed with pregnancy advancement to explain the low birthweight outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenhui Song
- The Fourth Hospital of Shijiazhuang, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, 050011, PR China; Department of Pediatrics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | | | - Lixia Zeng
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Delia Vazquez
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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14
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Wu J, Xiao X, Li Y, Yang F, Yang S, Sun L, Ma R, Wang MC. Personal exposure to fine particulate matter (PM 2.5) of pregnant women during three trimesters in rural Yunnan of China. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2020; 256:113055. [PMID: 31744686 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2019.113055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2019] [Revised: 08/05/2019] [Accepted: 08/12/2019] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Little is known about fine particulate matter (PM2.5) exposure among pregnant women in rural China. This study aims to characterize exposure to PM2.5 among pregnant women in rural China, and investigate potential risk factors of personal exposure to PM2.5. The data were obtained from a birth cohort study that enrolled 606 pregnant women in Xuanwei, a county known for its high rates of lung cancer. The personal exposure to PM2.5 was measured using small portable particulate monitors during each trimester of pregnancy. Participants were interviewed using structured questionnaires that sought information on risk factors of PM2.5 exposure. The daily exposure to PM2.5 among the pregnant women ranged from 19.68 to 97.08 μg/m3 (median = 26.08). Exposure to PM2.5 was higher in winter and autumn than other seasons (p < 0.05); higher during the day than during the night (p < 0.001); and greater during cooking hours than during the rest of the day (p < 0.001). Using a mixed effects model, domestic solid fuel for cooking (β = 1.75, p < 0.001), winter and autumn (β = 2.96, p < 0.001), cooking ≥ once per day (β = 1.58, p < 0.05), heating with coal (β = 1.69, p < 0.001), secondhand smoke exposure (β = 1.59, p < 0.001) and township 1(β = 2.39, p < 0.001) were identified as risk factors for personal exposure to PM2.5 of pregnant women throughout pregnancy. Indirect effects of season and township factors on personal PM2.5 exposure were mediated by heating, cooking and domestic fuel using. In conclusion, PM2.5 levels in Xuanwei exceeded WHO guidelines. Seasonal and township factors and individual behaviors like domestic solid fuel using for cooking, heating with coal and secondhand smoke exposure are associated with higher personal PM2.5 exposure among pregnant women in rural China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Wu
- Department of Pediatrics, Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan province, China
| | - Xia Xiao
- Department of Women and Child Health, School of Public Health, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan province, China
| | - Yan Li
- Department of Women and Child Health, School of Public Health, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan province, China.
| | - Fan Yang
- Yunnan Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Kunming, China
| | - Siwei Yang
- Department of Women and Child Health, School of Public Health, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan province, China
| | - Lin Sun
- Qujing City Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Qujing, Yunnan province, China
| | - Rui Ma
- Department of Women and Child Health, School of Public Health, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan province, China
| | - May C Wang
- Department of Community Health Sciences, UCLA Fielding School of Public Health, Los Angeles, CA, United States
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15
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Tozzi MG, Moscuzza F, Michelucci A, Scaramuzzo RT, Cosini C, Chesi F, Caligo MA, Ciantelli M, Ghirri P. Nutrition, epigenetic markers and growth in preterm infants. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med 2019; 34:3963-3968. [PMID: 31842645 DOI: 10.1080/14767058.2019.1702952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Background and aim: Maternal diet and early nutrition of newborns may affect the phenotype later in adulthood. Susceptibility of epigenetic mechanisms to the nutritional environment is a critical element in neonatal development. Epigenetic mechanisms could be considered as a bridge between environmental stimuli and long lasting phenotype. IC2, a key region on 11p15, is involved in the control of growth and regulates CDKN1C, PHLDA2 and KCNQ1, growth inhibitor genes. Our aim was to investigate the relationship between epigenetic markers, nutrition and postnatal growth.Methods: We enrolled 37 newborns (gestational age at birth was <34 weeks) admitted to Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at University Hospital of Pisa.Results: We observed a relationship between reduced protein and lipid intake and IC2 hypermethylation (p = .003 and p = .001 respectively) and we also investigated the correlation between growth pattern and IC2 methylation.Conclusion: The reduced growth, in part related to a reduced intake of nutrients (lipids and proteins), might be due to IC2 hypermethylation, causing an increased expression of growth inhibitor genes. IC2 hypermethylation could be a marker of reduced infants' growth and may guides us to nutritional interventional strategies for a precocious prevention of extrauterine growth restriction (EUGR).
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Giulia Tozzi
- Division of Neonatology and NICU, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Pisa, Italy
| | - Francesca Moscuzza
- Division of Neonatology and NICU, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Rosa T Scaramuzzo
- Division of Neonatology and NICU, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Pisa, Italy
| | - Cinzia Cosini
- Molecular Genetics Lab, University Hospital of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Francesca Chesi
- Division of Neonatology and NICU, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Massimiliano Ciantelli
- Division of Neonatology and NICU, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Pisa, Italy
| | - Paolo Ghirri
- Division of Neonatology and NICU, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Pisa, Italy
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16
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Ramírez-Alarcón K, Sánchez-Agurto Á, Lamperti L, Martorell M. Epigenetics, Maternal Diet and Metabolic Programming. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019. [DOI: 10.2174/1874196701907010045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Background:
The maternal environment influences embryonic and fetal life. Nutritional deficits or excesses alter the trajectory of fetus/offspring’s development. The concept of “developmental programming” and “developmental origins of health and disease” consists of the idea that maternal diet may remodel the genome and lead to epigenetic changes. These changes are induced during early life, permanently altering the phenotype in the posterior adult stage, favoring the development of metabolic diseases such as obesity, dyslipidemia, hypertension, hyperinsulinemia, and metabolic syndrome. In this review, it is aimed to overview epigenetics, maternal diet and metabolic programming factors and determine which of these might affect future generations.
Scope and Approach:
Nutrients interfere with the epigenome by influencing the supply and use of methyl groups through DNA transmethylation and demethylation mechanisms. They also influence the remodeling of chromatin and arginine or lysine residues at the N-terminal tails of histone, thus altering miRNA expression. Fats, proteins, B vitamins and folates act as important cofactors in methylation processes. The metabolism of carbon in the methyl groups of choline, folic acid and methionine to S-Adenosyl Methionine (SAM), acts as methyl donors to methyl DNA, RNA, and proteins. B-complex vitamins are important since they act as coenzymes during this process.
Key Findings and Conclusion:
Nutrients, during pregnancy, potentially influence susceptibility to diseases in adulthood. Additionally, the deficit or excess of nutrients alter the epigenetic machinery, affecting genes and influencing the genome of the offspring and therefore, predisposing the development of chronic diseases in adults.
