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Tang Y, Zhou X, Cao J, Li Z, Yin W, Wan K, Huang C, Zhu W, Yin J, Zhang W, Zhu X, Sun Z. Synergistic effect of folate and MTHFR C677T on hippocampal subfields and perfusion in Alzheimer's disease. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2024; 134:111071. [PMID: 38908503 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2024.111071] [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: 01/31/2024] [Revised: 06/09/2024] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 06/24/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Low folate intake and methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) C677T polymorphism have been suggested to increase the risk of Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, the synergistic effects and their impact on brain structure and perfusion remain unclear. METHODS This study explored the effects of dietary and genetic deficiencies in folate metabolism on the volume of the hippocampal subregions, cerebral perfusion, and cognitive decline in 71 cognitively unimpaired (CU) individuals and 102 patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) due to AD or AD. All participants underwent magnetic resonance imaging, laboratory examinations, and neuropsychological assessments. The hippocampal subfields were segmented using Freesurfer, and arterial spin labeling was used to measure the cerebral blood flow. RESULTS We found a significant group-by-MTHFR interaction effect on folate. Patients with AD and the 677 T allele showed hypoperfusion in the left precuneus compared to patients without this mutation, which mediated the relationship between low folate level and cognitive decline in patients carrying the 677 T allele. Moreover, a synergistic effect was observed for the combination of decreased folate concentrations and the presence of the MTHFR 677 T allele on the atrophy of specific hippocampal subregions in patients with AD. CONCLUSIONS In addition to offering insights into the neuronal mechanism underlying gene-dependent folate-induced cognitive impairment in AD, these findings may have clinical significance for the allocation of auxiliary folate supplementation therapy in patients with AD with low folate levels and carrying the MTHFR 677 T allele and may eventually promote the selection of early individualized AD drug therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yating Tang
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230022, China
| | - Xia Zhou
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230022, China
| | - Jing Cao
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230022, China
| | - Zhiwei Li
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230022, China
| | - Wenwen Yin
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230022, China
| | - Ke Wan
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230022, China
| | - Chaojuan Huang
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230022, China
| | - Wenhao Zhu
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230022, China
| | - Jiabin Yin
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230022, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230022, China
| | - Xiaoqun Zhu
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230022, China.
| | - Zhongwu Sun
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230022, China.
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Wang X, Liu L, Jiang X, Saredy J, Xi H, Cueto R, Sigler D, Khan M, Wu S, Ji Y, Snyder NW, Hu W, Yang X, Wang H. Identification of methylation-regulated genes modulating microglial phagocytosis in hyperhomocysteinemia-exacerbated Alzheimer's disease. Alzheimers Res Ther 2023; 15:164. [PMID: 37789414 PMCID: PMC10546779 DOI: 10.1186/s13195-023-01311-9] [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: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) has been linked to development of Alzheimer's disease (AD) neuropathologically characterized by the accumulation of amyloid β (Aβ). Microglia (MG) play a crucial role in uptake of Aβ fibrils, and its dysfunction worsens AD. However, the effect of HHcy on MG Aβ phagocytosis remains unstudied. METHODS We isolated MG from the cerebrum of HHcy mice with genetic cystathionine-β-synthase deficiency (Cbs-/-) and performed bulk RNA-seq. We performed meta-analysis over transcriptomes of Cbs-/- mouse MG, human and mouse AD MG, MG Aβ phagocytosis model, human AD methylome, and GWAS AD genes. RESULTS HHcy and hypomethylation conditions were identified in Cbs-/- mice. Through Cbs-/- MG transcriptome analysis, 353 MG DEGs were identified. Phagosome formation and integrin signaling pathways were found suppressed in Cbs-/- MG. By analyzing MG transcriptomes from 4 AD patient and 7 mouse AD datasets, 409 human and 777 mouse AD MG DEGs were identified, of which 37 were found common in both species. Through further combinatory analysis with transcriptome from MG Aβ phagocytosis model, we identified 130 functional-validated Aβ phagocytic AD MG DEGs (20 in human AD, 110 in mouse AD), which reflected a compensatory activation of Aβ phagocytosis. Interestingly, we identified 14 human Aβ phagocytic AD MG DEGs which represented impaired MG Aβ phagocytosis in human AD. Finally, through a cascade of meta-analysis of transcriptome of AD MG, functional phagocytosis, HHcy MG, and human AD brain methylome dataset, we identified 5 HHcy-suppressed phagocytic AD MG DEGs (Flt1, Calponin 3, Igf1, Cacna2d4, and Celsr) which were reported to regulate MG/MΦ migration and Aβ phagocytosis. CONCLUSIONS We established molecular signatures for a compensatory response of Aβ phagocytosis activation in human and mouse AD MG and impaired Aβ phagocytosis in human AD MG. Our discoveries suggested that hypomethylation may modulate HHcy-suppressed MG Aβ phagocytosis in AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xianwei Wang
