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Panzenhagen AC, Petry FDS, Alves-Teixeira A, Santos L, Carazza-Kessler FG, Gelain DP, Moreira JCF. Biomarkers of methylmercury neurotoxicity and neurodevelopmental features: A systematic review. Food Chem Toxicol 2024; 191:114851. [PMID: 38986832 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2024.114851] [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: 06/03/2023] [Revised: 07/02/2024] [Accepted: 07/04/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024]
Abstract
The issue of MeHg contamination is a significant concern due to its detrimental impact on the environment. This study aimed to thoroughly investigate the effects of MeHg on neurodevelopmental biomarkers, as there is a lack of systematic reviews in this area. We conducted a comprehensive search of three databases (PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science) and found 522 records, which were then meticulously reviewed by two independent reviewers. A total of 66 studies were included, with biomarkers related to oxidative stress, neurotransmission, inflammation, epigenetics, and apoptosis being the most prominent. The results of both in vitro and in vivo models indicate that antioxidant enzymes and other oxidative stress-related markers are indeed, altered following MeHg exposure. Moreover, MeHg exposure causes significant disruptions to neurotransmitter levels, activities of neurotransmitter synthesis enzymes, receptor densities, and proteins involved in synaptic function. Proinflammatory biomarkers are consistently overexpressed in both MeHg-treated cells and the brains of exposed rats. Furthermore, studies on DNA methylation and biomarker activity suggest that MeHg exposure may lead to neurotoxicity and neurodevelopmental issues via perturbations to epigenetic markers and the apoptosis pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alana Castro Panzenhagen
- Centro de Estudos Em Estresse Oxidativo, Programa de Pós-Graduação Em Ciências Biológicas: Bioquímica, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal Do Rio Grande Do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil.
| | - Fernanda Dos Santos Petry
- Centro de Estudos Em Estresse Oxidativo, Programa de Pós-Graduação Em Ciências Biológicas: Bioquímica, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal Do Rio Grande Do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Alexsander Alves-Teixeira
- Centro de Estudos Em Estresse Oxidativo, Programa de Pós-Graduação Em Ciências Biológicas: Bioquímica, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal Do Rio Grande Do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Lucas Santos
- Centro de Estudos Em Estresse Oxidativo, Programa de Pós-Graduação Em Ciências Biológicas: Bioquímica, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal Do Rio Grande Do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Flávio Gabriel Carazza-Kessler
- Centro de Estudos Em Estresse Oxidativo, Programa de Pós-Graduação Em Ciências Biológicas: Bioquímica, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal Do Rio Grande Do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Daniel Pens Gelain
- Centro de Estudos Em Estresse Oxidativo, Programa de Pós-Graduação Em Ciências Biológicas: Bioquímica, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal Do Rio Grande Do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - José Cláudio Fonseca Moreira
- Centro de Estudos Em Estresse Oxidativo, Programa de Pós-Graduação Em Ciências Biológicas: Bioquímica, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal Do Rio Grande Do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
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Campbell KA, Colacino JA, Dou J, Dolinoy DC, Park SK, Loch-Caruso R, Padmanabhan V, Bakulski KM. Placental and Immune Cell DNA Methylation Reference Panel for Bulk Tissue Cell Composition Estimation in Epidemiological Studies. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.05.06.588886. [PMID: 38766167 PMCID: PMC11100803 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.06.588886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
To distinguish DNA methylation (DNAm) from cell proportion changes in whole placental tissue research, we developed a robust cell type-specific DNAm reference to estimate cell composition. We collated newly collected and existing cell type DNAm profiles quantified via Illumina EPIC or 450k microarrays. To estimate cell composition, we deconvoluted whole placental samples (n=36) with robust partial correlation based on the top 50 hyper- and hypomethylated sites per cell type. To test deconvolution performance, we evaluated RMSE in predicting principal component one of DNAm variation in 204 external placental samples. We analyzed DNAm profiles (n=368,435 sites) from 12 cell types: cytotrophoblasts (n=18), endothelial cells (n=19), Hofbauer cells (n=26), stromal cells (n=21), syncytiotrophoblasts (n=4), six lymphocyte types (n=36), and nucleated red blood cells (n=11). Median cell composition was consistent with placental biology: 60.4% syncytiotrophoblast, 17.1% stromal, 8.8% endothelial, 4.5% cytotrophoblast, 3.9% Hofbauer, 1.7% nucleated red blood cells, and 1.2% neutrophils. Our expanded reference outperformed an existing reference in predicting DNAm variation (15.4% variance explained, IQR=21.61) with cell composition estimates (RMSE:10.51 vs. 11.43, p-value<0.001). This cell type reference can robustly estimate cell composition from whole placental DNAm data to detect important cell types, reveal biological mechanisms, and improve casual inference.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyle A. Campbell
- Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Justin A. Colacino
- Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Nutritional Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - John Dou
- Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Dana C. Dolinoy
- Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Nutritional Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Sung Kyun Park
- Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Rita Loch-Caruso
- Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Vasantha Padmanabhan
- Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Nutritional Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Pediatrics, Michigan Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, Michigan Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Kelly M. Bakulski
- Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
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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.
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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
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Hicken MT, Dou J, Kershaw KN, Liu Y, Hajat A, Bakulski KM. Racial and Ethnic Residential Segregation and Monocyte DNA Methylation Age Acceleration. JAMA Netw Open 2023; 6:e2344722. [PMID: 38019517 PMCID: PMC10687663 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.44722] [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: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Importance Neighborhood segregation and poverty may be important drivers of health inequities. Epigenomic factors, including DNA methylation clocks that may mark underlying biological aging, have been implicated in the link between social factors and health. Objective To examine the associations of neighborhood segregation and poverty with 4 DNA methylation clocks trained to capture either chronological age or physiological dysregulation. Design, Setting, and Participants This cohort study uses data from the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA), a longitudinal study that started in 2000 to 2002, with follow-up in 2002 to 2004, 2004 to 2005, 2005 to 2007, and 2010 to 2012. In 2000 to 2002, adults who identified as White or Black race or Hispanic or Chinese ethnicity in 6 US sites (Baltimore, Maryland; Chicago, Illinois; Forsyth County, North Carolina; Los Angeles County, California; Northern Manhattan, New York; and St. Paul, Minnesota) were sampled for recruitment. A random subsample of 4 sites (Maryland, North Carolina, New York, and Minnesota) were selected for inclusion in the MESA epigenomics ancillary study at examination 5 (2010-2012). Participants who identified as White or Black race or Hispanic ethnicity, were aged 45 to 84 years, and did not have clinical cardiovascular disease were included in this analysis. Data were analyzed from May 2021 to October 2023. Exposure Information on 2000 census tract poverty and Getis-Ord G statistic segregation of Hispanic residents, non-Hispanic Black residents, or non-Hispanic White residents were linked to participant addresses at examination 1 (2000-2002). Main Outcomes and Measures At examination 5, DNA methylation was measured in purified monocytes. DNA methylation age acceleration was calculated using 4 clocks trained on either chronological age or physiological dysregulation. Linear regressions were used to test associations. Results A total of 1102 participants (mean [SD] age, 69.7 [9.4] years; 562 [51%] women) were included, with 348 Hispanic participants, 222 non-Hispanic Black participants, and 533 non-Hispanic White participants. For non-Hispanic Black participants, living in tracts with greater segregation of Black residents was associated with GrimAge DNA methylation age acceleration, a clock designed to capture physiological dysregulation. A 1-SD increase in segregation was associated with 0.42 (95% CI, 0.20-0.64) years age acceleration (P < .001); this association was not observed with other clocks. This association was particularly pronounced for participants living in high poverty tracts (interaction term, 0.24; 95% CI, 0.07-0.42; P = .006). In the overall sample, census tract poverty level was associated with GrimAge DNA methylation age acceleration (β = 0.45; 95% CI, 0.20-0.71; adjusted P = .005). Conclusions and Relevance These findings suggest that epigenomic mechanisms may play a role in the associations of segregated and poor neighborhoods with chronic conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - John Dou
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
| | - Kiarri N. Kershaw
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Yongmei Liu
- Department of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Anjum Hajat
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle
| | - Kelly M. Bakulski
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
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Cediel-Ulloa A, Lindner S, Rüegg J, Broberg K. Epigenetics of methylmercury. Neurotoxicology 2023; 97:34-46. [PMID: 37164037 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuro.2023.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Revised: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Methylmercury (MeHg) is neurotoxic at high levels and particularly affects the developing brain. One proposed mechanism of MeHg neurotoxicity is alteration of the epigenetic programming. In this review, we summarise the experimental and epidemiological literature on MeHg-associated epigenetic changes. RECENT FINDINGS Experimental and epidemiological studies have identified changes in DNA methylation following in utero exposure to MeHg, and some of the changes appear to be persistent. A few studies have evaluated associations between MeHg-related changes in DNA methylation and neurodevelopmental outcomes. Experimental studies reveal changes in histone modifications after MeHg exposure, but we lack epidemiological studies supporting such changes in humans. Experimental and epidemiological studies have identified microRNA-related changes associated with MeHg; however, more research is needed to conclude if these changes lead to persistent and toxic effects. SUMMARY MeHg appears to interfere with epigenetic processes, potentially leading to persistent changes. However, observed associations of mercury with epigenetic changes are as of yet of unknown relevance to neurodevelopmental outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Cediel-Ulloa
- Department of Organism Biology, Uppsala University, Kåbovägen 4, 752 36 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Sabrina Lindner
- Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Joëlle Rüegg
- Department of Organism Biology, Uppsala University, Kåbovägen 4, 752 36 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Karin Broberg
- Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden; Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
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6
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Paz-Sabillón M, Torres-Sánchez L, Piña-Pozas M, Del Razo LM, Quintanilla-Vega B. Prenatal Exposure to Potentially Toxic Metals and Their Effects on Genetic Material in Offspring: a Systematic Review. Biol Trace Elem Res 2023; 201:2125-2150. [PMID: 35713810 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-022-03323-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
In recent years, the background level of environmental pollutants, including metals, has increased. Pollutant exposure during the earliest stages of life may determine chronic disease susceptibility in adulthood because of genetic or epigenetic changes. The objective of this review was to identify the association between prenatal and early postnatal exposure to potentially toxic metals (PTMs) and their adverse effects on the genetic material of offspring. A systematic review was carried out following the Cochrane methodology in four databases: PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library. Eligible papers were those conducted in humans and published in English between 2010/01/01 and 2021/04/30. A total of 57 articles were included, most of which evaluated prenatal exposure. Most commonly evaluated PTMs were As, Cd, and Pb. Main adverse effects on the genetic material of newborns associated with PTM prenatal exposure were alterations in telomere length, gene or protein expression, mitochondrial DNA content, metabolomics, DNA damage, and epigenetic modifications. Many of these effects were sex-specific, being predominant in boys. One article reported a synergistic interaction between As and Hg, and two articles observed antagonistic interactions between PTMs and essential metals, such as Cu, Se, and Zn. The findings in this review highlight that the problem of PTM exposure persists, affecting the most susceptible populations, such as newborns. Some of these associations were observed at low concentrations of PTMs. Most of the studies have focused on single exposures; however, three interactions between essential and nonessential metals were observed, highlighting that metal mixtures need more attention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marvin Paz-Sabillón
- Department of Toxicology, Cinvestav, Ave. IPN 2508, San Pedro Zacatenco, 07360, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Luisa Torres-Sánchez
- National Institute of Public Health, Ave. Universidad 655, Santa María Ahuacatitlán, 62100, Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico
| | - Maricela Piña-Pozas
- National Institute of Public Health, Ave. Universidad 655, Santa María Ahuacatitlán, 62100, Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico
| | - Luz M Del Razo
- Department of Toxicology, Cinvestav, Ave. IPN 2508, San Pedro Zacatenco, 07360, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Betzabet Quintanilla-Vega
- Department of Toxicology, Cinvestav, Ave. IPN 2508, San Pedro Zacatenco, 07360, Mexico City, Mexico.