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17
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Ince-Askan H, Mandaviya PR, Felix JF, Duijts L, van Meurs JB, Hazes JMW, Dolhain RJEM. Altered DNA methylation in children born to mothers with rheumatoid arthritis during pregnancy. Ann Rheum Dis 2019; 78:1198-1204. [PMID: 31142478 PMCID: PMC6788924 DOI: 10.1136/annrheumdis-2018-214930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2018] [Revised: 04/17/2019] [Accepted: 05/07/2019] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The main objective of this study was to determine whether the DNA methylation profile of children born to mothers with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is different from that of children born to mothers from the general population. In addition, we aimed to determine whether any differences in methylation are associated with maternal RA disease activity or medication use during pregnancy. METHODS For this study, genome-wide DNA methylation was measured at cytosine-phosphate-guanine (CpG) sites, using the Infinium Illumina HumanMethylation 450K BeadChip, in 80 blood samples from children (mean age=6.8 years) born to mothers with RA. As controls, blood samples from 354 children (mean age=6.0 years) from the population-based Generation R Study were used. Linear mixed models were performed to investigate differential methylation between the groups, corrected for relevant confounders. RESULTS A total of 147 CpGs were differentially methylated between blood samples of children born to mothers with RA and the control blood samples. The five most significantly associated CpGs were cg06642177, cg08867893, cg06778273, cg07786668 and cg20116574. The differences in methylation were not associated with maternal RA disease activity or medication use during pregnancy. CONCLUSIONS DNA methylation at 147 CpGs differed between children born to mothers with RA and children born to mothers from the general population. It remains unknown whether the identified associations are causal, and if so whether they are caused by the disease or treatment. More research, including replication of these results, is necessary in order to strengthen the relevance of our findings for the later-life health of children born to mothers with RA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hilal Ince-Askan
- Department of Rheumatology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Pooja R Mandaviya
- Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Janine F Felix
- The Generation R Study Group, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Pediatrics, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Liesbeth Duijts
- The Generation R Study Group, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Respiratory Medicine and Allergology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Joyce B van Meurs
- Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Johanna M W Hazes
- Department of Rheumatology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Radboud J E M Dolhain
- Department of Rheumatology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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18
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Kim S, Cho YH, Won S, Ku JL, Moon HB, Park J, Choi G, Kim S, Choi K. Maternal exposures to persistent organic pollutants are associated with DNA methylation of thyroid hormone-related genes in placenta differently by infant sex. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2019; 130:104956. [PMID: 31272017 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2019.104956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2019] [Revised: 06/21/2019] [Accepted: 06/21/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Exposure to persistent organic pollutants (POPs) during pregnancy is associated with a disruption in thyroid hormone balance. The placenta serves as an important environment for fetal development and also regulates thyroid hormone supply to the fetus. However, epigenetic changes of thyroid regulating genes in placenta have rarely been studied. This study was conducted to evaluate the association between several POP concentrations in maternal serum and DNA methylation of thyroid hormone-related genes in the placenta. The placenta samples were collected from 106 Korean mother at delivery, and the promoter methylation of the placental genes was measured by a bisulfite pyrosequencing. The deiodinase type 3 (DIO3), monocarboxylate transporter 8 (MCT8), and transthyretin (TTR) genes were selected as the target genes as they play an important role in the regulation of fetal thyroid balance. Because people are exposed to multiple chemicals at the same time, a multiple-POP model using principal component analysis (PCA) was applied to evaluate the association between the multiple POPs exposure and the epigenetic change in placenta. In addition, a single-POP model which includes one chemical each in the statistical model for association was conducted. Based on the single-POP models, serum concentrations of p,p'-dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (p,p'-DDE) and brominated diphenyl ether-47 (BDE-47) were significantly associated with an increase in placental DIO3 methylation, but only among female infants. Among male infants, a positive association between serum p,p'-DDT and MCT8 methylation level was found. According to the multiple-POP models, serum DDTs were positively associated with DIO3 methylation in the placenta of female infants, while a positive association with MCT8 methylation was observed in those of the male infants. Our observation showed that in utero exposure to DDTs may influence the DNA methylation of DIO3 and MCT8 genes in the placenta, in a sexually dimorphic manner. These alterations in placental epigenetic regulation may in part explain the thyroid hormone disruption observed among the newborns or infants followed by in utero exposure to POPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sujin Kim
- Graduate School of Public Health, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea; Institute of Environmental Technology, Department of Environmental Engineering, Seoul National University of Science & Technology, Seoul 01811, Republic of Korea
| | - Yoon Hee Cho
- Center for Environmental Health Sciences, Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Health Professions and Biomedical Sciences, University of Montana, Missoula, MT, 59812, USA
| | - Sungho Won
- Graduate School of Public Health, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Ja-Lok Ku
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, Cancer Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea; Department of Biomedical Sciences, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyo-Bang Moon
- Department of Marine Science and Convergence Engineering, Hanyang University, Ansan, 15588, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeongim Park
- College of Natural Sciences, Soonchunhyang University, Asan 31538, Republic of Korea
| | - Gyuyeon Choi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Medicine, Soonchunhyang University Hospital, Seoul, 04401, Republic of Korea
| | - Sungkyoon Kim
- Graduate School of Public Health, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyungho Choi
- Graduate School of Public Health, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea.
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19
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Raeis-Abdollahi E, Nabavizadeh F, Tajik L, Sadeghipour HR. Effects of prenatal exposure to chrysotile asbestos on hippocampal neurogenesis and long-term behavioral changes in adult male rat offspring. Behav Brain Res 2019; 371:111962. [PMID: 31116961 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2019.111962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2019] [Revised: 05/16/2019] [Accepted: 05/17/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Prenatal development is a critical period of life that many environmental pollutants have been suggested to influence fetal growth. Nevertheless, there are still a few investigations into the prenatal exposure to chrysotile asbestos and its neurodevelopmental and behavioral outcome in offspring. In this study, twenty-eight pregnant Wistar rats were divided into four groups and received three-times repeated intraperitoneal injections of normal saline, chrysotile, ascorbic acid and the combination of chrysotile and ascorbic acid on gestational days 11, 14 and 17. The maternal serum levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and prooxidant-antioxidant balance (PAB) and hippocampal MDA content in adult male offspring were measured. At postnatal day (PND) 60, elevated plus maze was performed to determine anxiety-like behavior, also depression-like behavior was examined using a forced swim test at PND 61- 62. Thereafter, the quantitative analysis of Ki-67, NeuN and GFAP positive cells in the hippocampal dentate gyrus were studied by immunostaining. Our data showed that prenatal exposure to chrysotile increased the maternal serum level of MDA and PAB as well as hippocampal MDA content in adult male offspring, also increased the depression- and anxiety-like behaviors of adult male offspring and decreased the hippocampal Ki-67+, NeuN+ and GFAP+ cells in dantate gyrus of adult male offspring. However, co-administration of ascorbic acid and chrysotile decreased hippocampal lipid peroxidation and increased the Ki-67+, NeuN+ and GFAP+ cells in adult male offspring. In summary, these results indicated that oxidative stress induced by prenatal exposure to chrysotile, lead to the long-lasting decrease of the hippocampal cell proliferation and neuronal differentiation as well as astrogliosis of adult male offspring that exhibit more depression- and anxiety-like behaviors in adulthood and co-treatment of ascorbic acid with chrysotile asbestos attenuated the changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ehsan Raeis-Abdollahi
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Nabavizadeh
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Leila Tajik
- Department of Biology, Payame Noor University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hamid Reza Sadeghipour
- Electrophysiology Research Centre, Neuroscience Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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20
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Li S, Chen M, Li Y, Tollefsbol TO. Prenatal epigenetics diets play protective roles against environmental pollution. Clin Epigenetics 2019; 11:82. [PMID: 31097039 PMCID: PMC6524340 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-019-0659-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2019] [Accepted: 03/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
It is thought that germ cells and preimplantation embryos during development are most susceptible to endogenous and exogenous environmental factors because the epigenome in those cells is undergoing dramatic elimination and reconstruction. Exposure to environmental factors such as nutrition, climate, stress, pathogens, toxins, and even social behavior during gametogenesis and early embryogenesis has been shown to influence disease susceptibility in the offspring. Early-life epigenetic modifications, which determine the expression of genetic information stored in the genome, are viewed as one of the general mechanisms linking prenatal exposure and phenotypic changes later in life. From atmospheric pollution, endocrine-disrupting chemicals to heavy metals, research increasingly suggests that environmental pollutions have already produced significant consequences on human health. Moreover, mounting evidence now links such pollution to relevant modification in the epigenome. The epigenetics diet, referring to a class of bioactive dietary compounds such as isothiocyanates in broccoli, genistein in soybean, resveratrol in grape, epigallocatechin-3-gallate in green tea, and ascorbic acid in fruits, has been shown to modify the epigenome leading to beneficial health outcomes. This review will primarily focus on the causes and consequences of prenatal environment pollution exposure on the epigenome, and the potential protective role of the epigenetics diet, which could play a central role in neutralizing epigenomic aberrations against environmental pollutions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shizhao Li
- Department of Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Min Chen
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Yuanyuan Li
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA.
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA.
- Nutrition Obesity Research Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA.
| | - Trygve O Tollefsbol
- Department of Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA.
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA.
- Nutrition Obesity Research Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA.
- Comprehensive Center for Healthy Aging, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA.
