1
|
Pilkay S, Riffer A, Carroll A. Trauma context exerts intergenerational effects on child mental health via DNA methylation. Epigenetics 2024; 19:2333654. [PMID: 38577817 PMCID: PMC11000619 DOI: 10.1080/15592294.2024.2333654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Many people experience traumatic or negative events, but few develop mental health issues as a result. This study investigated whether newborn DNA methylation (DNAm) previously associated with maternal childhood physical abuse by her father affected the child's mental health and physical growth, as well as whether it mediated or moderated developmental outcomes. METHODS Study sample (N = 903) and data came from Bristol University's Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children. DNAm was measured in cord blood at birth. DNAm data was preprocessed, normalized, and quality controlled before subsetting to 60 CpG sites of interest from previous research. Linear regression analysis examined newborn DNAm and child development outcome associations. Sobel test examined the mediating relationship between mother's history of childhood abuse by father, newborn targeted gene DNAm of significant CpG sites, and child's mental health and physical growth. Moderation analyses examined the interaction effects between the significant CpG sites and mothers' physical abuse by their fathers on child's mental health and physical growth. RESULTS Full cohort analyses showed that newborn DNAm of several different CpG sites associates with separation anxiety, fear, and unhappy/tearful presentations in children aged 6-7 y. Sex-specific associations emerged with boys showing associations with anxiety and fear, and girls showing associations with fear and unhappiness. In boys only, cord blood DNAm mediates the effect of maternal childhood trauma on offspring mental health. No moderation effects emerged. CONCLUSION Intergenerational effects of mother's relationship to her abuser present in newborn DNAm associate with 7-year-old child's mental health, show sex-specific effects, and newborn DNAm does mediate maternal childhood trauma effects on offspring mental health in early-life.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stefanie Pilkay
- Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics, School of Social Work, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NYUSA
| | - Andie Riffer
- Jane Addams College of Social Work, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Andrew Carroll
- Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics, School of Social Work, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NYUSA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Onuzulu CD, Lee S, Basu S, Comte J, Hai Y, Hizon N, Chadha S, Fauni MS, Halayko AJ, Pascoe CD, Jones MJ. Novel DNA methylation changes in mouse lungs associated with chronic smoking. Epigenetics 2024; 19:2322386. [PMID: 38436597 PMCID: PMC10913724 DOI: 10.1080/15592294.2024.2322386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Smoking is a potent cause of asthma exacerbations, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and many other health defects, and changes in DNA methylation (DNAm) have been identified as a potential link between smoking and these health outcomes. However, most studies of smoking and DNAm have been done using blood and other easily accessible tissues in humans, while evidence from more directly affected tissues such as the lungs is lacking. Here, we identified DNAm patterns in the lungs that are altered by smoking. We used an established mouse model to measure the effects of chronic smoke exposure first on lung phenotype immediately after smoking and then after a period of smoking cessation. Next, we determined whether our mouse model recapitulates previous DNAm patterns observed in smoking humans, specifically measuring DNAm at a candidate gene responsive to cigarette smoke, Cyp1a1. Finally, we carried out epigenome-wide DNAm analyses using the newly released Illumina mouse methylation microarrays. Our results recapitulate some of the phenotypes and DNAm patterns observed in human studies but reveal 32 differentially methylated genes specific to the lungs which have not been previously associated with smoking. The affected genes are associated with nicotine dependency, tumorigenesis and metastasis, immune cell dysfunction, lung function decline, and COPD. This research emphasizes the need to study CS-mediated DNAm signatures in directly affected tissues like the lungs, to fully understand mechanisms underlying CS-mediated health outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chinonye Doris Onuzulu
- Department of Biochemistry and Medical Genetics, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Samantha Lee
- Department of Biochemistry and Medical Genetics, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Sujata Basu
- Biology of Breathing Theme, Children’s Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Jeannette Comte
- Biology of Breathing Theme, Children’s Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Yan Hai
- Department of Biochemistry and Medical Genetics, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Nikho Hizon
- Department of Biochemistry and Medical Genetics, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Shivam Chadha
- Department of Biochemistry and Medical Genetics, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Maria Shenna Fauni
- Department of Biochemistry and Medical Genetics, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Andrew J. Halayko
- Biology of Breathing Theme, Children’s Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Christopher D. Pascoe
- Biology of Breathing Theme, Children’s Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Meaghan J. Jones
- Department of Biochemistry and Medical Genetics, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
- Biology of Breathing Theme, Children’s Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Grijincu M, Buzan MR, Zbîrcea LE, Păunescu V, Panaitescu C. Prenatal Factors in the Development of Allergic Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:6359. [PMID: 38928067 PMCID: PMC11204337 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25126359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2024] [Revised: 06/03/2024] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Allergic diseases are showing increasing prevalence in Western societies. They are characterized by a heightened reactivity towards otherwise harmless environmental stimuli. Allergic diseases showing a wide range of severity of symptoms have a significant impact on the quality of life of affected individuals. This study aims to highlight the mechanisms that induce these reactions, how they progress, and which prenatal factors influence their development. Most frequently, the reaction is mediated by immunoglobulin E (IgE) produced by B cells, which binds to the surface of mast cells and basophils and triggers an inflammatory response. The antibody response is triggered by a shift in T-cell immune response. The symptoms often start in early childhood with eczema or atopic dermatitis and progress to allergic asthma in adolescence. An important determinant of allergic diseases seems to be parental, especially maternal history of allergy. Around 30% of children of allergic mothers develop allergic sensitization in childhood. Genes involved in the regulation of the epithelial barrier function and the T-cell response were found to affect the predisposition to developing allergic disorders. Cord blood IgE was found to be a promising predictor of allergic disease development. Fetal B cells produce IgE starting at the 20th gestation week. These fetal B cells could be sensitized together with mast cells by maternal IgE and IgE-allergen complexes crossing the placental barrier via the low-affinity IgE receptor. Various factors were found to facilitate these sensitizations, including pesticides, drugs, exposure to cigarette smoke and maternal uncontrolled asthma. Prenatal exposure to microbial infections and maternal IgG appeared to play a role in the regulation of T-cell response, indicating a protective effect against allergy development. Additional preventive factors were dietary intake of vitamin D and omega 3 fatty acids as well as decreased maternal IgE levels. The effect of exposure to food allergens during pregnancy was inconclusive, with studies having found both sensitizing and protective effects. In conclusion, prenatal factors including genetics, epigenetics and fetal environmental factors have an important role in the development of allergic disorders in later life. Children with a genetic predisposition are at risk when exposed to cigarette smoke as well as increased maternal IgE in the prenatal period. Maternal diet during pregnancy and immunization against certain allergens could help in the prevention of allergy in predisposed children.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Manuela Grijincu
- Center of Immuno-Physiology and Biotechnologies, Department of Functional Sciences, Victor Babeș University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timișoara, Romania
- OncoGen Center, Pius Brînzeu County Clinical Emergency Hospital, 300723 Timișoara, Romania
| | - Maria-Roxana Buzan
- Center of Immuno-Physiology and Biotechnologies, Department of Functional Sciences, Victor Babeș University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timișoara, Romania
- OncoGen Center, Pius Brînzeu County Clinical Emergency Hospital, 300723 Timișoara, Romania
| | - Lauriana-Eunice Zbîrcea
- Center of Immuno-Physiology and Biotechnologies, Department of Functional Sciences, Victor Babeș University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timișoara, Romania
- OncoGen Center, Pius Brînzeu County Clinical Emergency Hospital, 300723 Timișoara, Romania
| | - Virgil Păunescu
- Center of Immuno-Physiology and Biotechnologies, Department of Functional Sciences, Victor Babeș University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timișoara, Romania
- OncoGen Center, Pius Brînzeu County Clinical Emergency Hospital, 300723 Timișoara, Romania
| | - Carmen Panaitescu
- Center of Immuno-Physiology and Biotechnologies, Department of Functional Sciences, Victor Babeș University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timișoara, Romania
- OncoGen Center, Pius Brînzeu County Clinical Emergency Hospital, 300723 Timișoara, Romania
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Deng WQ, Pigeyre M, Azab SM, Wilson SL, Campbell N, Cawte N, Morrison KM, Atkinson SA, Subbarao P, Turvey SE, Moraes TJ, Mandhane P, Azad MB, Simons E, Pare G, Anand SS. Consistent cord blood DNA methylation signatures of gestational age between South Asian and white European cohorts. Clin Epigenetics 2024; 16:74. [PMID: 38840168 PMCID: PMC11155053 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-024-01684-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Epigenetic modifications, particularly DNA methylation (DNAm) in cord blood, are an important biological marker of how external exposures during gestation can influence the in-utero environment and subsequent offspring development. Despite the recognized importance of DNAm during gestation, comparative studies to determine the consistency of these epigenetic signals across different ethnic groups are largely absent. To address this gap, we first performed epigenome-wide association studies (EWAS) of gestational age (GA) using newborn cord blood DNAm comparatively in a white European (n = 342) and a South Asian (n = 490) birth cohort living in Canada. Then, we capitalized on established cord blood epigenetic GA clocks to examine the associations between maternal exposures, offspring characteristics and epigenetic GA, as well as GA acceleration, defined as the residual difference between epigenetic and chronological GA at birth. RESULTS Individual EWASs confirmed 1,211 and 1,543 differentially methylated CpGs previously reported to be associated with GA, in white European and South Asian cohorts, respectively, with a similar distribution of effects. We confirmed that Bohlin's cord blood GA clock was robustly correlated with GA in white Europeans (r = 0.71; p = 6.0 × 10-54) and South Asians (r = 0.66; p = 6.9 × 10-64). In both cohorts, Bohlin's clock was positively associated with newborn weight and length and negatively associated with parity, newborn female sex, and gestational diabetes. Exclusive to South Asians, the GA clock was positively associated with the newborn ponderal index, while pre-pregnancy weight and gestational weight gain were strongly predictive of increased epigenetic GA in white Europeans. Important predictors of GA acceleration included gestational diabetes mellitus, newborn sex, and parity in both cohorts. CONCLUSIONS These results demonstrate the consistent DNAm signatures of GA and the utility of Bohlin's GA clock across the two populations. Although the overall pattern of DNAm is similar, its connections with the mother's environment and the baby's anthropometrics can differ between the two groups. Further research is needed to understand these unique relationships.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wei Q Deng
- Peter Boris Centre for Addictions Research, St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton, Hamilton, Canada.
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada.
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada.
| | - Marie Pigeyre
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
- Population Health Research Institute, David Braley Cardiac, Vascular and Stroke Research Institute, Hamilton, Canada
- Thrombosis and Atherosclerosis Research Institute, David Braley Cardiac, Vascular and Stroke Research Institute, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Sandi M Azab
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
| | - Samantha L Wilson
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
| | - Natalie Campbell
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
| | - Nathan Cawte
- Population Health Research Institute, David Braley Cardiac, Vascular and Stroke Research Institute, Hamilton, Canada
| | | | | | - Padmaja Subbarao
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
- Hospital for Sick Children, Department of Pediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Program in Translational Medicine, SickKids Research Institute, Toronto, Canada
| | - Stuart E Turvey
- Department of Pediatrics, BC Children's Hospital, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Theo J Moraes
- Hospital for Sick Children, Department of Pediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Program in Translational Medicine, SickKids Research Institute, Toronto, Canada
| | - Piush Mandhane
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Meghan B Azad
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, Children's Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Elinor Simons
- Section of Allergy and Immunology, Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Guillaume Pare
- Population Health Research Institute, David Braley Cardiac, Vascular and Stroke Research Institute, Hamilton, Canada
- Thrombosis and Atherosclerosis Research Institute, David Braley Cardiac, Vascular and Stroke Research Institute, Hamilton, ON, Canada
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
| | - Sonia S Anand
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada.
- Population Health Research Institute, David Braley Cardiac, Vascular and Stroke Research Institute, Hamilton, Canada.
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Shorey-Kendrick LE, Davis B, Gao L, Park B, Vu A, Morris CD, Breton CV, Fry R, Garcia E, Schmidt RJ, O’Shea TM, Tepper RS, McEvoy CT, Spindel ER. Development and Validation of a Novel Placental DNA Methylation Biomarker of Maternal Smoking during Pregnancy in the ECHO Program. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2024; 132:67005. [PMID: 38885141 PMCID: PMC11218700 DOI: 10.1289/ehp13838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2023] [Revised: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Maternal cigarette smoking during pregnancy (MSDP) is associated with numerous adverse health outcomes in infants and children with potential lifelong consequences. Negative effects of MSDP on placental DNA methylation (DNAm), placental structure, and function are well established. OBJECTIVE Our aim was to develop biomarkers of MSDP using DNAm measured in placentas (N = 96 ), collected as part of the Vitamin C to Decrease the Effects of Smoking in Pregnancy on Infant Lung Function double-blind, placebo-controlled randomized clinical trial conducted between 2012 and 2016. We also aimed to develop a digital polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay for the top ranking cytosine-guanine dinucleotide (CpG) so that large numbers of samples can be screened for exposure at low cost. METHODS We compared the ability of four machine learning methods [logistic least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression, logistic elastic net regression, random forest, and gradient boosting machine] to classify MSDP based on placental DNAm signatures. We developed separate models using the complete EPIC array dataset and on the subset of probes also found on the 450K array so that models exist for both platforms. For comparison, we developed a model using CpGs previously associated with MSDP in placenta. For each final model, we used model coefficients and normalized beta values to calculate placental smoking index (PSI) scores for each sample. Final models were validated in two external datasets: the Extremely Low Gestational Age Newborn observational study, N = 426 ; and the Rhode Island Children's Health Study, N = 237 . RESULTS Logistic LASSO regression demonstrated the highest performance in cross-validation testing with the lowest number of input CpGs. Accuracy was greatest in external datasets when using models developed for the same platform. PSI scores in smokers only (n = 72 ) were moderately correlated with maternal plasma cotinine levels. One CpG (cg27402634), with the largest coefficient in two models, was measured accurately by digital PCR compared with measurement by EPIC array (R 2 = 0.98 ). DISCUSSION To our knowledge, we have developed the first placental DNAm-based biomarkers of MSDP with broad utility to studies of prenatal disease origins. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP13838.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lyndsey E. Shorey-Kendrick
- Division of Neuroscience, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, Oregon, USA
| | - Brett Davis
- Department of Medicine, Knight Cardiovascular Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Lina Gao
- Biostatistics Shared Resources, Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
- Bioinformatics & Biostatistics Core, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Byung Park
- Biostatistics Shared Resources, Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
- Bioinformatics & Biostatistics Core, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
- Oregon Health & Science University–Portland State University School of Public Health, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Annette Vu
- Department of Medical Informatics and Clinical Epidemiology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Cynthia D. Morris
- Department of Medical Informatics and Clinical Epidemiology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
- Oregon Clinical and Translational Research Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Carrie V. Breton
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Rebecca Fry
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, UNC Gillings School of Public Health, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Erika Garcia
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Rebecca J. Schmidt
- Department of Public Health Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, California, USA
- MIND Institute, School of Medicine, University of California Davis, Davis, California, USA
| | - T. Michael O’Shea
- Department of Pediatrics, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Robert S. Tepper
- Department of Pediatrics, Herman B Wells Center for Pediatric Research, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Cindy T. McEvoy
- Department of Pediatrics, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Eliot R. Spindel
- Division of Neuroscience, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, Oregon, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
6
|
Li MD, Liu Q, Shi X, Wang Y, Zhu Z, Guan Y, He J, Han H, Mao Y, Ma Y, Yuan W, Yao J, Yang Z. Integrative analysis of genetics, epigenetics and RNA expression data reveal three susceptibility loci for smoking behavior in Chinese Han population. Mol Psychiatry 2024:10.1038/s41380-024-02599-1. [PMID: 38789676 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-024-02599-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024]
Abstract
Despite numerous studies demonstrate that genetics and epigenetics factors play important roles on smoking behavior, our understanding of their functional relevance and coordinated regulation remains largely unknown. Here we present a multiomics study on smoking behavior for Chinese smoker population with the goal of not only identifying smoking-associated functional variants but also deciphering the pathogenesis and mechanism underlying smoking behavior in this under-studied ethnic population. After whole-genome sequencing analysis of 1329 Chinese Han male samples in discovery phase and OpenArray analysis of 3744 samples in replication phase, we discovered that three novel variants located near FOXP1 (rs7635815), and between DGCR6 and PRODH (rs796774020), and in ARVCF (rs148582811) were significantly associated with smoking behavior. Subsequently cis-mQTL and cis-eQTL analysis indicated that these variants correlated significantly with the differential methylation regions (DMRs) or differential expressed genes (DEGs) located in the regions where these variants present. Finally, our in silico multiomics analysis revealed several hub genes, like DRD2, PTPRD, FOXP1, COMT, CTNNAP2, to be synergistic regulated each other in the etiology of smoking.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ming D Li
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.