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7
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Cediel-Ulloa A, Yu X, Hinojosa M, Johansson Y, Forsby A, Broberg K, Rüegg J. Methylmercury-induced DNA methylation—From epidemiological observations to experimental evidence. Front Genet 2022; 13:993387. [PMID: 36176303 PMCID: PMC9513252 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.993387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Methylmercury (MeHg) is a developmental neurotoxicant, and one potential mechanism of MeHg toxicity is epigenetic dysregulation. In a recent meta-analysis of epigenome-wide association studies (EWAS), associations between prenatal MeHg exposure and DNA methylation at several genomic sites were identified in blood from newborns and children. While EWASs reveal human-relevant associations, experimental studies are required to validate the relationship between exposure and DNA methylation changes, and to assess if such changes have implications for gene expression. Herein, we studied DNA methylation and gene expression of five of the top genes identified in the EWAS meta-analysis, MED31, MRPL19, GGH, GRK1, and LYSMD3, upon MeHg exposure in human SH-SY5Y cells exposed to 8 or 40 nM of MeHg during differentiation, using bisulfite-pyrosequencing and qPCR, respectively. The concentrations were selected to cover the range of MeHg concentrations in cord blood (2–8.5 μg/L) observed in the cohorts included in the EWAS. Exposure to MeHg increased DNA methylation at MED31, a transcriptional regulator essential for fetal development. The results were in concordance with the epidemiological findings where more MED31 methylation was associated with higher concentrations of MeHg. Additionally, we found a non-significant decrease in DNA methylation at GGH, which corresponds to the direction of change observed in the EWAS, and a significant correlation of GGH methylation with its expression. In conclusion, this study corroborates some of the EWAS findings and puts forward candidate genes involved in MeHg’s effects on the developing brain, thus highlighting the value of experimental validation of epidemiological association studies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ximiao Yu
- Department of Organismal Biology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Maria Hinojosa
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ylva Johansson
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Anna Forsby
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Karin Broberg
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Joëlle Rüegg
- Department of Organismal Biology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
- *Correspondence: Joëlle Rüegg,
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Cui M, Wang C, Shen Q, Ren H, Li L, Li S, Song Z, Lin W, Zhang R. Integrative analysis of omics summary data reveals putative mechanisms linked to different cell populations in systemic lupus erythematosus. Genomics 2022; 114:110435. [PMID: 35878812 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygeno.2022.110435] [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: 11/16/2021] [Revised: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a complex disease involving many interactions at the molecular level, the details of which remain unclear. Here, we demonstrated an analytical paradigm of prioritizing genes and regulatory elements based on GWAS loci at the single-cell levels. Our initial step was to apply TWMR to identify causal genes and causal methylation sites in SLE. Based on the eQTL, LD and mQTL, we calculated the correlation between these genes and methylation sites. Next, we separately used gene expression and DNAm as exposure variables and outcome variables to analyze the regulatory mechanisms. We identified two mediating modes for SLE: 1) transcription mediation model and 2) epigenetic mediation model. Further, using single-cell RNA sequencing data, we revealed the cell subclusters associated with these mechanisms. Our identification of the mechanisms of SLE in different cell populations is of great significance for understanding the heterogeneity of disease in different cell populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mintian Cui
- College of Bioinformatics Science and Technology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150086, China
| | - Chao Wang
- College of Bioinformatics Science and Technology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150086, China
| | - Qi Shen
- College of Bioinformatics Science and Technology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150086, China
| | - Hongbiao Ren
- College of Bioinformatics Science and Technology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150086, China
| | - Liangshuang Li
- College of Bioinformatics Science and Technology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150086, China
| | - Shuai Li
- College of Bioinformatics Science and Technology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150086, China
| | - Zerun Song
- College of Bioinformatics Science and Technology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150086, China
| | - Wenbo Lin
- College of Bioinformatics Science and Technology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150086, China
| | - Ruijie Zhang
- College of Bioinformatics Science and Technology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150086, China.
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9
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Lozano M, Yousefi P, Broberg K, Soler-Blasco R, Miyashita C, Pesce G, Kim WJ, Rahman M, Bakulski KM, Haug LS, Ikeda-Araki A, Huel G, Park J, Relton C, Vrijheid M, Rifas-Shiman S, Oken E, Dou JF, Kishi R, Gutzkow KB, Annesi-Maesano I, Won S, Hivert MF, Fallin MD, Vafeiadi M, Ballester F, Bustamante M, Llop S. DNA methylation changes associated with prenatal mercury exposure: A meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies from PACE consortium. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 204:112093. [PMID: 34562483 PMCID: PMC10879652 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.112093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Revised: 09/17/2021] [Accepted: 09/18/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) is a ubiquitous heavy metal that originates from both natural and anthropogenic sources and is transformed in the environment to its most toxicant form, methylmercury (MeHg). Recent studies suggest that MeHg exposure can alter epigenetic modifications during embryogenesis. In this study, we examined associations between prenatal MeHg exposure and levels of cord blood DNA methylation (DNAm) by meta-analysis in up to seven independent studies (n = 1462) as well as persistence of those relationships in blood from 7 to 8 year-old children (n = 794). In cord blood, we found limited evidence of differential DNAm at cg24184221 in MED31 (β = 2.28 × 10-4, p-value = 5.87 × 10-5) in relation to prenatal MeHg exposure. In child blood, we identified differential DNAm at cg15288800 (β = 0.004, p-value = 4.97 × 10-5), also located in MED31. This repeated link to MED31, a gene involved in lipid metabolism and RNA Polymerase II transcription function, may suggest a DNAm perturbation related to MeHg exposure that persists into early childhood. Further, we found evidence for association between prenatal MeHg exposure and child blood DNAm levels at two additional CpGs: cg12204245 (β = 0.002, p-value = 4.81 × 10-7) in GRK1 and cg02212000 (β = -0.001, p-value = 8.13 × 10-7) in GGH. Prenatal MeHg exposure was associated with DNAm modifications that may influence health outcomes, such as cognitive or anthropometric development, in different populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuel Lozano
- Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Food Sciences, Toxicology and Forensic Medicine Department, Universitat de València, Valencia, Spain; Epidemiology and Environmental Health Joint Research Unit, FISABIO-Universitat Jaume I-Universitat de València, Valencia, Spain.
| | - Paul Yousefi
- MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom; Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Karin Broberg
- Unit of Metals and Health, Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden; Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Raquel Soler-Blasco
- Epidemiology and Environmental Health Joint Research Unit, FISABIO-Universitat Jaume I-Universitat de València, Valencia, Spain
| | - Chihiro Miyashita
- Center for Environmental and Health Sciences, Hokkaido University, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Giancarlo Pesce
- INSERM UMR1018, Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, Centre for Epidemiology and Public Health (CESP), Villejuif, France
| | - Woo Jin Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine and Environmental Health Center, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, South Korea
| | - Mohammad Rahman
- Division of Chronic Disease Research Across the Lifecourse, Department of Population Medicine, Harvard Medical School and Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Kelly M Bakulski
- School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Line S Haug
- Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Division of Climate and Environment, Oslo, Norway
| | - Atsuko Ikeda-Araki
- Center for Environmental and Health Sciences, Hokkaido University, Hokkaido, Japan; Faculty of Health Sciences, Hokkaido University, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Guy Huel
- INSERM UMR1018, Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, Centre for Epidemiology and Public Health (CESP), Villejuif, France
| | - Jaehyun Park
- Interdisciplinary Program of Bioinformatics, College of Natural Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Caroline Relton
- MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom; Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Martine Vrijheid
- Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain; ISGlobal, Barcelona, Spain; Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sheryl Rifas-Shiman
- Division of Chronic Disease Research Across the Lifecourse, Department of Population Medicine, Harvard Medical School and Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Emily Oken
- Division of Chronic Disease Research Across the Lifecourse, Department of Population Medicine, Harvard Medical School and Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute, Boston, MA, United States
| | - John F Dou
- School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Reiko Kishi
- Center for Environmental and Health Sciences, Hokkaido University, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Kristine B Gutzkow
- Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Division of Climate and Environment, Oslo, Norway
| | - Isabella Annesi-Maesano
- INSERM UMR1302, Montpellier University, Insitut Desbrest d'Épidémiologie et de Santé Publique (IDESP), Montpellier, France
| | - 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
| | - Marie-France Hivert
- Division of Chronic Disease Research Across the Lifecourse, Department of Population Medicine, Harvard Medical School and Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute, Boston, MA, United States; Diabetes Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - M Daniele Fallin
- Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Marina Vafeiadi
- Department of Social Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Ferran Ballester
- Epidemiology and Environmental Health Joint Research Unit, FISABIO-Universitat Jaume I-Universitat de València, Valencia, Spain; Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain; School of Nursing, Universitat de València, Valencia, Spain
| | - Mariona Bustamante
- Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain; ISGlobal, Barcelona, Spain; Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sabrina Llop
- Epidemiology and Environmental Health Joint Research Unit, FISABIO-Universitat Jaume I-Universitat de València, Valencia, Spain; Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
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10
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Pan J, Li X, Wei Y, Ni L, Xu B, Deng Y, Yang T, Liu W. Advances on the Influence of Methylmercury Exposure during Neurodevelopment. Chem Res Toxicol 2022; 35:43-58. [PMID: 34989572 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrestox.1c00255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) is a toxic heavy-metal element, which can be enriched in fauna and flora and transformed into methylmercury (MeHg). MeHg is a widely distributed environmental pollutant that may be harmful to fish-eating populations through enrichment of aquatic food chains. The central nervous system is a primary target of MeHg. Embryos and infants are more sensitive to MeHg, and exposure to MeHg during gestational feeding can significantly impair the homeostasis of offspring, leading to long-term neurodevelopmental defects. At present, MeHg-induced neurodevelopmental toxicity has become a hotspot in the field of neurotoxicology, but its mechanisms are not fully understood. Some evidence point to oxidative damage, excitotoxicity, calcium ion imbalance, mitochondrial dysfunction, epigenetic changes, and other molecular mechanisms that play important roles in MeHg-induced neurodevelopmental toxicity. In this review, advances in the study of neurodevelopmental toxicity of MeHg exposure during pregnancy and the molecular mechanisms of related pathways are summarized, in order to provide more scientific basis for the study of neurodevelopmental toxicity of MeHg.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingjing Pan
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, China Medical University, No.77 Puhe Road, Shenbei New District, Shenyang 110122, Liaoning China
| | - Xiaoyang Li
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, China Medical University, No.77 Puhe Road, Shenbei New District, Shenyang 110122, Liaoning China
| | - Yanfeng Wei
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, China Medical University, No.77 Puhe Road, Shenbei New District, Shenyang 110122, Liaoning China
| | - Linlin Ni
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, China Medical University, No.77 Puhe Road, Shenbei New District, Shenyang 110122, Liaoning China
| | - Bin Xu
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, China Medical University, No.77 Puhe Road, Shenbei New District, Shenyang 110122, Liaoning China
| | - Yu Deng
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, China Medical University, No.77 Puhe Road, Shenbei New District, Shenyang 110122, Liaoning China
| | - Tianyao Yang
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, China Medical University, No.77 Puhe Road, Shenbei New District, Shenyang 110122, Liaoning China
| | - Wei Liu
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, China Medical University, No.77 Puhe Road, Shenbei New District, Shenyang 110122, Liaoning China
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11
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Egba SI, Famurewa AC, Omoruyi LE. Buchholzia coriacea seed extract attenuates mercury-induced cerebral and cerebellar oxidative neurotoxicity via NO signaling and suppression of oxidative stress, adenosine deaminase and acetylcholinesterase activities in rats. AVICENNA JOURNAL OF PHYTOMEDICINE 2022; 12:42-53. [PMID: 35145894 PMCID: PMC8801217 DOI: 10.22038/ajp.2021.18262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2020] [Revised: 12/18/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Mercury (Hg) is a classic cumulative neurotoxicant implicated in neuronal deficit via oxidative damage and inflammatory responses. We sought to investigate whether Buccholzia coriacea seed methanol extract (BCSE) would modulate oxidative neurotoxicity induced by Hg in rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS Rats were orally treated with BCSE (200 or 400 mg/kg body weight of rat) for 28 days, while Hg was administered from day 15 to day 28. After sacrifice, antioxidant enzyme activities, reduced glutathione (GSH), nitric oxide (NO), malondialdehyde (MDA), and acetylcholinesterase (AchE) and adenine deaminase (ADA) activities were evaluated in the cerebrum and cerebellum of rats. RESULTS Mercury induced significant depressions in catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities and GSH levels, whereas levels of NO and activities of AchE and ADA markedly increased. The histopathology of the brain tissues confirmed these changes. In contrast, BCSE administration prominently modulated the brain NO production and reversed the Hg-induced biochemical alterations comparable to normal control. CONCLUSION Methanol extract of B. coriacea seeds protects the cerebrum and cerebellum against Hg-induced brain damage via its antioxidant and NO modulatory actions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simeon I Egba
- Department of Biochemistry, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Abia State, Nigeria
| | - Ademola C Famurewa
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Alex-Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike, Ikwo, Ebonyi State, Nigeria
| | - Lilian E Omoruyi
- Department of Biochemistry, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Abia State, Nigeria
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12
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Methylmercury and Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Mediterranean Seafood: A Molecular Anthropological Perspective. APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/app112311179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Eating seafood has numerous health benefits; however, it constitutes one of the main sources of exposure to several harmful environmental pollutants, both of anthropogenic and natural origin. Among these, methylmercury and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons give rise to concerns related to their possible effects on human biology. In the present review, we summarize the results of epidemiological investigations on the genetic component of individual susceptibility to methylmercury and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons exposure in humans, and on the effects that these two pollutants have on human epigenetic profiles (DNA methylation). Then, we provide evidence that Mediterranean coastal communities represent an informative case study to investigate the potential impact of methylmercury and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons on the human genome and epigenome, since they are characterized by a traditionally high local seafood consumption, and given the characteristics that render the Mediterranean Sea particularly polluted. Finally, we discuss the challenges of a molecular anthropological approach to this topic.