- Comprehensive Diabetes Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA.
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21
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Luyten LJ, Saenen ND, Janssen BG, Vrijens K, Plusquin M, Roels HA, Debacq-Chainiaux F, Nawrot TS. Air pollution and the fetal origin of disease: A systematic review of the molecular signatures of air pollution exposure in human placenta. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2018; 166:310-323. [PMID: 29908461 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2018.03.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2018] [Revised: 03/13/2018] [Accepted: 03/14/2018] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fetal development is a crucial window of susceptibility in which exposure-related alterations can be induced on the molecular level, leading to potential changes in metabolism and development. The placenta serves as a gatekeeper between mother and fetus, and is in contact with environmental stressors throughout pregnancy. This makes the placenta as a temporary organ an informative non-invasive matrix suitable to investigate omics-related aberrations in association with in utero exposures such as ambient air pollution. OBJECTIVES To summarize and discuss the current evidence and define the gaps of knowledge concerning human placental -omics markers in association with prenatal exposure to ambient air pollution. METHODS Two investigators independently searched the PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Scopus databases to identify all studies published until January 2017 with an emphasis on epidemiological research on prenatal exposure to ambient air pollution and the effect on placental -omics signatures. RESULTS From the initial 386 articles, 25 were retained following an a priori set inclusion and exclusion criteria. We identified eleven studies on the genome, two on the transcriptome, five on the epigenome, five on the proteome category, one study with both genomic and proteomic topics, and one study with both genomic and transcriptomic topics. Six studies discussed the triple relationship between exposure to air pollution during pregnancy, the associated placental -omics marker(s), and the potential effect on disease development later in life. So far, no metabolomic or exposomic data discussing associations between the placenta and prenatal exposure to air pollution have been published. CONCLUSIONS Integration of placental biomarkers in an environmental epidemiological context enables researchers to address fundamental questions essential in unraveling the fetal origin of disease and helps to better define the pregnancy exposome of air pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leen J Luyten
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium; Unité de Recherche en Biologie Cellulaire (URBC) - Namur Research Institute for Life Sciences (Narilis), University of Namur, Belgium
| | - Nelly D Saenen
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Bram G Janssen
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Karen Vrijens
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Michelle Plusquin
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Harry A Roels
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium; Louvain Centre for Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Florence Debacq-Chainiaux
- Unité de Recherche en Biologie Cellulaire (URBC) - Namur Research Institute for Life Sciences (Narilis), University of Namur, Belgium
| | - Tim S Nawrot
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium; Department of Public Health & Primary Care, Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Leuven University (KULeuven), Leuven, Belgium.
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Brunst KJ, Tignor N, Just A, Liu Z, Lin X, Hacker MR, Bosquet Enlow M, Wright RO, Wang P, Baccarelli AA, Wright RJ. Cumulative lifetime maternal stress and epigenome-wide placental DNA methylation in the PRISM cohort. Epigenetics 2018; 13:665-681. [PMID: 30001177 DOI: 10.1080/15592294.2018.1497387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Evolving evidence links maternal stress exposure to changes in placental DNA methylation of specific genes regulating placental function that may have implications for the programming of a host of chronic disorders. Few studies have implemented an epigenome-wide approach. Using the Infinium HumanMethylation450 BeadChip (450K), we investigated epigenome-wide placental DNA methylation in relation to maternal experiences of traumatic and non-traumatic stressors over her lifetime assessed using the Life Stressor Checklist-Revised (LSC-R) survey (n = 207). We found differential DNA methylation at epigenome-wide statistical significance (FDR = 0.05) for 112 CpGs. Additionally, we observed three clusters that exhibited differential methylation in response to high maternal lifetime stress. Enrichment analyses, conducted at an FDR = 0.20, revealed lysine degradation to be the most significant pathway associated with maternal lifetimes stress exposure. Targeted enrichment analyses of the three largest clusters of probes, identified using the gap statistic, were enriched for genes associated with endocytosis (i.e., SMAP1, ANKFY1), tight junctions (i.e., EPB41L4B), and metabolic pathways (i.e., INPP5E, EEF1B2). These pathways, also identified in the top 10 KEGG pathways associated with maternal lifetime stress exposure, play important roles in multiple physiological functions necessary for proper fetal development. Further, two genes were identified to exhibit multiple probes associated with maternal lifetime stress (i.e., ANKFY1, TM6SF1). The methylation status of the probes belonging to each cluster and/or genes exhibiting multiple hits, may play a role in the pathogenesis of adverse health outcomes in children born to mothers with increased lifetime stress exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly J Brunst
- a Department of Environmental Health , University of Cincinnati College of Medicine , Cincinnati , OH , USA
| | - Nicole Tignor
- b Icahn Institute for Genomics and Multiscale Biology, Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences , Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai One Gustave L. Levy Place , New York , NY , USA
| | - Allan Just
- c Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health , Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai , New York , NY , USA
| | - Zhonghua Liu
- d Department of Biostatistics , Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health , Boston , MA , USA
| | - Xihong Lin
- d Department of Biostatistics , Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health , Boston , MA , USA
| | - Michele R Hacker
- e Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology , Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center , Boston , MA , USA.,f Department of Obstetrics , Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, Harvard Medical School , Boston , MA , USA
| | - Michelle Bosquet Enlow
- g Department of Psychiatry, Program for Behavioral Science, Boston Children's Hospital and Department of Psychiatry , Harvard Medical School , Boston , MA , USA
| | - Robert O Wright
- c Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health , Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai , New York , NY , USA
| | - Pei Wang
- b Icahn Institute for Genomics and Multiscale Biology, Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences , Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai One Gustave L. Levy Place , New York , NY , USA
| | - Andrea A Baccarelli
- h Department of Environmental Health Sciences , Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University , New York , NY , USA
| | - Rosalind J Wright
- c Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health , Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai , New York , NY , USA.,i Department of Pediatrics , Kravis Children's Hospital, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai , New York , NY , USA
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Stroud LR, McCallum M, Salisbury AL. Impact of maternal prenatal smoking on fetal to infant neurobehavioral development. Dev Psychopathol 2018; 30:1087-1105. [PMID: 30068428 PMCID: PMC6541397 DOI: 10.1017/s0954579418000676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Despite recent emphasis on the profound importance of the fetal environment in "programming" postnatal development, measurement of offspring development typically begins after birth. Using a novel coding strategy combining direct fetal observation via ultrasound and actocardiography, we investigated the impact of maternal smoking during pregnancy (MSDP) on fetal neurobehavior; we also investigated links between fetal and infant neurobehavior. Participants were 90 pregnant mothers and their infants (52 MSDP-exposed; 51% minorities; ages 18-40). Fetal neurobehavior at baseline and in response to vibro-acoustic stimulus was assessed via ultrasound and actocardiography at M = 35 weeks gestation and coded via the Fetal Neurobehavioral Assessment System (FENS). After delivery, the NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale was administered up to seven times over the first postnatal month. MSDP was associated with increased fetal activity and fetal limb movements. Fetal activity, complex body movements, and cardiac-somatic coupling were associated with infants' ability to attend to stimuli and to self-regulate over the first postnatal month. Furthermore, differential associations emerged by MSDP group between fetal activity, complex body movements, quality of movement, and coupling, and infant attention and self-regulation. The present study adds to a growing literature establishing the validity of fetal neurobehavioral measures in elucidating fetal programming pathways.
