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Halabicky OM, Téllez-Rojo MM, Goodrich JM, Dolinoy DC, Mercado-García A, Hu H, Peterson KE. Prenatal and childhood lead exposure is prospectively associated with biological markers of aging in adolescence. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 913:169757. [PMID: 38176546 PMCID: PMC10823594 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.169757] [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: 10/03/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
Few studies have related early life lead exposure to adolescent biological aging, a period characterized by marked increases in maturational tempo. We examined associations between prenatal and childhood lead exposure and adolescent biological age (mean 14.5 years) utilizing multiple epigenetic clocks including: intrinsic (IEAA), extrinsic (EEAA), Horvath, Hannum, PhenoAge, GrimAge, Skin-Blood, Wu, PedBE, as well as DNA methylation derived telomere length (DNAmTL). Epigenetic clocks and DNAmTL were calculated via adolescent blood DNA methylation measured by Infinium MethylationEPIC BeadChips. We constructed general linear models (GLMs) with individual lead measures predicting biological age. We additionally examined sex-stratified models and lead by sex interactions, adjusting for adolescent age and lead levels, maternal smoking and education, and proportion of cell types. We also estimated effects of lead exposure on biological age using generalized estimating equations (GEE). First trimester blood lead was positively associated with a 0.14 increase in EEAA age in the GLMs though not the GEE models (95%CI 0.03, 0.25). First and 2nd trimester blood lead levels were associated with a 0.02 year increase in PedBE age in GLM and GEE models (1st trimester, 95%CI 0.004, 0.03; 2nd trimester, 95%CI 0.01, 0.03). Third trimester and 24 month blood lead levels were associated with a -0.06 and -0.05 decrease in Skin-Blood age, respectively, in GLM models. Additionally, 3rd trimester blood lead levels were associated with a 0.08 year decrease in Hannum age in GLM and GEE models (95%CI -0.15, -0.01). There were multiple significant results in sex-stratified models and significant lead by sex interactions, where males experienced accelerated biological age, compared to females who saw a decelerated biological age, with respect to IEAA, EEAA, Horvath, Hannum, and PedBE clocks. Further research is needed to understand sex-specific relationships between lead exposure and measures of biological aging in adolescence and the trajectory of biological aging into young adulthood.
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Affiliation(s)
- O M Halabicky
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
| | - M M Téllez-Rojo
- Center for Nutrition and Health Research, National Institute of Public Health, Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico
| | - J M Goodrich
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - D C Dolinoy
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - A Mercado-García
- Center for Nutrition and Health Research, National Institute of Public Health, Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico
| | - H Hu
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - K E Peterson
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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Kim S, Hollinger H, Radke EG. 'Omics in environmental epidemiological studies of chemical exposures: A systematic evidence map. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2022; 164:107243. [PMID: 35551006 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2022.107243] [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: 05/27/2021] [Revised: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 04/10/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Systematic evidence maps are increasingly used to develop chemical risk assessments. These maps can provide an overview of available studies and relevant study information to be used for various research objectives and applications. Environmental epidemiological studies that examine the impact of chemical exposures on various 'omic profiles in human populations provide relevant mechanistic information and can be used for benchmark dose modeling to derive potential human health reference values. OBJECTIVES To create a systematic evidence map of environmental epidemiological studies examining environmental contaminant exposures with 'omics in order to characterize the extent of available studies for future research needs. METHODS Systematic review methods were used to search and screen the literature and included the use of machine learning methods to facilitate screening studies. The Populations, Exposures, Comparators and Outcomes (PECO) criteria were developed to identify and screen relevant studies. Studies that met the PECO criteria after full-text review were summarized with information such as study population, study design, sample size, exposure measurement, and 'omics analysis. RESULTS Over 10,000 studies were identified from scientific databases. Screening processes were used to identify 84 studies considered PECO-relevant after full-text review. Various contaminants (e.g. phthalate, benzene, arsenic, etc.) were investigated in epidemiological studies that used one or more of the four 'omics of interest: epigenomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics . The epidemiological study designs that were used to explore single or integrated 'omic research questions with contaminant exposures were cohort studies, controlled trials, cross-sectional, and case-control studies. An interactive web-based systematic evidence map was created to display more study-related information. CONCLUSIONS This systematic evidence map is a novel tool to visually characterize the available environmental epidemiological studies investigating contaminants and biological effects using 'omics technology and serves as a resource for investigators and allows for a range of applications in chemical research and risk assessment needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Kim
- Superfund and Emergency Management Division, Region 2, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, NY, USA.
| | - Hillary Hollinger
- Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, NC, USA.
| | - Elizabeth G Radke
- Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, D.C, USA.
