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King DE, Lalwani PD, Mercado GP, Dolan EL, Frierson JM, Meyer JN, Murphy SK. The use of race terms in epigenetics research: considerations moving forward. Front Genet 2024; 15:1348855. [PMID: 38356697 PMCID: PMC10864599 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2024.1348855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
The field of environmental epigenetics is uniquely suited to investigate biologic mechanisms that have the potential to link stressors to health disparities. However, it is common practice in basic epigenetic research to treat race as a covariable in large data analyses in a way that can perpetuate harmful biases without providing any biologic insight. In this article, we i) propose that epigenetic researchers open a dialogue about how and why race is employed in study designs and think critically about how this might perpetuate harmful biases; ii) call for interdisciplinary conversation and collaboration between epigeneticists and social scientists to promote the collection of more detailed social metrics, particularly institutional and structural metrics such as levels of discrimination that could improve our understanding of individual health outcomes; iii) encourage the development of standards and practices that promote full transparency about data collection methods, particularly with regard to race; and iv) encourage the field of epigenetics to continue to investigate how social structures contribute to biological health disparities, with a particular focus on the influence that structural racism may have in driving these health disparities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dillon E. King
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Pooja D. Lalwani
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Gilberto Padilla Mercado
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Emma L. Dolan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, United States
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Johnna M. Frierson
- IDEALS Office, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Joel N. Meyer
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Susan K. Murphy
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, United States
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Fonseca PAS, Suárez-Vega A, Esteban-Blanco C, Pelayo R, Marina H, Gutiérrez-Gil B, Arranz JJ. Epigenetic regulation of functional candidate genes for milk production traits in dairy sheep subjected to protein restriction in the prepubertal stage. BMC Genomics 2023; 24:511. [PMID: 37658326 PMCID: PMC10472666 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-023-09611-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND As the prepubertal stage is a crucial point for the proper development of the mammary gland and milk production, this study aims to evaluate how protein restriction at this stage can affect methylation marks in milk somatic cells. Here, 28 Assaf ewes were subjected to 42.3% nutritional protein restriction (14 animals, NPR) or fed standard diets (14 animals, C) during the prepubertal stage. During the second lactation, the milk somatic cells of these ewes were sampled, and the extracted DNA was subjected to whole-genome bisulfite sequencing. RESULTS A total of 1154 differentially methylated regions (DMRs) were identified between the NPR and C groups. Indeed, the results of functional enrichment analyses of the genes harboring these DMRs suggested their relevant effects on the development of the mammary gland and lipid metabolism in sheep. The additional analysis of the correlations of the mean methylation levels within these DMRs with fat, protein, and dry extract percentages in the milk and milk somatic cell counts suggested associations between several DMRs and milk production traits. However, there were no phenotypic differences in these traits between the NPR and C groups. CONCLUSION In light of the above, the results obtained in the current study might suggest potential candidate genes for the regulation of milk production traits in the sheep mammary gland. Further studies focusing on elucidating the genetic mechanisms affected by the identified DMRs may help to better understand the biological mechanisms modified in the mammary gland of dairy sheep as a response to nutritional challenges and their potential effects on milk production.