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Galbally M, Ryan J, van IJzendoorn M, Watson SJ, Spigset O, Lappas M, Saffery R, de Kloet R, Lewis AJ. Maternal depression, antidepressant use and placental oxytocin receptor DNA methylation: Findings from the MPEWS study. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2018; 90:1-8. [PMID: 29407512 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2018.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2017] [Revised: 11/24/2017] [Accepted: 01/03/2018] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate placental DNA methylation of the oxytocin receptor gene (OXTR) in women with depression in pregnancy. We also explored the role of antidepressant medication in pregnancy on placental OXTR methylation. Data were obtained from 239 women in the Mercy Pregnancy and Emotional Wellbeing Study (MPEWS), a selected pregnancy cohort. Current depressive disorders were diagnosed using the Structured Clinical Interview for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (SCID-IV). Depressive symptoms were measured during the third trimester in pregnancy using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). Plasma levels of antidepressant drugs were measured in maternal and cord blood obtained at delivery. OXTR DNA methylation was measured in placenta samples. Depressive symptoms in pregnancy were not associated with significant changes in DNA methylation of OXTR in the placenta. Cord plasma antidepressant levels were more strongly associated than maternal antidepressant dose or circulating blood antidepressant levels with increased DNA methylation of a specific unit within the promotor region of OXTR. This study provides preliminary data to suggest that antidepressant use during pregnancy can alter OXTR methylation in placental tissue. Our findings also indicate that the way exposures are measured in pregnancy can influence the direction and strength of findings. Future studies should investigate whether altered OXTR methylation might mediate the impacts of maternal antidepressant treatment on pregnancy and offspring outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan Galbally
- School of Psychology and Exercise Science, Murdoch University, Australia; School of Medicine, University of Notre Dame, Australia; King Edward Memorial Hospital, Australia.
| | - Joanne Ryan
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Royal Children's Hospital, and Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Marinus van IJzendoorn
- Department of Psychology, Education and Child Studies, Erasmus University Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Stuart J Watson
- School of Psychology and Exercise Science, Murdoch University, Australia; School of Medicine, University of Notre Dame, Australia
| | - Olav Spigset
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, St. Olav University Hospital, Trondheim, Norway; Department of Laboratory Medicine, Children's and Women's Health, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Martha Lappas
- Obstetrics, Nutrition and Endocrinology Group, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Mercy Perinatal Research Centre, Mercy Hospital for Women, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia
| | - Richard Saffery
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Royal Children's Hospital, and Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Ron de Kloet
- Department of Internal Medicine, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Andrew James Lewis
- School of Psychology and Exercise Science, Murdoch University, Australia
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25
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Berti C, Agostoni C, Davanzo R, Hyppönen E, Isolauri E, Meltzer HM, Steegers-Theunissen RPM, Cetin I. Early-life nutritional exposures and lifelong health: immediate and long-lasting impacts of probiotics, vitamin D, and breastfeeding. Nutr Rev 2017; 75:83-97. [PMID: 28130504 DOI: 10.1093/nutrit/nuw056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2016] [Accepted: 10/16/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Pregnancy and infancy comprise the most critical stages for conditioning an individual's health, with a number of implications for subsequent risks of morbidity, mortality, and reproductive health. Nutrition may influence both the overall pregnancy outcome and the growth trajectory and immune system of the fetus and infant, with short- and long-term effects on the health of the offspring. Within this context, leading experts at Expo Milano 2015 in Milan, Italy, discussed up-to-date knowledge while providing suggestions and challenges before, during, and after pregnancy. This narrative review summarizes the key issues raised by the experts concerning the interplay between the nutritional environment from conception to early infancy and the offspring's immediate and lifelong health, with a particular focus on epigenetic mechanisms, probiotics, vitamin D, and breastfeeding. Taken together, the findings strengthen the awareness that nutritional exposures occurring from preconception to the postnatal period may be strong determinants of the offspring's health and may provide supportive evidence for current nutritional recommendations and guidelines for pregnant women and infants. Critical topics to be addressed in future research and translated into recommendations of public health relevance are also highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristiana Berti
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, School of Medicine and Center for Fetal Research Giorgio Pardi, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Carlo Agostoni
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.,Fondazione IRCCS Cà Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Riccardo Davanzo
- Division of Neonatology and NICU, Institute for Maternal and Child Health, IRCCS Burlo Garofolo, Trieste, Italy
| | - Elina Hyppönen
- Centre for Population Health Research, Sansom Institute of Health Research and School of Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia.,South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, Australia.,Population, Policy and Practice Programme, University College London Institute of Child Health, London, UK
| | - Erika Isolauri
- Department of Paediatrics, Turku University Hospital and University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Helle M Meltzer
- Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Domain of Infection Control and Environmental Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Régine P M Steegers-Theunissen
- Department of Obstetrics and Department of Gynaecology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Centre, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Irene Cetin
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, School of Medicine and Center for Fetal Research Giorgio Pardi, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW To illustrate the role of the exposome in child health while highlighting unique aspects of this research pertinent to children, such as the time dependency of environmental exposures on fetal programming, as well as the time-dependent nature of child behavior, diet, and motor function, which alter the probability of exposure to different compounds. Future environmental health research will be more hypothesis generating but will also need to heed lessons learned from other 'omic' sciences. The NIH Child Health Environmental Analysis Resource (CHEAR) is a major step toward providing the infrastructure needed to study the exposome and child health. RECENT FINDINGS Environmental exposures have overlapping mechanisms such as endocrine disruption and oxidative stress, among others. The nature of the long-term health impact of an exposure is dependent not only on dose, but also on the timing of exposure. Advances in exposure science, toxicology, and biostatistics will create new opportunities to identify and better define windows of susceptibility to environmental exposures. SUMMARY As exposure science matures, we will better understand the role of environment on health. Linking the exposome with genomics will unlock the root origins of multiple complex diseases.
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Wang L, Tang H, Xiong Y, Tang L. Differential expression profile of long noncoding RNAs in human chorionic villi of early recurrent miscarriage. Clin Chim Acta 2017; 464:17-23. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cca.2016.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2016] [Revised: 11/01/2016] [Accepted: 11/01/2016] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
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28
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Latendresse G, Founds S. The Fascinating and Complex Role of the Placenta in Pregnancy and Fetal Well-being. J Midwifery Womens Health 2016; 60:360-70. [PMID: 26255798 DOI: 10.1111/jmwh.12344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Existing evidence implicates the placenta as the origin of some common pregnancy complications. Moreover, some maternal conditions, such as inadequate nutrition, diabetes, and obesity, are known to adversely affect placental function, with subsequent negative impact on the fetus and newborn. The placenta may also contribute to fetal programming with health consequences into adulthood, such as cardiovascular, metabolic, and mental health disorders. There is evidence that altered placental development, specifically impaired trophoblast invasion and spiral artery remodeling in the first trimester, is the origin of preeclampsia. Prenatal care providers who understand the relationships between placental health and maternal-newborn health can better inform and guide women to optimize health early in pregnancy and prior to conception. This article reviews the current understanding of placental function; placental contributions to normal fetal brain development and timing of birth; and impact of maternal nutrition, obesity, and diabetes on the placenta.
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29
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Stroud LR, Papandonatos GD, Salisbury AL, Phipps MG, Huestis MA, Niaura R, Padbury JF, Marsit CJ, Lester BM. Epigenetic Regulation of Placental NR3C1: Mechanism Underlying Prenatal Programming of Infant Neurobehavior by Maternal Smoking? Child Dev 2016; 87:49-60. [PMID: 26822442 DOI: 10.1111/cdev.12482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Epigenetic regulation of the placental glucocorticoid receptor gene (NR3C1) was investigated as a mechanism underlying links between maternal smoking during pregnancy (MSDP) and infant neurobehavior in 45 mother-infant pairs (49% MSDP-exposed; 52% minorities; ages 18-35). The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) Network Neurobehavioral Scale was administered 7 times over the 1st postnatal month; methylation of placental NR3C1 was assessed via bisulfite pyrosequencing. Increased placental NR3C1 methylation was associated with increased infant attention and self-regulation, and decreased lethargy and need for examiner soothing over the 1st postnatal month. A causal steps approach revealed that NR3C1 methylation and MSDP were independently associated with lethargic behavior. Although preliminary, results highlight the importance of epigenetic mechanisms in elucidating pathways to neurobehavioral alterations from MSDP.