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Aguilera J, Han X, Cao S, Balmes J, Lurmann F, Tyner T, Lutzker L, Noth E, Hammond SK, Sampath V, Burt T, Utz PJ, Khatri P, Aghaeepour N, Maecker H, Prunicki M, Nadeau K. Increases in ambient air pollutants during pregnancy are linked to increases in methylation of IL4, IL10, and IFNγ. Clin Epigenetics 2022; 14:40. [PMID: 35287715 PMCID: PMC8919561 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-022-01254-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ambient air pollutant (AAP) exposure is associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes, such as preeclampsia, preterm labor, and low birth weight. Previous studies have shown methylation of immune genes associate with exposure to air pollutants in pregnant women, but the cell-mediated response in the context of typical pregnancy cell alterations has not been investigated. Pregnancy causes attenuation in cell-mediated immunity with alterations in the Th1/Th2/Th17/Treg environment, contributing to maternal susceptibility. We recruited women (n = 186) who were 20 weeks pregnant from Fresno, CA, an area with chronically elevated AAP levels. Associations of average pollution concentration estimates for 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months prior to blood draw were associated with Th cell subset (Th1, Th2, Th17, and Treg) percentages and methylation of CpG sites (IL4, IL10, IFNγ, and FoxP3). Linear regression models were adjusted for weight, age, season, race, and asthma, using a Q value as the false-discovery-rate-adjusted p-value across all genes. RESULTS Short-term and mid-term AAP exposures to fine particulate matter (PM2.5), nitrogen dioxide (NO2) carbon monoxide (CO), and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH456) were associated with percentages of immune cells. A decrease in Th1 cell percentage was negatively associated with PM2.5 (1 mo/3 mo: Q < 0.05), NO2 (1 mo/3 mo/6 mo: Q < 0.05), and PAH456 (1 week/1 mo/3 mo: Q < 0.05). Th2 cell percentages were negatively associated with PM2.5 (1 week/1 mo/3 mo/6 mo: Q < 0.06), and NO2 (1 week/1 mo/3 mo/6 mo: Q < 0.06). Th17 cell percentage was negatively associated with NO2 (3 mo/6 mo: Q < 0.01), CO (1 week/1 mo: Q < 0.1), PM2.5 (3 mo/6 mo: Q < 0.05), and PAH456 (1 mo/3 mo/6 mo: Q < 0.08). Methylation of the IL10 gene was positively associated with CO (1 week/1 mo/3 mo: Q < 0.01), NO2 (1 mo/3 mo/6 mo: Q < 0.08), PAH456 (1 week/1 mo/3 mo: Q < 0.01), and PM2.5 (3 mo: Q = 0.06) while IL4 gene methylation was positively associated with concentrations of CO (1 week/1 mo/3 mo/6 mo: Q < 0.09). Also, IFNγ gene methylation was positively associated with CO (1 week/1 mo/3 mo: Q < 0.05) and PAH456 (1 week/1 mo/3 mo: Q < 0.06). CONCLUSION Exposure to several AAPs was negatively associated with T-helper subsets involved in pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory responses during pregnancy. Methylation of IL4, IL10, and IFNγ genes with pollution exposure confirms previous research. These results offer insights into the detrimental effects of air pollution during pregnancy, the demand for more epigenetic studies, and mitigation strategies to decrease pollution exposure during pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Aguilera
- Sean N. Parker Center for Allergy and Asthma Research, Stanford University, 240 Pasteur, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Xiaorui Han
- Sean N. Parker Center for Allergy and Asthma Research, Stanford University, 240 Pasteur, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Shu Cao
- Sean N. Parker Center for Allergy and Asthma Research, Stanford University, 240 Pasteur, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - John Balmes
- Division of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | | | - Tim Tyner
- University of California, San Francisco-Fresno, Fresno, CA, USA
- Central California Asthma Collaborative, Fresno, USA
| | - Liza Lutzker
- Division of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Elizabeth Noth
- Division of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - S Katharine Hammond
- Division of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Vanitha Sampath
- Sean N. Parker Center for Allergy and Asthma Research, Stanford University, 240 Pasteur, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Trevor Burt
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology and the Translating Duke Health Children's Health and Discovery Initiative, Duke University School of Medicine, 701 W Main St., Chesterfield Building, Suite 510, Durham, NC, 27701, USA
| | - P J Utz
- Department of Medicine, Division of Immunology and Rheumatology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford University, 291 Campus Drive, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Purvesh Khatri
- Center for Biomedical Informatics, Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford University, 291 Campus Drive, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Nima Aghaeepour
- Departments of Biomedical Data Sciences, Stanford University, 291 Campus Drive, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Holden Maecker
- Institute for Immunity, Transplantation and Infection, Stanford University, 291 Campus Drive, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Mary Prunicki
- Sean N. Parker Center for Allergy and Asthma Research, Stanford University, 240 Pasteur, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Kari Nadeau
- Sean N. Parker Center for Allergy and Asthma Research, Stanford University, 240 Pasteur, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA.