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13
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Ke T, Tinkov AA, Skalny AV, Bowman AB, Rocha JBT, Santamaria A, Aschner M. Developmental exposure to methylmercury and ADHD, a literature review of epigenetic studies. ENVIRONMENTAL EPIGENETICS 2021; 7:dvab014. [PMID: 34881051 PMCID: PMC8648069 DOI: 10.1093/eep/dvab014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2021] [Revised: 09/20/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects the competence of academic performance and social wellness in children and adults. The causes of ADHD are unclear. Both genetic and environmental factors contribute to the development of ADHD. The behavioral impairments in ADHD are associated with epigenetic changes in genes that are important for neurodevelopment. Among environmental causes of ADHD, the neurotoxin methylmercury (MeHg) is associated with an increased risk for ADHD. Developing children are susceptible to neurotoxic effects of prenatal MeHg exposure. Human epidemiology studies have shown that prenatal MeHg exposure could invoke epigenetic changes in genes that are involved in ADHD. In addition, the pathogenesis of ADHD involves dopaminergic system, which is a target of developmental MeHg exposure. MeHg-induced alterations in the dopaminergic system have a profound impact on behavioral functions in adults. As a trace level of MeHg (around nM) can induce long-lasting behavioral alterations, potential mechanisms of MeHg-induced functional changes in the dopaminergic system may involve epigenetic mechanisms. Here, we review the relevant evidence on developmental MeHg exposures and the risk for ADHD. We also point out research gaps in understanding environmental causes of ADHD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Ke
- **Correspondence address. Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 1300 Morris Park Avenue, Forchheimer Building, Room 209, Bronx, NY 10461, USA. Tel: +1 718 430 4047; Fax: +1 718 430 8922; E-mail:
| | - Alexey A Tinkov
- World-Class Research Center “Digital Biodesign and Personalized Healthcare”, IM Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow 119435, Russia
- Laboratory of Ecobiomonitoring and Quality Control, Yaroslavl State University, Yaroslavl 150003, Russia
| | - Antoly V Skalny
- World-Class Research Center “Digital Biodesign and Personalized Healthcare”, IM Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow 119435, Russia
- Laboratory of Medical Elementology, K.G. Razumovsky Moscow State University of Technologies and Management, Moscow 109004, Russia
| | - Aaron B Bowman
- School of Health Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907-2051, USA
| | - Joao B T Rocha
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Santa Maria, Santa Maria, RS 97105-900, Brazil
| | - Abel Santamaria
- Laboratorio de Aminoácidos Excitadores, Instituto Nacional de Neurología y Neurocirugía, Mexico City 14269, Mexico
| | - Michael Aschner
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 1300 Morris Park Avenue, Forchheimer Building, Room 209, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
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14
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Vaiserman A, Lushchak O. DNA methylation changes induced by prenatal toxic metal exposure: An overview of epidemiological evidence. ENVIRONMENTAL EPIGENETICS 2021; 7:dvab007. [PMID: 34631153 PMCID: PMC8493661 DOI: 10.1093/eep/dvab007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2021] [Revised: 04/06/2021] [Accepted: 09/19/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Accumulating evidence suggests that exposure to unfavorable conditions early in life can substantially contribute to the risk of chronic disorders later in life ('developmental programming' phenomenon). The mechanistic basis for this phenomenon remains poorly understood so far, although epigenetic mechanisms such as DNA methylation, histone modifications and microRNA-mediated gene regulation apparently play a crucial role. The key role of epigenetic modifications triggered by unfavorable environmental cues during sensitive developmental periods in linking adverse early-life events to later-life health outcomes is evident from a large body of studies, including methylome-wide association studies and research of candidate genes. Toxic metals (TMs), such as heavy metals, including lead, chromium, cadmium, arsenic, mercury, etc., are among environmental contaminants currently most significantly impacting human health status. Since TMs can cross the placental barrier and accumulate in fetal tissues, exposure to high doses of these xenobiotics early in development is considered to be among important factors contributing to the developmental programming of adult-life diseases in modern societies. In this mini-review, we summarize epidemiological findings indicating that prenatal TM exposure can induce epigenetic dysregulation, thereby potentially affecting adult health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Vaiserman
- Laboratory of Epigenetics, D.F. Chebotarev Institute of Gerontology, NAMS, 67 Vyshgorodska str., Kyiv 04114, Ukraine
| | - Oleh Lushchak
- *Correspondence address. Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Vasyl Stefanyk Precarpathian National University, 57 Shevchenka str., Ivano-Frankivsk 76018, Ukraine. Tel/Fax: +38 0342 71 46 83; E-mail:
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15
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Weyde KVF, Olsen AK, Duale N, Kamstra JH, Skogheim TS, Caspersen IH, Engel SM, Biele G, Xia Y, Meltzer HM, Aase H, Villanger GD. Gestational blood levels of toxic metal and essential element mixtures and associations with global DNA methylation in pregnant women and their infants. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 787:147621. [PMID: 34000534 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.147621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2021] [Revised: 03/24/2021] [Accepted: 05/03/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pregnant women and their fetuses are exposed to multiple toxic metals that together with variations in essential element levels may alter epigenetic regulation, such as DNA methylation. OBJECTIVES The aim of the study was to investigate the associations between gestational levels of toxic metals and essential elements and mixtures thereof, with global DNA methylation levels in pregnant women and their newborn children. METHODS Using 631 mother-child pairs from a prospective birth cohort (The Norwegian Mother, Father and Child Cohort Study), we measured maternal blood concentration (gestation week ~18) of five toxic metals and seven essential elements. We investigated associations as individual exposures and two-way interactions, using elastic net regression, and total mixture, using quantile g-computation, with blood levels of 5-methylcytocine (5mC) and 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC) in mothers during pregnancy and their newborn children (cord blood). Multiple testing was adjusted for using the Benjamini and Hochberg false discovery rate (FDR) approach. RESULTS The most sensitive marker of DNA methylation appeared to be 5mC levels. In pregnant mothers, elastic net regression indicated associations between 5mC and selenium and lead (non-linear), while in newborns results indicated relationships between maternal selenium, cobalt (non-linear) and mercury and 5mC, as well as copper (non-linear) and 5hmC levels. Several possible two-way interactions were identified (e.g. arsenic and mercury, and selenium and maternal smoking in newborns). None of these findings met the FDR threshold for multiple testing. No net effect was observed in the joint (mixture) exposure-approach using quantile g-computation. CONCLUSION We identified few associations between gestational levels of several toxic metals and essential elements and global DNA methylation in pregnant mothers and their newborn children. As DNA methylation dysregulation might be a key mechanism in disease development and thus of high importance for public health, our results should be considered as important candidates to investigate in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Nur Duale
- Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Jorke H Kamstra
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Department of Population Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, the Netherlands
| | | | | | - Stephanie M Engel
- Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, USA
| | - Guido Biele
- Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway; Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Yankai Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China; Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | | | - Heidi Aase
- Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
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16
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CoNaMad-Cohorte de Nacimiento de Madre de Dios/Madre de Dios Birth Cohort to Study Effects of in-utero Trace Metals Exposure in the Southern Peruvian Amazon. Ann Glob Health 2021; 87:69. [PMID: 34327116 PMCID: PMC8300581 DOI: 10.5334/aogh.3152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: In-utero exposure to mercury and other trace metals pose a significant threat to child health and development, but exposures and health impacts in artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) environments are poorly defined. Objectives: We describe the CONAMAD study design, a prospective birth cohort consisting of multiparous women (18 and over) living in rural and peri-urban Peruvian Amazon communities exposed to ASGM. Methods: Pregnant women are enrolled from health posts across four zones of Madre de Dios, Peru. Data are collected at enrollment, childbirth, and (planned) 36-48 months. At enrollment, hair samples for mercury assessment, demographic and clinical data are obtained. At birth, we obtain venous and cord blood, placenta, hair, toenails, and saliva. Findings: Two hundred seventy mothers were enrolled at an average 20 weeks gestational age with no differences in maternal characteristics across zones. Two hundred fifteen mothers were successfully followed at birth. We obtained 214 maternal and cord blood samples, 211 maternal and 212 infant hair samples, 212 placenta samples, 210 infant saliva samples, and 214 infant dried blood spots. Data collected will allow for testing our primary hypotheses of maternal malnutrition modifying ratios of cord:maternal blood total mercury (tHg), cord blood:maternal hair tHg, and infant:maternal hair tHg, and whether chemical mixtures (Hg, Pb, Cd) have synergistic effects on infant neurodevelopment. Conclusions: CONAMAD is designed to collect and store samples for future processing and hypothesis testing associated with in-utero mercury exposure and child development. We have completed the exposure assessments and will conduct a follow-up of mothers to evaluate early child development outcomes, including developmental delay and growth. These data offer insights into disease mechanisms, exposure prevention, and policy guidance for countries where ASGM is prevalent.