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30
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Menezo YJ, Silvestris E, Dale B, Elder K. Oxidative stress and alterations in DNA methylation: two sides of the same coin in reproduction. Reprod Biomed Online 2016; 33:668-683. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2016.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 133] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2016] [Revised: 08/27/2016] [Accepted: 09/15/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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Ponsonby AL, Symeonides C, Vuillermin P, Mueller J, Sly PD, Saffery R. Epigenetic regulation of neurodevelopmental genes in response to in utero exposure to phthalate plastic chemicals: How can we delineate causal effects? Neurotoxicology 2016; 55:92-101. [PMID: 27208563 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuro.2016.05.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2016] [Revised: 05/03/2016] [Accepted: 05/17/2016] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Accumulating evidence, from animal models and human observational studies, implicates the in utero (and early postnatal) environment in the 'programming' of risk for a variety of adverse outcomes and health trajectories. The modern environment is replete with man-made compounds such as plastic product chemicals (PPC), including phenols and phthalates. Evidence from several human cohorts implicates exposure to these chemicals in adverse offspring neurodevelopment, though a direct causal relationship has not been firmly established. In this review we consider a potential causal pathway that encompasses epigenetic human variation, and how we might test this mechanistic hypothesis in human studies. In the first part of this report we outline how PPCs induce epigenetic change, focusing on the brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) gene, a key regulator of neurodevelopment. Further, we discuss the role of the epigenetics of BDNF and other genes in neurodevelopment and the emerging human evidence of an association between phthalate exposure and adverse offspring neurodevelopment. We discuss aspects of epidemiological and molecular study design and analysis that could be employed to strengthen the level of human evidence to infer causality. We undertake this using an exemplar recent research example: maternal prenatal smoking, linked to methylation change at the aryl hydrocarbon receptor repressor (AHRR) gene at birth, now shown to mediate some of the effects of maternal smoking on birth weight. Characterizing the relationship between the modern environment and the human molecular pathways underpinning its impact on early development is paramount to understanding the public health significance of modern day chemical exposures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne-Louise Ponsonby
- Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Royal Children's Hospital, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Christos Symeonides
- Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Royal Children's Hospital, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Peter Vuillermin
- Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Royal Children's Hospital, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia; Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia; Child Health Research Unit, Barwon Health, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jochen Mueller
- National Research Centre for Environmental Toxicology, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Peter D Sly
- Child Health Research Centre, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Richard Saffery
- Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Royal Children's Hospital, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Perinatal programming of renal function reflects the epigenetic alteration of genetically determined development by environmental factors. These include intrauterine malnutrition, pre and postnatal overnutrition, glucocorticoids, and certain toxins such as smoking. This review aims to summarize the most important findings. RECENT FINDINGS Human studies may show an increased susceptibility toward the general prevalence of renal failure in already small for gestational age children and adolescents. In particular, glomerular diseases present with a more severe clinical course. Partially related, partially independently, arterial hypertension is found in this at-risk group. The findings can mostly be confirmed in animal models. Both intrauterine nutrient deprived and overfed rodents show a tendency toward developing glomerulosclerosis and other renal disorders. Animal studies attempt to imitate clinical conditions, however, there are difficulties in transferring the findings to the human setting. The reduction of nephron number, especially in intrauterine growth-restricted humans and animals, is one mechanism of perinatal programming in the kidneys. In addition, vascular and endocrine alterations are prevalent. The molecular changes behind these mechanisms include epigenetic changes such as DNA-methylation, microRNAs, and histone modifications. SUMMARY Future research will have to establish clinical studies with clear and well defined inclusion criteria which also reflect prenatal life. The use of transgenic animal models might help to obtain a deeper insight into the underlying mechanisms.
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Mainigi MA, Sapienza C, Butts S, Coutifaris C. A Molecular Perspective on Procedures and Outcomes with Assisted Reproductive Technologies. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Med 2016; 6:a023416. [PMID: 26747835 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a023416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
The emerging association of assisted reproductive technologies with adverse perinatal outcomes has prompted the in-depth examination of clinical and laboratory protocols and procedures and their possible effects on epigenetic regulatory mechanism(s). The application of various approaches to study epigenetic regulation to problems in reproductive medicine has the potential to identify relative risk indicators for particular conditions, diagnostic biomarkers of disease state, and prognostic indicators of outcome. Moreover, when applied genome-wide, these techniques are likely to find novel pathways of disease pathogenesis and identify new targets for intervention. The analysis of DNA methylation, histone modifications, transcription factors, enhancer binding and other chromatin proteins, DNase-hypersensitivity and, micro- and other noncoding RNAs all provide overlapping and often complementary snapshots of chromatin structure and resultant "gene activity." In terms of clinical application, the predictive power and utility of epigenetic information will depend on the power of individual techniques to discriminate normal levels of interindividual variation from variation linked to a disease state. At present, quantitative analysis of DNA methylation at multiple loci seems likely to hold the greatest promise for achieving the level of precision, reproducibility, and throughput demanded in a clinical setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica A Mainigi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and the Center for Research on Reproduction and Women's Health, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104
| | - Carmen Sapienza
- Fels Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Biology and Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19140
| | - Samantha Butts
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and the Center for Research on Reproduction and Women's Health, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104
| | - Christos Coutifaris
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and the Center for Research on Reproduction and Women's Health, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104
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ZHANG JITAI, CAI QIANYING, JI SISI, ZHANG HENGXIN, WANG YUHUAN, YAN HONGTAO, YANG XINJUN. Decreased miR-143 and increased miR-21 placental expression levels are associated with macrosomia. Mol Med Rep 2016; 13:3273-80. [DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2016.4892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2015] [Accepted: 01/08/2016] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
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McKnight RA, Yost CC, Yu X, Wiedmeier JE, Callaway CW, Brown AS, Lane RH, Fung CM. Intrauterine growth restriction perturbs nucleosome depletion at a growth hormone-responsive element in the mouse IGF-1 gene. Physiol Genomics 2015; 47:634-43. [DOI: 10.1152/physiolgenomics.00082.2015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2015] [Accepted: 10/13/2015] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is a common human pregnancy complication. IUGR offspring carry significant postnatal risk for early-onset metabolic syndrome, which is associated with persistent reduction in IGF-1 protein expression. We have previously shown that preadolescent IUGR male mice have decreased hepatic IGF-1 mRNA and circulating IGF-1 protein at postnatal day 21, the age when growth hormone (GH) normally upregulates hepatic IGF-1 expression. Here we studied nucleosome occupancy and CpG methylation at a putative growth hormone-responsive element in intron 2 (in2GHRE) of the hepatic IGF-1 gene in normal, sham-operated, and IUGR mice. Nucleosome occupancy and CpG methylation were determined in embryonic stem cells (ESCs) and in liver at postnatal days 14, 21, and 42. For CpG methylation, additional time points out to 2 yr were analyzed. We confirmed the putative mouse in2GHRE was GH-responsive, and in normal mice, a single nucleosome was displaced from the hepatic in2GHRE by postnatal day 21, which exposed two STAT5b DNA binding sites. Nucleosome displacement correlated with developmentally programmed CpG demethylation. Finally, IUGR significantly altered the nucleosome-depleted region (NDR) at the in2GHRE of IGF-1 on postnatal day 21, with either complete absence of the NDR or with a shifted NDR exposing only one of two STAT5b DNA binding sites. An NDR shift was also seen in offspring of sham-operated mothers. We conclude that prenatal insult such as IUGR or anesthesia/surgery could perturb the proper formation of a well-positioned NDR at the mouse hepatic IGF-1 in2GHRE necessary for transitioning to an open chromatin state.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert A. McKnight