- Research Center for Air Pollution and Health, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.
| | - Qiang Liu
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoqiang Shi
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yan Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zhouhai Zhu
- Joint Institute of Tobacco and Health, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Ying Guan
- Joint Institute of Tobacco and Health, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Jingmin He
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- College of Biological Sciences, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, Shanxi, China
| | - Haijun Han
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ying Mao
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yunlong Ma
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Wenji Yuan
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jianhua Yao
- Joint Institute of Tobacco and Health, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Zhongli Yang
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Benincasa G, Napoli C, DeMeo DL. Transgenerational Epigenetic Inheritance of Cardiovascular Diseases: A Network Medicine Perspective. Matern Child Health J 2024; 28:617-630. [PMID: 38409452 DOI: 10.1007/s10995-023-03886-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The ability to identify early epigenetic signatures underlying the inheritance of cardiovascular risk, including trans- and intergenerational effects, may help to stratify people before cardiac symptoms occur. METHODS Prospective and retrospective cohorts and case-control studies focusing on DNA methylation and maternal/paternal effects were searched in Pubmed from 1997 to 2023 by using the following keywords: DNA methylation, genomic imprinting, and network analysis in combination with transgenerational/intergenerational effects. RESULTS Maternal and paternal exposures to traditional cardiovascular risk factors during critical temporal windows, including the preconceptional period or early pregnancy, may perturb the plasticity of the epigenome (mainly DNA methylation) of the developing fetus especially at imprinted loci, such as the insulin-like growth factor type 2 (IGF2) gene. Thus, the epigenome is akin to a "molecular archive" able to memorize parental environmental insults and predispose an individual to cardiovascular diseases onset in later life. Direct evidence for human transgenerational epigenetic inheritance (at least three generations) of cardiovascular risk is lacking but it is supported by epidemiological studies. Several blood-based association studies showed potential intergenerational epigenetic effects (single-generation studies) which may mediate the transmittance of cardiovascular risk from parents to offspring. DISCUSSION In this narrative review, we discuss some relevant examples of trans- and intergenerational epigenetic associations with cardiovascular risk. In our perspective, we propose three network-oriented approaches which may help to clarify the unsolved issues regarding transgenerational epigenetic inheritance of cardiovascular risk and provide potential early biomarkers for primary prevention.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Giuditta Benincasa
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences (DAMSS), University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80138, Naples, Italy
| | - Claudio Napoli
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences (DAMSS), University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80138, Naples, Italy.
| | - Dawn L DeMeo
- Channing Division of Network Medicine and the Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Shorey-Kendrick LE, McEvoy CT, Milner K, Harris J, Brownsberger J, Tepper RS, Park B, Gao L, Vu A, Morris CD, Spindel ER. Improvements in lung function following vitamin C supplementation to pregnant smokers are associated with buccal DNA methylation at 5 years of age. Clin Epigenetics 2024; 16:35. [PMID: 38413986 PMCID: PMC10900729 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-024-01644-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND We previously reported in the "Vitamin C to Decrease the Effects of Smoking in Pregnancy on Infant Lung Function" randomized clinical trial (RCT) that vitamin C (500 mg/day) supplementation to pregnant smokers is associated with improved respiratory outcomes that persist through 5 years of age. The objective of this study was to assess whether buccal cell DNA methylation (DNAm), as a surrogate for airway epithelium, is associated with vitamin C supplementation, improved lung function, and decreased occurrence of wheeze. METHODS We conducted epigenome-wide association studies (EWAS) using Infinium MethylationEPIC arrays and buccal DNAm from 158 subjects (80 placebo; 78 vitamin C) with pulmonary function testing (PFT) performed at the 5-year visit. EWAS were performed on (1) vitamin C treatment, (2) forced expiratory flow between 25 and 75% of expired volume (FEF25-75), and (3) offspring wheeze. Models were adjusted for sex, race, study site, gestational age at randomization (≤ OR > 18 weeks), proportion of epithelial cells, and latent covariates in addition to child length at PFT in EWAS for FEF25-75. We considered FDR p < 0.05 as genome-wide significant and nominal p < 0.001 as candidates for downstream analyses. Buccal DNAm measured in a subset of subjects at birth and near 1 year of age was used to determine whether DNAm signatures originated in utero, or emerged with age. RESULTS Vitamin C treatment was associated with 457 FDR significant (q < 0.05) differentially methylated CpGs (DMCs; 236 hypermethylated; 221 hypomethylated) and 53 differentially methylated regions (DMRs; 26 hyper; 27 hypo) at 5 years of age. FEF25-75 was associated with one FDR significant DMC (cg05814800), 1,468 candidate DMCs (p < 0.001), and 44 DMRs. Current wheeze was associated with 0 FDR-DMCs, 782 candidate DMCs, and 19 DMRs (p < 0.001). In 365/457 vitamin C FDR significant DMCs at 5 years of age, there was no significant interaction between time and treatment. CONCLUSIONS Vitamin C supplementation to pregnant smokers is associated with buccal DNA methylation in offspring at 5 years of age, and most methylation signatures appear to be persistent from the prenatal period. Buccal methylation at 5 years was also associated with current lung function and occurrence of wheeze, and these functionally associated loci are enriched for vitamin C associated loci. Clinical trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT01723696 and NCT03203603.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lyndsey E Shorey-Kendrick
- Division of Neuroscience, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health and Science University, Beaverton, OR, 97006, USA.
| | - Cindy T McEvoy
- Department of Pediatrics, Pape Pediatric Research Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Kristin Milner
- Department of Pediatrics, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Julia Harris
- Department of Pediatrics, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Julie Brownsberger
- Department of Pediatrics, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Robert S Tepper
- Department of Pediatrics, Herman B Wells Center for Pediatric Research, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Byung Park
- Biostatistics Shared Resources, Knight Cancer Institute, Bioinformatics and Biostatistics Core, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland State University School of Public Health, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Lina Gao
- Biostatistics Shared Resources, Knight Cancer Institute, Bioinformatics and Biostatistics Core, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland State University School of Public Health, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Annette Vu
- Oregon Clinical & Translational Research Institute, Oregon Health and Science; Department of Medical Informatics and Clinical Epidemiology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Cynthia D Morris
- Oregon Clinical & Translational Research Institute, Oregon Health and Science; Department of Medical Informatics and Clinical Epidemiology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Eliot R Spindel
- Division of Neuroscience, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health and Science University, Beaverton, OR, 97006, USA
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Li S, Cao C, Watson D, Yang L, Kharbanda EO. Maternal smoking during pregnancy links to childhood blood pressure through birth weight and body mass index: NHANES 1999-2018. J Hum Hypertens 2024; 38:134-139. [PMID: 37773293 DOI: 10.1038/s41371-023-00865-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Revised: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/01/2023]
Abstract
Maternal smoking during pregnancy (MSDP) is associated with lower birth weight, childhood obesity, and elevated blood pressure (BP) in offspring. We aimed to examine whether birth weight and body mass index (BMI) mediate the effect of MSDP on BP in children. The study included 14,713 children aged 8 to 15 years from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys from 1999 to 2018. General third-variable models were used to examine the mediating effects of birth weight and BMI on the association of MSDP with BP. A total of 1928 (13.1%) children were exposed to MSDP. MSDP was associated with reduced birth weight (p < 0.001), increased BMI (p < 0.001), and elevated systolic BP (p = 0.005). MSDP was not associated with systolic BP after adjustment for birth weight and BMI z-score (p = 0.875), with 95.0% of the effect of MSDP on BP mediated by birth weight (39.1%) and BMI (55.9%). In conclusion, lower birth weight and increased obesity measures mediate the adverse effects of MSDP on BP in children. These findings provide novel mechanistic insight into the adverse effect of MSDP on BP in children and have implications for preventing hypertension in later life.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shengxu Li
- Children's Minnesota Research Institute, Children's Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA.
| | - Chao Cao
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Dave Watson
- Children's Minnesota Research Institute, Children's Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Lin Yang
- Department of Cancer Epidemiology and Prevention Research, Cancer Research & Analytics, Cancer Care Alberta, Alberta Health Services, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Departments of Oncology and Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
Hoang TT, Lee Y, McCartney DL, Kersten ETG, Page CM, Hulls PM, Lee M, Walker RM, Breeze CE, Bennett BD, Burkholder AB, Ward J, Brantsæter AL, Caspersen IH, Motsinger-Reif AA, Richards M, White JD, Zhao S, Richmond RC, Magnus MC, Koppelman GH, Evans KL, Marioni RE, Håberg SE, London SJ. Comprehensive evaluation of smoking exposures and their interactions on DNA methylation. EBioMedicine 2024; 100:104956. [PMID: 38199042 PMCID: PMC10825325 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2023.104956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Smoking impacts DNA methylation, but data are lacking on smoking-related differential methylation by sex or dietary intake, recent smoking cessation (<1 year), persistence of differential methylation from in utero smoking exposure, and effects of environmental tobacco smoke (ETS). METHODS We meta-analysed data from up to 15,014 adults across 5 cohorts with DNA methylation measured in blood using Illumina's EPIC array for current smoking (2560 exposed), quit < 1 year (500 exposed), in utero (286 exposed), and ETS exposure (676 exposed). We also evaluated the interaction of current smoking with sex or diet (fibre, folate, and vitamin C). FINDINGS Using false discovery rate (FDR < 0.05), 65,857 CpGs were differentially methylated in relation to current smoking, 4025 with recent quitting, 594 with in utero exposure, and 6 with ETS. Most current smoking CpGs attenuated within a year of quitting. CpGs related to in utero exposure in adults were enriched for those previously observed in newborns. Differential methylation by current smoking at 4-71 CpGs may be modified by sex or dietary intake. Nearly half (35-50%) of differentially methylated CpGs on the 450 K array were associated with blood gene expression. Current smoking and in utero smoking CpGs implicated 3049 and 1067 druggable targets, including chemotherapy drugs. INTERPRETATION Many smoking-related methylation sites were identified with Illumina's EPIC array. Most signals revert to levels observed in never smokers within a year of cessation. Many in utero smoking CpGs persist into adulthood. Smoking-related druggable targets may provide insights into cancer treatment response and shared mechanisms across smoking-related diseases. FUNDING Intramural Research Program of the National Institutes of Health, Norwegian Ministry of Health and Care Services and the Ministry of Education and Research, Chief Scientist Office of the Scottish Government Health Directorates and the Scottish Funding Council, Medical Research Council UK and the Wellcome Trust.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thanh T Hoang
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA; Dan L. Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA; Cancer and Hematology Center, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Yunsung Lee
- Centre for Fertility and Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Daniel L McCartney
- Centre for Genomic and Experimental Medicine, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Crewe Road South, Edinburgh EH4 2XU, UK
| | - Elin T G Kersten
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Beatrix Children's Hospital, Dept. of Pediatric Pulmonology and Pediatric Allergy, Groningen, the Netherlands; University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, GRIAC Research Institute, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Christian M Page
- Centre for Fertility and Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway; Department of Physical Health and Ageing, Division for Physical and Mental Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Paige M Hulls
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, BS8 2BN, UK; MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit at University of Bristol, BS8 2BN, UK
| | - Mikyeong Lee
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Rosie M Walker
- Centre for Genomic and Experimental Medicine, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Crewe Road South, Edinburgh EH4 2XU, UK; Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Chancellor's Building, 49 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK; School of Psychology, University of Exeter, Perry Road, Exeter, UK
| | - Charles E Breeze
- UCL Cancer Institute, University College London, Paul O'Gorman Building, London, UK; Altius Institute for Biomedical Sciences, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Brian D Bennett
- Department of Health and Human Services, Integrative Bioinformatics Support Group, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Adam B Burkholder
- Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Environmental Science Cyberinfrastructure, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - James Ward
- Department of Health and Human Services, Integrative Bioinformatics Support Group, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Anne Lise Brantsæter
- Department of Food Safety, Division of Climate and Environmental Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Ida H Caspersen
- Centre for Fertility and Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Alison A Motsinger-Reif
- Department of Health and Human Services, Biostatistics and Computational Biology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | | | - Julie D White
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA; GenOmics and Translational Research Center, Analytics Practice Area, RTI International, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Shanshan Zhao
- Department of Health and Human Services, Biostatistics and Computational Biology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Rebecca C Richmond
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, BS8 2BN, UK; MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit at University of Bristol, BS8 2BN, UK
| | - Maria C Magnus
- Centre for Fertility and Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Gerard H Koppelman
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Beatrix Children's Hospital, Dept. of Pediatric Pulmonology and Pediatric Allergy, Groningen, the Netherlands; University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, GRIAC Research Institute, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Kathryn L Evans
- Centre for Genomic and Experimental Medicine, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Crewe Road South, Edinburgh EH4 2XU, UK
| | - Riccardo E Marioni
- Centre for Genomic and Experimental Medicine, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Crewe Road South, Edinburgh EH4 2XU, UK
| | - Siri E Håberg
- Centre for Fertility and Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Stephanie J London
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Bečeheli I, Horvatiček M, Perić M, Nikolić B, Holuka C, Klasić M, Ivanišević M, Starčević M, Desoye G, Hranilović D, Turner JD, Štefulj J. Methylation of serotonin regulating genes in cord blood cells: association with maternal metabolic parameters and correlation with methylation in peripheral blood cells during childhood and adolescence. Clin Epigenetics 2024; 16:4. [PMID: 38172913 PMCID: PMC10765867 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-023-01610-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) signaling is involved in neurodevelopment, mood regulation, energy metabolism, and other physiological processes. DNA methylation plays a significant role in modulating the expression of genes responsible for maintaining 5-HT balance, such as 5-HT transporter (SLC6A4), monoamine oxidase A (MAOA), and 5-HT receptor type 2A (HTR2A). Maternal metabolic health can influence long-term outcomes in offspring, with DNA methylation mediating these effects. We investigated associations between maternal metabolic parameters-pre-pregnancy body mass index (pBMI), gestational weight gain (GWG), and glucose tolerance status (GTS), i.e., gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) versus normal glucose tolerance (NGT)-and cord blood methylation of SLC6A4, MAOA, and HTR2A in participants from our PlaNS birth cohort. CpG sites (15, 9, and 2 in each gene, respectively) were selected based on literature and in silico data. Methylation levels were quantified by bisulfite pyrosequencing. We also examined the stability of methylation patterns in these genes in circulating blood cells from birth to adolescence using longitudinal DNA methylation data from the ARIES database. RESULTS None of the 203 PlaNS mothers included in this study had preexisting diabetes, 99 were diagnosed with GDM, and 104 had NGT; all neonates were born at full term by planned Cesarean section. Methylation at most CpG sites differed between male and female newborns. SLC6A4 methylation correlated inversely with maternal pBMI and GWG, while methylation at HTR2A site -1665 correlated positively with GWG. None of the maternal metabolic parameters statistically associated with MAOA methylation. DNA methylation data in cord blood and peripheral blood at ages 7 and 15 years were available for 808 participants from the ARIES database; 4 CpG sites (2 in SLC6A4 and 2 in HTR2A) overlapped between the PlaNS and ARIES cohorts. A positive correlation between methylation levels in cord blood and peripheral blood at 7 and 15 years of age was observed for both SLC6A4 and HTR2A CpG sites. CONCLUSIONS Methylation of 5-HT regulating genes in cord blood cells is influenced by neonatal sex, with maternal metabolism playing an additional role. Inter-individual variations present in circulating blood cells at birth are still pronounced in childhood and adolescence.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ivona Bečeheli
- Division of Molecular Biology, Ruđer Bošković Institute, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Marina Horvatiček
- Division of Molecular Biology, Ruđer Bošković Institute, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Maja Perić
- Division of Molecular Biology, Ruđer Bošković Institute, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Barbara Nikolić
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Cyrielle Holuka
- Department of Infection and Immunity, Luxembourg Institute of Health, 4354, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
- Faculty of Science, University of Luxembourg, 4365, Belval, Luxembourg
| | - Marija Klasić
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Marina Ivanišević
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Centre Zagreb, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Mirta Starčević
- Department of Neonatology, University Hospital Centre Zagreb, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Gernot Desoye
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of Graz, 8036, Graz, Austria
| | - Dubravka Hranilović
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Jonathan D Turner
- Department of Infection and Immunity, Luxembourg Institute of Health, 4354, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
| | - Jasminka Štefulj
- Division of Molecular Biology, Ruđer Bošković Institute, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia.