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Affiliation(s)
- P. A. S. Fonseca
- Departamento de Producción Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de León, Campus de Vegazana S/N, 24071 León, Spain
| | - A. Suárez-Vega
- Departamento de Producción Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de León, Campus de Vegazana S/N, 24071 León, Spain
| | - C. Esteban-Blanco
- Departamento de Producción Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de León, Campus de Vegazana S/N, 24071 León, Spain
| | - R. Pelayo
- Departamento de Producción Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de León, Campus de Vegazana S/N, 24071 León, Spain
| | - H. Marina
- Departamento de Producción Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de León, Campus de Vegazana S/N, 24071 León, Spain
| | - B. Gutiérrez-Gil
- Departamento de Producción Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de León, Campus de Vegazana S/N, 24071 León, Spain
| | - J. J. Arranz
- Departamento de Producción Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de León, Campus de Vegazana S/N, 24071 León, Spain
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Nacher M, Basurko C, Imounga LM, Wang Q, Van Melle A, Lucarelli A, Adenis A, Alsibai KD, Hcini N, Sabbah N. Complex Sex Differences in Life Expectancy in French Guiana. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:6195. [PMID: 37444043 PMCID: PMC10341637 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20136195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2023] [Revised: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023]
Abstract
In the complex context of French Guiana, different vulnerabilities and different risk factors between genders may lead to complex differences in health outcomes, mortality, and life expectancy. Our aim was, thus, to compare male and female mortality and life expectancy, to compare it between French Guiana and mainland France, and to look at temporal trends and the main specific causes of death in order to identify actionable singularities. National databases were used to obtain life expectancy at birth, at 20, 40, and 60 years, and mortality statistics. Standardized death rates and causes of death for French Guiana and mainland France were obtained through the CEPIDC, which analyzes information from death certificates. When comparing with mainland France, life expectancy at birth was significantly shorter both in males and females (mean = -2.9 years); life expectancy at 20 years, which allows to remove the effect of the greater child mortality in French Guiana, was also shorter in French Guiana for males (mean = -1.8 years) and females (mean = -2 years). The differences between mainland France and French Guiana regarding life expectancy at 40 and 60 years (mean = -1.5 and -1.3 years) was mainly found among females, males in French Guiana life expectancy at 40 and 60 years was closer to that in mainland France (mean = -0.8 and -0.6 years). Although they have a greater life expectancy at birth than men, women in French Guiana are substantially more affected by overweight/obesity and type 2 diabetes. The observed patterns of life expectancy at different ages presumably reflect the burden of external causes and AIDS in males and perhaps metabolic diseases in women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathieu Nacher
- CIC INSERM 1424, Centre Hospitalier de Cayenne, Cayenne 97300, French Guiana
- Département Formation Recherche Santé, Université de Guyane, Cayenne 97300, French Guiana
- Amazonian Infrastructures for Population Health, Cayenne 97300, French Guiana
| | - Célia Basurko
- CIC INSERM 1424, Centre Hospitalier de Cayenne, Cayenne 97300, French Guiana
- Amazonian Infrastructures for Population Health, Cayenne 97300, French Guiana
| | - Laure Manuella Imounga
- Amazonian Infrastructures for Population Health, Cayenne 97300, French Guiana
- Registre des Cancers de Guyane, Cayenne 97300, French Guiana
| | - Qiannan Wang
- Amazonian Infrastructures for Population Health, Cayenne 97300, French Guiana
- Registre des Cancers de Guyane, Cayenne 97300, French Guiana
| | - Astrid Van Melle
- CIC INSERM 1424, Centre Hospitalier de Cayenne, Cayenne 97300, French Guiana
- Amazonian Infrastructures for Population Health, Cayenne 97300, French Guiana
| | - Aude Lucarelli
- Amazonian Infrastructures for Population Health, Cayenne 97300, French Guiana
| | - Antoine Adenis
- CIC INSERM 1424, Centre Hospitalier de Cayenne, Cayenne 97300, French Guiana
- Département Formation Recherche Santé, Université de Guyane, Cayenne 97300, French Guiana
- Amazonian Infrastructures for Population Health, Cayenne 97300, French Guiana
| | - Kinan Drak Alsibai
- Amazonian Infrastructures for Population Health, Cayenne 97300, French Guiana
- Département Recherche Innovation Santé Publique, Centre Hospitalier de Cayenne, Cayenne 97300, French Guiana
- Centre de Ressources Biologiques Amazonie, Centre Hospitalier de Cayenne, Cayenne 97300, French Guiana
- Service d’Anatomopathologie, Centre Hospitalier de Cayenne, Cayenne 97300, French Guiana
| | - Najeh Hcini
- Amazonian Infrastructures for Population Health, Cayenne 97300, French Guiana
- Western French Guiana Hospital, Saint Laurent du Maroni 97320, French Guiana
| | - Nadia Sabbah
- Amazonian Infrastructures for Population Health, Cayenne 97300, French Guiana
- Service d’Endocrinologie Diabétologie, Centre Hospitalier de Cayenne, Cayenne 97300, French Guiana