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17
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Padmanabhan V, Song W, Puttabyatappa M. Praegnatio Perturbatio-Impact of Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals. Endocr Rev 2021; 42:295-353. [PMID: 33388776 PMCID: PMC8152448 DOI: 10.1210/endrev/bnaa035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The burden of adverse pregnancy outcomes such as preterm birth and low birth weight is considerable across the world. Several risk factors for adverse pregnancy outcomes have been identified. One risk factor for adverse pregnancy outcomes receiving considerable attention in recent years is gestational exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs). Humans are exposed to a multitude of environmental chemicals with known endocrine-disrupting properties, and evidence suggests exposure to these EDCs have the potential to disrupt the maternal-fetal environment culminating in adverse pregnancy and birth outcomes. This review addresses the impact of maternal and fetal exposure to environmental EDCs of natural and man-made chemicals in disrupting the maternal-fetal milieu in human leading to adverse pregnancy and birth outcomes-a risk factor for adult-onset noncommunicable diseases, the role lifestyle and environmental factors play in mitigating or amplifying the effects of EDCs, the underlying mechanisms and mediators involved, and the research directions on which to focus future investigations to help alleviate the adverse effects of EDC exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Wenhui Song
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
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18
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Aung MT, M Bakulski K, Feinberg JI, F Dou J, D Meeker J, Mukherjee B, Loch-Caruso R, Ladd-Acosta C, Volk HE, Croen LA, Hertz-Picciotto I, Newschaffer CJ, Fallin MD. Maternal blood metal concentrations and whole blood DNA methylation during pregnancy in the Early Autism Risk Longitudinal Investigation (EARLI). Epigenetics 2021; 17:253-268. [PMID: 33794742 DOI: 10.1080/15592294.2021.1897059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The maternal epigenome may be responsive to prenatal metals exposures. We tested whether metals are associated with concurrent differential maternal whole blood DNA methylation. In the Early Autism Risk Longitudinal Investigation cohort, we measured first or second trimester maternal blood metals concentrations (cadmium, lead, mercury, manganese, and selenium) using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. DNA methylation in maternal whole blood was measured on the Illumina 450 K array. A subset sample of 97 women had both measures available for analysis, all of whom did not report smoking during pregnancy. Linear regression was used to test for site-specific associations between individual metals and DNA methylation, adjusting for cell type composition and confounding variables. Discovery gene ontology analysis was conducted on the top 1,000 sites associated with each metal. We observed hypermethylation at 11 DNA methylation sites associated with lead (FDR False Discovery Rate q-value <0.1), near the genes CYP24A1, ASCL2, FAT1, SNX31, NKX6-2, LRC4C, BMP7, HOXC11, PCDH7, ZSCAN18, and VIPR2. Lead-associated sites were enriched (FDR q-value <0.1) for the pathways cell adhesion, nervous system development, and calcium ion binding. Manganese was associated with hypermethylation at four DNA methylation sites (FDR q-value <0.1), one of which was near the gene ARID2. Manganese-associated sites were enriched for cellular metabolism pathways (FDR q-value<0.1). Effect estimates for DNA methylation sites associated (p < 0.05) with cadmium, lead, and manganese were highly correlated (Pearson ρ > 0.86). DNA methylation sites associated with lead and manganese may be potential biomarkers of exposure or implicate downstream gene pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Max T Aung
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA
| | - Kelly M Bakulski
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA
| | - Jason I Feinberg
- Wendy Klag Center for Autism and Developmental Disabilities, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, USA.,Department of Mental Health, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, USA.,Center for Epigenetics, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, USA
| | - John F Dou
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA
| | - John D Meeker
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA
| | - Bhramar Mukherjee
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA.,Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA
| | - Rita Loch-Caruso
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA
| | - Christine Ladd-Acosta
- Wendy Klag Center for Autism and Developmental Disabilities, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, USA.,Department of Epidemiology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, USA
| | - Heather E Volk
- Wendy Klag Center for Autism and Developmental Disabilities, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, USA.,Department of Mental Health, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, USA
| | - Lisa A Croen
- Division of Research, Kaiser Permanente, Oakland, USA
| | - Irva Hertz-Picciotto
- Department of Public Health Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California Davis, Davis, USA
| | - Craig J Newschaffer
- Department of Biobehavioral Health, College of Health and Human Development, Penn State University, USA
| | - M Daniele Fallin
- Wendy Klag Center for Autism and Developmental Disabilities, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, USA.,Department of Mental Health, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, USA
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19
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Gilbertson PK, Forrester S, Andrews L, McCann K, Rogers L, Park C, Moye J. The National Children's Study Archive Model: A 3-Tier Framework for Dissemination of Data and Specimens for General Use and Secondary Analysis. Front Public Health 2021; 9:526286. [PMID: 33748052 PMCID: PMC7973013 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2021.526286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2020] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The National Children's Study (NCS) Archive was created as a repository of samples, data, and information from the NCS Vanguard Study-a longitudinal pregnancy and birth cohort evaluating approaches to study influence of environmental exposures on child health and development-to provide qualified researchers with access to NCS materials for use in secondary research. The National Children's Study Archive (NCSA) model is a 3-tiered access model designed to make the wealth of information and materials gathered during the NCS Vanguard Study available at a user appropriate level. The NCSA model was developed as a 3-tier framework, for users of varying access levels, providing intuitive data exploration and visualization tools, an end-to-end data and sample request management system, and a restricted portal for participant-level data access with a team of experts available to assist users. This platform provides a model to accelerate transformation of information and materials from existing studies into new scientific discoveries. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT00852904 (first posted February 27, 2009).
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Susan Forrester
- Social & Scientific Systems Inc., Silver Spring, MD, United States
| | - Linda Andrews
- Social & Scientific Systems Inc., Silver Spring, MD, United States
| | - Kathleen McCann
- Social & Scientific Systems Inc., Silver Spring, MD, United States
| | - Lydia Rogers
- Social & Scientific Systems Inc., Silver Spring, MD, United States
| | - Christina Park
- National Institutes of Health, Office of the Director, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Jack Moye
- Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
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20
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Cediel Ulloa A, Gliga A, Love TM, Pineda D, Mruzek DW, Watson GE, Davidson PW, Shamlaye CF, Strain JJ, Myers GJ, van Wijngaarden E, Ruegg J, Broberg K. Prenatal methylmercury exposure and DNA methylation in seven-year-old children in the Seychelles Child Development Study. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2021; 147:106321. [PMID: 33340986 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2020.106321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2020] [Revised: 11/06/2020] [Accepted: 12/02/2020] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Methylmercury (MeHg) is present in fish and is a neurotoxicant at sufficiently high levels. One potential mechanism of MeHg toxicity early in life is epigenetic dysregulation that may affect long-term neurodevelopment. Altered DNA methylation of nervous system-related genes has been associated with adult mental health outcomes. OBJECTIVE To assess associations between prenatal MeHg exposure and DNA methylation (at the cytosine of CG dinucleotides, CpGs) in three nervous system-related genes, encoding brain-derived neurotropic factor (BDNF), glutamate receptor subunit NR2B (GRIN2B), and the glucocorticoid receptor (NR3C1), in children who were exposed to MeHg in utero. METHODS We tested 406 seven-year-old Seychellois children participating in the Seychelles Child Development Study (Nutrition Cohort 2), who were prenatally exposed to MeHg from maternal fish consumption. Total mercury in maternal hair (prenatal MeHg exposure measure) collected during pregnancy was measured using atomic absorption spectroscopy. Methylation in DNA from the children's saliva was measured by pyrosequencing. To assess associations between prenatal MeHg exposure and CpG methylation at seven years of age, we used multivariable linear regression models adjusted for covariates. RESULTS We identified associations with prenatal MeHg exposure for DNA methylation of one GRIN2B CpG and two NR3C1 CpGs out of 12 total CpG sites. Higher prenatal MeHg was associated with higher methylation for each CpG site. For example, NR3C1 CpG3 had an expected increase of 0.03-fold for each additional 1 ppm of prenatal MeHg (B = 0.030, 95% CI 0.001, 0.059; p = 0.047). Several CpG sites associated with MeHg are located in transcription factor binding sites and the observed methylation changes are predicted to lead to lower gene expression. CONCLUSIONS In a population of people who consume large amounts of fish, we showed that higher prenatal MeHg exposure was associated with differential DNA methylation at seven years of age at specific CpG sites that may influence neurodevelopment and mental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Cediel Ulloa
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Box 210, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Organism Biology, Uppsala University, Kåbovägen 4, 752 36 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Anda Gliga
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Box 210, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Tanzy M Love
- University of Rochester Medical Center, School of Medicine and Dentistry, 601 Elmwood Ave, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
| | - Daniela Pineda
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Lund University, Scheelevägen 8, 22185 Lund, Sweden
| | - Daniel W Mruzek
- University of Rochester Medical Center, School of Medicine and Dentistry, 601 Elmwood Ave, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
| | - Gene E Watson
- University of Rochester Medical Center, School of Medicine and Dentistry, 601 Elmwood Ave, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
| | - Philip W Davidson
- University of Rochester Medical Center, School of Medicine and Dentistry, 601 Elmwood Ave, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
| | | | - J J Strain
- Nutrition Innovation Centre for Food and Health (NICHE), Ulster University, Coleraine, Northern Ireland Bt52 1SA, UK
| | - Gary J Myers
- University of Rochester Medical Center, School of Medicine and Dentistry, 601 Elmwood Ave, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
| | - Edwin van Wijngaarden
- University of Rochester Medical Center, School of Medicine and Dentistry, 601 Elmwood Ave, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
| | - Joelle Ruegg
- Department of Organism Biology, Uppsala University, Kåbovägen 4, 752 36 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Karin Broberg
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Box 210, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Laboratory Medicine, Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Lund University, Scheelevägen 8, 22185 Lund, Sweden.
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DNA methyltransferase- and histone deacetylase-mediated epigenetic alterations induced by low-level methylmercury exposure disrupt neuronal development. Arch Toxicol 2021; 95:1227-1239. [PMID: 33454822 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-021-02984-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2020] [Accepted: 01/06/2021] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Methylmercury (MeHg) is a chemical substance that causes adverse effects on fetal development. However, the molecular mechanisms by which environmental MeHg affects fetal development have not been clarified. Recently, it has been suggested that the toxic effects of chemicals on fetal development are related alterations in epigenetics, such as DNA methylation and histone modification. In order to analyze the epigenetic effects of low-level MeHg exposure on neuronal development, we evaluated neuronal development both in vivo and in vitro. Pregnant mice (C57BL/6J) were orally administrated 3 mg/kg of MeHg once daily from embryonic day 12-14. Fetuses were removed on embryonic day 19 and brain tissues were collected. LUHMES cells were treated with 1 nM of MeHg for 6 days and collected on the last day of treatment. In both in vivo and in vitro samples, MeHg significantly suppressed neurite outgrowth. Decreased acetylated histone H3 (AcH3) levels and increased histone deacetylase (HDAC) 3 and HDAC6 levels were observed in response to MeHg treatment in both in vivo and in vitro experiments. In addition, increased DNA methylation and DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1) levels were observed in both in vivo and in vitro experiments. The inhibition of neurite outgrowth resulting from MeHg exposure was restored by co-treatment with DNMT inhibitor or HDAC inhibitors. Our results suggest that neurological effects such as reduced neurite outgrowth due to low-level MeHg exposure result from epigenetic changes, including a decrease in AcH3 via increased HDAC levels and an increase in DNA methylation via increased DNMT1 levels.
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Bjørklund G, Pivina L, Dadar M, Semenova Y, Chirumbolo S, Aaseth J. Mercury Exposure, Epigenetic Alterations and Brain Tumorigenesis: A Possible Relationship? Curr Med Chem 2020; 27:6596-6610. [DOI: 10.2174/0929867326666190930150159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2019] [Revised: 06/11/2019] [Accepted: 08/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
Abstract
The risk assessment of mercury (Hg), in both wildlife and humans, represents an increasing
challenge. Increased production of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) is a known Hg-induced
toxic effect, which can be accentuated by other environmental pollutants and by complex interactions
between environmental and genetic factors. Some epidemiological and experimental studies
have investigated a possible correlation between brain tumors and heavy metals. Epigenetic modifications
in brain tumors include aberrant activation of genes, hypomethylation of specific genes,
changes in various histones, and CpG hypermethylation. Also, Hg can decrease the bioavailability
of selenium and induce the generation of reactive oxygen that plays important roles in different
pathological processes. Modification of of metals can induce excess ROS and cause lipid peroxidation,
alteration of proteins, and DNA damage. In this review, we highlight the possible relationship
between Hg exposure, epigenetic alterations, and brain tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geir Bjørklund
- Council for Nutritional and Environmental Medicine (CONEM), Mo i Rana, Norway
| | | | - Maryam Dadar
- Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Karaj, Iran
| | | | - Salvatore Chirumbolo
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Jan Aaseth
- Research Department, Innlandet Hospital Trust, Brumunddal, Norway
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23
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Association between mercury in cord serum and sex-specific DNA methylation in cord tissues. J Dev Orig Health Dis 2020; 12:124-131. [PMID: 32241331 DOI: 10.1017/s2040174420000161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Prenatal exposure to mercury in utero causes abnormal foetal growth and adverse outcomes. DNA methylation is currently considered a possible mechanism through which this occurs. However, few studies have investigated the association between prenatal exposure to mercury and DNA methylation in detail. This study aimed to clarify the relationship between prenatal exposure to total mercury (Hg) and DNA methylation and its associations with sex-specific characteristics in male and female offspring. In a birth cohort study known as the Chiba study of Mother and Child Health, the DNA methylation status in cord tissue and Hg concentrations in cord serum were examined. A total of 67 participants (27 males and 40 females) were analysed based on Spearman's correlations, adjusted by a false discovery rate of the sex of each offspring. Only one methylated locus was positively correlated with Hg concentrations in cord serum in male offspring, but not in female offspring, and was annotated to the haloacid dehalogenase-like hydrolase domain-containing protein 1 (HDHD1) gene on chromosome X. This locus was located in the intron of the HDHD1 gene body and is a binding site for the zinc finger protein CCCTC-binding factor. One of the other loci, located in HDHD1, was highly methylated in the group with higher mercury concentrations, and this locus was in the gene body of HDHD1. Our results suggest that prenatal exposure to Hg might affect the epigenetic status of male foetuses.