- University Department of Psychology, Catholic University of Croatia, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Derakhshan M, Kessler NJ, Hellenthal G, Silver MJ. Metastable epialleles in humans. Trends Genet 2024; 40:52-68. [PMID: 38000919 DOI: 10.1016/j.tig.2023.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Revised: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023]
Abstract
First identified in isogenic mice, metastable epialleles (MEs) are loci where the extent of DNA methylation (DNAm) is variable between individuals but correlates across tissues derived from different germ layers within a given individual. This property, termed systemic interindividual variation (SIV), is attributed to stochastic methylation establishment before germ layer differentiation. Evidence suggests that some putative human MEs are sensitive to environmental exposures in early development. In this review we introduce key concepts pertaining to human MEs, describe methods used to identify MEs in humans, and review their genomic features. We also highlight studies linking DNAm at putative human MEs to early environmental exposures and postnatal (including disease) phenotypes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Derakhshan
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London WC1E 7HT, UK
| | - Noah J Kessler
- Department of Genetics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EH, UK
| | | | - Matt J Silver
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London WC1E 7HT, UK; Medical Research Council (MRC) Unit The Gambia at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Fajara, Banjul, The Gambia.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Awada Z, Cahais V, Cuenin C, Akika R, Silva Almeida Vicente AL, Makki M, Tamim H, Herceg Z, Khoueiry Zgheib N, Ghantous A. Waterpipe and cigarette epigenome analysis reveals markers implicated in addiction and smoking type inference. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2023; 182:108260. [PMID: 38006773 PMCID: PMC10716859 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2023.108260] [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: 08/22/2022] [Revised: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/27/2023]
Abstract
Waterpipe smoking is frequent in the Middle East and Africa with emerging prevalence worldwide. The epigenome acts as a molecular sensor to exposures and a crucial driver in several diseases. With the widespread use of waterpipe smoking, it is timely to investigate its epigenomic markers and their role in addiction, as a central player in disease prevention and therapeutic strategies. DNA methylome-wide profiling was performed on an exposure-rich population from the Middle East, constituting of 216 blood samples split equally between never, cigarette-only and waterpipe-only smokers. Waterpipe smokers showed predominantly distinct epigenetic markers from cigarette smokers, even though both smoking forms are tobacco-based. Moreover, each smoking form could be accurately (∼90 %) inferred from the DNA methylome using machine learning. Top markers showed dose-response relationship with extent of smoking and were validated using independent technologies and additional samples (total N = 284). Smoking markers were enriched in regulatory regions and several biological pathways, primarily addiction. The epigenetically altered genes were not associated with genetic etiology of tobacco use, and the methylation levels of addiction genes, in particular, were more likely to reverse after smoking cessation. In contrast, other epigenetic markers continued to feature smoking exposure after cessation, which may explain long-term health effects observed in former smokers. This study reports, for the first time, blood epigenome-wide markers of waterpipe smokers and reveals new markers of cigarette smoking, with implications in mechanisms of addiction and the capacity to discriminate between different smoking types. These markers may offer actionable targets to reverse the epigenetic memory of addiction and can guide future prevention strategies for tobacco smoking as the most preventable cause of illnesses worldwide.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zainab Awada
- Epigenomics and Mechanisms Branch, International Agency for Research on Cancer, Lyon, France
| | - Vincent Cahais
- Epigenomics and Mechanisms Branch, International Agency for Research on Cancer, Lyon, France
| | - Cyrille Cuenin
- Epigenomics and Mechanisms Branch, International Agency for Research on Cancer, Lyon, France
| | - Reem Akika
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Anna Luiza Silva Almeida Vicente
- Epigenomics and Mechanisms Branch, International Agency for Research on Cancer, Lyon, France; Molecular Oncology Research Center, Barretos Cancer Hospital, Barretos, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Maha Makki
- Clinical Research Institute, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Hani Tamim
- Clinical Research Institute, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon; College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Zdenko Herceg
- Epigenomics and Mechanisms Branch, International Agency for Research on Cancer, Lyon, France
| | - Nathalie Khoueiry Zgheib
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon.
| | - Akram Ghantous
- Epigenomics and Mechanisms Branch, International Agency for Research on Cancer, Lyon, France.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Bakulski KM, Blostein F, London SJ. Linking Prenatal Environmental Exposures to Lifetime Health with Epigenome-Wide Association Studies: State-of-the-Science Review and Future Recommendations. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2023; 131:126001. [PMID: 38048101 PMCID: PMC10695268 DOI: 10.1289/ehp12956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Revised: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The prenatal environment influences lifetime health; epigenetic mechanisms likely predominate. In 2016, the first international consortium paper on cigarette smoking during pregnancy and offspring DNA methylation identified extensive, reproducible exposure signals. This finding raised expectations for epigenome-wide association studies (EWAS) of other exposures. OBJECTIVE We review the current state-of-the-science for DNA methylation associations across prenatal exposures in humans and provide future recommendations. METHODS We reviewed 134 prenatal environmental EWAS of DNA methylation in newborns, focusing on 51 epidemiological studies with meta-analysis or replication testing. Exposures spanned cigarette smoking, alcohol consumption, air pollution, dietary factors, psychosocial stress, metals, other chemicals, and other exogenous factors. Of the reproducible DNA methylation signatures, we examined implementation as exposure biomarkers. RESULTS Only 19 (14%) of these prenatal EWAS were conducted in cohorts of 1,000 or more individuals, reflecting the still early stage of the field. To date, the largest perinatal EWAS sample size was 6,685 participants. For comparison, the most recent genome-wide association study for birth weight included more than 300,000 individuals. Replication, at some level, was successful with exposures to cigarette smoking, folate, dietary glycemic index, particulate matter with aerodynamic diameter < 10 μ m and < 2.5 μ m , nitrogen dioxide, mercury, cadmium, arsenic, electronic waste, PFAS, and DDT. Reproducible effects of a more limited set of prenatal exposures (smoking, folate) enabled robust methylation biomarker creation. DISCUSSION Current evidence demonstrates the scientific premise for reproducible DNA methylation exposure signatures. Better powered EWAS could identify signatures across many exposures and enable comprehensive biomarker development. Whether methylation biomarkers of exposures themselves cause health effects remains unclear. We expect that larger EWAS with enhanced coverage of epigenome and exposome, along with improved single-cell technologies and evolving methods for integrative multi-omics analyses and causal inference, will expand mechanistic understanding of causal links between environmental exposures, the epigenome, and health outcomes throughout the life course. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP12956.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Freida Blostein
- University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Stephanie J. London
- National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Carreras-Gallo N, Dwaraka VB, Cáceres A, Smith R, Mendez TL, Went H, Gonzalez JR. Impact of tobacco, alcohol, and marijuana on genome-wide DNA methylation and its relationship with hypertension. Epigenetics 2023; 18:2214392. [PMID: 37216580 DOI: 10.1080/15592294.2023.2214392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2022] [Revised: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Tobacco, alcohol, and marijuana consumption is an important public health problem because of their high use worldwide and their association with the risk of mortality and many health conditions, such as hypertension, which is the commonest risk factor for death throughout the world. A likely pathway of action of substance consumption leading to persistent hypertension is DNA methylation. Here, we evaluated the effects of tobacco, alcohol, and marijuana on DNA methylation in the same cohort (N = 3,424). Three epigenome-wide association studies (EWAS) were assessed in whole blood using the InfiniumHumanMethylationEPIC BeadChip. We also evaluated the mediation of the top CpG sites in the association between substance consumption and hypertension. Our analyses showed 2,569 CpG sites differentially methylated by alcohol drinking and 528 by tobacco smoking. We did not find significant associations with marijuana consumption after correcting for multiple comparisons. We found 61 genes overlapping between alcohol and tobacco that were enriched in biological processes involved in the nervous and cardiovascular systems. In the mediation analysis, we found 66 CpG sites that significantly mediated the effect of alcohol consumption on hypertension. The top alcohol-related CpG site (cg06690548, P-value = 5.9·10-83) mapped to SLC7A11 strongly mediated 70.5% of the effect of alcohol consumption on hypertension (P-value = 0.006). Our findings suggest that DNA methylation should be considered for new targets in hypertension prevention and management, particularly concerning alcohol consumption. Our data also encourage further research into the use of methylation in blood to study the neurological and cardiovascular effects of substance consumption.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Alejandro Cáceres
- Epidemiology, Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
- Department of Mathematics, Escola d'Enginyeria de Barcelona Est (EEBE), Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | | | | | - Juan R Gonzalez
- Epidemiology, Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
- Department of Mathematics, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Ng JWY, Felix JF, Olson DM. A novel approach to risk exposure and epigenetics-the use of multidimensional context to gain insights into the early origins of cardiometabolic and neurocognitive health. BMC Med 2023; 21:466. [PMID: 38012757 PMCID: PMC10683259 DOI: 10.1186/s12916-023-03168-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Each mother-child dyad represents a unique combination of genetic and environmental factors. This constellation of variables impacts the expression of countless genes. Numerous studies have uncovered changes in DNA methylation (DNAm), a form of epigenetic regulation, in offspring related to maternal risk factors. How these changes work together to link maternal-child risks to childhood cardiometabolic and neurocognitive traits remains unknown. This question is a key research priority as such traits predispose to future non-communicable diseases (NCDs). We propose viewing risk and the genome through a multidimensional lens to identify common DNAm patterns shared among diverse risk profiles. METHODS We identified multifactorial Maternal Risk Profiles (MRPs) generated from population-based data (n = 15,454, Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC)). Using cord blood HumanMethylation450 BeadChip data, we identified genome-wide patterns of DNAm that co-vary with these MRPs. We tested the prospective relation of these DNAm patterns (n = 914) to future outcomes using decision tree analysis. We then tested the reproducibility of these patterns in (1) DNAm data at age 7 and 17 years within the same cohort (n = 973 and 974, respectively) and (2) cord DNAm in an independent cohort, the Generation R Study (n = 686). RESULTS We identified twenty MRP-related DNAm patterns at birth in ALSPAC. Four were prospectively related to cardiometabolic and/or neurocognitive childhood outcomes. These patterns were replicated in DNAm data from blood collected at later ages. Three of these patterns were externally validated in cord DNAm data in Generation R. Compared to previous literature, DNAm patterns exhibited novel spatial distribution across the genome that intersects with chromatin functional and tissue-specific signatures. CONCLUSIONS To our knowledge, we are the first to leverage multifactorial population-wide data to detect patterns of variability in DNAm. This context-based approach decreases biases stemming from overreliance on specific samples or variables. We discovered molecular patterns demonstrating prospective and replicable relations to complex traits. Moreover, results suggest that patterns harbour a genome-wide organisation specific to chromatin regulation and target tissues. These preliminary findings warrant further investigation to better reflect the reality of human context in molecular studies of NCDs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jane W Y Ng
- Department of Pediatrics, Cummings School of Medicine, University of Calgary, 28 Oki Drive NW, Calgary, AB, T3B 6A8, Canada
| | - Janine F Felix
- The Generation F Study Group, Erasmus MC University Medical Center Rotterdam, Postbus, 2040, 3000 CA, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Pediatrics, Erasmus MC University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - David M Olson
- Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Physiology, and Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, 220 HMRC, Edmonton, AB, T6G2S2, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Onuzulu CD, Lee S, Basu S, Comte J, Hai Y, Hizon N, Chadha S, Fauni MS, Kahnamoui S, Xiang B, Halayko AJ, Dolinsky VW, Pascoe CD, Jones MJ. Early-life exposure to cigarette smoke primes lung function and DNA methylation changes at Cyp1a1 upon exposure later in life. Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol 2023; 325:L552-L567. [PMID: 37642652 PMCID: PMC11068412 DOI: 10.1152/ajplung.00192.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2023] [Revised: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Prenatal and early-life exposure to cigarette smoke (CS) has repeatedly been shown to induce stable, long-term changes in DNA methylation (DNAm) in offspring. It has been hypothesized that these changes might be functionally related to the known outcomes of prenatal and early-life CS exposure, which include impaired lung development, altered lung function, and increased risk of asthma and wheeze. However, to date, few studies have examined DNAm changes induced by prenatal CS in tissues of the lung, and even fewer have attempted to examine the specific influences of prenatal versus early postnatal exposures. Here, we have established a mouse model of CS exposure which isolates the effects of prenatal and early postnatal CS exposures in early life. We have used this model to measure the effects of prenatal and/or postnatal CS exposures on lung function and immune cell infiltration as well as DNAm and expression of Cyp1a1, a candidate gene previously observed to demonstrate DNAm differences on CS exposure in humans. Our study revealed that exposure to CS prenatally and in the early postnatal period causes long-lasting differences in offspring lung function, gene expression, and lung Cyp1a1 DNAm, which wane over time but are reestablished on reexposure to CS in adulthood. This study creates a testable mouse model that can be used to investigate the effects of prenatal and early postnatal CS exposures and will contribute to the design of intervention strategies to mediate these detrimental effects.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Here, we isolated effects of prenatal from early postnatal cigarette smoke and showed that exposure to cigarette smoke early in life causes changes in offspring DNA methylation at Cyp1a1 that last through early adulthood but not into late adulthood. We also showed that smoking in adulthood reestablished these DNA methylation patterns at Cyp1a1, suggesting that a mechanism other than DNA methylation results in long-term memory associated with early-life cigarette smoke exposures at this gene.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chinonye Doris Onuzulu
- Department of Biochemistry and Medical Genetics, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Samantha Lee
- Department of Biochemistry and Medical Genetics, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Sujata Basu
- Children's Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Jeannette Comte
- Children's Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Yan Hai
- Department of Biochemistry and Medical Genetics, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Nikho Hizon
- Department of Biochemistry and Medical Genetics, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Shivam Chadha
- Department of Biochemistry and Medical Genetics, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Maria Shenna Fauni
- Department of Biochemistry and Medical Genetics, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Shana Kahnamoui
- Children's Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Bo Xiang
- Children's Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Andrew J Halayko
- Children's Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Vernon W Dolinsky
- Children's Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Christopher D Pascoe
- Children's Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Meaghan J Jones
- Department of Biochemistry and Medical Genetics, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
- Children's Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Nidey N, Bowers K, Ding L, Ji H, Ammerman RT, Yolton K, Mahabee-Gittens EM, Folger AT. Neonatal AVPR1a Methylation and In-Utero Exposure to Maternal Smoking. TOXICS 2023; 11:855. [PMID: 37888705 PMCID: PMC10611161 DOI: 10.3390/toxics11100855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Revised: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
(1) Introduction: Epigenetic changes have been proposed as a biologic link between in-utero exposure to maternal smoking and health outcomes. Therefore, we examined if in-utero exposure to maternal smoking was associated with infant DNA methylation (DNAm) of cytosine-phosphate-guanine dinucleotides (CpG sites) in the arginine vasopressin receptor 1A AVPR1a gene. The AVPR1a gene encodes a receptor that interacts with the arginine vasopressin hormone and may influence physiological stress regulation, blood pressure, and child development. (2) Methods: Fifty-two infants were included in this cohort study. Multivariable linear models were used to examine the effect of in-utero exposure to maternal smoking on the mean DNAm of CpG sites located at AVPR1a. (3) Results: After adjusting the model for substance use, infants with in-utero exposure to maternal smoking had a reduction in DNAm at AVPR1a CpG sites by -0.02 (95% CI -0.03, -0.01) at one month of age. In conclusion, in-utero exposure to tobacco smoke can lead to differential patterns of DNAm of AVPR1a among infants. Conclusions: Future studies are needed to identify how gene expression in response to early environmental exposures contributes to health outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nichole Nidey
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Iowa College of Public Health, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA;
| | - Katherine Bowers
- Division of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA; (K.B.); (L.D.)
| | - Lili Ding
- Division of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA; (K.B.); (L.D.)
| | - Hong Ji
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Cell Biology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA;
| | - Robert T. Ammerman
- Division of Behavioral Medicine and Clinical Psychology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA;
| | - Kimberly Yolton
- Division of General and Community Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA;
| | - E. Melinda Mahabee-Gittens
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA;
| | - Alonzo T. Folger
- Division of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA; (K.B.); (L.D.)