- Center for Metabolic Disease Research, Department of Cardiovascular Science, Lewis Kats School of Medicine, Temple University, MERB, Room 1060, 3500 N. Broad Street, Philadelphia, USA
| | - Lu Liu
- Center for Metabolic Disease Research, Department of Cardiovascular Science, Lewis Kats School of Medicine, Temple University, MERB, Room 1060, 3500 N. Broad Street, Philadelphia, USA
| | - Xiaohua Jiang
- Center for Metabolic Disease Research, Department of Cardiovascular Science, Lewis Kats School of Medicine, Temple University, MERB, Room 1060, 3500 N. Broad Street, Philadelphia, USA
| | - Jason Saredy
- Center for Metabolic Disease Research, Department of Cardiovascular Science, Lewis Kats School of Medicine, Temple University, MERB, Room 1060, 3500 N. Broad Street, Philadelphia, USA
| | - Hang Xi
- Center for Metabolic Disease Research, Department of Cardiovascular Science, Lewis Kats School of Medicine, Temple University, MERB, Room 1060, 3500 N. Broad Street, Philadelphia, USA
| | - Ramon Cueto
- Center for Metabolic Disease Research, Department of Cardiovascular Science, Lewis Kats School of Medicine, Temple University, MERB, Room 1060, 3500 N. Broad Street, Philadelphia, USA
| | - Danni Sigler
- Center for Metabolic Disease Research, Department of Cardiovascular Science, Lewis Kats School of Medicine, Temple University, MERB, Room 1060, 3500 N. Broad Street, Philadelphia, USA
| | - Mohsin Khan
- Center for Metabolic Disease Research, Department of Cardiovascular Science, Lewis Kats School of Medicine, Temple University, MERB, Room 1060, 3500 N. Broad Street, Philadelphia, USA
| | - Sheng Wu
- Center for Metabolic Disease Research, Department of Cardiovascular Science, Lewis Kats School of Medicine, Temple University, MERB, Room 1060, 3500 N. Broad Street, Philadelphia, USA
| | - Yong Ji
- Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease and Molecular Intervention, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, Jiangsu, China
| | - Nathaniel W Snyder
- Center for Metabolic Disease Research, Department of Cardiovascular Science, Lewis Kats School of Medicine, Temple University, MERB, Room 1060, 3500 N. Broad Street, Philadelphia, USA
| | - Wenhui Hu
- Center for Metabolic Disease Research, Department of Cardiovascular Science, Lewis Kats School of Medicine, Temple University, MERB, Room 1060, 3500 N. Broad Street, Philadelphia, USA
| | - Xiaofeng Yang
- Center for Metabolic Disease Research, Department of Cardiovascular Science, Lewis Kats School of Medicine, Temple University, MERB, Room 1060, 3500 N. Broad Street, Philadelphia, USA
| | - Hong Wang
- Center for Metabolic Disease Research, Department of Cardiovascular Science, Lewis Kats School of Medicine, Temple University, MERB, Room 1060, 3500 N. Broad Street, Philadelphia, USA.
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Majumder A. Targeting Homocysteine and Hydrogen Sulfide Balance as Future Therapeutics in Cancer Treatment. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 12:1520. [PMID: 37627515 PMCID: PMC10451792 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12081520] [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: 06/24/2023] [Revised: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
A high level of homocysteine (Hcy) is associated with oxidative/ER stress, apoptosis, and impairment of angiogenesis, whereas hydrogen sulfide (H2S) has been found to reverse this condition. Recent studies have shown that cancer cells need to produce a high level of endogenous H2S to maintain cell proliferation, growth, viability, and migration. However, any novel mechanism that targets this balance of Hcy and H2S production has yet to be discovered or exploited. Cells require homocysteine metabolism via the methionine cycle for nucleotide synthesis, methylation, and reductive metabolism, and this pathway supports the high proliferative rate of cancer cells. Although the methionine cycle favors cancer cells for their survival and growth, this metabolism produces a massive amount of toxic Hcy that somehow cancer cells handle very well. Recently, research showed specific pathways important for balancing the antioxidative defense through H2S production in cancer cells. This review discusses the relationship between Hcy metabolism and the antiapoptotic, antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and angiogenic effects of H2S in different cancer types. It also summarizes the historical understanding of targeting antioxidative defense systems, angiogenesis, and other protective mechanisms of cancer cells and the role of H2S production in the genesis, progression, and metastasis of cancer. This review defines a nexus of diet and precision medicine in targeting the delicate antioxidative system of cancer and explores possible future therapeutics that could exploit the Hcy and H2S balance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Avisek Majumder
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
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Ricci TA, Boonpattrawong N, Laher I, Devlin AM. Maternal nutrition and effects on offspring vascular function. Pflugers Arch 2023:10.1007/s00424-023-02807-x. [PMID: 37041303 DOI: 10.1007/s00424-023-02807-x] [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: 02/14/2023] [Revised: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 04/13/2023]
Abstract
Maternal nutrition during pregnancy may have profound effects on the developing fetus and impact risk for cardiovascular disease later in life. Here, we provide a narrative review on the impact of maternal diet during pregnancy on offspring vascular function. We review studies reporting effects of maternal micronutrient (folic acid, iron) intakes, high-fat diets, dietary energy restriction, and low protein intake on offspring endothelial function. We discuss the differences in study design and outcomes and potential underlying mechanisms contributing to the vascular phenotypes observed in the offspring. We further highlight key gaps in the literature and identify targets for future investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taylor A Ricci