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de Oliveira-Silva J, Lisboa PC, Lotufo-Denucci B, Fraga M, de Moura EG, Nunes FC, Ribeiro-Carvalho A, Filgueiras CC, Abreu-Villaça Y, Manhães AC. Maternal protein restriction during the lactation period disrupts the ontogenetic development of behavioral traits in male Wistar rat offspring. J Dev Orig Health Dis 2023:1-12. [PMID: 37185045 DOI: 10.1017/s2040174423000107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Neonatal undernutrition in rats results in short- and long-term behavioral and hormonal alterations in the offspring. It is not clear, however, whether these effects are present since the original insult or if they develop at some specific age later in life. Here, we assessed the ontogenetic profile of behavioral parameters associated with anxiety, exploration and memory/learning of Wistar rat offspring that were subjected to protein malnutrition during lactation. Dams and respective litters were separated into two groups: (1) protein-restricted (PR), which received a hypoproteic chow (8% protein) from birth to weaning [postnatal day (PN) 21]; (2) control (C), which received normoproteic chow. Offspring's behaviors, corticosterone, catecholamines, T3 and T4 levels were assessed at PN21 (weaning), PN45 (adolescence), PN90 (young adulthood) or PN180 (adulthood). PR offspring showed an age-independent reduction in the levels of anxiety-like behaviors in the Elevated Plus Maze and better memory performance in the Radial Arm Water Maze. PR offspring showed peak exploratory activity in the Open Field earlier in life, at PN45, than C, which showed theirs at PN90. Corticosterone was reduced in PR offspring, particularly at young adulthood, while catecholamines were increased at weaning and adulthood. The current study shows that considerable age-dependent variations in the expression of the observed behaviors and hormonal levels exist from weaning to adulthood in rats, and that protein restriction during lactation has complex variable-dependent effects on the ontogenesis of the assessed parameters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliana de Oliveira-Silva
- Laboratório de Neurofisiologia, Departamento de Ciências Fisiológicas, Instituto de Biologia Roberto Alcantara Gomes, Centro Biomédico, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Av. Prof. Manoel de Abreu 444, 5 andar - Vila Isabel, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 20550-170, Brazil
| | - Patrícia C Lisboa
- Laboratório de Fisiologia Endócrina, Departamento de Ciências Fisiológicas, Instituto de Biologia Roberto Alcantara Gomes, Centro Biomédico, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Av. Prof. Manoel de Abreu 444, 5 andar - Vila Isabel, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 20550-170, Brazil
| | - Bruna Lotufo-Denucci
- Laboratório de Neurofisiologia, Departamento de Ciências Fisiológicas, Instituto de Biologia Roberto Alcantara Gomes, Centro Biomédico, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Av. Prof. Manoel de Abreu 444, 5 andar - Vila Isabel, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 20550-170, Brazil
| | - Mabel Fraga
- Laboratório de Neurofisiologia, Departamento de Ciências Fisiológicas, Instituto de Biologia Roberto Alcantara Gomes, Centro Biomédico, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Av. Prof. Manoel de Abreu 444, 5 andar - Vila Isabel, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 20550-170, Brazil
| | - Egberto G de Moura
- Laboratório de Fisiologia Endócrina, Departamento de Ciências Fisiológicas, Instituto de Biologia Roberto Alcantara Gomes, Centro Biomédico, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Av. Prof. Manoel de Abreu 444, 5 andar - Vila Isabel, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 20550-170, Brazil
| | - Fernanda C Nunes
- Laboratório de Neurofisiologia, Departamento de Ciências Fisiológicas, Instituto de Biologia Roberto Alcantara Gomes, Centro Biomédico, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Av. Prof. Manoel de Abreu 444, 5 andar - Vila Isabel, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 20550-170, Brazil
| | - Anderson Ribeiro-Carvalho
- Departamento de Ciências, Faculdade de Formação de Professores da Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rua Dr. Francisco Portela 1470 - Patronato, São Gonçalo, RJ, 24435-005, Brazil
| | - Cláudio C Filgueiras
- Laboratório de Neurofisiologia, Departamento de Ciências Fisiológicas, Instituto de Biologia Roberto Alcantara Gomes, Centro Biomédico, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Av. Prof. Manoel de Abreu 444, 5 andar - Vila Isabel, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 20550-170, Brazil
| | - Yael Abreu-Villaça
- Laboratório de Neurofisiologia, Departamento de Ciências Fisiológicas, Instituto de Biologia Roberto Alcantara Gomes, Centro Biomédico, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Av. Prof. Manoel de Abreu 444, 5 andar - Vila Isabel, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 20550-170, Brazil
| | - Alex C Manhães
- Laboratório de Neurofisiologia, Departamento de Ciências Fisiológicas, Instituto de Biologia Roberto Alcantara Gomes, Centro Biomédico, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Av. Prof. Manoel de Abreu 444, 5 andar - Vila Isabel, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 20550-170, Brazil
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5
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Kachhawaha AS, Mishra S, Tiwari AK. Epigenetic control of heredity. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2023; 198:25-60. [PMID: 37225323 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2023.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Epigenetics is the field of science that deals with the study of changes in gene function that do not involve changes in DNA sequence and are heritable while epigenetics inheritance is the process of transmission of epigenetic modifications to the next generation. It can be transient, intergenerational, or transgenerational. There are various epigenetic modifications involving mechanisms such as DNA methylation, histone modification, and noncoding RNA expression, all of which are inheritable. In this chapter, we summarize the information on epigenetic inheritance, its mechanism, inheritance studies on various organisms, factors affecting epigenetic modifications and their inheritance, and the role of epigenetic inheritance in the heritability of diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akanksha Singh Kachhawaha
- Laboratory of Forensic Chemistry & Toxicology, School of Forensic Sciences, National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU), Gandhinagar, Gujarat, India
| | - Sarita Mishra
- Laboratory of Forensic Chemistry & Toxicology, School of Forensic Sciences, National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU), Gandhinagar, Gujarat, India
| | - Anand Krishna Tiwari
- Genetics & Developmental Biology Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology & Bioengineering, Institute of Advanced Research, Gandhinagar, Gujarat, India.