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Chaumette B, Grizenko N, Fageera W, Fortier MÈ, Ter-Stepanian M, Labbe A, Joober R. Correlation of the methylomic signature of smoking during pregnancy with clinical traits in ADHD. J Psychiatry Neurosci 2023; 48:E390-E399. [PMID: 37857414 PMCID: PMC10599658 DOI: 10.1503/jpn.230062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Revised: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a highly prevalent childhood disorder. Maternal smoking during pregnancy is a replicated environmental risk factor for this disorder. It is also a robust modifier of gene methylation during the prenatal developmental period. In this study, we sought to identify loci differentially methylated by maternal smoking during pregnancy and relate their methylation levels to various behavioural and physical outcomes relevant to ADHD. METHODS We extracted DNA from blood samples from children diagnosed with ADHD and deeply phenotyped. Genome-wide DNA methylation was assessed using Infinium MethylationEPIC BeadChip. Maternal smoking during pregnancy was self-declared and assessed retrospectively. RESULTS Our sample included 231 children with ADHD. Statistically significant differences in DNA methylation between children exposed or not to maternal smoking during pregnancy were detected in 3457 CpGs. We kept 30 CpGs with at least 5% of methylation difference between the 2 groups for further analysis. Six genes were associated with varied phenotypes of clinical relevance to ADHD. The levels of DNA methylation in RUNX1 were positively correlated with the CBCL scores, and DNA methylation in MYO1G correlated positively with the score at the Conners rating scale. Methylation level in a CpG located in GFI1 correlated with birthweight, a risk factor for ADHD. Differentially methylated regions were also identified and confirmed the association of RUNX1 methylation levels with the CBCL score. LIMITATIONS The study has several limitations, including the retrospective recall with self-report of maternal smoking during pregnancy as well as the grouping of individuals of varying age and developmental stage and of both males and females. In addition, the correlation design prevents the building of causation models. CONCLUSION This study provides evidence for the association between the level of methylation at specific loci and quantitative dimensions highly relevant for ADHD as well as birth weight, a measure that has already been associated with increased risk for ADHD. Our results provide further support to public health educational initiatives to stop maternal smoking during pregnancy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Boris Chaumette
- From the Douglas Mental Health University Institute, Montréal, Que. (Chaumette, Grizenko, Fageerat, Fortier, Ter-Stepanian, Joober); the Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montréal, Que. (Chaumette, Grizenko, Joober); The Neuro, McGill University, Montréal, Que. (Chaumette); the Université Paris Cité, INSERM U1266, Institute of Psychiatry and Neuroscience of Paris, Paris, France (Chaumette); the GHU Paris Psychiatrie & Neurosciences, Paris, France (Chaumette); the Department of Human Genetics, McGill University, Montréal, Que. (Fageera, Joober); the Department of Educational and Counselling Psychology, McGill University, Montréal, Que. (Ter-Stepanian); the Département de Psychoéducation, Université de Sherbrooke, Que. (Ter-Stepanian); the Department of Decision Sciences, HEC Montreal, Montréal, Que. (Labbe); the Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montréal, Que. (Joober)
| | - Natalie Grizenko
- From the Douglas Mental Health University Institute, Montréal, Que. (Chaumette, Grizenko, Fageerat, Fortier, Ter-Stepanian, Joober); the Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montréal, Que. (Chaumette, Grizenko, Joober); The Neuro, McGill University, Montréal, Que. (Chaumette); the Université Paris Cité, INSERM U1266, Institute of Psychiatry and Neuroscience of Paris, Paris, France (Chaumette); the GHU Paris Psychiatrie & Neurosciences, Paris, France (Chaumette); the Department of Human Genetics, McGill University, Montréal, Que. (Fageera, Joober); the Department of Educational and Counselling Psychology, McGill University, Montréal, Que. (Ter-Stepanian); the Département de Psychoéducation, Université de Sherbrooke, Que. (Ter-Stepanian); the Department of Decision Sciences, HEC Montreal, Montréal, Que. (Labbe); the Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montréal, Que. (Joober)
| | - Weam Fageera
- From the Douglas Mental Health University Institute, Montréal, Que. (Chaumette, Grizenko, Fageerat, Fortier, Ter-Stepanian, Joober); the Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montréal, Que. (Chaumette, Grizenko, Joober); The Neuro, McGill University, Montréal, Que. (Chaumette); the Université Paris Cité, INSERM U1266, Institute of Psychiatry and Neuroscience of Paris, Paris, France (Chaumette); the GHU Paris Psychiatrie & Neurosciences, Paris, France (Chaumette); the Department of Human Genetics, McGill University, Montréal, Que. (Fageera, Joober); the Department of Educational and Counselling Psychology, McGill University, Montréal, Que. (Ter-Stepanian); the Département de Psychoéducation, Université de Sherbrooke, Que. (Ter-Stepanian); the Department of Decision Sciences, HEC Montreal, Montréal, Que. (Labbe); the Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montréal, Que. (Joober)
| | - Marie-Ève Fortier
- From the Douglas Mental Health University Institute, Montréal, Que. (Chaumette, Grizenko, Fageerat, Fortier, Ter-Stepanian, Joober); the Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montréal, Que. (Chaumette, Grizenko, Joober); The Neuro, McGill University, Montréal, Que. (Chaumette); the Université Paris Cité, INSERM U1266, Institute of Psychiatry and Neuroscience of Paris, Paris, France (Chaumette); the GHU Paris Psychiatrie & Neurosciences, Paris, France (Chaumette); the Department of Human Genetics, McGill University, Montréal, Que. (Fageera, Joober); the Department of Educational and Counselling Psychology, McGill University, Montréal, Que. (Ter-Stepanian); the Département de Psychoéducation, Université de Sherbrooke, Que. (Ter-Stepanian); the Department of Decision Sciences, HEC Montreal, Montréal, Que. (Labbe); the Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montréal, Que. (Joober)
| | - Marina Ter-Stepanian
- From the Douglas Mental Health University Institute, Montréal, Que. (Chaumette, Grizenko, Fageerat, Fortier, Ter-Stepanian, Joober); the Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montréal, Que. (Chaumette, Grizenko, Joober); The Neuro, McGill University, Montréal, Que. (Chaumette); the Université Paris Cité, INSERM U1266, Institute of Psychiatry and Neuroscience of Paris, Paris, France (Chaumette); the GHU Paris Psychiatrie & Neurosciences, Paris, France (Chaumette); the Department of Human Genetics, McGill University, Montréal, Que. (Fageera, Joober); the Department of Educational and Counselling Psychology, McGill University, Montréal, Que. (Ter-Stepanian); the Département de Psychoéducation, Université de Sherbrooke, Que. (Ter-Stepanian); the Department of Decision Sciences, HEC Montreal, Montréal, Que. (Labbe); the Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montréal, Que. (Joober)
| | - Aurelie Labbe
- From the Douglas Mental Health University Institute, Montréal, Que. (Chaumette, Grizenko, Fageerat, Fortier, Ter-Stepanian, Joober); the Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montréal, Que. (Chaumette, Grizenko, Joober); The Neuro, McGill University, Montréal, Que. (Chaumette); the Université Paris Cité, INSERM U1266, Institute of Psychiatry and Neuroscience of Paris, Paris, France (Chaumette); the GHU Paris Psychiatrie & Neurosciences, Paris, France (Chaumette); the Department of Human Genetics, McGill University, Montréal, Que. (Fageera, Joober); the Department of Educational and Counselling Psychology, McGill University, Montréal, Que. (Ter-Stepanian); the Département de Psychoéducation, Université de Sherbrooke, Que. (Ter-Stepanian); the Department of Decision Sciences, HEC Montreal, Montréal, Que. (Labbe); the Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montréal, Que. (Joober)
| | - Ridha Joober
- From the Douglas Mental Health University Institute, Montréal, Que. (Chaumette, Grizenko, Fageerat, Fortier, Ter-Stepanian, Joober); the Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montréal, Que. (Chaumette, Grizenko, Joober); The Neuro, McGill University, Montréal, Que. (Chaumette); the Université Paris Cité, INSERM U1266, Institute of Psychiatry and Neuroscience of Paris, Paris, France (Chaumette); the GHU Paris Psychiatrie & Neurosciences, Paris, France (Chaumette); the Department of Human Genetics, McGill University, Montréal, Que. (Fageera, Joober); the Department of Educational and Counselling Psychology, McGill University, Montréal, Que. (Ter-Stepanian); the Département de Psychoéducation, Université de Sherbrooke, Que. (Ter-Stepanian); the Department of Decision Sciences, HEC Montreal, Montréal, Que. (Labbe); the Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montréal, Que. (Joober)
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Lussier AA, Zhu Y, Smith BJ, Cerutti J, Fisher J, Melton PE, Wood NM, Cohen-Woods S, Huang RC, Mitchell C, Schneper L, Notterman DA, Simpkin AJ, Smith ADAC, Suderman MJ, Walton E, Relton CL, Ressler KJ, Dunn EC. Association between the timing of childhood adversity and epigenetic patterns across childhood and adolescence: findings from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC) prospective cohort. THE LANCET. CHILD & ADOLESCENT HEALTH 2023; 7:532-543. [PMID: 37327798 PMCID: PMC10527482 DOI: 10.1016/s2352-4642(23)00127-x] [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: 10/17/2022] [Revised: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Childhood adversity is a potent determinant of health across development and is associated with altered DNA methylation signatures, which might be more common in children exposed during sensitive periods in development. However, it remains unclear whether adversity has persistent epigenetic associations across childhood and adolescence. We aimed to examine the relationship between time-varying adversity (defined through sensitive period, accumulation of risk, and recency life course hypotheses) and genome-wide DNA methylation, measured three times from birth to adolescence, using data from a prospective, longitudinal cohort study. METHODS We first investigated the relationship between the timing of exposure to childhood adversity between birth and 11 years and blood DNA methylation at age 15 years in the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC) prospective cohort study. Our analytic sample included ALSPAC participants with DNA methylation data and complete childhood adversity data between birth and 11 years. We analysed seven types of adversity (caregiver physical or emotional abuse, sexual or physical abuse [by anyone], maternal psychopathology, one-adult households, family instability, financial hardship, and neighbourhood disadvantage) reported by mothers five to eight times between birth and 11 years. We used the structured life course modelling approach (SLCMA) to identify time-varying associations between childhood adversity and adolescent DNA methylation. Top loci were identified using an R2 threshold of 0·035 (ie, ≥3·5% of DNA methylation variance explained by adversity). We attempted to replicate these associations using data from the Raine Study and Future of Families and Child Wellbeing Study (FFCWS). We also assessed the persistence of adversity-DNA methylation associations we previously identified from age 7 blood DNA methylation into adolescence and the influence of adversity on DNA methylation trajectories from ages 0-15 years. FINDINGS Of 13 988 children in the ALSPAC cohort, 609-665 children (311-337 [50-51%] boys and 298-332 [49-50%] girls) had complete data available for at least one of the seven childhood adversities and DNA methylation at 15 years. Exposure to adversity was associated with differences in DNA methylation at 15 years for 41 loci (R2 ≥0·035). Sensitive periods were the most often selected life course hypothesis by the SLCMA. 20 (49%) of 41 loci were associated with adversities occurring between age 3 and 5 years. Exposure to one-adult households was associated with differences in DNA methylation at 20 [49%] of 41 loci, exposure to financial hardship was associated with changes at nine (22%) loci, and physical or sexual abuse was associated with changes at four (10%) loci. We replicated the direction of associations for 18 (90%) of 20 loci associated with exposure to one-adult household using adolescent blood DNA methylation from the Raine Study and 18 (64%) of 28 loci using saliva DNA methylation from the FFCWS. The directions of effects for 11 one-adult household loci were replicated in both cohorts. Differences in DNA methylation at 15 years were not present at 7 years and differences identified at 7 years were no longer apparent by 15 years. We also identified six distinct DNA methylation trajectories from these patterns of stability and persistence. INTERPRETATION These findings highlight the time-varying effect of childhood adversity on DNA methylation profiles across development, which might link exposure to adversity to potential adverse health outcomes in children and adolescents. If replicated, these epigenetic signatures could ultimately serve as biological indicators or early warning signs of initiated disease processes, helping identify people at greater risk for the adverse health consequences of childhood adversity. FUNDING Canadian Institutes of Health Research, Cohort and Longitudinal Studies Enhancement Resources, EU's Horizon 2020, US National Institute of Mental Health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre A Lussier
- Psychiatric and Neurodevelopmental Genetics Unit, Centre for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA; Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, The Broad Institute of Harvard and Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA.