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24
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Yang L, Zhang Y, Wang F, Luo Z, Guo S, Strähle U. Toxicity of mercury: Molecular evidence. CHEMOSPHERE 2020; 245:125586. [PMID: 31881386 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2019.125586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 173] [Impact Index Per Article: 43.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2019] [Revised: 11/28/2019] [Accepted: 12/08/2019] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Minamata disease in Japan and the large-scale poisoning by methylmercury (MeHg) in Iraq caused wide public concerns about the risk emanating from mercury for human health. Nowadays, it is widely known that all forms of mercury induce toxic effects in mammals, and increasing evidence supports the concern that environmentally relevant levels of MeHg could impact normal biological functions in wildlife. The information of mechanism involved in mercurial toxicity is growing but knowledge gaps still exist between the adverse effects and mechanisms of action, especially at the molecular level. A body of data obtained from experimental studies on mechanisms of mercurial toxicity in vivo and in vitro points to that disruption of the antioxidant system may play an important role in the mercurial toxic effects. Moreover, the accumulating evidence indicates that signaling transduction, protein or/and enzyme activity, and gene regulation are involving in mediating toxic and adaptive response to mercury exposure. We conducted here a comprehensive review of mercurial toxic effects on wildlife and human, in particular synthesized key findings of molecular pathways involved in mercurial toxicity from the cells to human. We discuss the molecular evidence related mercurial toxicity to the adverse effects, with particular emphasis on the gene regulation. The further studies relying on Omic analysis connected to adverse effects and modes of action of mercury will aid in the evaluation and validation of causative relationship between health outcomes and gene expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lixin Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, 100012, Beijing, China; Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, 211166, Nanjing, China.
| | - Yuanyuan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, 100012, Beijing, China
| | - Feifei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, 100012, Beijing, China
| | - Zidie Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, 100012, Beijing, China
| | - Shaojuan Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, 100012, Beijing, China
| | - Uwe Strähle
- Toxicology and Genetics, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Hermann-von-Helmholtz-Platz 1, 76344, Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, Germany
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Wang Y, Qian M, Tang D, Herbstman J, Perera F, Wang S. A powerful and flexible weighted distance-based method incorporating interactions between DNA methylation and environmental factors on health outcomes. Bioinformatics 2020; 36:653-659. [PMID: 31504174 DOI: 10.1093/bioinformatics/btz630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2019] [Revised: 07/18/2019] [Accepted: 08/19/2019] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
MOTIVATION Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) methylation plays a crucial role in human health. Studies have demonstrated associations between DNA methylation and environmental factors with evidence also supporting the idea that DNA methylation may modify the risk of environmental factors on health outcomes. However, due to high dimensionality and low study power, current studies usually focus on finding differential methylation on health outcomes at CpG level or gene level combining multiple CpGs and/or finding environmental effects on health outcomes but ignoring their interactions on health outcomes. Here we introduce the idea of a pseudo-data matrix constructed with cross-product terms between CpGs and environmental factors that are able to capture their interactions. We then develop a powerful and flexible weighted distance-based method with the pseudo-data matrix where association strength was used as weights on CpGs, environmental factors and their interactions to up-weight signals and down-weight noises in distance calculations. RESULTS We compared the power of this novel approach and several comparison methods in simulated datasets and the Mothers and Newborns birth cohort of the Columbia Center for Children's Environmental Health to determine whether prenatal polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons interacts with DNA methylation in association with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Mental Development Index at age 3. AVAILABILITY AND IMPLEMENTATION An R code for the proposed method Dw-M-E-int together with a tutorial and a sample dataset is available for downloading from http://www.columbia.edu/∼sw2206/softwares.htm. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya Wang
- Department of Biostatistics, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Min Qian
- Department of Biostatistics, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Deliang Tang
- Columbia Center for Children's Environmental Health, Department of Environmental Health Science, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Julie Herbstman
- Columbia Center for Children's Environmental Health, Department of Environmental Health Science, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Frederica Perera
- Columbia Center for Children's Environmental Health, Department of Environmental Health Science, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Shuang Wang
- Department of Biostatistics, New York, NY 10032, USA
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26
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Methylmercury Epigenetics. TOXICS 2019; 7:toxics7040056. [PMID: 31717489 PMCID: PMC6958348 DOI: 10.3390/toxics7040056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2019] [Revised: 10/22/2019] [Accepted: 11/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Methylmercury (MeHg) has conventionally been investigated for effects on nervous system development. As such, epigenetic modifications have become an attractive mechanistic target, and research on MeHg and epigenetics has rapidly expanded in the past decade. Although, these inquiries are a recent advance in the field, much has been learned in regards to MeHg-induced epigenetic modifications, particularly in the brain. In vitro and in vivo controlled exposure studies illustrate that MeHg effects microRNA (miRNA) expression, histone modifications, and DNA methylation both globally and at individual genes. Moreover, some effects are transgenerationally inherited, as organisms not directly exposed to MeHg exhibited biological and behavioral alterations. miRNA expression generally appears to be downregulated consequent to exposure. Further, global histone acetylation also seems to be reduced, persist at distinct gene promoters, and is contemporaneous with enhanced histone methylation. Moreover, global DNA methylation appears to decrease in brain-derived tissues, but not in the liver; however, selected individual genes in the brain are hypermethylated. Human epidemiological studies have also identified hypo- or hypermethylated individual genes, which correlated with MeHg exposure in distinct populations. Intriguingly, several observed epigenetic modifications can be correlated with known mechanisms of MeHg toxicity. Despite this knowledge, however, the functional consequences of these modifications are not entirely evident. Additional research will be necessary to fully comprehend MeHg-induced epigenetic modifications and the impact on the toxic response.
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Li S, Chen M, Li Y, Tollefsbol TO. Prenatal epigenetics diets play protective roles against environmental pollution. Clin Epigenetics 2019; 11:82. [PMID: 31097039 PMCID: PMC6524340 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-019-0659-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2019] [Accepted: 03/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
It is thought that germ cells and preimplantation embryos during development are most susceptible to endogenous and exogenous environmental factors because the epigenome in those cells is undergoing dramatic elimination and reconstruction. Exposure to environmental factors such as nutrition, climate, stress, pathogens, toxins, and even social behavior during gametogenesis and early embryogenesis has been shown to influence disease susceptibility in the offspring. Early-life epigenetic modifications, which determine the expression of genetic information stored in the genome, are viewed as one of the general mechanisms linking prenatal exposure and phenotypic changes later in life. From atmospheric pollution, endocrine-disrupting chemicals to heavy metals, research increasingly suggests that environmental pollutions have already produced significant consequences on human health. Moreover, mounting evidence now links such pollution to relevant modification in the epigenome. The epigenetics diet, referring to a class of bioactive dietary compounds such as isothiocyanates in broccoli, genistein in soybean, resveratrol in grape, epigallocatechin-3-gallate in green tea, and ascorbic acid in fruits, has been shown to modify the epigenome leading to beneficial health outcomes. This review will primarily focus on the causes and consequences of prenatal environment pollution exposure on the epigenome, and the potential protective role of the epigenetics diet, which could play a central role in neutralizing epigenomic aberrations against environmental pollutions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shizhao Li
- Department of Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Min Chen
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Yuanyuan Li
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA.
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA.
- Nutrition Obesity Research Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA.
| | - Trygve O Tollefsbol
- Department of Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA.
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA.
- Nutrition Obesity Research Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA.
- Comprehensive Center for Healthy Aging, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA.
- Comprehensive Diabetes Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA.
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28
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Cai M, Zhu Y, Li Z, Josephs-Spaulding J, Zhou Y, Hu Y, Chen H, Liu Y, He W, Zhang J. Profiling the Gene Expression and DNA Methylation in the Mouse Brain after Ischemic Preconditioning. Neuroscience 2019; 406:249-261. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2019.03.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2018] [Revised: 03/09/2019] [Accepted: 03/11/2019] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
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Jirau-Colón H, González-Parrilla L, Martinez-Jiménez J, Adam W, Jiménez-Velez B. Rethinking the Dental Amalgam Dilemma: An Integrated Toxicological Approach. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:ijerph16061036. [PMID: 30909378 PMCID: PMC6466133 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16061036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2019] [Revised: 02/21/2019] [Accepted: 03/04/2019] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) has been identified as one of the most toxic nonradioactive materials known to man. Although mercury is a naturally occurring element, anthropogenic mercury is now a major worldwide concern and is an international priority toxic pollutant. It also comprises one of the primary constituents of dental amalgam fillings. Even though dental mercury amalgams have been used for almost two centuries, its safety has never been tested or proven in the United States by any regulatory agency. There has been an ongoing debate regarding the safety of its use since 1845, and many studies conclude that its use exposes patients to troublesome toxicity. In this review, we present in an objective way the danger of dental amalgam to human health based on current knowledge. This dilemma is addressed in terms of an integrated toxicological approach by focusing on four mayor issues to show how these interrelate to create the whole picture: (1) the irrefutable constant release of mercury vapor from dental amalgams which is responsible for individual chronic exposure, (2) the evidence of organic mercury formation from dental amalgam in the oral cavity, (3) the effect of mercury exposure on gene regulation in human cells which supports the intrinsic genetic susceptibility to toxicant and, finally, (4) the availability of recent epidemiological data supporting the link of dental amalgams to diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hector Jirau-Colón
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Medical Sciences Campus, University of Puerto Rico, Main Building B210, San Juan 00936, Puerto Rico.
- Center for Environmental and Toxicological Research, San Juan 00936, Puerto Rico.
| | - Leonardo González-Parrilla
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Medical Sciences Campus, University of Puerto Rico, Main Building B210, San Juan 00936, Puerto Rico.
- Center for Environmental and Toxicological Research, San Juan 00936, Puerto Rico.
| | - Jorge Martinez-Jiménez
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Medical Sciences Campus, University of Puerto Rico, Main Building B210, San Juan 00936, Puerto Rico.
- Center for Environmental and Toxicological Research, San Juan 00936, Puerto Rico.
| | - Waldemar Adam
- Department of Chemistry, Rio Piedras Campus, University of Puerto Rico, Av. Dr. José N. Gándara, San Juan 00936, Puerto Rico.
| | - Braulio Jiménez-Velez
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Medical Sciences Campus, University of Puerto Rico, Main Building B210, San Juan 00936, Puerto Rico.
- Center for Environmental and Toxicological Research, San Juan 00936, Puerto Rico.