- Department of Pediatrics, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Nicha Boonpattrawong
- BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Ismail Laher
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology, and Therapeutics, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Angela M Devlin
- Department of Pediatrics, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
- BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
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Mild methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase deficiency accelerates liver triacylglycerol and uric acid accumulation in fructose-fed mice. Nutr Res 2022; 108:33-42. [PMID: 36399975 DOI: 10.1016/j.nutres.2022.10.009] [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: 05/18/2022] [Revised: 10/15/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
A genetic predisposition to hepatic steatosis may be associated with dietary patterns. We hypothesized that a common variant in human methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR 677C→T) was previously associated with an increased risk of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). In this study, we investigated the relationship between the human MTHFR polymorphism and NAFLD using fructose-fed male C57BL/6 Mthfr+/+ and Mthfr+/- mice, a model for the human gene variant. Mice were fed an 8% fructose solution for 12 weeks. Mthfr+/- mice had significantly increased abdominal fat mass and hepatic triglyceride (TG) but displayed a similar liver mass when compared with Mthfr+/+ mice. Liver morphology showed that mild MTHFR deficiency induced liver lipid droplet deposition and inflammatory cell infiltration, suggesting accelerated lipid accumulation in the liver. Moreover, mild MTHFR deficiency increased hepatic xanthine oxidase activity and uric acid accumulation. Using untargeted lipidomics, we identified 116 differentially expressed lipids species in the liver of Mthfr+/- mice when compared with Mthfr+/+ animals. The most significant lipid increase was observed in 47 TGs, followed by 33 phosphatidylcholines in Mthfr+/- mice liver. When compared with Mthfr+/+ liver, 9 TGs were dramatically decreased in Mthfr+/- liver. These changes were associated with upregulated gene expressions related to triglyceride synthesis and storage. Thus, Mthfr+/- mice developed NAFLD disease. These findings suggested the Mthfr variant may be at an increased risk of liver steatosis on a fructose solution diet.
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6
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Reagan AM, Christensen KE, Graham LC, Bedwell AA, Eldridge K, Speedy R, Figueiredo LL, Persohn SC, Bottiglieri T, Nho K, Sasner M, Territo PR, Rozen R, Howell GR. The 677C > T variant in methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase causes morphological and functional cerebrovascular deficits in mice. J Cereb Blood Flow Metab 2022; 42:2333-2350. [PMID: 36050860 PMCID: PMC9670012 DOI: 10.1177/0271678x221122644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Revised: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Vascular contributions to cognitive impairment and dementia (VCID) particularly Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRDs) are increasing; however, mechanisms driving cerebrovascular decline are poorly understood. Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) is a critical enzyme in the folate and methionine cycles. Variants in MTHFR, notably 677 C > T, are associated with dementias, but no mouse model existed to identify mechanisms by which MTHFR677C > T increases risk. Therefore, MODEL-AD created a novel knock-in (KI) strain carrying the Mthfr677C > T allele on the C57BL/6J background (Mthfr677C > T) to characterize morphology and function perturbed by the variant. Consistent with human clinical data, Mthfr677C > T mice have reduced enzyme activity in the liver and elevated plasma homocysteine levels. MTHFR enzyme activity is also reduced in the Mthfr677C > T brain. Mice showed reduced tissue perfusion in numerous brain regions by PET/CT as well as significantly reduced vascular density, pericyte number and increased GFAP-expressing astrocytes in frontal cortex. Electron microscopy revealed cerebrovascular damage including endothelial and pericyte apoptosis, reduced luminal size, and increased astrocyte and microglial presence in the microenvironment. Collectively, these data support a mechanism by which variations in MTHFR perturb cerebrovascular health laying the foundation to incorporate our new Mthfr677C > T mouse model in studies examining genetic susceptibility for cerebrovascular dysfunction in ADRDs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Karen E Christensen
- Departments of Human Genetics and Pediatrics, McGill University,
Research Institute of the Health Center, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | | | - Amanda A Bedwell
- Department of Medicine, Division of Clinical Pharmacology,
Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Kierra Eldridge
- Department of Medicine, Division of Clinical Pharmacology,
Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Rachael Speedy
- Department of Medicine, Division of Clinical Pharmacology,
Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Lucas L Figueiredo
- Department of Medicine, Division of Clinical Pharmacology,
Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Scott C Persohn
- Department of Medicine, Division of Clinical Pharmacology,
Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Teodoro Bottiglieri
- Center of Metabolomics, Institute of Metabolic Disease, Baylor
Scott & White Research Institute, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Kwangsik Nho
- Center for Neuroimaging, Indiana Alzheimer’s Disease Research
Center, Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Indiana University School
of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | | | - Paul R Territo