| | - Yiwen Zhu
- Psychiatric and Neurodevelopmental Genetics Unit, Centre for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T H Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Brooke J Smith
- Psychiatric and Neurodevelopmental Genetics Unit, Centre for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Janine Cerutti
- Psychiatric and Neurodevelopmental Genetics Unit, Centre for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jonah Fisher
- Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan, Ann Abor, MI, USA
| | - Phillip E Melton
- School of Population and Global Health, University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA, Australia; Menzies Research Institute, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, Australia
| | - Natasha M Wood
- College of Education, Psychology, and Social Work, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Sarah Cohen-Woods
- College of Education, Psychology, and Social Work, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia; Flinders Institute for Mental Health and Wellbeing, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia; Flinders Centre for Innovation in Cancer, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Rae-Chi Huang
- Nutrition Health Innovation Research Institute, Edith Cowan University, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Colter Mitchell
- Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan, Ann Abor, MI, USA
| | - Lisa Schneper
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA
| | - Daniel A Notterman
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA
| | - Andrew J Simpkin
- School of Mathematical and Statistical Sciences, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Andrew D A C Smith
- Mathematics and Statistics Research Group, University of the West of England, Bristol, UK
| | - Matthew J Suderman
- Medical Research Council Integrative Epidemiology Unit, Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Esther Walton
- Department of Psychology, University of Bath, Bath, UK
| | - Caroline L Relton
- Medical Research Council Integrative Epidemiology Unit, Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Kerry J Ressler
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Psychiatry, McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA, USA
| | - Erin C Dunn
- Psychiatric and Neurodevelopmental Genetics Unit, Centre for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA; Center on the Developing Child, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA; Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, The Broad Institute of Harvard and Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Kobus M, Sitek A, Antoszewski B, Rożniecki JJ, Pełka J, Żądzińska E. The impact of exposure to tobacco smoking and maternal trauma in fetal life on risk of migraine. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1191091. [PMID: 37456999 PMCID: PMC10338879 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1191091] [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: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Prenatal period is the key time in human development. Many prenatal factors are well-known and increase the risk of developing diseases' after birth. Few studies indicated the link between the prenatal period and the prevalence of migraine in childhood and adolescence so far. We decided to broaden current knowledge and investigate whether the prenatal factors influence the prevalence of migraine in adulthood. The objective of this study is to provide evidence of relationship between in utero environment and risk of migraine. Methods In total 266 females (136 in the migraine group, 130 in the control group) and 80 males (35 in the migraine group, 45 in the control group), aged 18-65 participated in the study. The quality of prenatal environment was characterized on the basis of mother's and father's education, tobacco smoke exposure, alcohol consumption, and traumatic event during pregnancy, which are considered as prenatal factors and affect on fetal development. Results Migraine occurrence in adulthood was significantly associated with maternal tobacco smoking during pregnancy (OR 3.42, 95% CI 1.54-7.61, p = 0.036) and traumatic event during pregnancy (OR 2.27, 95% CI 1.24-4.13, p = 0.020). Discussion Our study suggests that the fetal programming effect of tobacco smoking exposure and maternal trauma is not limited to prenatal life and is suggested as having a role in adulthood. Our findings support evidence that migraine adulthood can be partly influenced by early life conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena Kobus
- Department of Anthropology, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz, Łódź, Poland
| | - Aneta Sitek
- Department of Anthropology, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz, Łódź, Poland
| | - Bogusław Antoszewski
- Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Esthetic Surgery, Institute of Surgery, Medical University of Lodz, Łódź, Poland
| | - Jacek J. Rożniecki
- Department of Neurology, Stroke and Neurorehabilitation, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
| | - Jacek Pełka
- Department of Neurology, Norbert Barlicki Memory University Teaching Hospital, Lodz, Poland
| | - Elżbieta Żądzińska
- Department of Anthropology, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz, Łódź, Poland
- Biological Anthropology and Comparative Anatomy Research Unit, School of Medicine, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Chang XY, Lin WY. Epigenetic age acceleration mediates the association between smoking and diabetes-related outcomes. Clin Epigenetics 2023; 15:94. [PMID: 37268982 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-023-01512-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Smoking can lead to the deterioration of lung function and susceptibility to diabetes. Recently, smoking was found to induce DNA methylation (DNAm) changes in some cytosine-phosphate-guanine sites (CpGs). As linear combinations of DNAm levels of aging-related CpGs, five measures of epigenetic age acceleration (EAA) have received extensive attention: HannumEAA, IEAA, PhenoEAA, GrimEAA, and DunedinPACE. It is of interest to explore whether some measures of EAA can mediate the associations of smoking with diabetes-related outcomes and indices of ventilatory lung function. METHODS AND RESULTS In this study, we included self-reported smoking variables (smoking status, the number of pack-years, and years since smoking cessation), seven DNAm markers (HannumEAA, IEAA, PhenoEAA, GrimEAA, DNAm-based smoking pack-years, DNAm plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 [PAI-1] levels, and DunedinPACE), and four health outcomes (fasting glucose, hemoglobin A1C, forced expiratory volume in 1.0 s [FEV1], and forced vital capacity [FVC]) from 2474 Taiwan Biobank participants. Mediation analyses were conducted while adjusting for chronological age, sex, body mass index, drinking status, regular exercise status, educational attainment, and five cell-type proportions. We demonstrated that GrimEAA, DNAm-based smoking pack-years, DNAm PAI-1 levels, DunedinPACE, and PhenoEAA mediated smoking associations with diabetes-related outcomes. Moreover, current and former smoking both had an adverse indirect effect on FVC through DNAm PAI-1 levels. For former smokers, a long time since smoking cessation had a positive indirect impact on FVC through GrimEAA and on FEV1 through PhenoEAA. CONCLUSIONS This is one of the first studies to comprehensively investigate the role of five measures of EAA in mediating the associations of smoking with the health outcomes of an Asian population. The results showed that the second-generation epigenetic clocks (GrimEAA, DunedinPACE, and PhenoEAA) significantly mediated the associations between smoking and diabetes-related outcomes. In contrast, the first-generation epigenetic clocks (HannumEAA and IEAA) did not significantly mediate any associations of smoking variables with the four health outcomes. Cigarette smoking can, directly and indirectly, deteriorate human health through DNAm changes in aging-related CpG sites.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xue-Yong Chang
- Institute of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, College of Public Health, National Taiwan University, Room 501, No. 17, Xu-Zhou Road, Taipei, 100, Taiwan
| | - Wan-Yu Lin
- Institute of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, College of Public Health, National Taiwan University, Room 501, No. 17, Xu-Zhou Road, Taipei, 100, Taiwan.
- Master of Public Health Degree Program, College of Public Health, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.
- Department of Public Health, College of Public Health, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Conole ELS, Vaher K, Cabez MB, Sullivan G, Stevenson AJ, Hall J, Murphy L, Thrippleton MJ, Quigley AJ, Bastin ME, Miron VE, Whalley HC, Marioni RE, Boardman JP, Cox SR. Immuno-epigenetic signature derived in saliva associates with the encephalopathy of prematurity and perinatal inflammatory disorders. Brain Behav Immun 2023; 110:322-338. [PMID: 36948324 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2023.03.011] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Revised: 02/12/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Preterm birth is closely associated with a phenotype that includes brain dysmaturation and neurocognitive impairment, commonly termed Encephalopathy of Prematurity (EoP), of which systemic inflammation is considered a key driver. DNA methylation (DNAm) signatures of inflammation from peripheral blood associate with poor brain imaging outcomes in adult cohorts. However, the robustness of DNAm inflammatory scores in infancy, their relation to comorbidities of preterm birth characterised by inflammation, neonatal neuroimaging metrics of EoP, and saliva cross-tissue applicability are unknown. METHODS Using salivary DNAm from 258 neonates (n = 155 preterm, gestational age at birth 23.28 - 34.84 weeks, n = 103 term, gestational age at birth 37.00 - 42.14 weeks), we investigated the impact of a DNAm surrogate for C-reactive protein (DNAm CRP) on brain structure and other clinically defined inflammatory exposures. We assessed i) if DNAm CRP estimates varied between preterm infants at term equivalent age and term infants, ii) how DNAm CRP related to different types of inflammatory exposure (maternal, fetal and postnatal) and iii) whether elevated DNAm CRP associated with poorer measures of neonatal brain volume and white matter connectivity. RESULTS Higher DNAm CRP was linked to preterm status (-0.0107 ± 0.0008, compared with -0.0118 ± 0.0006 among term infants; p < 0.001), as well as perinatal inflammatory diseases, including histologic chorioamnionitis, sepsis, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, and necrotising enterocolitis (OR range |2.00 | to |4.71|, p < 0.01). Preterm infants with higher DNAm CRP scores had lower brain volume in deep grey matter, white matter, and hippocampi and amygdalae (β range |0.185| to |0.218|). No such associations were observed for term infants. Association magnitudes were largest for measures of white matter microstructure among preterms, where elevated epigenetic inflammation associated with poorer global measures of white matter integrity (β range |0.206| to |0.371|), independent of other confounding exposures. CONCLUSIONS Inflammatory-related DNAm captures the allostatic load of inflammatory burden in preterm infants. Such DNAm measures complement biological and clinical metrics when investigating the determinants of neurodevelopmental differences.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eleanor L S Conole
- Lothian Birth Cohorts group, Department of Psychology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9JZ, UK; Centre for Genomic and Experimental Medicine, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH4 2XU, UK; Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK.
| | - Kadi Vaher
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh BioQuarter, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - Manuel Blesa Cabez
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh BioQuarter, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - Gemma Sullivan
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh BioQuarter, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - Anna J Stevenson
- Centre for Genomic and Experimental Medicine, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH4 2XU, UK
| | - Jill Hall
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh BioQuarter, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - Lee Murphy
- Edinburgh Clinical Research Facility, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH4 2XU, UK
| | - Michael J Thrippleton
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK; Edinburgh Clinical Research Facility, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH4 2XU, UK
| | - Alan J Quigley
- Imaging Department, Royal Hospital for Children and Young People, Edinburgh, EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - Mark E Bastin
- Lothian Birth Cohorts group, Department of Psychology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9JZ, UK; Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK
| | - Veronique E Miron
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh BioQuarter, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - Heather C Whalley
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK
| | - Riccardo E Marioni
- Centre for Genomic and Experimental Medicine, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH4 2XU, UK
| | - James P Boardman
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK; MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh BioQuarter, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - Simon R Cox
- Lothian Birth Cohorts group, Department of Psychology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9JZ, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Kurihara C, Kuniyoshi KM, Rehan VK. Preterm Birth, Developmental Smoke/Nicotine Exposure, and Life-Long Pulmonary Sequelae. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 10:children10040608. [PMID: 37189857 DOI: 10.3390/children10040608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Revised: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
This review delineates the main pulmonary issues related to preterm birth, perinatal tobacco/nicotine exposure, and its effects on offspring, focusing on respiratory health and its possible transmission to subsequent generations. We review the extent of the problem of preterm birth, prematurity-related pulmonary effects, and the associated increased risk of asthma later in life. We then review the impact of developmental tobacco/nicotine exposure on offspring asthma and the significance of transgenerational pulmonary effects following perinatal tobacco/nicotine exposure, possibly via its effects on germline epigenetics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chie Kurihara
- Department of Pediatrics, The Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Katherine M Kuniyoshi
- Department of Pediatrics, The Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Virender K Rehan
- Department of Pediatrics, The Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Miyake K, Kushima M, Shinohara R, Horiuchi S, Otawa S, Akiyama Y, Ooka T, Kojima R, Yokomichi H, Yamagata Z. Maternal smoking status before and during pregnancy and bronchial asthma at 3 years of age: a prospective cohort study. Sci Rep 2023; 13:3234. [PMID: 36828882 PMCID: PMC9958124 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-30304-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 02/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The association between maternal pre-pregnancy smoking status and asthma risk is unclear. This study aimed to investigate the association between pre- and post-pregnancy maternal smoking status and bronchial asthma at 3 years of age in a large birth cohort. Data of 75,411 mother-child pairs from the Japan Environment and Children's Study (JECS) were analysed using multivariate logistic regression analysis. Overall, 7.2% of the children had bronchial asthma. The maternal smoking status before childbirth was as follows: Never = 60.0%, Quit before recognising current pregnancy = 24.1%, Quit after finding out about current pregnancy = 12.3%, and Still smoking = 3.6%. Children of mothers who sustained smoking during pregnancy had an increased risk of bronchial asthma at 3 years of age even after adjusting for pre- and postnatal covariates (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.34, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.15-1.56). Children of mothers who quit before (aOR 1.09, 95% CI 1.02-1.18) or after (aOR 1.11, 95% CI 1.01-1.23) recognising the current pregnancy had an increased risk of bronchial asthma at 3 years of age. Maternal smoking throughout pregnancy and smoking exposure pre-pregnancy or in early pregnancy increases the risk of bronchial asthma in children.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kunio Miyake
- Department of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Yamanashi, 1110 Shimokato, Chuo, Yamanashi, 409-3898, Japan.
| | - Megumi Kushima
- grid.267500.60000 0001 0291 3581Center for Birth Cohort Studies, University of Yamanashi, Yamanashi, Japan
| | - Ryoji Shinohara
- grid.267500.60000 0001 0291 3581Center for Birth Cohort Studies, University of Yamanashi, Yamanashi, Japan
| | - Sayaka Horiuchi
- grid.267500.60000 0001 0291 3581Center for Birth Cohort Studies, University of Yamanashi, Yamanashi, Japan
| | - Sanae Otawa
- grid.267500.60000 0001 0291 3581Center for Birth Cohort Studies, University of Yamanashi, Yamanashi, Japan
| | - Yuka Akiyama
- grid.267500.60000 0001 0291 3581Department of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Yamanashi, 1110 Shimokato, Chuo, Yamanashi 409-3898 Japan
| | - Tadao Ooka
- grid.267500.60000 0001 0291 3581Department of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Yamanashi, 1110 Shimokato, Chuo, Yamanashi 409-3898 Japan
| | - Reiji Kojima
- grid.267500.60000 0001 0291 3581Department of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Yamanashi, 1110 Shimokato, Chuo, Yamanashi 409-3898 Japan
| | - Hiroshi Yokomichi
- grid.267500.60000 0001 0291 3581Department of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Yamanashi, 1110 Shimokato, Chuo, Yamanashi 409-3898 Japan
| | - Zentaro Yamagata
- grid.267500.60000 0001 0291 3581Department of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Yamanashi, 1110 Shimokato, Chuo, Yamanashi 409-3898 Japan ,grid.267500.60000 0001 0291 3581Center for Birth Cohort Studies, University of Yamanashi, Yamanashi, Japan
| | | |
Collapse
|
26
|
Deolmi M, Decarolis NM, Motta M, Makrinioti H, Fainardi V, Pisi G, Esposito S. Early Origins of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: Prenatal and Early Life Risk Factors. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:2294. [PMID: 36767660 PMCID: PMC9915555 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20032294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Revised: 01/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The main risk factor for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is active smoking. However, a considerable amount of people with COPD never smoked, and increasing evidence suggests that adult lung disease can have its origins in prenatal and early life. This article reviews some of the factors that can potentially affect lung development and lung function trajectories throughout the lifespan from genetics and prematurity to respiratory tract infections and childhood asthma. Maternal smoking and air pollution exposure were also analyzed among the environmental factors. The adoption of preventive strategies to avoid these risk factors since the prenatal period may be crucial to prevent, delay the onset or modify the progression of COPD lung disease throughout life.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michela Deolmi
- Pediatric Clinic, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Via Gramsci 14, 43124 Parma, Italy
| | - Nicola Mattia Decarolis
- Pediatric Clinic, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Via Gramsci 14, 43124 Parma, Italy
| | - Matteo Motta
- Pediatric Clinic, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Via Gramsci 14, 43124 Parma, Italy
| | - Heidi Makrinioti
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 01451, USA
| | - Valentina Fainardi
- Pediatric Clinic, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Via Gramsci 14, 43124 Parma, Italy
| | - Giovanna Pisi
- Cystic Fibrosis Unit, Pediatric Clinic, Az. Ospedaliera-Universitaria di Parma, Via Gramsci 14, 43124 Parma, Italy
| | - Susanna Esposito
- Pediatric Clinic, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Via Gramsci 14, 43124 Parma, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Lees-Murdock D, Ward M. Can Nutritional Epigenomics Explain Persistent Effects of Periconceptional Folic Acid in the Methylome? J Nutr 2023; 152:2636-2637. [PMID: 36288239 DOI: 10.1093/jn/nxac224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2022] [Revised: 09/25/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Diane Lees-Murdock
- Genomic Medicine, School of Biomedical Sciences, Ulster University, Coleraine, N Ireland, United Kingdom
| | - Mary Ward
- Nutrition Innovation Centre for Food and Health (NICHE), School of Biomedical Sciences, Ulster University, Coleraine, N Ireland, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Grandmaternal smoking during pregnancy is associated with differential DNA methylation in peripheral blood of their grandchildren. Eur J Hum Genet 2022; 30:1373-1379. [PMID: 35347270 PMCID: PMC9712525 DOI: 10.1038/s41431-022-01081-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2021] [Revised: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 02/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The idea that information can be transmitted to subsequent generation(s) by epigenetic means has been studied for decades but remains controversial in humans. Epidemiological studies have established that grandparental exposures are associated with health outcomes in their grandchildren, often with sex-specific effects; however, the mechanism of transmission is still unclear. We conducted Epigenome Wide Association Studies (EWAS) to test whether grandmaternal smoking during pregnancy is associated with altered DNA methylation (DNAm) in peripheral blood from their adolescent grandchildren. We used data from a birth cohort, with discovery and replication datasets of up to 1225 and 708 individuals (respectively, for the maternal line), aged 15-17 years, and tested replication in the same individuals at birth and 7 years. We show for the first time that DNAm at a small number of loci in cord blood is associated with grandmaternal smoking in humans. In adolescents we see suggestive associations in regions of the genome which we hypothesised a priori could be involved in transgenerational transmission - we observe sex-specific associations at two sites on the X chromosome and one in an imprinting control region. All are within transcription factor binding sites (TFBSs), and we observe enrichment for TFBS among the CpG sites with the strongest associations; however, there is limited evidence that the associations we see replicate between timepoints. The implication of this work is that effects of smoking during pregnancy may induce DNAm changes in later generations and that these changes are often sex-specific, in line with epidemiological associations.