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6
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Yao WY, Li L, Jiang HR, Yu YF, Xu WH. Transgenerational associations of parental famine exposure in early life with offspring risk of adult obesity in China. Obesity (Silver Spring) 2023; 31:279-289. [PMID: 36507560 DOI: 10.1002/oby.23593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2022] [Revised: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to investigate the transgenerational associations between exposure to famine in early life and obesity. METHODS This study used the longitudinal data from the China Health and Nutrition Survey from 1989 to 2015. A total of 1113 fathers and 1207 mothers (946 mother-father pairs) born in 1955 to 1966 and 1895 adult offspring were included. Offspring were classified into subgroups according to the famine exposure of their parents (unexposed, maternal exposed, paternal exposed, parental exposed) and exposure timing (during fetal development, childhood). RESULTS Maternal exposure to famine in early life was associated with elevated levels of BMI, waist circumference, overweight, and central obesity of their children, whereas paternal exposure was inversely associated with these measurements. Compared with children of unexposed parents (P0M0), the maternal exposed group (P0M1) had higher mean BMI, by 1.3 kg/m2 (95% CI: 0.3 to 2.4); waist circumference, by 1.5 cm (-1.0 to 3.9); overweight (odds ratio [OR] [95% CI]: 3.1 [1.6 to 6.1]); and central obesity (OR [95% CI]: 1.9 [1.02 to 3.7]). No significant heterogeneity was observed in the associations by sex of offspring. CONCLUSIONS Fetal and early childhood exposure to famine in parents may be associated with their children's risk of obesity during adulthood. A better understanding of the transgenerational associations is important for developing strategies to reduce obesity risk in future generations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Yuan Yao
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety, Ministry of Education, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Yiwu Research Institite, Fudan University, Yiwu, China
| | - Leah Li
- Population, Policy and Practice Research and Teaching Department, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Hui-Ru Jiang
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety, Ministry of Education, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yong-Fu Yu
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety, Ministry of Education, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wang-Hong Xu
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety, Ministry of Education, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Yiwu Research Institite, Fudan University, Yiwu, China
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7
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Buikstra JE, DeWitte SN, Agarwal SC, Baker BJ, Bartelink EJ, Berger E, Blevins KE, Bolhofner K, Boutin AT, Brickley MB, Buzon MR, de la Cova C, Goldstein L, Gowland R, Grauer AL, Gregoricka LA, Halcrow SE, Hall SA, Hillson S, Kakaliouras AM, Klaus HD, Knudson KJ, Knüsel CJ, Larsen CS, Martin DL, Milner GR, Novak M, Nystrom KC, Pacheco-Forés SI, Prowse TL, Robbins Schug G, Roberts CA, Rothwell JE, Santos AL, Stojanowski C, Stone AC, Stull KE, Temple DH, Torres CM, Toyne JM, Tung TA, Ullinger J, Wiltschke-Schrotta K, Zakrzewski SR. Twenty-first century bioarchaeology: Taking stock and moving forward. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL ANTHROPOLOGY 2022; 178 Suppl 74:54-114. [PMID: 36790761 DOI: 10.1002/ajpa.24494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2021] [Revised: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
This article presents outcomes from a Workshop entitled "Bioarchaeology: Taking Stock and Moving Forward," which was held at Arizona State University (ASU) on March 6-8, 2020. Funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF), the School of Human Evolution and Social Change (ASU), and the Center for Bioarchaeological Research (CBR, ASU), the Workshop's overall goal was to explore reasons why research proposals submitted by bioarchaeologists, both graduate students and established scholars, fared disproportionately poorly within recent NSF Anthropology Program competitions and to offer advice for increasing success. Therefore, this Workshop comprised 43 international scholars and four advanced graduate students with a history of successful grant acquisition, primarily from the United States. Ultimately, we focused on two related aims: (1) best practices for improving research designs and training and (2) evaluating topics of contemporary significance that reverberate through history and beyond as promising trajectories for bioarchaeological research. Among the former were contextual grounding, research question/hypothesis generation, statistical procedures appropriate for small samples and mixed qualitative/quantitative data, the salience of Bayesian methods, and training program content. Topical foci included ethics, social inequality, identity (including intersectionality), climate change, migration, violence, epidemic disease, adaptability/plasticity, the osteological paradox, and the developmental origins of health and disease. Given the profound changes required globally to address decolonization in the 21st century, this concern also entered many formal and informal discussions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jane E Buikstra