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Bhagirath AY, Medapati MR, de Jesus VC, Yadav S, Hinton M, Dakshinamurti S, Atukorallaya D. Role of Maternal Infections and Inflammatory Responses on Craniofacial Development. FRONTIERS IN ORAL HEALTH 2021; 2:735634. [PMID: 35048051 PMCID: PMC8757860 DOI: 10.3389/froh.2021.735634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2021] [Accepted: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Pregnancy is a tightly regulated immunological state. Mild environmental perturbations can affect the developing fetus significantly. Infections can elicit severe immunological cascades in the mother's body as well as the developing fetus. Maternal infections and resulting inflammatory responses can mediate epigenetic changes in the fetal genome, depending on the developmental stage. The craniofacial development begins at the early stages of embryogenesis. In this review, we will discuss the immunology of pregnancy and its responsive mechanisms on maternal infections. Further, we will also discuss the epigenetic effects of pathogens, their metabolites and resulting inflammatory responses on the fetus with a special focus on craniofacial development. Understanding the pathophysiological mechanisms of infections and dysregulated inflammatory responses during prenatal development could provide better insights into the origins of craniofacial birth defects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anjali Y. Bhagirath
- Department of Pediatrics and Physiology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
- Biology of Breathing, Children's Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba (CHRIM), Winnipeg, MB, Canada
- Department of Oral Biology, Dr. Gerald Niznick College of Dentistry, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Manoj Reddy Medapati
- Biology of Breathing, Children's Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba (CHRIM), Winnipeg, MB, Canada
- Department of Oral Biology, Dr. Gerald Niznick College of Dentistry, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Vivianne Cruz de Jesus
- Biology of Breathing, Children's Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba (CHRIM), Winnipeg, MB, Canada
- Department of Oral Biology, Dr. Gerald Niznick College of Dentistry, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Sneha Yadav
- Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences, Wardha, India
| | - Martha Hinton
- Department of Pediatrics and Physiology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
- Biology of Breathing, Children's Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba (CHRIM), Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Shyamala Dakshinamurti
- Department of Pediatrics and Physiology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
- Biology of Breathing, Children's Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba (CHRIM), Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Devi Atukorallaya
- Biology of Breathing, Children's Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba (CHRIM), Winnipeg, MB, Canada
- Department of Oral Biology, Dr. Gerald Niznick College of Dentistry, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
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Isaevska E, Moccia C, Asta F, Cibella F, Gagliardi L, Ronfani L, Rusconi F, Stazi MA, Richiardi L. Exposure to ambient air pollution in the first 1000 days of life and alterations in the DNA methylome and telomere length in children: A systematic review. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2021; 193:110504. [PMID: 33221306 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2020.110504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2020] [Revised: 11/14/2020] [Accepted: 11/16/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Exposure to air pollution during the first 1000 days of life (from conception to the 2nd year of life) might be of particular relevance for long-term child health. Changes in molecular markers such as DNA methylation and telomere length could underlie the association between air pollution exposure and pollution-related diseases as well as serve as biomarkers for past exposure. The objective of this systematic review was to assess the association between air pollution exposure during pregnancy and the first two years of life and changes in DNA methylation or telomere length in children. METHODS PubMed was searched in October 2020 by using terms relative to ambient air pollution exposure, DNA methylation, telomere length and the population of interest: mother/child dyads and children. Screening and selection of the articles was completed independently by two reviewers. Thirty-two articles matched our criteria. The majority of the articles focused on gestational air pollution exposure and measured DNA methylation/telomere length in newborn cord blood or placental tissue, to study global, candidate-gene or epigenome-wide methylation patterns and/or telomere length. The number of studies in children was limited. RESULTS Ambient air pollution exposure during pregnancy was associated with global loss of methylation in newborn cord blood and placenta, indicating the beginning of the pregnancy as a potential period of susceptibility. Candidate gene and epigenome-wide association studies provided evidence that gestational exposure to air pollutants can lead to locus-specific changes in methylation, in newborn cord blood and placenta, particularly in genes involved in cellular responses to oxidative stress, mitochondrial function, inflammation, growth and early life development. Telomere length shortening in newborns and children was seen in relation to gestational pollutant exposure. CONCLUSIONS Ambient air pollution during pregnancy is associated with changes in both global and locus-specific DNA methylation and with telomere length shortening. Future studies need to test the robustness of the association across different populations, to explore potential windows of vulnerability and assess the role of the methylation and telomere length as mediators in the association between early exposure to ambient air pollutants and specific childhood health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Isaevska
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, CPO Piemonte, Turin, Italy.
| | - Chiara Moccia
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, CPO Piemonte, Turin, Italy.
| | - Federica Asta
- Department of Epidemiology, Lazio Regional Health Service, ASL Roma 1, Rome, Italy.
| | - Fabio Cibella
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation (IRIB), National Research Council of Italy (CNR), Palermo, Italy.
| | - Luigi Gagliardi
- Division of Neonatology and Pediatrics, Ospedale Versilia, Viareggio, AUSL Toscana Nord Ovest, Pisa, Italy.
| | - Luca Ronfani
- Clinical Epidemiology and Public Health Research Unit, Institute for Maternal and Child Health - IRCCS "Burlo Garofolo", Trieste, Italy.
| | - Franca Rusconi
- Unit of Epidemiology, Meyer Children's University Hospital, Florence, Italy.
| | - Maria Antonietta Stazi
- Center "Behavioral Sciences and Mental Health", Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy.
| | - Lorenzo Richiardi
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, CPO Piemonte, Turin, Italy.