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah; and
| | - Christian C. Yost
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah; and
| | - Xing Yu
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah; and
| | - Julia E. Wiedmeier
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah; and
| | - Christopher W. Callaway
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah; and
| | - Ashley S. Brown
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah; and
| | - Robert H. Lane
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
| | - Camille M. Fung
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah; and
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Boone-Heinonen J, Messer LC, Fortmann SP, Wallack L, Thornburg KL. From fatalism to mitigation: A conceptual framework for mitigating fetal programming of chronic disease by maternal obesity. Prev Med 2015; 81:451-9. [PMID: 26522092 PMCID: PMC4679670 DOI: 10.1016/j.ypmed.2015.10.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2015] [Revised: 10/21/2015] [Accepted: 10/23/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Prenatal development is recognized as a critical period in the etiology of obesity and cardiometabolic disease. Potential strategies to reduce maternal obesity-induced risk later in life have been largely overlooked. In this paper, we first propose a conceptual framework for the role of public health and preventive medicine in mitigating the effects of fetal programming. Second, we review a small but growing body of research (through August 2015) that examines interactive effects of maternal obesity and two public health foci - diet and physical activity - in the offspring. Results of the review support the hypothesis that diet and physical activity after early life can attenuate disease susceptibility induced by maternal obesity, but human evidence is scant. Based on the review, we identify major gaps relevant for prevention research, such as characterizing the type and dose response of dietary and physical activity exposures that modify the adverse effects of maternal obesity in the offspring. Third, we discuss potential implications of interactions between maternal obesity and postnatal dietary and physical activity exposures for interventions to mitigate maternal obesity-induced risk among children. Our conceptual framework, evidence review, and future research directions offer a platform to develop, test, and implement fetal programming mitigation strategies for the current and future generations of children.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lynne C Messer
- School of Community Health, College of Urban and Public Affairs, Portland State University, Portland, OR, USA
| | | | - Lawrence Wallack
- School of Community Health, College of Urban and Public Affairs, Portland State University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Kent L Thornburg
- Bob and Charlee Moore Institute for Nutrition and Wellness, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
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Seelan RS, Mukhopadhyay P, Warner DR, Appana SN, Brock GN, Pisano MM, Greene RM. Methylated microRNA genes of the developing murine palate. Microrna 2015; 3:160-73. [PMID: 25642850 DOI: 10.2174/2211536604666150131125805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2014] [Revised: 01/22/2015] [Accepted: 01/23/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Environmental factors contribute to the etiology of cleft palate (CP). Environmental factors can also affect gene expression via alterations in DNA methylation suggesting a possible mechanism for the induction of CP. Identification of genes methylated during development of the secondary palate provides the basis for examination of the means by which environmental factors may adversely influence palatal ontogeny. We previously characterized the methylome of the developing murine secondary palate focusing primarily on protein- encoding genes. We now extend this study to include methylated microRNA (miRNA) genes. A total of 42 miRNA genes were found to be stably methylated in developing murine palatal tissue. Twenty eight of these were localized within host genes. Gene methylation was confirmed by pyrosequencing of selected miRNA genes. Integration of methylated miRNA gene and expression datasets identified 62 miRNAs, 69% of which were non-expressed. For a majority of genes (83%), upstream CpG islands (CGIs) were highly methylated suggesting down-regulation of CGI-associated promoters. DAVID and IPA analyses indicated that both expressed and non-expressed miRNAs target identical signaling pathways and biological processes associated with palatogenesis. Furthermore, these analyses also identified novel signaling pathways whose roles in palatogenesis remain to be elucidated. In summary, we identify methylated miRNA genes in the developing murine secondary palate, correlate miRNA gene methylation with expression of their cognate miRNA transcripts, and identify pathways and biological processes potentially mediated by these miRNAs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Robert M Greene
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Craniofacial Biology, Birth Defects Center, ULSD, University of Louisville, 501 S. Preston Street, Suite 350, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
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Hogg K, Western PS. Refurbishing the germline epigenome: Out with the old, in with the new. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2015; 45:104-13. [PMID: 26597001 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2015.09.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2015] [Accepted: 09/21/2015] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Mammalian germline reprogramming involves the erasure and re-establishment of epigenetic information critical for germ cell function and inheritance in offspring. The bi-faceted nature of such reprogramming ensures germline repression of somatic programmes and the establishment of a carefully constructed epigenome essential for fertilisation and embryonic development in the next generation. While the majority of the germline epigenome is erased in preparation for embryonic development, certain genomic sequences remain resistant to this and may represent routes for transmission of epigenetic changes through the germline. Epigenetic reprogramming is regulated by highly conserved epigenetic modifiers, which function to establish, maintain and remove DNA methylation and chromatin modifications. In this review, we discuss recent findings from a considerable body of work illustrating the critical requirement of epigenetic modifiers that influence the epigenetic signature present in mature gametes, and have the potential to affect developmental outcomes in the offspring. We also briefly discuss the similarities of these mechanisms in the human germline and consider the potential for inheritance of epigenetically induced germline genetic errors that could impact on offspring phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirsten Hogg
- Centre for Genetic Diseases, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, 27-31 Wright Street, Melbourne, VIC 3168, Australia; Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3168, Australia
| | - Patrick S Western
- Centre for Genetic Diseases, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, 27-31 Wright Street, Melbourne, VIC 3168, Australia; Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3168, Australia.
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Increased epigenetic alterations at the promoters of transcriptional regulators following inadequate maternal gestational weight gain. Sci Rep 2015; 5:14224. [PMID: 26415774 PMCID: PMC4586460 DOI: 10.1038/srep14224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2015] [Accepted: 08/20/2015] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic modifications are thought to serve as a memory of exposure to in utero environments. However, few human studies have investigated the associations between maternal nutritional conditions during pregnancy and epigenetic alterations in offspring. In this study, we report genome-wide methylation profiles for 33 postpartum placentas from pregnancies of normal and foetal growth restriction with various extents of maternal gestational weight gain. Epigenetic alterations accumulate in the placenta under adverse in utero environments, as shown by application of Smirnov-Grubbs’ outlier test. Moreover, hypermethylation occurs frequently at the promoter regions of transcriptional regulator genes, including polycomb targets and zinc-finger genes, as shown by annotations of the genomic and functional features of loci with altered DNA methylation. Aberrant epigenetic modifications at such developmental regulator loci, if occurring in foetuses as well, will elevate the risk of developing various diseases, including metabolic and mental disorders, later in life.