Collapse
|
29
|
Schrott R, Song A, Ladd-Acosta C. Epigenetics as a Biomarker for Early-Life Environmental Exposure. Curr Environ Health Rep 2022; 9:604-624. [PMID: 35907133 DOI: 10.1007/s40572-022-00373-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW There is interest in evaluating the developmental origins of health and disease (DOHaD) which emphasizes the role of prenatal and early-life environments on non-communicable health outcomes throughout the life course. The ability to rigorously assess and identify early-life risk factors for later health outcomes, including those with childhood onset, in large population samples is often limited due to measurement challenges such as impractical costs associated with prospective studies with a long follow-up duration, short half-lives for some environmental toxicants, and lack of biomarkers that capture inter-individual differences in biologic response to external environments. RECENT FINDINGS Epigenomic patterns, and DNA methylation in particular, have emerged as a potential objective biomarker to address some of these study design and exposure measurement challenges. In this article, we summarize the literature to date on epigenetic changes associated with specific prenatal and early-life exposure domains as well as exposure mixtures in human observational studies and their biomarker potential. Additionally, we highlight evidence for other types of epigenetic patterns to serve as exposure biomarkers. Evidence strongly supports epigenomic biomarkers of exposure that are detectable across the lifespan and across a range of exposure domains. Current and future areas of research in this field seek to expand these lines of evidence to other environmental exposures, to determine their specificity, and to develop predictive algorithms and methylation scores that can be used to evaluate early-life risk factors for health outcomes across the life span.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rose Schrott
- Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Ashley Song
- Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Christine Ladd-Acosta
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N. Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Cerdeña JP. Epigenetic citizenship and political claims-making: the ethics of molecularizing structural racism. BIOSOCIETIES 2022; 18:1-24. [PMID: 36277423 PMCID: PMC9579599 DOI: 10.1057/s41292-022-00286-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Epigenetics has generated excitement over its potential to inform health disparities research by capturing the molecular signatures of social experiences. This paper highlights the concerns implied by these expectations of epigenetics research and discusses the possible ramifications of 'molecularizing' the forms of social suffering currently examined in epigenetics studies. Researchers working with oppressed populations-particularly racially marginalized groups-should further anticipate how their results might be interpreted to avoid fueling prejudiced claims of biological essentialism. Introducing the concept of 'epigenetic citizenship,' this paper considers the ways environmentally responsive methylation cues may be used in direct-to-consumer testing, healthcare, and biopolitical interactions. The conclusion addresses the future of social epigenetics research and the utility of an epigenetic citizenship framework.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jessica P. Cerdeña
- Department of Anthropology, Yale University, 10 Sachem Street, New Haven, CT 06511 USA
- Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT USA
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Abrishamcar S, Chen J, Feil D, Kilanowski A, Koen N, Vanker A, Wedderburn CJ, Donald KA, Zar HJ, Stein DJ, Hüls A. DNA methylation as a potential mediator of the association between prenatal tobacco and alcohol exposure and child neurodevelopment in a South African birth cohort. Transl Psychiatry 2022; 12:418. [PMID: 36180424 PMCID: PMC9525659 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-022-02195-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Revised: 09/09/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Prenatal tobacco exposure (PTE) and prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) have been associated with an increased risk of delayed neurodevelopment in children as well as differential newborn DNA methylation (DNAm). However, the biological mechanisms connecting PTE and PAE, DNAm, and neurodevelopment are largely unknown. Here we aim to determine whether differential DNAm mediates the association between PTE and PAE and neurodevelopment at 6 (N = 112) and 24 months (N = 184) in children from the South African Drakenstein Child Health Study. PTE and PAE were assessed antenatally using urine cotinine measurements and the ASSIST questionnaire, respectively. Cord blood DNAm was measured using the EPIC and 450 K BeadChips. Neurodevelopment (cognitive, language, motor, adaptive behavior, socioemotional) was measured using the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development, Third Edition. We constructed methylation risk scores (MRS) for PTE and PAE and conducted causal mediation analysis (CMA) with these MRS as mediators. Next, we conducted a high-dimensional mediation analysis to identify individual CpG sites as potential mediators, followed by a CMA to estimate the average causal mediation effects (ACME) and total effect (TE). PTE and PAE were associated with neurodevelopment at 6 but not at 24 months. PTE MRS reached a prediction accuracy (R2) of 0.23 but did not significantly mediate the association between PTE and neurodevelopment. PAE MRS was not predictive of PAE (R2 = 0.006). For PTE, 31 CpG sites and eight CpG sites were identified as significant mediators (ACME and TE P < 0.05) for the cognitive and motor domains at 6 months, respectively. For PAE, 16 CpG sites and 1 CpG site were significant mediators for the motor and adaptive behavior domains at 6 months, respectively. Several of the associated genes, including MAD1L1, CAMTA1, and ALDH1A2 have been implicated in neurodevelopmental delay, suggesting that differential DNAm may partly explain the biological mechanisms underlying the relationship between PTE and PAE and child neurodevelopment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarina Abrishamcar
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Junyu Chen
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Dakotah Feil
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Anna Kilanowski
- Institute of Epidemiology, Helmholtz Zentrum München - German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany
- Institute for Medical Information Processing, Biometry, and Epidemiology, Pettenkofer School of Public Health, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
- Division of Metabolic and Nutritional Medicine, Dr. von Hauner Children's Hospital, University of Munich Medical Center, Munich, Germany
| | - Nastassja Koen
- Neuroscience Institute, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) Unit on Risk and Resilience in Mental Disorders, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Aneesa Vanker
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Catherine J Wedderburn
- Neuroscience Institute, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Department of Clinical Research, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Kirsten A Donald
- Neuroscience Institute, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Heather J Zar
- South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) Unit on Risk and Resilience in Mental Disorders, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Dan J Stein
- Neuroscience Institute, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) Unit on Risk and Resilience in Mental Disorders, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Anke Hüls
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA.
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Barrio E, Quirós A, Lerma-Puertas D, Labarta JI, Gascón-Catalán A. Identification of miRNAs Involved in Foetal Growth Restriction Due to Maternal Smoking during Pregnancy. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11195808. [PMID: 36233676 PMCID: PMC9571148 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11195808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Revised: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Smoking during pregnancy is associated with reduced foetal growth, amongst other effects. Epigenetic modification in the foetus and placenta during embryonic development as a result of changes in the function of miRNAs is one of the pathophysiological mechanisms responsible for this. This dysregulation may be due to environmental changes or toxins such as tobacco. OBJECTIVE To study the impact of smoking during pregnancy and its role in intrauterine growth restriction via hypermethylated miRNAs. MATERIALS AND METHODS The differences in methylation patterns for miRNAs in umbilical cord blood from low-birth-weight newborns of smoking mothers were compared with those from normal-weight newborns using MedIP-seq (StarArray). RESULTS Seven hypermethylated miRNAs were identified in the epigenetic study of cord blood from low-birth-weight newborns of smoking mothers in our sample. The miRNAs found to be hypermethylated were: MIR7-1, MIR3918, MIR1244-1, MIR4721, MIR25, MIR93, MIR3656. CONCLUSION Intrauterine exposure to tobacco induces hypermethylation-mediated miRNA silencing in low-birth-weight newborns by modifying the expression of factors involved in vascular development, growth, and adaptation to hypoxia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eva Barrio
- Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Zaragoza, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
- Correspondence: (E.B.); (A.G.-C.)
| | - Alba Quirós
- Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Zaragoza, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Diego Lerma-Puertas
- Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Zaragoza, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
- Servicio de Obstetricia y Ginecología, Hospital Clínico Universitario Lozano Blesa, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
| | - José I. Labarta
- Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Zaragoza, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
- Unidad de Endocrinología, Servicio de Pediatría, Hospital Universitario Miguel Servet, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Ana Gascón-Catalán
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Zaragoza, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
- Correspondence: (E.B.); (A.G.-C.)
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Park J, Kim J, Kim E, Won S, Kim WJ. Association between prenatal cadmium exposure and cord blood DNA methylation. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 212:113268. [PMID: 35405126 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2022.113268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2021] [Revised: 03/13/2022] [Accepted: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Prenatal cadmium exposure is known to affect infant growth and organ development. Nonetheless, the role of DNA methylation in cadmium-related health effects has yet to be determined. To this end, we investigated the relationship between prenatal cadmium exposure and cord blood DNA methylation in Korean infants through an epigenome-wide association study. Cadmium concentrations in maternal blood during early and late pregnancy and in cord blood collected from newborns were measured using atomic adsorption spectrometry and DNA methylation analysis was conducted using HumanMethylationEPIC BeadChip kits. After adjusting for infant sex, maternal pregnancy body mass index, smoking status, and estimated leukocyte composition, we analyzed the association between CpG methylation and cadmium concentration in 364 samples. Among 835,252 CpG sites, maternal blood cadmium concentration in early pregnancy was significantly associated with two differentially methylated CpG sites, cg05537752 and cg24904393, which were annotated ATP9A and no gene, respectively. The study findings indicate that prenatal cadmium exposure is significantly associated with methylation statuses of several CpG sites and regions in Korean infants, especially during early pregnancy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jaehyun Park
- Interdisciplinary Program of Bioinformatics, College of Natural Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Jeeyoung Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine and Environmental Health Center, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, South Korea
| | - Esther Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine and Environmental Health Center, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, South Korea
| | - Sungho Won
- Interdisciplinary Program of Bioinformatics, College of Natural Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea; Department of Public Health Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea; Institute of Health and Environment, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea; RexSoft Corp, Seoul, South Korea.
| | - Woo Jin Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine and Environmental Health Center, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, South Korea
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Svoboda LK, Perera BPU, Morgan RK, Polemi KM, Pan J, Dolinoy DC. Toxicoepigenetics and Environmental Health: Challenges and Opportunities. Chem Res Toxicol 2022; 35:1293-1311. [PMID: 35876266 PMCID: PMC9812000 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrestox.1c00445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
The rapidly growing field of toxicoepigenetics seeks to understand how toxicant exposures interact with the epigenome to influence disease risk. Toxicoepigenetics is a promising field of environmental health research, as integrating epigenetics into the field of toxicology will enable a more thorough evaluation of toxicant-induced disease mechanisms as well as the elucidation of the role of the epigenome as a biomarker of exposure and disease and possible mediator of exposure effects. Likewise, toxicoepigenetics will enhance our knowledge of how environmental exposures, lifestyle factors, and diet interact to influence health. Ultimately, an understanding of how the environment impacts the epigenome to cause disease may inform risk assessment, permit noninvasive biomonitoring, and provide potential opportunities for therapeutic intervention. However, the translation of research from this exciting field into benefits for human and animal health presents several challenges and opportunities. Here, we describe four significant areas in which we see opportunity to transform the field and improve human health by reducing the disease burden caused by environmental exposures. These include (1) research into the mechanistic role for epigenetic change in environment-induced disease, (2) understanding key factors influencing vulnerability to the adverse effects of environmental exposures, (3) identifying appropriate biomarkers of environmental exposures and their associated diseases, and (4) determining whether the adverse effects of environment on the epigenome and human health are reversible through pharmacologic, dietary, or behavioral interventions. We then highlight several initiatives currently underway to address these challenges.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laurie K Svoboda
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Bambarendage P U Perera
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Rachel K Morgan
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Katelyn M Polemi
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Junru Pan
- Department Nutritional Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Dana C Dolinoy
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
- Department Nutritional Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Epigenetic profiling of social communication trajectories and co-occurring mental health problems: a prospective, methylome-wide association study. Dev Psychopathol 2022; 34:854-863. [PMID: 33494854 PMCID: PMC8622455 DOI: 10.1017/s0954579420001662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
While previous studies suggest that both genetic and environmental factors play an important role in the development of autism-related traits, little is known about potential biological mechanisms underlying these associations. Using data from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC), we examined prospective associations between DNA methylation (DNAm: nbirth = 804, nage 7 = 877) and trajectories of social communication deficits at age 8-17 years. Methylomic variation at three loci across the genome (false discovery rate = 0.048) differentiated children following high (n = 80) versus low (n = 724) trajectories of social communication deficits. This differential DNAm was specific to the neonatal period and not observed at 7 years of age. Associations between DNAm and trajectory membership remained robust after controlling for co-occurring mental health problems (i.e., hyperactivity/inattention, conduct problems). The three loci identified at birth were not replicated in the Generation R Study. However, to the best of our knowledge, ALSPAC is the only study to date that is prospective enough to examine DNAm in relation to longitudinal trajectories of social communication deficits from childhood to adolescence. Although the present findings might point to potentially novel sites that differentiate between a high versus low trajectory of social communication deficits, the results should be considered tentative until further replicated.