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Jansen EC, Dolinoy D, Peterson KE, O'Brien LM, Chervin RD, Cantoral A, Tellez-Rojo MM, Solano-Gonzalez M, Goodrich J. Adolescent sleep timing and dietary patterns in relation to DNA methylation of core circadian genes: a pilot study of Mexican youth. Epigenetics 2020; 16:894-907. [PMID: 33016191 PMCID: PMC8331002 DOI: 10.1080/15592294.2020.1827719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Mistimed sleep/wake and eating patterns put shift workers at increased risk for cardiometabolic disease, and epigenetic modification of circadian genes has been proposed as a mechanism. Although not as extreme as shift workers, adolescents often have delayed sleep timing and irregular eating patterns. The aim was to assess whether sleep midpoints - median of bed and wake time - and dietary patterns in adolescents were associated with DNA methylation of circadian genes. The study population included 142 Mexican youth (average age of 14.0 (SD = 2.0) years, 49% male). Average sleep midpoint over weekdays was estimated with actigraphy. Diet was assessed with a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire, and three dietary patterns were derived from principal component analysis, a Plant-based & lean proteins pattern, a Meat & starchy pattern, and an Eggs, milk & refined grain pattern. DNA methylation was quantified in blood leukocytes with the Infinium MethylationEPIC BeadChip, and data from 548 CpG sites within 12 circadian genes were examined. Linear regression analyses, adjusted for sex, age, and % monocytes, showed that later sleep timing was associated with higher DNA methylation of several circadian genes, notably with RORB, PER1, CRY2, and NR1D1. Each of the dietary patterns examined was also related to circadian gene DNA methylation, but the Eggs, milk & refined grain pattern ('breakfast' pattern) had the clearest evidence of relationships with circadian genes, with inverse associations (lower DNA methylation) across all 12 genes. Findings suggest that timing-related sleep and eating behaviours among adolescents could result in epigenetic modification of clock genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erica C Jansen
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.,Sleep Disorders Center and Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Dana Dolinoy
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.,Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Karen E Peterson
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Louise M O'Brien
- Sleep Disorders Center and Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Ronald D Chervin
- Sleep Disorders Center and Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | | | - Martha María Tellez-Rojo
- Center for Research on Nutrition and Health, National Institute of Public Health, Cuernavaca, Mexico
| | - Maritsa Solano-Gonzalez
- Center for Research on Nutrition and Health, National Institute of Public Health, Cuernavaca, Mexico
| | - Jaclyn Goodrich
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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Joubert BR, Mantooth SN, McAllister KA. Environmental Health Research in Africa: Important Progress and Promising Opportunities. Front Genet 2020; 10:1166. [PMID: 32010175 PMCID: PMC6977412 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2019.01166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2018] [Accepted: 10/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The World Health Organization in 2016 estimated that over 20% of the global disease burden and deaths were attributed to modifiable environmental factors. However, data clearly characterizing the impact of environmental exposures and health endpoints in African populations is limited. To describe recent progress and identify important research gaps, we reviewed literature on environmental health research in African populations over the last decade, as well as research incorporating both genomic and environmental factors. We queried PubMed for peer-reviewed research articles, reviews, or books examining environmental exposures and health outcomes in human populations in Africa. Searches utilized medical subheading (MeSH) terms for environmental exposure categories listed in the March 2018 US National Report on Human Exposure to Environmental Chemicals, which includes chemicals with worldwide distributions. Our search strategy retrieved 540 relevant publications, with studies evaluating health impacts of ambient air pollution (n=105), indoor air pollution (n = 166), heavy metals (n = 130), pesticides (n = 95), dietary mold (n = 61), indoor mold (n = 9), per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs, n = 0), electronic waste (n = 9), environmental phenols (n = 4), flame retardants (n = 8), and phthalates (n = 3), where publications could belong to more than one exposure category. Only 23 publications characterized both environmental and genomic risk factors. Cardiovascular and respiratory health endpoints impacted by air pollution were comparable to observations in other countries. Air pollution exposures unique to Africa and some other resource limited settings were dust and specific occupational exposures. Literature describing harmful health effects of metals, pesticides, and dietary mold represented a context unique to Africa. Studies of exposures to phthalates, PFASs, phenols, and flame retardants were very limited. These results underscore the need for further focus on current and emerging environmental and chemical health risks as well as better integration of genomic and environmental factors in African research studies. Environmental exposures with distinct routes of exposure, unique co-exposures and co-morbidities, combined with the extensive genomic diversity in Africa may lead to the identification of novel mechanisms underlying complex disease and promising potential for translation to global public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bonnie R Joubert
- National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Durham, NC, United States
| | | | - Kimberly A McAllister
- National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Durham, NC, United States
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Rider CF, Carlsten C. Air pollution and DNA methylation: effects of exposure in humans. Clin Epigenetics 2019; 11:131. [PMID: 31481107 PMCID: PMC6724236 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-019-0713-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 169] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2019] [Accepted: 07/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Air pollution exposure is estimated to contribute to approximately seven million early deaths every year worldwide and more than 3% of disability-adjusted life years lost. Air pollution has numerous harmful effects on health and contributes to the development and morbidity of cardiovascular disease, metabolic disorders, and a number of lung pathologies, including asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Emerging data indicate that air pollution exposure modulates the epigenetic mark, DNA methylation (DNAm), and that these changes might in turn influence inflammation, disease development, and exacerbation risk. Several traffic-related air pollution (TRAP) components, including particulate matter (PM), black carbon (BC), ozone (O3), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), have been associated with changes in DNAm; typically lowering DNAm after exposure. Effects of air pollution on DNAm have been observed across the human lifespan, but it is not yet clear whether early life developmental sensitivity or the accumulation of exposures have the most significant effects on health. Air pollution exposure-associated DNAm patterns are often correlated with long-term negative respiratory health outcomes, including the development of lung diseases, a focus in this review. Recently, interventions such as exercise and B vitamins have been proposed to reduce the impact of air pollution on DNAm and health. Ultimately, improved knowledge of how exposure-induced change in DNAm impacts health, both acutely and chronically, may enable preventative and remedial strategies to reduce morbidity in polluted environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher F Rider
- Respiratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chan-Yeung Centre for Occupational and Environmental Respiratory Disease (COERD), University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. .,Diamond Health Care Centre 7252, 2775 Laurel Street, Vancouver, BC, V5Z 1 M9, Canada.