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Reynolds RM, Pesonen AK, O'Reilly JR, Tuovinen S, Lahti M, Kajantie E, Villa PM, Laivuori H, Hämäläinen E, Seckl JR, Räikkönen K. Maternal depressive symptoms throughout pregnancy are associated with increased placental glucocorticoid sensitivity. Psychol Med 2015; 45:2023-2030. [PMID: 25628053 DOI: 10.1017/s003329171400316x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Maternal prenatal depression predicts post-partum depression and increases risk of prematurity and low birth weight. These effects may be mediated by altered placental function. We hypothesized that placental function would be influenced by the gestational week of experiencing depressive symptoms and aimed to examine associations between maternal depressive symptoms during pregnancy and placental expression of genes involved in glucocorticoid and serotonin transfer between mother and fetus. METHOD We studied women participating in a prospective pregnancy cohort: the Prediction and Prevention of Preeclampsia (PREDO) Study, Helsinki, Finland. Maternal depressive symptoms were assessed at 2-week intervals throughout pregnancy in 56 healthy women with singleton, term pregnancies. Messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) levels of glucocorticoid (GR) and mineralocorticoid (MR) receptors and serotonin transporter (SLC6A4), 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (HSD1) and 2 (HSD2) were quantified in placental biopsies. RESULTS In adjusted analyses women who reported higher depressive symptoms across the whole pregnancy had higher mRNA levels of GR [effect size 0.31 s.d. units, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.01-0.60, p = 0.042] and MR (effect size 0.34 s.d. units, 95% CI 0.01-0.68, p = 0.047). These effects were significant for symptoms experienced in the third trimester of pregnancy for GR; findings for MR were also significant for symptoms experienced in the second trimester. GR and MR mRNA levels increased linearly by having the trimester-specific depressive symptoms scores 0, 1 or 2-3 times above the clinical cut-off for depression (p = 0.003, p = 0.049, respectively, and p = 0.004, p = 0.15 in adjusted analyses). CONCLUSIONS Our findings offer potential gestational-age-specific mechanisms linking maternal depressive symptoms during pregnancy via placental biology. Future studies will test whether these also link with adverse offspring outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- R M Reynolds
- Endocrinology Unit,University/BHF Centre for Cardiovascular Science, Queen's Medical Research Institute,47 Little France Crescent,Edinburgh,UK
| | - A-K Pesonen
- Institute of Behavioral Sciences, University of Helsinki,00014 University of Helsinki,Helsinki,Finland
| | - J R O'Reilly
- Endocrinology Unit,University/BHF Centre for Cardiovascular Science, Queen's Medical Research Institute,47 Little France Crescent,Edinburgh,UK
| | - S Tuovinen
- Institute of Behavioral Sciences, University of Helsinki,00014 University of Helsinki,Helsinki,Finland
| | - M Lahti
- Institute of Behavioral Sciences, University of Helsinki,00014 University of Helsinki,Helsinki,Finland
| | - E Kajantie
- National Institute for Health and Welfare,00271 Helsinki,Finland
| | - P M Villa
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology,University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Central Hospital,Helsinki,Finland
| | - H Laivuori
- Haartman Institute, Medical Genetics, University of Helsinki,00014 University of Helsinki,Helsinki,Finland
| | - E Hämäläinen
- HUSLAB and Department of Clinical Chemistry,Helsinki University Central Hospital,00014 University of Helsinki,Helsinki,Finland
| | - J R Seckl
- Endocrinology Unit,University/BHF Centre for Cardiovascular Science, Queen's Medical Research Institute,47 Little France Crescent,Edinburgh,UK
| | - K Räikkönen
- Institute of Behavioral Sciences, University of Helsinki,00014 University of Helsinki,Helsinki,Finland
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Chango A, Pogribny IP. Considering maternal dietary modulators for epigenetic regulation and programming of the fetal epigenome. Nutrients 2015; 7:2748-70. [PMID: 25875118 PMCID: PMC4425171 DOI: 10.3390/nu7042748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2014] [Revised: 02/16/2015] [Accepted: 03/19/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Fetal life is characterized by a tremendous plasticity and ability to respond to various environmental and lifestyle factors, including maternal nutrition. Identification of the role of dietary factors that can modulate and reshape the cellular epigenome during development, including methyl group donors (e.g., folate, choline) and bioactive compounds (e.g., polyphenols) is of great importance; however, there is insufficient knowledge of a particular effect of each type of modulator and/or their combination on fetal life. To enhance the quality and safety of food products for proper fetal health and disease prevention in later life, a better understanding of the underlying mechanisms of dietary epigenetic modulators during the critical prenatal period is necessary. This review focuses on the influence of maternal dietary components on DNA methylation, histone modification, and microRNAs, and summarizes current knowledge of the effect and importance of dietary components on epigenetic mechanisms that control the proper expression of genetic information. Evidence reveals that some components in the maternal diet can directly or indirectly affect epigenetic mechanisms. Understanding the underlying mechanisms of how early-life nutritional environment affects the epigenome during development is of great importance for the successful prevention of adult chronic diseases through optimal maternal nutrition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abalo Chango
- Polytechnic Institute LaSalle Beauvais, Department of Nutrition and Health Sciences, EGEAL UP:2012.10.101, F-60026 Beauvais Cedex, France.
| | - Igor P Pogribny
- Division of Biochemical Toxicology, Food and Drug Administration National Center for Toxicological Research, Jefferson, AR 72079, USA.
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42
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Lappé M, Landecker H. How The Genome Got a Life Span. NEW GENETICS AND SOCIETY 2015; 34:152-176. [PMID: 26213491 PMCID: PMC4512745 DOI: 10.1080/14636778.2015.1034851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2014] [Accepted: 03/03/2015] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
In the space of little more than a decade, ideas of the human genome have shifted significantly, with the emergence of the notion that the genome an individual changes with development, age, disease, environmental inputs, and time. This paper examines the emergence of the genome with a life span, one that experiences drift, instability and mutability, and a host of other temporal changes. We argue that developments in chromatin biology have provided the basis for this genomic embodiment of experience and exposure. We analyze how time has come to matter for the genome through chromatin, providing analysis of examples in which the human life course is being explored as a set of material changes to chromatin. A genome with a lifespan aligns the molecular and the experiential in new ways, shifting ideas of life stages, their interrelation, and the temporality of health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martine Lappé
- Columbia University Center for Research on Ethical, Legal, and Social Implications of Psychiatric, Neurologic, & Behavioral Genetics, 1051 Riverside Drive New York, NY 10032
| | - Hannah Landecker
- Institute for Society and Genetics And the Department of Sociology, University of California Los Angeles, Box 957221, 1320 Rolfe Hall, Los Angeles, CA 90095-7221 Telephone: 310-825-1517
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43
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Joss-Moore LA, Lane RH, Albertine KH. Epigenetic contributions to the developmental origins of adult lung disease. Biochem Cell Biol 2015; 93:119-27. [PMID: 25493710 PMCID: PMC5683896 DOI: 10.1139/bcb-2014-0093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Perinatal insults, including intrauterine growth restriction, preterm birth, maternal exposure to toxins, or dietary deficiencies produce deviations in the epigenome of lung cells. Occurrence of perinatal insults often coincides with the final stages of lung development. The result of epigenome disruptions in response to perinatal insults during lung development may be long-term structural and functional impairment of the lung and development of lung disease. Understanding the contribution of epigenetic mechanisms to life-long lung disease following perinatal insults is the focus of the developmental origins of adult lung disease field. DNA methylation, histone modifications, and microRNA changes are all observed in various forms of lung disease. However, the perinatal contribution to such epigenetic mechanisms is poorly understood. Here we discuss the developmental origins of adult lung disease, the interplay between perinatal events, lung development and disease, and the role that epigenetic mechanisms play in connecting these events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa A Joss-Moore
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Utah, P.O. Box 581289, Salt Lake City, UT 84158, USA
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44
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Abstract
This review provides an overview of the unique features of DNA methylation in the human placenta. We discuss the importance of understanding placental development, structure, and function in the interpretation of DNA methylation data. Examples are given of how DNA methylation is important in regulating placental-specific gene expression, including monoallelic expression and X-chromosome inactivation in the placenta. We also discuss studies of global DNA methylation changes in the context of placental pathology and environmental exposures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wendy P Robinson
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z3, Canada Child & Family Research Institute, Vancouver, British Columbia V5Z 4H4, Canada
| | - E Magda Price
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z3, Canada Child & Family Research Institute, Vancouver, British Columbia V5Z 4H4, Canada
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45
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Nye MD, Hoyo C, Murphy SK. In vitro lead exposure changes DNA methylation and expression of IGF2 and PEG1/MEST. Toxicol In Vitro 2015; 29:544-50. [PMID: 25596546 DOI: 10.1016/j.tiv.2015.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2014] [Revised: 12/10/2014] [Accepted: 01/06/2015] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Epigenetic processes, such as changes in DNA methylation, likely mediate the link between environmental exposures in utero and altered gene expression. Differentially methylated regions (DMRs) that regulate imprinted genes may be especially vulnerable to environmental exposures since imprinting is established and maintained largely through DNA methylation, resulting in expression from only one parental chromosome. We used the human embryonic kidney cell line, HEK-293, to investigate the effects of exposure to physiologically relevant doses of lead acetate (Pb) on the methylation status of nine imprinted gene DMRs. We assessed mean methylation after seventy-two hours of Pb exposure (0-25 μg/dL) using bisulfite pyrosequencing. The PEG1/MEST and IGF2 DMRs had maximum methylation decreases of 9.6% (20 μg/dL; p<0.005) and 3.8% (25 μg/dL; p<0.005), respectively. Changes at the MEG3 DMRs had a maximum decrease in methylation of 2.9% (MEG3) and 1.8% (MEG3-IG) at 5 μg/dL Pb, but were not statistically significant. The H19, NNAT, PEG3, PLAGL1, and SGCE/PEG10 DMRs showed a less than 0.5% change in methylation, across the dose range used, and were deemed non-responsive to Pb in our model. Pb exposure below reportable/actionable levels increased expression of PEG1/MEST concomitant with decreased methylation. These results suggest that Pb exposure can stably alter the regulatory capacity of multiple imprinted DMRs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica D Nye
- Duke University Medical Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, B225 LSRC, Research Drive, Durham, NC 27708, USA; University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, 450 West Drive, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA.
| | - Cathrine Hoyo
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA.
| | - Susan K Murphy
- Duke University Medical Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, B225 LSRC, Research Drive, Durham, NC 27708, USA.