- Center for Bioarchaeological Research, School of Human Evolution and Social Change, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, USA
| | - Sharon N DeWitte
- Department of Anthropology, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, USA
| | - Sabrina C Agarwal
- Department of Anthropology, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, California, USA
| | - Brenda J Baker
- Center for Bioarchaeological Research, School of Human Evolution and Social Change, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, USA
| | - Eric J Bartelink
- Department of Anthropology, California State University, Chico, California, USA
| | - Elizabeth Berger
- Department of Anthropology, University of California, Riverside, California, USA
| | | | - Katelyn Bolhofner
- School of Mathematical and Natural Sciences, New College of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences, Arizona State University, Phoenix, Arizona, USA
| | - Alexis T Boutin
- Department of Anthropology, Sonoma State University, Rohnert Park, California, USA
| | - Megan B Brickley
- Department of Anthropology, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Michele R Buzon
- Department of Anthropology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
| | - Carlina de la Cova
- Department of Anthropology, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, USA
| | - Lynne Goldstein
- Department of Anthropology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
| | | | - Anne L Grauer
- Department of Anthropology, Loyola University Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Lesley A Gregoricka
- Department of Sociology, Anthropology, & Social Work, University of South Alabama, Mobile, Alabama, USA
| | - Siân E Halcrow
- Department of Anatomy, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Sarah A Hall
- Center for Bioarchaeological Research, School of Human Evolution and Social Change, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, USA
| | - Simon Hillson
- Institute of Archaeology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Ann M Kakaliouras
- Department of Anthropology, Whittier College, Whittier, California, USA
| | - Haagen D Klaus
- Department of Sociology and Anthropology, George Mason University, Fairfax, Virginia, USA
| | - Kelly J Knudson
- Center for Bioarchaeological Research, School of Human Evolution and Social Change, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, USA
| | - Christopher J Knüsel
- Préhistoire à l'Actuel: Culture, Environnement et Anthropologie, University of Bordeaux, CNRS, MC, PACEA, UMR5199, F-33615, Pessac, France
| | | | - Debra L Martin
- Department of Anthropology, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
| | - George R Milner
- Department of Anthropology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Mario Novak
- Center for Applied Bioanthropology, Institute for Anthropological Research, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Kenneth C Nystrom
- Department of Anthropology, State University of New York at New Paltz, New Paltz, New York, USA
| | | | - Tracy L Prowse
- Department of Anthropology, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Gwen Robbins Schug
- Environmental Health Program, University of North Carolina, Greensboro, North Carolina, USA
| | | | - Jessica E Rothwell
- Center for Bioarchaeological Research, School of Human Evolution and Social Change, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, USA
| | - Ana Luisa Santos
- Research Centre for Anthropology and Health (CIAS), Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Christopher Stojanowski
- Center for Bioarchaeological Research, School of Human Evolution and Social Change, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, USA
| | - Anne C Stone
- Center for Bioarchaeological Research, School of Human Evolution and Social Change, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, USA
| | - Kyra E Stull
- Department of Anthropology, University of Nevada, Reno, Reno, Nevada, USA
| | - Daniel H Temple
- Department of Sociology and Anthropology, George Mason University, Fairfax, Virginia, USA
| | - Christina M Torres
- Department of Anthropology and Heritage Studies, University of California, Merced, USA, and Instituto de Arqueología y Antropología, Universidad Católica del Norte, Antofagasta, Chile
| | - J Marla Toyne
- Department of Anthropology, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida, USA
| | - Tiffiny A Tung