| | - Chris Carlsten
- Respiratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chan-Yeung Centre for Occupational and Environmental Respiratory Disease (COERD), University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.,Diamond Health Care Centre 7252, 2775 Laurel Street, Vancouver, BC, V5Z 1 M9, Canada.,Institute for Heart and Lung Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.,School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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Sayols-Baixeras S, Fernández-Sanlés A, Prats-Uribe A, Subirana I, Plusquin M, Künzli N, Marrugat J, Basagaña X, Elosua R. Association between long-term air pollution exposure and DNA methylation: The REGICOR study. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2019; 176:108550. [PMID: 31260916 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2019.108550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2019] [Revised: 06/14/2019] [Accepted: 06/18/2019] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Limited evidence suggests that epigenetic mechanisms may partially mediate the adverse effects of air pollution on health. Our aims were to identify new genomic loci showing differential DNA methylation associated with long-term exposure to air pollution and to replicate loci previously identified in other studies. METHODS A two-stage epigenome-wide association study was designed: 630 individuals from the REGICOR study were included in the discovery and 454 participants of the EPIC-Italy study in the validation stage. DNA methylation was assessed using the Infinium HumanMethylation450 BeadChip. NOX, NO2, PM10, PM2.5, PMcoarse, traffic intensity and traffic load exposure were measured according to the ESCAPE protocol. A systematic review was undertaken to identify those cytosine-phosphate-guanine (CpGs) associated with air pollution in previous studies and we screened for them in the discovery study. RESULTS In the discovery stage of the epigenome-wide association study, 81 unique CpGs were associated with air pollution (p-value <10-5) but none of them were validated in the replication sample. Furthermore, we identified 15 CpGs in the systematic review showing differential methylation with a p-value fulfilling the Bonferroni criteria and 1673 CpGs fulfilling the false discovery rate criteria, all of which were related to PM2.5 or NO2. None of them was replicated in the discovery study, in which the top hits were located in an intergenic region on chromosome 1 (cg10893043, p-value = 6.79·10-5) and in the LRRC45 and PXK genes (cg05088605, p-value = 2.15·10-04; cg16560256, p-value = 2.23·10-04). CONCLUSIONS Neither new genomic loci associated with long-term air pollution were identified, nor previously identified loci were replicated. Continued efforts to test this potential association are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergi Sayols-Baixeras
- Cardiovascular Epidemiology and Genetics Research Group, IMIM (Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute), Dr Aiguader 88, 08003 Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Dr Aiguader 88, 08003 Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; CIBER Cardiovascular Diseases (CIBERCV), Dr Aiguader 88, 08003 Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Alba Fernández-Sanlés
- Cardiovascular Epidemiology and Genetics Research Group, IMIM (Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute), Dr Aiguader 88, 08003 Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Dr Aiguader 88, 08003 Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Albert Prats-Uribe
- Cardiovascular Epidemiology and Genetics Research Group, IMIM (Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute), Dr Aiguader 88, 08003 Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; Preventive Medicine and Public Health Training Unit, Parc de Salut Mar-Universitat Pompeu Fabra-Agència de Salut Pública de Barcelona (UDMPiSP PSMar-UPF-ASPB), Dr Aiguader 88, 08003 Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Isaac Subirana
- CIBER Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Dr Aiguader 88, 08003 Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; Cardiovascular Epidemiology and Genetics Research Group, IMIM (Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute), Dr Aiguader 88, 08003 Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Michelle Plusquin
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatics, The School of Public Health, Imperial College London, Medical School Building, St Mary's Hospital, Norfolk Place, London, W2 1PG, United Kingdom; Medical Research Council-Health Protection Agency Centre for Environment and Health, Imperial College London, St Mary's Campus, Imperial College, Paddington, London, W2 1PG, United Kingdom; Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Campus Hasselt, Martelarenlaan 42, BE3500, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Nino Künzli
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Socinstrasse 57, 4051, Basel, Switzerland; University of Basel, Klingelbergstrasse 61, 4056, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Jaume Marrugat
- REGICOR Research Group, IMIM (Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute), DR Aiguader 88, 08003 Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; CIBER Cardiovascular Diseases (CIBERCV), Dr Aiguader 88, 08003 Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Xavier Basagaña
- ISGlobal (Institute for Global Health), Dr Aiguader 88, 08003 Barcelona, Spain; Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Dr Aiguader 88, 08003 Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; CIBER Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Dr Aiguader 88, 08003 Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Roberto Elosua
- Cardiovascular Epidemiology and Genetics Research Group, IMIM (Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute), Dr Aiguader 88, 08003 Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; CIBER Cardiovascular Diseases (CIBERCV), Dr Aiguader 88, 08003 Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; Faculty of Medicine, University of Vic-Central University of Catalonia (UVic-UCC), Carretera de Roda 70, 08500 Vic, Catalonia, Spain.