Collapse
|
36
|
Augustine T, Al-Aghbar MA, Al-Kowari M, Espino-Guarch M, van Panhuys N. Asthma and the Missing Heritability Problem: Necessity for Multiomics Approaches in Determining Accurate Risk Profiles. Front Immunol 2022; 13:822324. [PMID: 35693821 PMCID: PMC9174795 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.822324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2021] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Asthma is ranked among the most common chronic conditions and has become a significant public health issue due to the recent and rapid increase in its prevalence. Investigations into the underlying genetic factors predict a heritable component for its incidence, estimated between 35% and 90% of causation. Despite the application of large-scale genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and admixture mapping approaches, the proportion of variants identified accounts for less than 15% of the observed heritability of the disease. The discrepancy between the predicted heritable component of disease and the proportion of heritability mapped to the currently identified susceptibility loci has been termed the ‘missing heritability problem.’ Here, we examine recent studies involving both the analysis of genetically encoded features that contribute to asthma and also the role of non-encoded heritable characteristics, including epigenetic, environmental, and developmental aspects of disease. The importance of vertical maternal microbiome transfer and the influence of maternal immune factors on fetal conditioning in the inheritance of disease are also discussed. In order to highlight the broad array of biological inputs that contribute to the sum of heritable risk factors associated with allergic disease incidence that, together, contribute to the induction of a pro-atopic state. Currently, there is a need to develop in-depth models of asthma risk factors to overcome the limitations encountered in the interpretation of GWAS results in isolation, which have resulted in the missing heritability problem. Hence, multiomics analyses need to be established considering genetic, epigenetic, and functional data to create a true systems biology-based approach for analyzing the regulatory pathways that underlie the inheritance of asthma and to develop accurate risk profiles for disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tracy Augustine
- Laboratory of Immunoregulation, Systems Biology and Immunology Department, Sidra Medicine, Doha, Qatar
| | - Mohammad Ameen Al-Aghbar
- Laboratory of Immunoregulation, Systems Biology and Immunology Department, Sidra Medicine, Doha, Qatar
| | - Moza Al-Kowari
- Laboratory of Immunoregulation, Systems Biology and Immunology Department, Sidra Medicine, Doha, Qatar
| | - Meritxell Espino-Guarch
- Laboratory of Immunoregulation, Systems Biology and Immunology Department, Sidra Medicine, Doha, Qatar
| | - Nicholas van Panhuys
- Laboratory of Immunoregulation, Systems Biology and Immunology Department, Sidra Medicine, Doha, Qatar
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Cosin-Tomas M, Cilleros-Portet A, Aguilar-Lacasaña S, Fernandez-Jimenez N, Bustamante M. Prenatal Maternal Smoke, DNA Methylation, and Multi-omics of Tissues and Child Health. Curr Environ Health Rep 2022; 9:502-512. [PMID: 35670920 PMCID: PMC9363403 DOI: 10.1007/s40572-022-00361-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Maternal tobacco smoking during pregnancy is of public health concern, and understanding the biological mechanisms can help to promote smoking cessation campaigns. This non-systematic review focuses on the effects of maternal smoking during pregnancy on offspring's epigenome, consistent in chemical modifications of the genome that regulate gene expression. RECENT FINDINGS Recent meta-analyses of epigenome-wide association studies have shown that maternal smoking during pregnancy is consistently associated with offspring's DNA methylation changes, both in the placenta and blood. These studies indicate that effects on blood DNA methylation can persist for years, and that the longer the duration of the exposure and the higher the dose, the larger the effects. Hence, DNA methylation scores have been developed to estimate past exposure to maternal smoking during pregnancy as biomarkers. There is robust evidence for DNA methylation alterations associated with maternal smoking during pregnancy; however, the role of sex, ethnicity, and genetic background needs further exploration. Moreover, there are no conclusive studies about exposure to low doses or during the preconception period. Similarly, studies on tissues other than the placenta and blood are scarce, and cell-type specificity within tissues needs further investigation. In addition, biological interpretation of DNA methylation findings requires multi-omics data, poorly available in epidemiological settings. Finally, although several mediation analyses link DNA methylation changes with health outcomes, they do not allow causal inference. For this, a combination of data from multiple study designs will be essential in the future to better address this topic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marta Cosin-Tomas
- ISGlobal, Institute for Global Health, Barcelona, Spain. .,Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain. .,CIBER Epidemiología Y Salud Pública, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Ariadna Cilleros-Portet
- Department of Genetics, Physical Anthropology and Animal Physiology, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU) and Biocruces-Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Basque Country, Spain
| | - Sofía Aguilar-Lacasaña
- ISGlobal, Institute for Global Health, Barcelona, Spain.,Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain.,CIBER Epidemiología Y Salud Pública, Madrid, Spain
| | - Nora Fernandez-Jimenez
- Department of Genetics, Physical Anthropology and Animal Physiology, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU) and Biocruces-Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Basque Country, Spain
| | - Mariona Bustamante
- ISGlobal, Institute for Global Health, Barcelona, Spain.,Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain.,CIBER Epidemiología Y Salud Pública, Madrid, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Yim G, Roberts A, Ascherio A, Wypij D, Kioumourtzoglou MA, Weisskopf AMG. Smoking During Pregnancy and Risk of Attention-deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder in the Third Generation. Epidemiology 2022; 33:431-440. [PMID: 35213510 PMCID: PMC9010055 DOI: 10.1097/ede.0000000000001467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Animal experiments indicate that environmental factors, such as cigarette smoke, can have multigenerational effects through the germline. However, there are little data on multigenerational effects of smoking in humans. We examined the associations between grandmothers' smoking while pregnant and risk of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in her grandchildren. METHODS Our study population included 53,653 Nurses' Health Study II (NHS-II) participants (generation 1 [G1]), their mothers (generation 0 [G0]), and their 120,467 live-born children (generation 2 [G2]). In secondary analyses, we used data from 23,844 mothers of the nurses who were participants in the Nurses' Mothers' Cohort Study (NMCS), a substudy of NHS-II. RESULTS The prevalence of G0 smoking during the pregnancy with the G1 nurse was 25%. ADHD was diagnosed in 9,049 (7.5%) of the grandchildren (G2). Grand-maternal smoking during pregnancy was associated with increased odds of ADHD among the grandchildren (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.2; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.1, 1.2), independent of G1 smoking during pregnancy. In the Nurses' Mothers' Cohort Study, odds of ADHD increased with increasing cigarettes smoked per day by the grandmother (1-14 cigarettes: aOR = 1.1; 95% CI = 1.0, 1.2; 15+: aOR = 1.2; 95% CI = 1.0, 1.3), compared with nonsmoking grandmothers. CONCLUSIONS Grandmother smoking during pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of ADHD among the grandchildren.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gyeyoon Yim
- From the Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA
| | - Andrea Roberts
- From the Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA
| | - Alberto Ascherio
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA
- Department of Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - David Wypij
- Department of Biostatistics, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
- Department of Cardiology, Children's Hospital Boston, Boston, MA
| | | | - And Marc G Weisskopf
- From the Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Noble AJ, Pearson JF, Noble AD, Boden JM, Horwood LJ, Kennedy MA, Osborne AJ. DNA methylation analysis using bisulphite-based amplicon sequencing of individuals exposed to maternal tobacco use during pregnancy, and offspring conduct problems in childhood and adolescence. Reprod Fertil Dev 2022; 34:540-548. [PMID: 35412968 DOI: 10.1071/rd21108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Maternal tobacco smoking during pregnancy is a large driver of health inequalities and a higher prevalence of conduct problem (CP) has been observed in exposed offspring. Further, maternal tobacco use during pregnancy can also alter offspring DNA methylation. However, currently, limited molecular evidence has been found to support this observation. Thus we aim to examine the association between maternal tobacco use in pregnancy and offspring CP, to determine whether offspring CP is mediated by tobacco exposure-induced DNA methylation differences. Understanding the etiology of the association between maternal tobacco use and offspring CP will be crucial in the early identification and treatment of CP in children and adolescents. Here, a sub group of N =96 individuals was sourced from the Christchurch Health and Development Study, a longitudinal birth cohort studied for over 40 years in New Zealand. Whole blood samples underwent bisulphite-based amplicon sequencing at 10 loci known to play a role in neurodevelopment, or which had associations with CP phenotypes. We identified significant (P CYP1A1 , ASH2L and MEF2C in individuals with CP who were exposed to tobacco in utero . We conclude that environmentally-induced DNA methylation differences could play a role in the observed link between maternal tobacco use during pregnancy and childhood/adolescent CP. However, larger sample sizes are needed to produce an adequate amount of power to investigate this interaction further.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra J Noble
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - John F Pearson
- Department of Pathology and Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | | | - Joseph M Boden
- Department of Psychological Medicine, University of Otago, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - L John Horwood
- Department of Psychological Medicine, University of Otago, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Martin A Kennedy
- Department of Pathology and Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Amy J Osborne
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Wahn U, Lau S, Eigenmann P, Melen E, Krauss-Etschmann S, Lex C, Matricardi P, Schaub B, Halken S, Ege M, Jackson D, Hamelmann E, Szépfalusi Z, Garcia AN, von Mutius E. Early priming of asthma and respiratory allergies: Future aspects of prevention: A statement by the European Forum for Education and Research in Allergy and Airway Disease (EUFOREA) and the EAACI-Clemens von Pirquet Foundation. Pediatr Allergy Immunol 2022; 33:e13773. [PMID: 35470937 DOI: 10.1111/pai.13773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 04/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
In order to summarize recent research on the prevention of allergies-particularly asthma-and stimulate new activities for future initiatives, a virtual workshop sponsored by the EAACI Clemens von Pirquet foundation and EUFOREA was held in October 2021. The determinants of the "allergic march" as well as the key messages from intervention studies were reviewed by an international faculty of experts. Several unmet needs were identified, and a number of priorities for future studies were proposed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ulrich Wahn
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Immunology and Critical Care Medicine, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Susanne Lau
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Immunology and Critical Care Medicine, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Philippe Eigenmann
- Pediatric Allergy Unit, University Hospital of Geneva, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Erik Melen
- Department of Clinical Science and Education, Södershjukhuset, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Susanne Krauss-Etschmann
- Leibniz Lung Center, Airway Research Center North (ARCN), German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Borstel, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Christian Alberts University, Kiel, Germany
| | - Christiane Lex
- Department for Paediatric Cardiology, Intensive Care and Neonatology, University Medicine, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Paolo Matricardi
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Immunology and Critical Care Medicine, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Bianca Schaub
- Pediatric Allergology, Department of Pediatrics, Dr. von Hauner Children's University Hospital, LMU Munich-Member of the German Center for Lung Research-DZL-LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Susanne Halken
- Hans Cristian Andersen Children's Hospital, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| | - Markus Ege
- Pediatric Allergology, Department of Pediatrics, Dr. von Hauner Children's University Hospital, LMU Munich-Member of the German Center for Lung Research-DZL-LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Daniel Jackson
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Eckard Hamelmann
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's Center Bethel, University Medicine, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Zsolt Szépfalusi
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatrics Pulmonology, Allergology and Endocrinology, Comprehensive Center Pediatrics, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Antonio N Garcia
- Health Research Institute, Hospital Universitario La Fe., Valencia, Spain
| | - Erika von Mutius
- Pediatric Allergology, Department of Pediatrics, Dr. von Hauner Children's University Hospital, LMU Munich-Member of the German Center for Lung Research-DZL-LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Staley JR, Windmeijer F, Suderman M, Lyon MS, Davey Smith G, Tilling K. A robust mean and variance test with application to high-dimensional phenotypes. Eur J Epidemiol 2022; 37:377-387. [PMID: 34651232 PMCID: PMC9187575 DOI: 10.1007/s10654-021-00805-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2020] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Most studies of continuous health-related outcomes examine differences in mean levels (location) of the outcome by exposure. However, identifying effects on the variability (scale) of an outcome, and combining tests of mean and variability (location-and-scale), could provide additional insights into biological mechanisms. A joint test could improve power for studies of high-dimensional phenotypes, such as epigenome-wide association studies of DNA methylation at CpG sites. One possible cause of heterogeneity of variance is a variable interacting with exposure in its effect on outcome, so a joint test of mean and variability could help in the identification of effect modifiers. Here, we review a scale test, based on the Brown-Forsythe test, for analysing variability of a continuous outcome with respect to both categorical and continuous exposures, and develop a novel joint location-and-scale score (JLSsc) test. These tests were compared to alternatives in simulations and used to test associations of mean and variability of DNA methylation with gender and gestational age using data from the Accessible Resource for Integrated Epigenomics Studies (ARIES). In simulations, the Brown-Forsythe and JLSsc tests retained correct type I error rates when the outcome was not normally distributed in contrast to the other approaches tested which all had inflated type I error rates. These tests also identified > 7500 CpG sites for which either mean or variability in cord blood methylation differed according to gender or gestational age. The Brown-Forsythe test and JLSsc are robust tests that can be used to detect associations not solely driven by a mean effect.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- James R Staley
- MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit, Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, BS8 2BN, UK
| | - Frank Windmeijer
- MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit, Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, BS8 2BN, UK
- Department of Statistics and Nuffield College, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Matthew Suderman
- MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit, Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, BS8 2BN, UK
| | - Matthew S Lyon
- MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit, Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, BS8 2BN, UK
- National Institute for Health Research Bristol Biomedical Research Centre, University of Bristol, Oakfield House, Bristol, BS8 2BN, UK
| | - George Davey Smith
- MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit, Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, BS8 2BN, UK
| | - Kate Tilling
- MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit, Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, BS8 2BN, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Duko B, Pereira G, Tait RJ, Betts K, Newnham J, Alati R. Prenatal tobacco and alcohol exposures and the risk of anxiety symptoms in young adulthood: A population-based cohort study. Psychiatry Res 2022; 310:114466. [PMID: 35219268 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2022.114466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2021] [Revised: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 02/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Epidemiological studies have linked prenatal tobacco and alcohol exposures to internalizing behaviours in children and adolescents with inconsistent findings. Dearth of epidemiological studies have investigated the associations with the risk of experiencing symptoms of anxiety in young adulthood. METHODS Study participants (N = 1190) were from the Raine Study, a population-based prospective birth cohort based in Perth, Western Australia. Data on prenatal tobacco and alcohol exposures were available for the first and third trimesters of pregnancy. Experiencing symptoms of anxiety in young adulthood at age 20 years was measured by a short form of the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS 21). Relative risk (RR) of experiencing symptoms of anxiety in young adulthood for prenatal tobacco and alcohol exposures were estimated with log binomial regression. RESULTS After adjusting for potential confounders, we observed increased risks of experiencing symptoms of anxiety in young adults exposed to prenatal tobacco in the first trimester [RR = 1.52, 95% CI: 1.12-2.06, p-value < 0.01] and third trimester [RR = 1.53, 95% CI: 1.10-2.13, p-value = 0.02]. However, we found insufficient statistical evidence for an association between first trimester [RR = 1.01, 95% CI: 0.76-1.22, p-value = 0.90] and third trimester [RR = 1.03, 95% CI: 0.80-1.34, p-value = 0.91] prenatal exposure to alcohol and the risk of experiencing symptoms of anxiety in young adults. There was a dose response association between prenatal tobacco exposure and increasing anxiety symptoms in offspring. CONCLUSION The findings of this study suggest that an association between prenatal tobacco exposure and risk of anxiety symptoms remains apparent into young adulthood.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bereket Duko
- Curtin School of Population Health, Curtin University, Kent Street, Bentley WA 6102, Australia.