- Department of Anthropology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Jaime Ullinger
- Bioanthropology Research Institute, Quinnipiac University, Hamden, Connecticut, USA
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Gomez-Verjan JC, Esparza-Aguilar M, Martin-Martin V, Salazar-Perez C, Cadena-Trejo C, Gutierrez-Robledo LM, Arroyo P. DNA methylation profile of a rural cohort exposed to early-adversity and malnutrition: An exploratory analysis. Exp Gerontol 2022; 167:111899. [PMID: 35907475 DOI: 10.1016/j.exger.2022.111899] [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: 07/11/2021] [Revised: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Barker's hypothesis affirms that undernourishment in early-life induces metabolic reprogramming that compromises organism functions later in life, leading to age-related diseases. We are exposed to environmental and social conditions that impact our life trajectories, leading to ageing phenotypes as we grow. Epigenetic mechanisms constitute the link between both external stimuli and genetic programming. Studies have focused on describing the effect of early adverse events such as trauma, famines, or childhood labor on epigenetic markers in adulthood and the elderly. However, we lack information on epigenetic programming in individuals born in rural communities from underdeveloped countries, exposed to negative influences during fetal and postnatal development, particularly chronic malnutrition. Hence, in this exploratory analysis, we characterize the epigenome of individuals and some parents from Tlaltizapan (a rural community in Mexico originally studied almost 50 years ago) and collect anthropometric data on growth and development, as well on the living conditions of the families. Our results help build a biological hypothesis indicating that most of the epigenetic age measures of the subjects are significantly different among them. Interestingly, the most affected methylated regions correspond to pathways involved in neuronal system development, reproductive behaviour, learning and memory regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- J C Gomez-Verjan
- Direccion de Investigación, Instituto Nacional de Geriatría, INGER, Mexico City, Mexico.
| | | | | | | | - C Cadena-Trejo
- Direccion de Investigación, Instituto Nacional de Geriatría, INGER, Mexico City, Mexico
| | | | - P Arroyo
- Direccion de Investigación, Instituto Nacional de Geriatría, INGER, Mexico City, Mexico
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Jin C, Zhang T, Li Y, Shi W. Early-Life Exposure to Malnutrition From the Chinese Famine on Risk of Asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease in Adulthood. Front Nutr 2022; 9:848108. [PMID: 35711537 PMCID: PMC9194571 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2022.848108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2022] [Accepted: 04/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives Intrauterine malnutrition has a long-term effect on respiratory and lung function. However, few studies have explored the association between early-life exposure to famine with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in adulthood. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the association of early-life exposure to the Chinese famine of 1959–1962 with asthma and COPD later in life. Methods This national population-based study included 6,771 participants from the baseline survey of the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) who were born around the time of the Chinese famine. The famine exposure groups were determined according to the participants' birth year as non-exposed (1964–1967), fetal-exposed (1959–1962), preschool-exposed (1954–1957), and school-age exposed (1950–1953). Information about the demographic characteristics, self-reported doctor-diagnosed asthma and COPD, behavior and lifestyles, and indoor pollution were collected using validated questionnaires. In addition, peak expiratory flow (PEF) was measured to assess pulmonary function. Multivariable logistic regression and generalized linear mixed models were performed to explore the risk of adult asthma and COPD, PEF changes during various famine exposure periods compared with the non-exposed group. Stratified and sensitivity analyses were conducted to examine the modification and robustness of the association. Results The prevalence of doctor-diagnosed asthma and COPD was 2.8 and 8.1%, respectively. Compared with the non-exposed group, the risk was significantly higher in the fetal-exposed group for asthma [adjusted odds ratio, (aOR) = 1.87, 95% confidence interval (CI):1.14–3.07] and the school-age exposed group [1.30 (1.00–1.69)] for COPD after controlling for confounders. Furthermore, we observed that fetal exposure to famine was significantly associated with a decrement of PEF in adulthood [β = −11.38 (−22.75 to −0.02)] compared with the non-exposed group. Stratified analyses showed that the association of asthma was stronger in men, who resided in severely famine-affected areas, smoked, and used solid fuels for cooking. No clearly consistent association was observed for subsequent COPD. Conclusions Our results suggest that fetal exposure to the Chinese famine is significantly associated with the increased risk of asthma in adulthood. Future prospective studies are warranted to examine the association and mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Changbo Jin
- Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Tiantian Zhang
- School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yongzhen Li
- Department of Nutrition and Food Science, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenming Shi
- School of Public Health, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China.,Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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Polverino A, Sorrentino P, Pesoli M, Mandolesi L. Nutrition and cognition across the lifetime: an overview on epigenetic mechanisms. AIMS Neurosci 2021; 8:448-476. [PMID: 34877399 PMCID: PMC8611190 DOI: 10.3934/neuroscience.2021024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The functioning of our brain depends on both genes and their interactions with environmental factors. The close link between genetics and environmental factors produces structural and functional cerebral changes early on in life. Understanding the weight of environmental factors in modulating neuroplasticity phenomena and cognitive functioning is relevant for potential interventions. Among these, nutrition plays a key role. In fact, the link between gut and brain (the gut-brain axis) is very close and begins in utero, since the Central Nervous System (CNS) and the Enteric Nervous System (ENS) originate from the same germ layer during the embryogenesis. Here, we investigate the epigenetic mechanisms induced by some nutrients on the cognitive functioning, which affect the cellular and molecular processes governing our cognitive functions. Furthermore, epigenetic phenomena can be positively affected by specific healthy nutrients from diet, with the possibility of preventing or modulating cognitive impairments. Specifically, we described the effects of several nutrients on diet-dependent epigenetic processes, in particular DNA methylation and histones post-translational modifications, and their potential role as therapeutic target, to describe how some forms of cognitive decline could be prevented or modulated from the early stages of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arianna Polverino
- Institute of Diagnosis and Treatment Hermitage Capodimonte, Naples, Italy.,Department of Motor and Wellness Sciences, University of Naples "Parthenope", Naples, Italy
| | - Pierpaolo Sorrentino
- Institut de Neurosciences des Systèmes, Aix-Marseille University, Marseille, France.,Institute of Applied Sciences and Intelligent Systems, National Research Council, Pozzuoli, Italy
| | - Matteo Pesoli
- Department of Motor and Wellness Sciences, University of Naples "Parthenope", Naples, Italy
| | - Laura Mandolesi
- Department of Humanities Studies, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
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11
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Early-Life Iron Deficiency Anemia Programs the Hippocampal Epigenomic Landscape. Nutrients 2021; 13:nu13113857. [PMID: 34836113 PMCID: PMC8623089 DOI: 10.3390/nu13113857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Revised: 10/21/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Iron deficiency (ID) anemia is the foremost micronutrient deficiency worldwide, affecting around 40% of pregnant women and young children. ID during the prenatal and early postnatal periods has a pronounced effect on neurodevelopment, resulting in long-term effects such as cognitive impairment and increased risk for neuropsychiatric disorders. Treatment of ID has been complicated as it does not always resolve the long-lasting neurodevelopmental deficits. In animal models, developmental ID results in abnormal hippocampal structure and function associated with dysregulation of genes involved in neurotransmission and synaptic plasticity. Dysregulation of these genes is a likely proximate cause of the life-long deficits that follow developmental ID. However, a direct functional link between iron and gene dysregulation has yet to be elucidated. Iron-dependent epigenetic modifications are one mechanism by which ID could alter gene expression across the lifespan. The jumonji and AT-rich interaction domain-containing (JARID) protein and the Ten-Eleven Translocation (TET) proteins are two families of iron-dependent epigenetic modifiers that play critical roles during neural development by establishing proper gene regulation during critical periods of brain development. Therefore, JARIDs and TETs can contribute to the iron-mediated epigenetic mechanisms by which early-life ID directly causes stable changes in gene regulation across the life span.