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10
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Katoto PDMC, Byamungu L, Brand AS, Mokaya J, Strijdom H, Goswami N, De Boever P, Nawrot TS, Nemery B. Ambient air pollution and health in Sub-Saharan Africa: Current evidence, perspectives and a call to action. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2019; 173:174-188. [PMID: 30913485 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2019.03.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2019] [Revised: 03/04/2019] [Accepted: 03/11/2019] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND People from low- and middle-income countries are disproportionately affected by the global burden of adverse health effects caused by ambient air pollution (AAP). However, data from Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) are still scarce. We systematically reviewed the literature to describe the existing knowledge on AAP and health outcomes in SSA. METHODS We searched PubMed, Medline-OVID, EMBASE and Scopus databases to identify studies of AAP and health outcomes published up to November 15, 2017. We used a systematic review approach to critically analyze and summarize levels of outdoor air pollutants, and data on health effects associated with AAP. We excluded occupational and indoor exposure studies. RESULTS We identified 60 articles, with 37 only describing levels of AAP and 23 assessing the association between air pollution and health outcomes. Most studies (75%) addressing the relation between AAP and disease were cross-sectional. In general, exposure data were only obtained for selected cities in the framework of temporary international collaborative research initiatives without structural long-term continuation. Measurements of AAP revealed 10-20 fold higher levels than WHO standards. Of the 23 studies reporting health effects, 14 originated from South Africa, and most countries within SSA contributed no data at all. No studies, except from South Africa, were based on reliable morbidity or mortality statistics at regional or country level. The majority of studies investigated self-reported respiratory symptoms. Children and the elderly were found to be more susceptible to AAP. CONCLUSION AAP and its negative health effects have been understudied in SSA compared with other continents. The limited direct measurements of air pollutants indicate that AAP in SAA cities is high compared with international standards. Efforts are needed to monitor AAP in African cities, to identify its main sources, and to reduce adverse health effects by enforcing legislation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick D M C Katoto
- Centre for Environment and Health, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, and Expertise Centre on Mining Governance (CEGEMI), Catholic University of Bukavu, Bukavu, Congo.
| | - Liliane Byamungu
- Department of Pediatric, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu Natal, Durban, South Africa.
| | - Amanda S Brand
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Department of Global Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa.
| | - Jolynne Mokaya
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Department of Global Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa; Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya.
| | - Hans Strijdom
- Division of Medical Physiology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa.
| | - Nandu Goswami
- Department of Physiology and Otto Loewi Research Centre, Medical University of Graz, Austria.
| | - Patrick De Boever
- Environmental Risk and Health Unit, Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO), Mol, Belgium; Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium.
| | - Tim S Nawrot
- Centre for Environment and Health, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium.
| | - Benoit Nemery
- Centre for Environment and Health, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
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11
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Alfano R, Herceg Z, Nawrot TS, Chadeau-Hyam M, Ghantous A, Plusquin M. The Impact of Air Pollution on Our Epigenome: How Far Is the Evidence? (A Systematic Review). Curr Environ Health Rep 2018; 5:544-578. [PMID: 30361985 DOI: 10.1007/s40572-018-0218-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This systematic review evaluated existing evidence linking air pollution exposure in humans to major epigenetic mechanisms: DNA methylation, microRNAs, long noncoding RNAs, and chromatin regulation. RECENT FINDINGS Eighty-two manuscripts were eligible, most of which were observational (85%), conducted in adults (66%) and based on DNA methylation (79%). Most observational studies, except panel, demonstrated modest effects of air pollution on the methylome. Panel and experimental studies revealed a relatively large number of significant methylome alterations, though based on smaller sample sizes. Particulate matter levels were positively associated in several studies with global or LINE-1 hypomethylation, a hallmark of several diseases, and with decondensed chromatin structure. Several air pollution species altered the DNA methylation clock, inducing accelerated biological aging. The causal nature of identified associations is not clear, however, especially that most originate from countries with low air pollution levels. Existing evidence, gaps, and perspectives are highlighted herein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rossella Alfano
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Zdenko Herceg
- Epigenetics Group, International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), 150 Cours Albert-Thomas, 69008, Lyon, France
| | - Tim S Nawrot
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
- Environment & Health Unit, Leuven University, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Marc Chadeau-Hyam
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, The School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Akram Ghantous
- Epigenetics Group, International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), 150 Cours Albert-Thomas, 69008, Lyon, France.
| | - Michelle Plusquin
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium.