| | - Gavin Pereira
- Curtin School of Population Health, Curtin University, Kent Street, Bentley WA 6102, Australia; Centre for Fertility and Health (CeFH), Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway; enAble Institute, Curtin University, Kent Street, Bentley, Western Australia 6102, Australia
| | - Robert J Tait
- National Drug Research Institute, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, 7 Parker Place Building 609, Level 2 Technology Park, Bentley WA 6102, Australia
| | - Kim Betts
- Curtin School of Population Health, Curtin University, Kent Street, Bentley WA 6102, Australia
| | - John Newnham
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, The University of Western Australia, 17 Monash Ave, Nedlands WA 6009, Australia
| | - Rosa Alati
- Curtin School of Population Health, Curtin University, Kent Street, Bentley WA 6102, Australia; Institute for Social Sciences Research, The University of Queensland, 80 Meier's Rd, Indooroopilly, Queensland 4068 Australia
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Li X, Qi L. Epigenetics in Precision Nutrition. J Pers Med 2022; 12:jpm12040533. [PMID: 35455649 PMCID: PMC9027461 DOI: 10.3390/jpm12040533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2022] [Revised: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Precision nutrition is an emerging area of nutrition research, with primary focus on the individual variability in response to dietary and lifestyle factors, which are mainly determined by an individual’s intrinsic variations, such as those in genome, epigenome, and gut microbiome. The current research on precision nutrition is heavily focused on genome and gut microbiome, while epigenome (DNA methylation, non-coding RNAs, and histone modification) is largely neglected. The epigenome acts as the interface between the human genome and environmental stressors, including diets and lifestyle. Increasing evidence has suggested that epigenetic modifications, particularly DNA methylation, may determine the individual variability in metabolic health and response to dietary and lifestyle factors and, therefore, hold great promise in discovering novel markers for precision nutrition and potential targets for precision interventions. This review summarized recent studies on DNA methylation with obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease, with more emphasis put in the relations of DNA methylation with nutrition and diet/lifestyle interventions. We also briefly reviewed other epigenetic events, such as non-coding RNAs, in relation to human health and nutrition, and discussed the potential role of epigenetics in the precision nutrition research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Li
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA;
| | - Lu Qi
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA;
- Department of Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-504-988-7259
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Hyde NK, Dowty JG, Scovelle A, Armstrong G, Sutherland G, Olive L, Lycett K, O'Neil A. Association between maternal adversity, DNA methylation, and cardiovascular health of offspring: a longitudinal analysis of the ALSPAC cohort study. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e053652. [PMID: 35332037 PMCID: PMC8948393 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-053652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Maternal adversity during pregnancy has been shown to be associated with some health outcomes in the offspring. This study investigated the association of maternal adversity during pregnancy and DNA methylation with offspring cardiovascular (CV) health. DESIGN Longitudinal observational cohort study SETTING: All pregnant residents in county Avon (∼0.9 million), UK, were eligible to participate if their estimated delivery date was between 1 April 1991 and 31 December 1992. PARTICIPANTS Mother-offspring pairs enrolled in the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children cohort at seven (n=7431) and 17 years of age (n=3143). PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES Offspring CV health primary measures were heart rate (HR), blood pressure (BP) and secondary measures were pulse-wave velocity and carotid intima-media thickness. RESULTS Overall, there was no association between maternal adversity scores (number or perceived impact) and primary CV measures (Perceived impact; HR: 0.999-fold change 95% CI 0.998 to 1.001; systolic BP (SBP): 1.000-fold change 95% CI 0.999 to 1.001; diastolic BP: 1.000-fold change 95% CI 0.999 to 1.002). Some small offspring sex effects were observed and there was also a small association between methylation of some CpG sites and offspring BP measures. CONCLUSIONS We found little evidence to support the overall association of maternal adversity during pregnancy and DNA methylation with offspring CV measures. Offspring sex-specific and age-specific associations require further investigation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Natalie K Hyde
- Deakin University, IMPACT - the Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation,School of Medicine, Barwon Health, Geelong, VIC, Australia
| | - James G Dowty
- Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Anna Scovelle
- Centre for Health Equity, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Gregory Armstrong
- Centre for Mental Health, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Georgina Sutherland
- Centre for Mental Health, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Lisa Olive
- Deakin University, IMPACT - the Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation,School of Medicine, Barwon Health, Geelong, VIC, Australia
- School of Psychology, Deakin, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | - Kate Lycett
- School of Psychology, Deakin, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
- Community Child Health, Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Adrienne O'Neil
- Deakin University, IMPACT - the Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation,School of Medicine, Barwon Health, Geelong, VIC, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Röhl A, Baek SH, Kachroo P, Morrow JD, Tantisira K, Silverman EK, Weiss ST, Sharma A, Glass K, DeMeo DL. Protein interaction networks provide insight into fetal origins of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Respir Res 2022; 23:69. [PMID: 35331221 PMCID: PMC8944072 DOI: 10.1186/s12931-022-01963-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a leading cause of death in adults that may have origins in early lung development. It is a complex disease, influenced by multiple factors including genetic variants and environmental factors. Maternal smoking during pregnancy may influence the risk for diseases during adulthood, potentially through epigenetic modifications including methylation. METHODS In this work, we explore the fetal origins of COPD by utilizing lung DNA methylation marks associated with in utero smoke (IUS) exposure, and evaluate the network relationships between methylomic and transcriptomic signatures associated with adult lung tissue from former smokers with and without COPD. To identify potential pathobiological mechanisms that may link fetal lung, smoke exposure and adult lung disease, we study the interactions (physical and functional) of identified genes using protein-protein interaction networks. RESULTS We build IUS-exposure and COPD modules, which identify connected subnetworks linking fetal lung smoke exposure to adult COPD. Studying the relationships and connectivity among the different modules for fetal smoke exposure and adult COPD, we identify enriched pathways, including the AGE-RAGE and focal adhesion pathways. CONCLUSIONS The modules identified in our analysis add new and potentially important insights to understanding the early life molecular perturbations related to the pathogenesis of COPD. We identify AGE-RAGE and focal adhesion as two biologically plausible pathways that may reveal lung developmental contributions to COPD. We were not only able to identify meaningful modules but were also able to study interconnections between smoke exposure and lung disease, augmenting our knowledge about the fetal origins of COPD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Annika Röhl
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
| | - Seung Han Baek
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Priyadarshini Kachroo
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Jarrett D Morrow
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Kelan Tantisira
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Division of Pediatric Respiratory Medicine, University of California San Diego, San Diego, USA
| | - Edwin K Silverman
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Scott T Weiss
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Amitabh Sharma
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Center for Complex Network Research, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Kimberly Glass
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Dawn L DeMeo
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Skakkebæk NE, Lindahl-Jacobsen R, Levine H, Andersson AM, Jørgensen N, Main KM, Lidegaard Ø, Priskorn L, Holmboe SA, Bräuner EV, Almstrup K, Franca LR, Znaor A, Kortenkamp A, Hart RJ, Juul A. Environmental factors in declining human fertility. Nat Rev Endocrinol 2022; 18:139-157. [PMID: 34912078 DOI: 10.1038/s41574-021-00598-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 53.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
A severe decline in child births has occurred over the past half century, which will lead to considerable population declines, particularly in industrialized regions. A crucial question is whether this decline can be explained by economic and behavioural factors alone, as suggested by demographic reports, or to what degree biological factors are also involved. Here, we discuss data suggesting that human reproductive health is deteriorating in industrialized regions. Widespread infertility and the need for assisted reproduction due to poor semen quality and/or oocyte failure are now major health issues. Other indicators of declining reproductive health include a worldwide increasing incidence in testicular cancer among young men and alterations in twinning frequency. There is also evidence of a parallel decline in rates of legal abortions, revealing a deterioration in total conception rates. Subtle alterations in fertility rates were already visible around 1900, and most industrialized regions now have rates below levels required to sustain their populations. We hypothesize that these reproductive health problems are partially linked to increasing human exposures to chemicals originating directly or indirectly from fossil fuels. If the current infertility epidemic is indeed linked to such exposures, decisive regulatory action underpinned by unconventional, interdisciplinary research collaborations will be needed to reverse the trends.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Niels E Skakkebæk
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark.
- International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | | | - Hagai Levine
- School of Public Health, Hadassah Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Anna-Maria Andersson
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Niels Jørgensen
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Katharina M Main
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Øjvind Lidegaard
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Gynecology, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Lærke Priskorn
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Stine A Holmboe
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Elvira V Bräuner
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Kristian Almstrup
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Luiz R Franca
- Department of Morphology, Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Ariana Znaor
- Cancer Surveillance Branch, International Agency for Research on Cancer, Lyon, France
| | - Andreas Kortenkamp
- Division of Environmental Sciences, Brunel University London, Uxbridge, UK
| | - Roger J Hart
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- Fertility Specialists of Western Australia, Bethesda Hospital, Claremont, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Anders Juul
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Ammous F, Zhao W, Lin L, Ratliff SM, Mosley TH, Bielak LF, Zhou X, Peyser PA, Kardia SLR, Smith JA. Epigenetics of single-site and multi-site atherosclerosis in African Americans from the Genetic Epidemiology Network of Arteriopathy (GENOA). Clin Epigenetics 2022; 14:10. [PMID: 35039093 PMCID: PMC8764761 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-022-01229-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND DNA methylation, an epigenetic mechanism modulated by lifestyle and environmental factors, may be an important biomarker of complex diseases including cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and subclinical atherosclerosis. METHODS DNA methylation in peripheral blood samples from 391 African-Americans from the Genetic Epidemiology Network of Arteriopathy (GENOA) was assessed at baseline, and atherosclerosis was assessed 5 and 12 years later. Using linear mixed models, we examined the association between previously identified CpGs for coronary artery calcification (CAC) and carotid plaque, both individually and aggregated into methylation risk scores (MRSCAC and MRScarotid), and four measures of atherosclerosis (CAC, abdominal aorta calcification (AAC), ankle-brachial index (ABI), and multi-site atherosclerosis based on gender-specific quartiles of the single-site measures). We also examined the association between four epigenetic age acceleration measures (IEAA, EEAA, PhenoAge acceleration, and GrimAge acceleration) and the four atherosclerosis measures. Finally, we characterized the temporal stability of the epigenetic measures using repeated DNA methylation measured 5 years after baseline (N = 193). RESULTS After adjusting for CVD risk factors, four CpGs (cg05575921(AHRR), cg09935388 (GFI1), cg21161138 (AHRR), and cg18168448 (LRRC52)) were associated with multi-site atherosclerosis (FDR < 0.1). cg05575921 was also associated with AAC and cg09935388 with ABI. MRSCAC was associated with ABI (Beta = 0.016, P = 0.006), and MRScarotid was associated with both AAC (Beta = 0.605, equivalent to approximately 1.8-fold increase in the Agatston score of AAC, P = 0.004) and multi-site atherosclerosis (Beta = 0.691, P = 0.002). A 5-year increase in GrimAge acceleration (~ 1 SD) was associated with a 1.6-fold (P = 0.012) increase in the Agatston score of AAC and 0.7 units (P = 0.0003) increase in multi-site atherosclerosis, all after adjusting for CVD risk factors. All epigenetic measures were relatively stable over 5 years, with the highest intraclass correlation coefficients observed for MRScarotid and GrimAge acceleration (0.87 and 0.89, respectively). CONCLUSIONS We found evidence of an association between DNA methylation and atherosclerosis at multiple vascular sites in a sample of African-Americans. Further evaluation of these potential biomarkers is warranted to deepen our understanding of the relationship between epigenetics and atherosclerosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Farah Ammous
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Wei Zhao
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Lisha Lin
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Scott M Ratliff
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Thomas H Mosley
- Memory Impairment and Neurodegenerative Dementia (MIND) Center, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, USA
| | - Lawrence F Bielak
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Xiang Zhou
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Patricia A Peyser
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Sharon L R Kardia
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Jennifer A Smith
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
- Survey Research Center, Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Crute C, Liao Y, Son E, Grenier C, Huang Z, Hoyo C, Murphy SK. Validation of differential DNA methylation in newborns exposed to tobacco smoke during gestation using bisulfite pyrosequencing. MICROPUBLICATION BIOLOGY 2022; 2022:10.17912/micropub.biology.000509. [PMID: 35622517 PMCID: PMC9015814 DOI: 10.17912/micropub.biology.000509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2021] [Revised: 12/05/2021] [Accepted: 12/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Maternal exposure to tobacco smoke during pregnancy has been associated with many negative child health outcomes. Tobacco smoke exposure alters DNA methylation in the developing embryo/fetus and may be a mechanism that increases risk of later life disease. Previous studies have identified CpG sites in umbilical cord blood that are associated with in utero tobacco smoke exposure. We sought to validate findings for CpG sites within several of the top hit genes, AHRR , CYP1A1 , and GFI1, using targeted quantitative bisulfite pyrosequencing. Comparing results from cord blood specimens of tobacco smoke-exposed to unexposed newborns, we confirmed significance at all previously identified CpG sites tested, including one in AHRR (p=0.007), three in CYP1A1 (p<0.0001), and one in GFI1 (p=0.008). These assays also captured novel differentially methylated CpGs located near the identified sites that were not included in the prior array-based studies (p value range, 0.02 to <0.0001). These results validate the prior findings and provide a simplified and more economical approach to analysis of CpG sites for expanded use as biomarkers of in utero tobacco smoke exposure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christine Crute
- Integrated Toxicology and Environmental Health Program, Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC
| | - Yihan Liao
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC
| | - Esther Son
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Carole Grenier
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC
| | - Zhiqing Huang
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC
| | - Cathrine Hoyo
- Department of Biology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC
| | - Susan K. Murphy
- Integrated Toxicology and Environmental Health Program, Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Bermick J, Schaller M. Epigenetic regulation of pediatric and neonatal immune responses. Pediatr Res 2022; 91:297-327. [PMID: 34239066 DOI: 10.1038/s41390-021-01630-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2021] [Revised: 06/01/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Epigenetic regulation of transcription is a collective term that refers to mechanisms known to regulate gene transcription without changing the underlying DNA sequence. These mechanisms include DNA methylation and histone tail modifications which influence chromatin accessibility, and microRNAs that act through post-transcriptional gene silencing. Epigenetics is known to regulate a variety of biological processes, and the role of epigtenetics in immunity and immune-mediated diseases is becoming increasingly recognized. While DNA methylation is the most widely studied, each of these systems play an important role in the development and maintenance of appropriate immune responses. There is clear evidence that epigenetic mechanisms contribute to developmental stage-specific immune responses in a cell-specific manner. There is also mounting evidence that prenatal exposures alter epigenetic profiles and subsequent immune function in exposed offspring. Early life exposures that are associated with poor long-term health outcomes also appear to impact immune specific epigenetic patterning. Finally, each of these epigenetic mechanisms contribute to the pathogenesis of a wide variety of diseases that manifest during childhood. This review will discuss each of these areas in detail. IMPACT: Epigenetics, including DNA methylation, histone tail modifications, and microRNA expression, dictate immune cell phenotypes. Epigenetics influence immune development and subsequent immune health. Prenatal, perinatal, and postnatal exposures alter immune cell epigenetic profiles and subsequent immune function. Numerous pediatric-onset diseases have an epigenetic component. Several successful strategies for childhood diseases target epigenetic mechanisms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Bermick
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA. .,Iowa Inflammation Program, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA.
| | - Matthew Schaller
- Department of Pulmonary, Critical Care & Sleep Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Noël A, Perveen Z, Xiao R, Hammond H, Le Donne V, Legendre K, Gartia MR, Sahu S, Paulsen DB, Penn AL. Mmp12 Is Upregulated by in utero Second-Hand Smoke Exposures and Is a Key Factor Contributing to Aggravated Lung Responses in Adult Emphysema, Asthma, and Lung Cancer Mouse Models. Front Physiol 2021; 12:704401. [PMID: 34912233 PMCID: PMC8667558 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.704401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Matrix metalloproteinase-12 (Mmp12) is upregulated by cigarette smoke (CS) and plays a critical role in extracellular matrix remodeling, a key mechanism involved in physiological repair processes, and in the pathogenesis of emphysema, asthma, and lung cancer. While cigarette smoking is associated with the development of chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD) and lung cancer, in utero exposures to CS and second-hand smoke (SHS) are associated with asthma development in the offspring. SHS is an indoor air pollutant that causes known adverse health effects; however, the mechanisms by which in utero SHS exposures predispose to adult lung diseases, including COPD, asthma, and lung cancer, are poorly understood. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that in utero SHS exposure aggravates adult-induced emphysema, asthma, and lung cancer. Methods: Pregnant BALB/c mice were exposed from gestational days 6–19 to either 3 or 10mg/m3 of SHS or filtered air. At 10, 11, 16, or 17weeks of age, female offspring were treated with either saline for controls, elastase to induce emphysema, house-dust mite (HDM) to initiate asthma, or urethane to promote lung cancer. At sacrifice, specific disease-related lung responses including lung function, inflammation, gene, and protein expression were assessed. Results: In the elastase-induced emphysema model, in utero SHS-exposed mice had significantly enlarged airspaces and up-regulated expression of Mmp12 (10.3-fold compared to air-elastase controls). In the HDM-induced asthma model, in utero exposures to SHS produced eosinophilic lung inflammation and potentiated Mmp12 gene expression (5.7-fold compared to air-HDM controls). In the lung cancer model, in utero exposures to SHS significantly increased the number of intrapulmonary metastases at 58weeks of age and up-regulated Mmp12 (9.3-fold compared to air-urethane controls). In all lung disease models, Mmp12 upregulation was supported at the protein level. Conclusion: Our findings revealed that in utero SHS exposures exacerbate lung responses to adult-induced emphysema, asthma, and lung cancer. Our data show that MMP12 is up-regulated at the gene and protein levels in three distinct adult lung disease models following in utero SHS exposures, suggesting that MMP12 is central to in utero SHS-aggravated lung responses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Noël
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, United States
| | - Zakia Perveen
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, United States
| | - Rui Xiao
- Department of Anesthesiology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Harriet Hammond
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, United States
| | | | - Kelsey Legendre
- Department of Pathobiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, United States
| | - Manas Ranjan Gartia
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, United States
| | - Sushant Sahu
- Department of Chemistry, University of Louisiana at Lafayette, Lafayette, LA, United States
| | - Daniel B Paulsen
- Department of Pathobiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, United States
| | - Arthur L Penn
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, United States
| |
Collapse
|