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30
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McCaulley ME. Autism spectrum disorder and mercury toxicity: use of genomic and epigenetic methods to solve the etiologic puzzle. Acta Neurobiol Exp (Wars) 2019. [DOI: 10.21307/ane-2019-010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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Lanata CM, Chung SA, Criswell LA. DNA methylation 101: what is important to know about DNA methylation and its role in SLE risk and disease heterogeneity. Lupus Sci Med 2018; 5:e000285. [PMID: 30094041 PMCID: PMC6069928 DOI: 10.1136/lupus-2018-000285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2018] [Accepted: 06/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
SLE is a complex autoimmune disease that results from the interplay of genetics, epigenetics and environmental exposures. DNA methylation is an epigenetic mechanism that regulates gene expression and tissue differentiation. Among all the epigenetic modifications, DNA methylation perturbations have been the most widely studied in SLE. It mediates processes relevant to SLE, including lymphocyte development, X-chromosome inactivation and the suppression of endogenous retroviruses. The establishment of most DNA methylation marks occurs in utero; however, a small percentage of epigenetic marks are dynamic and can change throughout a person’s lifetime and in relation to exposures. In this review, we discuss the current understanding of the biology of DNA methylation and its regulators, the measurement and interpretation of methylation marks, the effects of genetics on DNA methylation and the role of environmental exposures with relevance to SLE. We also summarise research findings associated with SLE disease risk and heterogeneity. The robust finding of hypomethylation of interferon-responsive genes in patients with SLE and new associations beyond interferon-responsive genes such as cell-specific methylation abnormalities are described. We also discuss methylation changes associated with lupus nephritis, autoantibody status and disease activity. Lastly, we explore future research directions, emphasising the need for longitudinal studies, cell tissue and context-specific profiling, as well as integrative approaches. With new technologies, DNA methylation perturbations could be targeted and edited, offering novel therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina M Lanata
- Russell/Engleman Rheumatology Research Center, Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Sharon A Chung
- Russell/Engleman Rheumatology Research Center, Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Lindsey A Criswell
- Russell/Engleman Rheumatology Research Center, Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
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Olvera Alvarez HA, Appleton AA, Fuller CH, Belcourt A, Kubzansky LD. An Integrated Socio-Environmental Model of Health and Well-Being: a Conceptual Framework Exploring the Joint Contribution of Environmental and Social Exposures to Health and Disease Over the Life Span. Curr Environ Health Rep 2018; 5:233-243. [PMID: 29574677 DOI: 10.1007/s40572-018-0191-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF THE REVIEW Environmental and social determinants of health often co-occur, particularly among socially disadvantaged populations, yet because they are usually studied separately, their joint effects on health are likely underestimated. Building on converging bodies of literature, we delineate a conceptual framework to address these issues. RECENT FINDINGS Previous models provided a foundation for study in this area, and generated research pointing to additional important issues. These include a stronger focus on biobehavioral pathways, both positive and adverse health outcomes, and intergenerational effects. To accommodate the expanded set of issues, we put forward the Integrated Socio-Environmental Model of Health and Well-Being (ISEM), which examines how social and environmental factors combine and potentially interact, via multi-factorial pathways, to affect health and well-being over the life span. We then provide applied examples including the study of how food environments affect dietary behavior. The ISEM provides a comprehensive, theoretically informed framework to guide future research on the joint contribution of social and environmental factors to health and well-being across the life span.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hector A Olvera Alvarez
- School of Nursing, University of Texas El Paso, 500 W. University Ave, El Paso, TX, 79968, USA.
| | - Allison A Appleton
- School of Public Health, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University at Albany, 1 University Place, Rensselaer, NY, 12144, USA
| | - Christina H Fuller
- School of Public Health, Division of Environmental Health, Georgia State University, P.O. Box 3995, Atlanta, GA, 30302, USA
| | - Annie Belcourt
- School of Community and Public Health Sciences/Pharmacy Practice, University of Montana, 32 Campus Drive, Missoula, MT, 59812, USA
| | - Laura D Kubzansky
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, 677 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew P Feinberg
- From the Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, the Department of Biomedical Engineering, Whiting School of Engineering, and the Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health - all in Baltimore
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34
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Dou J, Schmidt RJ, Benke KS, Newschaffer C, Hertz-Picciotto I, Croen LA, Iosif AM, LaSalle JM, Fallin MD, Bakulski KM. Cord blood buffy coat DNA methylation is comparable to whole cord blood methylation. Epigenetics 2018; 13:108-116. [PMID: 29451060 PMCID: PMC5836975 DOI: 10.1080/15592294.2017.1417710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2017] [Revised: 11/29/2017] [Accepted: 12/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cord blood DNA methylation is associated with numerous health outcomes and environmental exposures. Whole cord blood DNA reflects all nucleated blood cell types, while centrifuging whole blood separates red blood cells, generating a white blood cell buffy coat. Both sample types are used in DNA methylation studies. Cell types have unique methylation patterns and processing can impact cell distributions, which may influence comparability. We evaluated differences in cell composition and DNA methylation between cord blood buffy coat and whole cord blood samples. Cord blood DNA methylation was measured with the Infinium EPIC BeadChip (Illumina) in eight individuals, each contributing buffy coat and whole blood samples. We analyzed principal components (PC) of methylation, performed hierarchical clustering, and computed correlations of mean-centered methylation between pairs. We conducted moderated t-tests on single sites and estimated cell composition. DNA methylation PCs were associated with individual (PPC1 = 1.4 × 10-9; PPC2 = 2.9 × 10-5; PPC3 = 3.8 × 10-5; PPC4 = 4.2 × 10-6; PPC5 = 9.9 × 10-13, PPC6 = 1.3 × 10-11) and not with sample type (PPC1-6>0.7). Samples hierarchically clustered by individual. Pearson correlations of mean-centered methylation between paired samples ranged from r = 0.66 to r = 0.87. No individual site significantly differed between buffy coat and whole cord blood when adjusting for multiple comparisons (five sites had unadjusted P<10-5). Estimated cell type proportions did not differ by sample type (P = 0.46), and estimated proportions were highly correlated between paired samples (r = 0.99). Differences in methylation and cell composition between buffy coat and whole cord blood are much lower than inter-individual variation, demonstrating that both sample preparation types can be analytically combined and compared.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Dou
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Michigan
| | - Rebecca J. Schmidt
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of California Davis
- University of California Davis, MIND Institute
| | - Kelly S. Benke
- Department of Mental Health, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University
| | - Craig Newschaffer
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Dornsife School of Public Health, Drexel University
- A.J. Drexel Autism Institute, Drexel University
| | - Irva Hertz-Picciotto
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of California Davis
- University of California Davis, MIND Institute
| | | | - Ana-Maria Iosif
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of California Davis
- University of California Davis, MIND Institute
| | - Janine M. LaSalle
- University of California Davis, MIND Institute
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Genome Center, University of California Davis
| | - M. Daniele Fallin
- Department of Mental Health, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University
- Wendy Klag Center for Autism and Developmental Disabilities, Johns Hopkins University
| | - Kelly M. Bakulski
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Michigan
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35
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Martin EM, Fry RC. Environmental Influences on the Epigenome: Exposure- Associated DNA Methylation in Human Populations. Annu Rev Public Health 2018; 39:309-333. [PMID: 29328878 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-publhealth-040617-014629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 371] [Impact Index Per Article: 61.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
DNA methylation is the most well studied of the epigenetic regulators in relation to environmental exposures. To date, numerous studies have detailed the manner by which DNA methylation is influenced by the environment, resulting in altered global and gene-specific DNA methylation. These studies have focused on prenatal, early-life, and adult exposure scenarios. The present review summarizes currently available literature that demonstrates a relationship between DNA methylation and environmental exposures. It includes studies on aflatoxin B1, air pollution, arsenic, bisphenol A, cadmium, chromium, lead, mercury, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, persistent organic pollutants, tobacco smoke, and nutritional factors. It also addresses gaps in the literature and future directions for research. These gaps include studies of mixtures, sexual dimorphisms with respect to environmentally associated methylation changes, tissue specificity, and temporal stability of the methylation marks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth M Martin
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, and Curriculum in Toxicology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, USA; ,
| | - Rebecca C Fry
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, and Curriculum in Toxicology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, USA; ,
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Vangeel EB, Pishva E, Hompes T, van den Hove D, Lambrechts D, Allegaert K, Freson K, Izzi B, Claes S. Newborn genome-wide DNA methylation in association with pregnancy anxiety reveals a potential role for GABBR1. Clin Epigenetics 2017; 9:107. [PMID: 29026448 PMCID: PMC5627482 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-017-0408-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2016] [Accepted: 09/24/2017] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is increasing evidence for the role of prenatal stress in shaping offspring DNA methylation and disease susceptibility. In the current study, we aimed to identify genes and pathways associated with pregnancy anxiety using a genome-wide DNA methylation approach. METHODS We selected 22 versus 23 newborns from our Prenatal Early Life Stress (PELS) cohort, exposed to the lowest or highest degree of maternal pregnancy anxiety, respectively. Cord blood genome-wide DNA methylation was assayed using the HumanMethylation450 BeadChip (HM450, n = 45) and candidate gene methylation using EpiTYPER (n = 80). Cortisol levels were measured at 2, 4, and 12 months of age to test infant stress system (re)activity. RESULTS Data showed ten differentially methylated regions (DMR) when comparing newborns exposed to low versus high pregnancy anxiety scores. We validated a top DMR in the GABA-B receptor subunit 1 gene (GABBR1) revealing the association with pregnancy anxiety particularly in male newborns (most significant CpG Pearson R = 0.517, p = 0.002; average methylation Pearson R = 0.332, p = 0.039). Cord blood GABBR1 methylation was associated with infant cortisol levels in response to a routine vaccination at 4 months old. CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, our results show that pregnancy anxiety is associated with differential DNA methylation patterns in newborns and that our candidate gene GABBR1 is associated with infant hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis response to a stressor. Our findings reveal a potential role for GABBR1 methylation in association with stress and provide grounds for further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elise Beau Vangeel
- Department of Neurosciences, Genetic Research About Stress and Psychiatry (GRASP), KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Center for Molecular and Vascular Biology (CMVB), KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Ehsan Pishva
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- University of Exeter Medical School, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Titia Hompes
- Department of Neurosciences, Genetic Research About Stress and Psychiatry (GRASP), KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- University Psychiatric Center, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Daniel van den Hove
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, Laboratory of Translational Neuroscience, University of Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Diether Lambrechts
- Department of Oncology, Laboratory of Translational Genetics, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Vesalius Research Center (VRC), VIB, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Karel Allegaert
- Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Intensive Care and Department of Pediatric Surgery, Erasmus MC—Sophia’s Children’s Hospital, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Kathleen Freson
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Center for Molecular and Vascular Biology (CMVB), KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Benedetta Izzi
- Department of Epidemiology and Prevention, IRCCS Instituto Neurologico Mediterraneo Neuromed, Pozzilli, Italy
| | - Stephan Claes
- Department of Neurosciences, Genetic Research About Stress and Psychiatry (GRASP), KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- University Psychiatric Center, Leuven, Belgium
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Chirumbolo S, Bjørklund G. Vaccination is fundamental but can it escape from a more insightful and critical information about its action? ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY 2017; 55:8-13. [PMID: 28800561 DOI: 10.1016/j.etap.2017.07.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2017] [Revised: 07/25/2017] [Accepted: 07/27/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Salvatore Chirumbolo
- Department of Neurological and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Italy; Council for Nutritional and Environmental Medicine, Mo i Rana, Norway.