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12
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Gomez-Verjan JC, Esparza-Aguilar M, Martín-Martín V, Salazar-Perez C, Cadena-Trejo C, Gutierrez-Robledo LM, Martínez-Magaña JJ, Nicolini H, Arroyo P. Years of Schooling Could Reduce Epigenetic Aging: A Study of a Mexican Cohort. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:1408. [PMID: 34573390 PMCID: PMC8469534 DOI: 10.3390/genes12091408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2021] [Revised: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 09/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Adverse conditions in early life, including environmental, biological and social influences, are risk factors for ill-health during aging and the onset of age-related disorders. In this context, the recent field of social epigenetics offers a valuable method for establishing the relationships among them However, current clinical studies on environmental changes and lifespan disorders are limited. In this sense, the Tlaltizapan (Mexico) cohort, who 52 years ago was exposed to infant malnutrition, low income and poor hygiene conditions, represents a vital source for exploring such factors. Therefore, in the present study, 52 years later, we aimed to explore differences in clinical/biochemical/anthropometric and epigenetic (DNA methylation) variables between individuals from such a cohort, in comparison with an urban-raised sample. Interestingly, only cholesterol levels showed significant differences between the cohorts. On the other hand, individuals from the Tlaltizapan cohort with more years of schooling had a lower epigenetic age in the Horvath (p-value = 0.0225) and PhenoAge (p-value = 0.0353) clocks, compared to those with lower-level schooling. Our analysis indicates 12 differentially methylated sites associated with the PI3-Akt signaling pathway and galactose metabolism in individuals with different durations of schooling. In conclusion, our results suggest that longer durations of schooling could promote DNA methylation changes that may reduce epigenetic age; nevertheless, further studies are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Carlos Gomez-Verjan
- Dirección de Investigación, Instituto Nacional de Geriatría, Mexico City 10200, Mexico; (C.C.-T.); (P.A.)
| | - Marcelino Esparza-Aguilar
- Departamento de Investigación en Epidemiología, Instituto Nacional de Pediatría, Mexico City 04530, Mexico; (M.E.-A.); (C.S.-P.)
| | - Verónica Martín-Martín
- Subdirección de Investigación Médica, Instituto Nacional de Pediatría, Mexico City 04530, Mexico;
| | - Cecilia Salazar-Perez
- Departamento de Investigación en Epidemiología, Instituto Nacional de Pediatría, Mexico City 04530, Mexico; (M.E.-A.); (C.S.-P.)
| | - Cinthya Cadena-Trejo
- Dirección de Investigación, Instituto Nacional de Geriatría, Mexico City 10200, Mexico; (C.C.-T.); (P.A.)
| | | | - José Jaime Martínez-Magaña
- Laboratorio de Genómica de Enfermedades Psiquiátricas y Neurodegenerativas, Instituto Nacional de Medicina Genómica, Mexico City 04809, Mexico; (J.J.M.-M.); (H.N.)
| | - Humberto Nicolini
- Laboratorio de Genómica de Enfermedades Psiquiátricas y Neurodegenerativas, Instituto Nacional de Medicina Genómica, Mexico City 04809, Mexico; (J.J.M.-M.); (H.N.)
| | - Pedro Arroyo
- Dirección de Investigación, Instituto Nacional de Geriatría, Mexico City 10200, Mexico; (C.C.-T.); (P.A.)
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Rivero-Segura NA, Bello-Chavolla OY, Barrera-Vázquez OS, Gutierrez-Robledo LM, Gomez-Verjan JC. Promising biomarkers of human aging: In search of a multi-omics panel to understand the aging process from a multidimensional perspective. Ageing Res Rev 2020; 64:101164. [PMID: 32977058 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2020.101164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2020] [Revised: 08/18/2020] [Accepted: 08/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The aging process has been linked to the occurrence of chronic diseases and functional impairments, including cancer, sarcopenia, frailty, metabolic, cardiovascular, and neurodegenerative diseases. Nonetheless, aging is highly variable and heterogeneous and represents a challenge for its characterization. In this sense, intrinsic capacity (IC) stands as a novel perspective by the World Health Organization, which integrates the individual wellbeing, environment, and risk factors to understand aging. However, there is a lack of quantitative and qualitative attributes to define it objectively. Therefore, in this review we attempt to summarize the most relevant and promising biomarkers described in clinical studies at date over different molecular levels, including epigenomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and the microbiome. To aid gerontologists, geriatricians, and biomedical researchers to understand the aging process through the IC. Aging biomarkers reflect the physiological state of individuals and the underlying mechanisms related to homeostatic changes throughout an individual lifespan; they demonstrated that aging could be measured independently of time (that may explain its heterogeneity) and to be helpful to predict age-related syndromes and mortality. In summary, we highlight the areas of opportunity and gaps of knowledge that must be addressed to fully integrate biomedical findings into clinically useful tools and interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - O Y Bello-Chavolla
- Dirección de Investigación, Instituto Nacional de Geriatría, Mexico; Department of Physiology, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - O S Barrera-Vázquez
- Departamento de Famacología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
| | | | - J C Gomez-Verjan
- Dirección de Investigación, Instituto Nacional de Geriatría, Mexico.
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