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12
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Plusquin M, Chadeau-Hyam M, Ghantous A, Alfano R, Bustamante M, Chatzi L, Cuenin C, Gulliver J, Herceg Z, Kogevinas M, Nawrot TS, Pizzi C, Porta D, Relton CL, Richiardi L, Robinson O, Sunyer J, Vermeulen R, Vriens A, Vrijheid M, Henderson J, Vineis P. DNA Methylome Marks of Exposure to Particulate Matter at Three Time Points in Early Life. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2018; 52:5427-5437. [PMID: 29597345 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.7b06447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Maternal exposure to airborne particulate matter (PM) has been associated with restricted fetal growth and reduced birthweight. Here, we performed methylome-wide analyses of cord and children's blood DNA in relation to residential exposure to PM smaller than 10 μm (PM10). This study included participants of the Avon Longitudinal Study of Pregnancy and Childhood (ALSPAC, cord blood, n = 780; blood at age 7, n = 757 and age 15-17, n = 850) and the EXPOsOMICS birth cohort consortium including cord blood from ENVIR ONAGE ( n = 197), INMA ( n = 84), Piccolipiù ( n = 99) and Rhea ( n = 75). We could not identify significant CpG sites, by meta-analyzing associations between maternal PM10 exposure during pregnancy and DNA methylation in cord blood, nor by studying DNA methylation and concordant annual exposure at 7 and 15-17 years. The CpG cg21785536 was inversely associated with PM10 exposure using a longitudinal model integrating the three studied age groups (-1.2% per 10 μg/m3; raw p-value = 3.82 × 10-8). Pathway analyses on the corresponding genes of the 100 strongest associated CpG sites of the longitudinal model revealed enriched pathways relating to the GABAergic synapse, p53 signaling and NOTCH1. We provided evidence that residential PM10 exposure in early life affects methylation of the CpG cg21785536 located on the EGF Domain Specific O-Linked N-Acetylglucosamine Transferase gene.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Plusquin
- Centre for Environmental Sciences , Hasselt University , Hasselt , Belgium
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, The School of Public Health , Imperial College London , London , United Kingdom
- Medical Research Council-Health Protection Agency Centre for Environment and Health , Imperial College London , London , United Kingdom
| | - Marc Chadeau-Hyam
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, The School of Public Health , Imperial College London , London , United Kingdom
- Medical Research Council-Health Protection Agency Centre for Environment and Health , Imperial College London , London , United Kingdom
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS), Division of Environmental Epidemiology , Utrecht University , Utrecht , The Netherlands
| | - Akram Ghantous
- International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) , 150 Cours Albert-Thomas , 69008 Lyon , France
| | - Rossella Alfano
- Centre for Environmental Sciences , Hasselt University , Hasselt , Belgium
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, The School of Public Health , Imperial College London , London , United Kingdom
- Medical Research Council-Health Protection Agency Centre for Environment and Health , Imperial College London , London , United Kingdom
| | - Mariona Bustamante
- Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology , Barcelona , Spain
- Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP) , Madrid , Spain
- ISGlobal, Centre for Research in Environmental Epidemiology (CREAL) , Barcelona , Spain
- Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF) , Barcelona, Catalonia , Spain
| | - Leda Chatzi
- Department of Preventive Medicine , University of Southern California , Los Angeles , California 90007 , United States
- Department of Social Medicine , University of Crete , Heraklion, Crete , Greece
| | - Cyrille Cuenin
- International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) , 150 Cours Albert-Thomas , 69008 Lyon , France
| | - John Gulliver
- Medical Research Council-Health Protection Agency Centre for Environment and Health , Imperial College London , London , United Kingdom
| | - Zdenko Herceg
- International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) , 150 Cours Albert-Thomas , 69008 Lyon , France
| | - Manolis Kogevinas
- Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP) , Madrid , Spain
- ISGlobal, Centre for Research in Environmental Epidemiology (CREAL) , Barcelona , Spain
- Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF) , Barcelona, Catalonia , Spain
- IMIM (Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute) , Barcelona , Spain
| | - Tim S Nawrot
- Centre for Environmental Sciences , Hasselt University , Hasselt , Belgium
- Environment & Health Unit Leuven University , Leuven , Belgium
| | - Costanza Pizzi
- Cancer Epidemiology Unit-CERMS, Department of Medical Sciences , University of Turin and CPO-Piemonte , Torino , Italy
| | - Daniela Porta
- Department of Epidemiology of the Lazio Regional Health Service , Rome , Italy
| | - Caroline L Relton
- MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit, Department of Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School , University of Bristol , Bristol , U.K
| | - Lorenzo Richiardi
- Cancer Epidemiology Unit-CERMS, Department of Medical Sciences , University of Turin and CPO-Piemonte , Torino , Italy
| | - Oliver Robinson
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, The School of Public Health , Imperial College London , London , United Kingdom
- Medical Research Council-Health Protection Agency Centre for Environment and Health , Imperial College London , London , United Kingdom
| | - Jordi Sunyer
- Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP) , Madrid , Spain
- ISGlobal, Centre for Research in Environmental Epidemiology (CREAL) , Barcelona , Spain
- IMIM (Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute) , Barcelona , Spain
| | - Roel Vermeulen
- Medical Research Council-Health Protection Agency Centre for Environment and Health , Imperial College London , London , United Kingdom
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS), Division of Environmental Epidemiology , Utrecht University , Utrecht , The Netherlands
| | - Annette Vriens
- Centre for Environmental Sciences , Hasselt University , Hasselt , Belgium
| | - Martine Vrijheid
- Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP) , Madrid , Spain
- ISGlobal, Centre for Research in Environmental Epidemiology (CREAL) , Barcelona , Spain
- Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF) , Barcelona, Catalonia , Spain
| | - John Henderson
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School , University of Bristol , Bristol , U.K
| | - Paolo Vineis