| | - Geir Bjørklund
- Department of Neurological and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Italy; Council for Nutritional and Environmental Medicine, Mo i Rana, Norway
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Cardenas A, Rifas-Shiman SL, Godderis L, Duca RC, Navas-Acien A, Litonjua AA, DeMeo DL, Brennan KJ, Amarasiriwardena CJ, Hivert MF, Gillman MW, Oken E, Baccarelli AA. Prenatal Exposure to Mercury: Associations with Global DNA Methylation and Hydroxymethylation in Cord Blood and in Childhood. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2017; 125:087022. [PMID: 28934725 PMCID: PMC5783674 DOI: 10.1289/ehp1467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2016] [Revised: 05/04/2017] [Accepted: 05/19/2017] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mercury is a global pollutant, and prenatal exposure is associated with adverse health effects. To date, no studies have evaluated the association between prenatal mercury exposure and DNA hydroxymethylation, an epigenetic modification important for tissue differentiation and embryonic development. OBJECTIVES We sought to evaluate the association between prenatal mercury exposure and offspring global DNA methylation and hydroxymethylation at birth and test for persistence of the association in childhood. METHODS Within Project Viva, a U.S. prebirth cohort, we examined associations of maternal second trimester red blood cell mercury (RBC-Hg) concentrations with global 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (%-5hmC) and 5-methylcytosine (%-5mC) DNA content in blood collected at birth (n=306), early childhood (n=68; 2.9 to 4.9 y), and midchildhood (n=260; 6.7 to 10.5 y). RESULTS Median prenatal RBC-Hg concentration was 3.23μg/g [interquartile range (IQR)=3.29]. At birth, median cord blood %-5mC, %-5hmC, and their ratio were 4.95%, 0.22%, and 24.37, respectively. The mean adjusted difference [95% confidence interval (CI)] of blood %-5hmC for a doubling in prenatal RBC-Hg concentration was -0.013% (-0.029, 0.002), -0.031% (-0.056, -0.006), and 0.005% (-0.007, 0.018) at birth, early, and midchildhood, respectively. The corresponding relative adjusted change in the genomic ratio of %-5mC to %-5hmC for a doubling in prenatal RBC-Hg concentration was 4.70% (0.04, 9.58), 22.42% (7.73, 39.11), and 0.73% (-4.18, 5.88) at birth, early, and midchildhood, respectively. No associations were present between prenatal maternal RBC-Hg and %-5mC at any time point. CONCLUSIONS Prenatal mercury exposure was associated with lower %-5hmC genomic content and a corresponding increase in the ratio of %-5mC to %-5hmC in cord blood. This association was persistent in early but not midchildhood blood. Our results demonstrate the potential malleability of epigenetic modifications associated with mercury exposure in utero. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP1467.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andres Cardenas
- Department of Population Medicine, Harvard Medical School and Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute , Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Sheryl L Rifas-Shiman
- Department of Population Medicine, Harvard Medical School and Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute , Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Lode Godderis
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven , Leuven, Belgium
- IDEWE , External Service for Prevention and Protection at Work, Heverlee, Belgium
| | - Radu-Corneliu Duca
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven , Leuven, Belgium
| | - Ana Navas-Acien
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University , New York, New York, USA
| | - Augusto A Litonjua
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital , Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Dawn L DeMeo
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital , Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Kasey J Brennan
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University , New York, New York, USA
| | - Chitra J Amarasiriwardena
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai , New York, New York, USA
| | - Marie-France Hivert
- Department of Population Medicine, Harvard Medical School and Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute , Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Diabetes Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital , Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Matthew W Gillman
- Environmental Influences on Child Health Outcomes (ECHO) Program, Office of the Director, National Institutes of Health , Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Emily Oken
- Department of Population Medicine, Harvard Medical School and Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute , Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Andrea A Baccarelli
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University , New York, New York, USA
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Appleton AA, Jackson BP, Karagas M, Marsit CJ. Prenatal exposure to neurotoxic metals is associated with increased placental glucocorticoid receptor DNA methylation. Epigenetics 2017; 12:607-615. [PMID: 28548590 DOI: 10.1080/15592294.2017.1320637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic alterations related to prenatal neurotoxic metals exposure may be key in understanding the origins of cognitive and neurobehavioral problems in children. Placental glucocorticoid receptor (NR3C1) methylation has been linked to neurobehavioral risk in early life, but has not been examined in response to neurotoxic metals exposure despite parallel lines of research showing metals exposure and NR3C1 methylation each contribute to a similar set of neurobehavioral phenotypes. Thus, we conducted a study of prenatal neurotoxic metals exposure and placental NR3C1 methylation in a cohort of healthy term singleton pregnancies from Rhode Island, USA (n = 222). Concentrations of arsenic (As; median 0.02 ug/g), cadmium (Cd; median 0.03 μg/g), lead (Pb; median 0.40 μg/g), manganese (Mn; median 0.56 μg/g), mercury (Hg; median 0.02 μg/g), and zinc (Zn; 145.18 μg/g) measured in infant toenails were categorized as tertiles. Multivariable linear regression models tested the independent associations for each metal with NR3C1 methylation, as well as the cumulative risk of exposure to multiple metals simultaneously. Compared to the lowest exposure tertiles, higher levels of As, Cd, Pb, Mn, and Hg were each associated with increased placental NR3C1 methylation (all P<0.02). Coefficients for these associations corresponded with a 0.71-1.41 percent increase in NR3C1 methylation per tertile increase in metals concentrations. For Zn, the lowest exposure tertile compared with the highest tertile was associated with 1.26 percent increase in NR3C1 methylation (P=0.01). Higher cumulative metal risk scores were marginally associated with greater NR3C1 methylation. Taken together, these results indicate that prenatal exposure to neurotoxic metals may affect the offspring's NR3C1 activity, which may help explain cognitive and neurodevelopmental risk later in life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison A Appleton
- a Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics , University at Albany School of Public Health , Rensselaer , NY , USA
| | - Brian P Jackson
- b Department of Earth Sciences, Dartmouth College , Hanover , NH , USA
| | - Margaret Karagas
- c Department of Epidemiology , Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth , One Medical Center Drive, Lebanon , NH , USA
| | - Carmen J Marsit
- d Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health , Emory University , Atlanta , GA , USA
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Carvan MJ, Kalluvila TA, Klingler RH, Larson JK, Pickens M, Mora-Zamorano FX, Connaughton VP, Sadler-Riggleman I, Beck D, Skinner MK. Mercury-induced epigenetic transgenerational inheritance of abnormal neurobehavior is correlated with sperm epimutations in zebrafish. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0176155. [PMID: 28464002 PMCID: PMC5413066 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0176155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2016] [Accepted: 04/06/2017] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Methylmercury (MeHg) is a ubiquitous environmental neurotoxicant, with human exposures predominantly resulting from fish consumption. Developmental exposure of zebrafish to MeHg is known to alter their neurobehavior. The current study investigated the direct exposure and transgenerational effects of MeHg, at tissue doses similar to those detected in exposed human populations, on sperm epimutations (i.e., differential DNA methylation regions [DMRs]) and neurobehavior (i.e., visual startle and spontaneous locomotion) in zebrafish, an established human health model. F0 generation embryos were exposed to MeHg (0, 1, 3, 10, 30, and 100 nM) for 24 hours ex vivo. F0 generation control and MeHg-exposed lineages were reared to adults and bred to yield the F1 generation, which was subsequently bred to the F2 generation. Direct exposure (F0 generation) and transgenerational actions (F2 generation) were then evaluated. Hyperactivity and visual deficit were observed in the unexposed descendants (F2 generation) of the MeHg-exposed lineage compared to control. An increase in F2 generation sperm epimutations was observed relative to the F0 generation. Investigation of the DMRs in the F2 generation MeHg-exposed lineage sperm revealed associated genes in the neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction and actin-cytoskeleton pathways being effected, which correlate to the observed neurobehavioral phenotypes. Developmental MeHg-induced epigenetic transgenerational inheritance of abnormal neurobehavior is correlated with sperm epimutations in F2 generation adult zebrafish. Therefore, mercury can promote the epigenetic transgenerational inheritance of disease in zebrafish, which significantly impacts its environmental health considerations in all species including humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J. Carvan
- School of Freshwater Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States of America
- Zilber School of Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Thomas A. Kalluvila
- School of Freshwater Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States of America
- Zilber School of Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Rebekah H. Klingler
- School of Freshwater Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Jeremy K. Larson
- School of Freshwater Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Matthew Pickens
- School of Freshwater Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Francisco X. Mora-Zamorano
- School of Freshwater Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | | | - Ingrid Sadler-Riggleman
- Center for Reproductive Biology, School of Biological Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, United States of America
| | - Daniel Beck
- Center for Reproductive Biology, School of Biological Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, United States of America
| | - Michael K. Skinner
- Center for Reproductive Biology, School of Biological Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, United States of America
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Persistent DNA methylation changes associated with prenatal mercury exposure and cognitive performance during childhood. Sci Rep 2017; 7:288. [PMID: 28325913 PMCID: PMC5428306 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-00384-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2016] [Accepted: 02/22/2017] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Prenatal exposure to mercury, a known neurotoxic metal, is associated with lower cognitive performance during childhood. Disruption of fetal epigenetic programming could explain mercury’s neurodevelopmental effects. We screened for epigenome-wide methylation differences associated with maternal prenatal blood mercury levels in 321 cord blood DNA samples and examined the persistence of these alterations during early (n = 75; 2.9–4.9 years) and mid-childhood (n = 291; 6.7–10.5 years). Among males, prenatal mercury levels were associated with lower regional cord blood DNA methylation at the Paraoxonase 1 gene (PON1) that persisted in early childhood and was attenuated in mid-childhood blood. Cord blood methylation at the PON1 locus predicted lower cognitive test scores measured during early childhood. Methylation at the PON1 locus was associated with PON1 expression in an independent set of cord blood samples. The observed persistent epigenetic disruption of the PON1 gene may modulate mercury toxicity in humans and might serve as a biomarker of exposure and disease susceptibility.
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42
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Bommarito PA, Martin E, Fry RC. Effects of prenatal exposure to endocrine disruptors and toxic metals on the fetal epigenome. Epigenomics 2017. [PMID: 28234024 DOI: 10.2217/epi-20160112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Exposure to environmental contaminants during pregnancy has been linked to adverse outcomes at birth and later in life. The link between prenatal exposures and latent health outcomes suggests that these exposures may result in long-term epigenetic reprogramming. Toxic metals and endocrine disruptors are two major classes of contaminants that are ubiquitously present in the environment and represent threats to human health. In this review, we present evidence that prenatal exposures to these contaminants result in fetal epigenomic changes, including altered global DNA methylation, gene-specific CpG methylation and microRNA expression. Importantly, these changes may have functional cellular consequences, impacting health outcomes later in life. Therefore, these epigenetic changes represent a critical mechanism that warrants further study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paige A Bommarito
- Department of Environmental Sciences & Engineering, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Elizabeth Martin
- Department of Environmental Sciences & Engineering, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Rebecca C Fry
- Department of Environmental Sciences & Engineering, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
- Curriculum in Toxicology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27516, USA
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Bommarito PA, Martin E, Fry RC. Effects of prenatal exposure to endocrine disruptors and toxic metals on the fetal epigenome. Epigenomics 2017; 9:333-350. [PMID: 28234024 DOI: 10.2217/epi-2016-0112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Exposure to environmental contaminants during pregnancy has been linked to adverse outcomes at birth and later in life. The link between prenatal exposures and latent health outcomes suggests that these exposures may result in long-term epigenetic reprogramming. Toxic metals and endocrine disruptors are two major classes of contaminants that are ubiquitously present in the environment and represent threats to human health. In this review, we present evidence that prenatal exposures to these contaminants result in fetal epigenomic changes, including altered global DNA methylation, gene-specific CpG methylation and microRNA expression. Importantly, these changes may have functional cellular consequences, impacting health outcomes later in life. Therefore, these epigenetic changes represent a critical mechanism that warrants further study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paige A Bommarito
- Department of Environmental Sciences & Engineering, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Elizabeth Martin
- Department of Environmental Sciences & Engineering, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Rebecca C Fry
- Department of Environmental Sciences & Engineering, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA.,Curriculum in Toxicology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27516, USA
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"Gap hunting" to characterize clustered probe signals in Illumina methylation array data. Epigenetics Chromatin 2016; 9:56. [PMID: 27980682 PMCID: PMC5142147 DOI: 10.1186/s13072-016-0107-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2016] [Accepted: 11/25/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The Illumina 450k array has been widely used in epigenetic association studies. Current quality-control (QC) pipelines typically remove certain sets of probes, such as those containing a SNP or with multiple mapping locations. An additional set of potentially problematic probes are those with DNA methylation distributions characterized by two or more distinct clusters separated by gaps. Data-driven identification of such probes may offer additional insights for downstream analyses. Results We developed a procedure, termed “gap hunting,” to identify probes showing clustered distributions. Among 590 peripheral blood samples from the Study to Explore Early Development, we identified 11,007 “gap probes.” The vast majority (9199) are likely attributed to an underlying SNP(s) or other variant in the probe, although SNP-affected probes exist that do not produce a gap signals. Specific factors predict which SNPs lead to gap signals, including type of nucleotide change, probe type, DNA strand, and overall methylation state. These expected effects are demonstrated in paired genotype and 450k data on the same samples. Gap probes can also serve as a surrogate for the local genetic sequence on a haplotype scale and can be used to adjust for population stratification. Conclusions The characteristics of gap probes reflect potentially informative biology. QC pipelines may benefit from an efficient data-driven approach that “flags” gap probes, rather than filtering such probes, followed by careful interpretation of downstream association analyses. Our results should translate directly to the recently released Illumina EPIC array given the similar chemistry and content design. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13072-016-0107-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Cord Blood DNA Methylation Biomarkers for Predicting Neurodevelopmental Outcomes. Genes (Basel) 2016; 7:genes7120117. [PMID: 27918480 PMCID: PMC5192493 DOI: 10.3390/genes7120117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2016] [Revised: 11/19/2016] [Accepted: 11/29/2016] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Adverse environmental exposures in pregnancy can significantly alter the development of the fetus resulting in impaired child neurodevelopment. Such exposures can lead to epigenetic alterations like DNA methylation, which may be a marker of poor cognitive, motor and behavioral outcomes in the infant. Here we review studies that have assessed DNA methylation in cord blood following maternal exposures that may impact neurodevelopment of the child. We also highlight some key studies to illustrate the potential for DNA methylation to successfully identify infants at risk for poor outcomes. While the current evidence is limited, in that observations to date are largely correlational, in time and with larger cohorts analyzed and longer term follow-up completed, we may be able to develop epigenetic biomarkers that not only indicate adverse early life exposures but can also be used to identify individuals likely to be at an increased risk of impaired neurodevelopment even in the absence of detailed information regarding prenatal environment.