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Roysommuti S, Kritsongsakchai A, Wyss JM. The Effect of Perinatal Taurine on Adult Renal Function Does Not Appear to Be Mediated by Taurine's Inhibition of the Renin-Angiotensin System. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2015; 803:665-77. [PMID: 25833535 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-15126-7_53] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
This study tests the hypothesis that perinatal taurine supplementation alters adult renal function by inhibition of the renin-angiotensin system. Female Sprague-Dawley rats were fed normal rat chow and given water alone (Control) or water containing an angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor (captopril, 400 mg/ml) from conception until delivery (FD) or from delivery until weaning (LD). After weaning, the rats received normal rat chow and tap water. At 7–8 weeks of age, renal function at rest and after acute saline load was studied in conscious, restrained male rats. Body weight, mean arterial pressure, heart rate, effective renal blood flow, and renal vascular resistance were not significantly different among the three groups. Compared to Control, glomerular filtration rate, but not filtration fraction, significantly increased after saline load in both FD and LD groups. Water excretion significantly increased only in FD compared to Control, while fractional water excretion was significantly increased after saline load in both FD and LD groups. Sodium excretion significantly increased after saline load only in FD, while both captopril-treated groups significantly decreased fractional sodium excretion. Potassium excretion significantly increased in both FD and LD groups, while fractional potassium excretion significantly increased at rest in FD and decreased in LD groups after saline load. These effects of perinatal RAS inhibition on adult renal function contrast sharply, and are opposite in many cases to, the effects of perinatal taurine supplementation. Thus, these data suggest that perinatal taurine supplementation does not alter adult renal function through its ability to inhibit the perinatal RAS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanya Roysommuti
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, 40002, Thailand,
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47
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Richmond RC, Simpkin AJ, Woodward G, Gaunt TR, Lyttleton O, McArdle WL, Ring SM, Smith ADAC, Timpson NJ, Tilling K, Davey Smith G, Relton CL. Prenatal exposure to maternal smoking and offspring DNA methylation across the lifecourse: findings from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC). Hum Mol Genet 2014; 24:2201-17. [PMID: 25552657 PMCID: PMC4380069 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddu739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 259] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Maternal smoking during pregnancy has been found to influence newborn DNA methylation in genes involved in fundamental developmental processes. It is pertinent to understand the degree to which the offspring methylome is sensitive to the intensity and duration of prenatal smoking. An investigation of the persistence of offspring methylation associated with maternal smoking and the relative roles of the intrauterine and postnatal environment is also warranted. In the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children, we investigated associations between prenatal exposure to maternal smoking and offspring DNA methylation at multiple time points in approximately 800 mother–offspring pairs. In cord blood, methylation at 15 CpG sites in seven gene regions (AHRR, MYO1G, GFI1, CYP1A1, CNTNAP2, KLF13 and ATP9A) was associated with maternal smoking, and a dose-dependent response was observed in relation to smoking duration and intensity. Longitudinal analysis of blood DNA methylation in serial samples at birth, age 7 and 17 years demonstrated that some CpG sites showed reversibility of methylation (GFI1, KLF13 and ATP9A), whereas others showed persistently perturbed patterns (AHRR, MYO1G, CYP1A1 and CNTNAP2). Of those showing persistence, we explored the effect of postnatal smoke exposure and found that the major contribution to altered methylation was attributed to a critical window of in utero exposure. A comparison of paternal and maternal smoking and offspring methylation showed consistently stronger maternal associations, providing further evidence for causal intrauterine mechanisms. These findings emphasize the sensitivity of the methylome to maternal smoking during early development and the long-term impact of such exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca C Richmond
- MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit (IEU), School of Social and Community Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 2BN, UK and
| | - Andrew J Simpkin
- MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit (IEU), School of Social and Community Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 2BN, UK and
| | - Geoff Woodward
- MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit (IEU), School of Social and Community Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 2BN, UK and
| | - Tom R Gaunt
- MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit (IEU), School of Social and Community Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 2BN, UK and
| | - Oliver Lyttleton
- MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit (IEU), School of Social and Community Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 2BN, UK and
| | - Wendy L McArdle
- MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit (IEU), School of Social and Community Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 2BN, UK and
| | - Susan M Ring
- MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit (IEU), School of Social and Community Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 2BN, UK and
| | - Andrew D A C Smith
- MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit (IEU), School of Social and Community Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 2BN, UK and
| | - Nicholas J Timpson
- MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit (IEU), School of Social and Community Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 2BN, UK and
| | - Kate Tilling
- MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit (IEU), School of Social and Community Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 2BN, UK and
| | - George Davey Smith
- MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit (IEU), School of Social and Community Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 2BN, UK and
| | - Caroline L Relton
- MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit (IEU), School of Social and Community Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 2BN, UK and Institute of Genetic Medicine, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 3BZ, UK
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48
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Vaiserman A. Early-life Exposure to Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals and Later-life Health Outcomes: An Epigenetic Bridge? Aging Dis 2014; 5:419-29. [PMID: 25489493 DOI: 10.14336/ad.2014.0500419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2013] [Revised: 01/22/2014] [Accepted: 01/23/2014] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
A growing body of evidence demonstrates that adverse events early in development, and particularly during intrauterine life, may program risks for diseases in adult life. Increasing evidence has been accumulated indicating the important role of epigenetic regulation including DNA methylation, histone modifications and miRNAs in developmental programming. Among the environmental factors which play an important role in programming of chronic pathologies, the endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) that have estrogenic, anti-estrogenic, and anti-androgenic activity are of specific concern because the developing organism is extremely sensitive to perturbation by substances with hormone-like activity. Among EDCs, there are many substances that are constantly present in the modern human environment or are in widespread use, including dioxin and dioxin-like compounds, phthalates, agricultural pesticides, polychlorinated biphenyls, industrial solvents, pharmaceuticals, and heavy metals. Apart from their common endocrine active properties, several EDCs have been shown to disrupt developmental epigenomic programming. The purpose of this review is to provide a summary of recent research findings which indicate that exposure to EDCs during in-utero and/or neonatal development can cause long-term health outcomes via mechanisms of epigenetic memory.
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Troisi J, Mikelson C, Richards S, Symes S, Adair D, Zullo F, Guida M. Placental concentrations of bisphenol A and birth weight from births in the Southeastern U.S. Placenta 2014; 35:947-52. [DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2014.08.091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2014] [Revised: 08/25/2014] [Accepted: 08/28/2014] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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50
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DNA methylation biomarkers: cancer and beyond. Genes (Basel) 2014; 5:821-64. [PMID: 25229548 PMCID: PMC4198933 DOI: 10.3390/genes5030821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 173] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2014] [Revised: 08/17/2014] [Accepted: 09/01/2014] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Biomarkers are naturally-occurring characteristics by which a particular pathological process or disease can be identified or monitored. They can reflect past environmental exposures, predict disease onset or course, or determine a patient's response to therapy. Epigenetic changes are such characteristics, with most epigenetic biomarkers discovered to date based on the epigenetic mark of DNA methylation. Many tissue types are suitable for the discovery of DNA methylation biomarkers including cell-based samples such as blood and tumor material and cell-free DNA samples such as plasma. DNA methylation biomarkers with diagnostic, prognostic and predictive power are already in clinical trials or in a clinical setting for cancer. Outside cancer, strong evidence that complex disease originates in early life is opening up exciting new avenues for the detection of DNA methylation biomarkers for adverse early life environment and for estimation of future disease risk. However, there are a number of limitations to overcome before such biomarkers reach the clinic. Nevertheless, DNA methylation biomarkers have great potential to contribute to personalized medicine throughout life. We review the current state of play for DNA methylation biomarkers, discuss the barriers that must be crossed on the way to implementation in a clinical setting, and predict their future use for human disease.
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