- Centre for Environmental Sciences , Hasselt University , Hasselt , Belgium
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, The School of Public Health , Imperial College London , London , United Kingdom
- IIGM, Italian Institute for Genomic Medicine , Turin , Italy
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13
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Martin EM, Fry RC. Environmental Influences on the Epigenome: Exposure- Associated DNA Methylation in Human Populations. Annu Rev Public Health 2018; 39:309-333. [PMID: 29328878 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-publhealth-040617-014629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 364] [Impact Index Per Article: 60.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
DNA methylation is the most well studied of the epigenetic regulators in relation to environmental exposures. To date, numerous studies have detailed the manner by which DNA methylation is influenced by the environment, resulting in altered global and gene-specific DNA methylation. These studies have focused on prenatal, early-life, and adult exposure scenarios. The present review summarizes currently available literature that demonstrates a relationship between DNA methylation and environmental exposures. It includes studies on aflatoxin B1, air pollution, arsenic, bisphenol A, cadmium, chromium, lead, mercury, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, persistent organic pollutants, tobacco smoke, and nutritional factors. It also addresses gaps in the literature and future directions for research. These gaps include studies of mixtures, sexual dimorphisms with respect to environmentally associated methylation changes, tissue specificity, and temporal stability of the methylation marks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth M Martin
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, and Curriculum in Toxicology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, USA; ,
| | - Rebecca C Fry
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, and Curriculum in Toxicology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, USA; ,
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14
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Prunicki M, Stell L, Dinakarpandian D, de Planell-Saguer M, Lucas RW, Hammond SK, Balmes JR, Zhou X, Paglino T, Sabatti C, Miller RL, Nadeau KC. Exposure to NO 2, CO, and PM 2.5 is linked to regional DNA methylation differences in asthma. Clin Epigenetics 2018; 10:2. [PMID: 29317916 PMCID: PMC5756438 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-017-0433-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2017] [Accepted: 12/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background DNA methylation of CpG sites on genetic loci has been linked to increased risk of asthma in children exposed to elevated ambient air pollutants (AAPs). Further identification of specific CpG sites and the pollutants that are associated with methylation of these CpG sites in immune cells could impact our understanding of asthma pathophysiology. In this study, we sought to identify some CpG sites in specific genes that could be associated with asthma regulation (Foxp3 and IL10) and to identify the different AAPs for which exposure prior to the blood draw is linked to methylation levels at these sites. We recruited subjects from Fresno, California, an area known for high levels of AAPs. Blood samples and responses to questionnaires were obtained (n = 188), and in a subset of subjects (n = 33), repeat samples were collected 2 years later. Average measures of AAPs were obtained for 1, 15, 30, 90, 180, and 365 days prior to each blood draw to estimate the short-term vs. long-term effects of the AAP exposures. Results Asthma was significantly associated with higher differentially methylated regions (DMRs) of the Foxp3 promoter region (p = 0.030) and the IL10 intronic region (p = 0.026). Additionally, at the 90-day time period (90 days prior to the blood draw), Foxp3 methylation was positively associated with NO2, CO, and PM2.5 exposures (p = 0.001, p = 0.001, and p = 0.012, respectively). In the subset of subjects retested 2 years later (n = 33), a positive association between AAP exposure and methylation was sustained. There was also a negative correlation between the average Foxp3 methylation of the promoter region and activated Treg levels (p = 0.039) and a positive correlation between the average IL10 methylation of region 3 of intron 4 and IL10 cytokine expression (p = 0.030). Conclusions Short-term and long-term exposures to high levels of CO, NO2, and PM2.5 were associated with alterations in differentially methylated regions of Foxp3. IL10 methylation showed a similar trend. For any given individual, these changes tend to be sustained over time. In addition, asthma was associated with higher differentially methylated regions of Foxp3 and IL10. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13148-017-0433-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary Prunicki
- Sean N. Parker Center for Allergy and Asthma Research at Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305 USA.,Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305 USA
| | - Laurel Stell
- Department of Biomedical Data Science, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305 USA
| | - Deendayal Dinakarpandian
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305 USA.,Center for Biomedical Informatics Research, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305 USA
| | | | | | - S Katharine Hammond
- School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720 USA
| | - John R Balmes
- School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720 USA.,Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143 USA
| | - Xiaoying Zhou
- Sean N. Parker Center for Allergy and Asthma Research at Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305 USA.,Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305 USA
| | - Tara Paglino
- Sean N. Parker Center for Allergy and Asthma Research at Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305 USA.,Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305 USA
| | - Chiara Sabatti
- Department of Biomedical Data Science, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305 USA.,Department of Statistics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305 USA
| | - Rachel L Miller
- Department of Medicine, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032 USA
| | - Kari C Nadeau
- Sean N. Parker Center for Allergy and Asthma Research at Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305 USA.,Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305 USA.,Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford University School of Medicine, 269 Campus Drive, CCSR 3215, MC 5366, Stanford, CA 94305-5101 USA
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