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Bakulski KM, Halladay A, Hu VW, Mill J, Fallin MD. Epigenetic Research in Neuropsychiatric Disorders: the "Tissue Issue". Curr Behav Neurosci Rep 2016; 3:264-274. [PMID: 28093577 DOI: 10.1007/s40473-016-0083-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Evidence has linked neuropsychiatric disorders with epigenetic marks as either a biomarker of disease, biomarker of exposure, or mechanism of disease processes. Neuropsychiatric epidemiologic studies using either target brain tissue or surrogate blood tissue each have methodological challenges and distinct advantages. RECENT FINDINGS Brain tissue studies are challenged by small sample sizes of cases and controls, incomplete phenotyping, post-mortem timing, and cellular heterogeneity, but the use of a primary disease relevant tissue is critical. Blood-based studies have access to much larger sample sizes and more replication opportunities, as well as the potential for longitudinal measurements, both prior to onset and during the course of treatments. Yet, blood studies also are challenged by cell-type heterogeneity, and many question the validity of using peripheral tissues as a brain biomarker. Emerging evidence suggests that these limitations to blood-based epigenetic studies are surmountable, but confirmation in target tissue remains important. SUMMARY Epigenetic mechanisms have the potential to help elucidate biology connecting experiential risk factors with neuropsychiatric disease manifestation. Cross-tissue studies as well as advanced epidemiologic methods should be employed to more effectively conduct neuropsychiatric epigenetic research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly M Bakulski
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Alycia Halladay
- Autism Science Foundation, New York City, New York, USA; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, New Jersey, USA
| | - Valerie W Hu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Jonathan Mill
- University of Exeter Medical School, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK; Institute for Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - M Daniele Fallin
- Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Wendy Klag Center for Autism and Developmental Disabilities, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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The Impact of External Factors on the Epigenome: In Utero and over Lifetime. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2016; 2016:2568635. [PMID: 27294112 PMCID: PMC4887632 DOI: 10.1155/2016/2568635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2016] [Revised: 04/12/2016] [Accepted: 04/26/2016] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Epigenetic marks change during fetal development, adult life, and aging. Some changes play an important role in the establishment and regulation of gene programs, but others seem to occur without any apparent physiological role. An important future challenge in the field of epigenetics will be to describe how the environment affects both of these types of epigenetic change and to learn if interaction between them can determine healthy and disease phenotypes during lifetime. Here we discuss how chemical and physical environmental stressors, diet, life habits, and pharmacological treatments can affect the epigenome during lifetime and the possible impact of these epigenetic changes on pathophysiological processes.
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48
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Bakulski KM, Feinberg JI, Andrews SV, Yang J, Brown S, L McKenney S, Witter F, Walston J, Feinberg AP, Fallin MD. DNA methylation of cord blood cell types: Applications for mixed cell birth studies. Epigenetics 2016; 11:354-62. [PMID: 27019159 DOI: 10.1080/15592294.2016.1161875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 215] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Epigenome-wide association studies of disease widely use DNA methylation measured in blood as a surrogate tissue. Cell proportions can vary between people and confound associations of exposure or outcome. An adequate reference panel for estimating cell proportions from adult whole blood for DNA methylation studies is available, but an analogous cord blood cell reference panel is not yet available. Cord blood has unique cell types and the epigenetic signatures of standard cell types may not be consistent throughout the life course. Using magnetic bead sorting, we isolated cord blood cell types (nucleated red blood cells, granulocytes, monocytes, natural killer cells, B cells, CD4(+)T cells, and CD8(+)T cells) from 17 live births at Johns Hopkins Hospital. We confirmed enrichment of the cell types using fluorescence assisted cell sorting and ran DNA from the separated cell types on the Illumina Infinium HumanMethylation450 BeadChip array. After filtering, the final analysis was on 104 samples at 429,794 probes. We compared cell type specific signatures in cord to each other and methylation at 49.2% of CpG sites on the array differed by cell type (F-test P < 10(-8)). Differences between nucleated red blood cells and the remainder of the cell types were most pronounced (36.9% of CpG sites at P < 10(-8)) and 99.5% of these sites were hypomethylated relative to the other cell types. We also compared the mean-centered sorted cord profiles to the available adult reference panel and observed high correlation between the overlapping cell types for granulocytes and monocytes (both r=0.74), and poor correlation for CD8(+)T cells and NK cells (both r=0.08). We further provide an algorithm for estimating cell proportions in cord blood using the newly developed cord reference panel, which estimates biologically plausible cell proportions in whole cord blood samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly M Bakulski
- a Department of Epidemiology , Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health , Baltimore , Maryland , USA.,b Center for Epigenetics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine , Baltimore , Maryland , USA.,c Department of Epidemiology , University of Michigan School of Public Health , Ann Arbor , Michigan , USA
| | - Jason I Feinberg
- b Center for Epigenetics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine , Baltimore , Maryland , USA.,d Department of Mental Health , Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health , Baltimore , Maryland , USA
| | - Shan V Andrews
- a Department of Epidemiology , Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health , Baltimore , Maryland , USA
| | - Jack Yang
- e Division of Geriatric Medicine and Gerontology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine , Baltimore , Maryland , USA
| | - Shannon Brown
- a Department of Epidemiology , Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health , Baltimore , Maryland , USA.,f Wendy Klag Center for Autism and Developmental Disabilities, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health , Baltimore , Maryland , USA
| | - Stephanie L McKenney
- g Division of Neonatology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine , Baltimore , Maryland , USA
| | - Frank Witter
- h Division of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine , Baltimore , Maryland , USA.,i Department of International Health , Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health , Baltimore , Maryland , USA
| | - Jeremy Walston
- e Division of Geriatric Medicine and Gerontology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine , Baltimore , Maryland , USA
| | - Andrew P Feinberg
- b Center for Epigenetics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine , Baltimore , Maryland , USA.,d Department of Mental Health , Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health , Baltimore , Maryland , USA
| | - M Daniele Fallin
- b Center for Epigenetics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine , Baltimore , Maryland , USA.,d Department of Mental Health , Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health , Baltimore , Maryland , USA.,f Wendy Klag Center for Autism and Developmental Disabilities, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health , Baltimore , Maryland , USA
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Abstract
Aggressive behavior is highly heritable, while environmental influences, particularly early in life, are also important. Epigenetic mechanisms, such as DNA methylation, regulate gene expression throughout development and adulthood, and may mediate genetic and environmental effects on complex traits. We performed an epigenome-wide association study (EWAS) to identify regions in the genome where DNA methylation level is associated with aggressive behavior. Subjects took part in longitudinal survey studies from the Netherlands Twin Register (NTR) and participated in the NTR biobank project between 2004 and 2011 (N = 2,029, mean age at blood sampling = 36.4 years, SD = 12.4, females = 69.2%). Aggressive behavior was rated with the ASEBA Adult Self-Report (ASR). DNA methylation was measured in whole blood by the Illumina HM450k array. The association between aggressive behavior and DNA methylation level at 411,169 autosomal sites was tested. Association analyses in the entire cohort showed top sites at cg01792876 (chr8; 116,684,801, nearest gene = TRPS1, p = 7.6 × 10−7, False discovery rate (FDR) = 0.18) and cg06092953 (chr18; 77,905,699, nearest gene = PARD6G-AS1, p = 9.0 ×10−7, FDR = 0.18). Next, we compared methylation levels in 20 pairs of monozygotic (MZ) twins highly discordant for aggression. Here the top sites were cg21557159 (chr 11; 107,795,699, nearest gene = RAB39, p = 5.7 × 10−6, FDR = 0.99), cg08648367 (chr 19; 51,925,472, nearest gene = SIGLEC10, p = 7.6 × 10−6, FDR = 0.99), and cg14212412 (chr 6; 105,918,992, nearest gene = PREP, p = 8.0 × 10−6, FDR = 0.99). The two top hits based on the entire cohort showed the same direction of effect in discordant MZ pairs (cg01792876, Pdiscordant twins = 0.09 and cg06092953, Pdiscordant twins = 0.24). The other way around, two of the three most significant sites in discordant MZ pairs showed the same direction of effect in the entire cohort (cg08648367, Pentire EWAS = 0.59 and cg14212412, Pentire EWAS = 3.1 × 10−3). Gene ontology analysis highlighted significant enrichment of various central nervous system categories among higher-ranking methylation sites. Higher-ranking methylation sites also showed enrichment for DNase I hypersensitive sites and promoter regions, showing that DNA methylation in peripheral tissues is likely to be associated with aggressive behavior.
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Abdul-Rahman OA, Rodriguez B, Wadlinger SR, Slutsman J, Boyle EB, Merrill LS, Botkin J, Moye J. Success rates for consent and collection of prenatal biological specimens in an epidemiologic survey of child health. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015; 106:47-54. [PMID: 26407522 DOI: 10.1002/bdra.23455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The National Children's Study (NCS) Vanguard Study began enrollment in January 2009 as an initial pilot study for a planned large-scale, longitudinal U.S. cohort study of the effect of environmental influences on child health and development, with biological and environmental sample collection conducted in seven locations from April 2009 to October 2010. We sought to determine rates of consent for, and success of collection of, maternal and paternal biospecimens before and during pregnancy in the NCS Vanguard Study. METHODS Samples of blood, saliva, vaginal swabs, urine, hair, and nails were collected before and during pregnancy. All specimens were sent to a central repository for processing, storage, and quality assessment. RESULTS Of 780 pregnant women asked to consent to sample collection, 773 (>99%) agreed, and of 295 nonpregnant women, 292 (99%) agreed. Of 440 fathers asked to consent to sample collection, 435 (99%) agreed. Frequency of successful collection of biospecimens varied depending on sample and visit type. In descending order, the ranges over all visit types of the proportion of expected samples successfully collected from women were: urine, 92.5 to 95.7%; hair, 89.6 to 92.5%; vaginal swab, 84.2 to 88.5%; blood, 74.9 to 78.5%; 2-day saliva, 65.8 to 81.6%; and nails, 76.4 to 76.7%. For fathers, rates were highest for urine (94.9%) and lowest for hair (63.0%). CONCLUSION High rates of consent for and collection of a wide variety of biospecimens can be achieved in prospective epidemiologic cohort studies of pregnant women. Ease of sample collection may be a primary factor influencing successful biospecimen collection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omar A Abdul-Rahman
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi
| | | | | | - Julia Slutsman
- National Children's Study Program Office, NICHD, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland
| | | | | | | | - Jack Moye
- National Children's Study Program Office, NICHD, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland
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