- Department of Medicine, Division of Clinical Pharmacology,
Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Rima Rozen
- Departments of Human Genetics and Pediatrics, McGill University,
Research Institute of the Health Center, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Gareth R Howell
- The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, ME, USA
- Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Tufts University School
of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
- Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences and Engineering,
University of Maine, Orono, ME, USA
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7
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Reagan AM, Onos KD, Heuer SE, Sasner M, Howell GR. Improving mouse models for the study of Alzheimer's disease. Curr Top Dev Biol 2022; 148:79-113. [PMID: 35461569 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ctdb.2021.12.005] [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: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a complex neurodegenerative disease whose risk is influenced by genetic and environmental factors. Although a number of pathological hallmarks have been extensively studied over the last several decades, a complete picture of disease initiation and progression remains unclear. We now understand that numerous cell types and systems are involved in AD pathogenesis, and that this cellular profile may present differently for each individual, making the creation of relevant mouse models challenging. However, with increasingly diverse data made available by genome-wide association studies, we can identify and examine new genes and pathways involved in genetic risk for AD, many of which involve vascular health and inflammation. When developing mouse models, it is critical to assess (1) an aging timeline that represents onset and progression in humans, (2) genetic variants and context, (3) environmental factors present in human populations that result in both neuropathological and functional changes-themes that we address in this chapter.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Sarah E Heuer
- The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, ME, United States; Graduate Biomedical Sciences, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States
| | | | - Gareth R Howell
- The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, ME, United States; Graduate Biomedical Sciences, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States; Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences and Engineering, University of Maine, Orono, ME, United States.
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8
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Nieraad H, Pannwitz N, de Bruin N, Geisslinger G, Till U. Hyperhomocysteinemia: Metabolic Role and Animal Studies with a Focus on Cognitive Performance and Decline-A Review. Biomolecules 2021; 11:1546. [PMID: 34680179 PMCID: PMC8533891 DOI: 10.3390/biom11101546] [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: 06/29/2021] [Revised: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 10/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Disturbances in the one-carbon metabolism are often indicated by altered levels of the endogenous amino acid homocysteine (HCys), which is additionally discussed to causally contribute to diverse pathologies. In the first part of the present review, we profoundly and critically discuss the metabolic role and pathomechanisms of HCys, as well as its potential impact on different human disorders. The use of adequate animal models can aid in unravelling the complex pathological processes underlying the role of hyperhomocysteinemia (HHCys). Therefore, in the second part, we systematically searched PubMed/Medline for animal studies regarding HHCys and focused on the potential impact on cognitive performance and decline. The majority of reviewed studies reported a significant effect of HHCys on the investigated behavioral outcomes. Despite of persistent controversial discussions about equivocal findings, especially in clinical studies, the present evaluation of preclinical evidence indicates a causal link between HHCys and cognition-related- especially dementia-like disorders, and points out the further urge for large-scale, well-designed clinical studies in order to elucidate the normalization of HCys levels as a potential preventative or therapeutic approach in human pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hendrik Nieraad
- Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; (N.P.); (N.d.B.); (G.G.)
| | - Nina Pannwitz
- Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; (N.P.); (N.d.B.); (G.G.)
| | - Natasja de Bruin
- Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; (N.P.); (N.d.B.); (G.G.)
| | - Gerd Geisslinger
- Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; (N.P.); (N.d.B.); (G.G.)
- Pharmazentrum Frankfurt/ZAFES, Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Goethe University, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Uwe Till
- Former Institute of Pathobiochemistry, Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena, Nonnenplan 2, 07743 Jena, Germany;
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Brütting C, Hildebrand P, Brandsch C, Stangl GI. Ability of dietary factors to affect homocysteine levels in mice: a review. Nutr Metab (Lond) 2021; 18:68. [PMID: 34193183 PMCID: PMC8243555 DOI: 10.1186/s12986-021-00594-9] [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: 04/09/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Homocysteine is associated with several diseases, and a series of dietary factors are known to modulate homocysteine levels. As mice are often used as model organisms to study the effects of dietary hyperhomocysteinemia, we collected data about concentrations of vitamin B12, vitamin B6, folate, methionine, cystine, and choline in mouse diets and the associated plasma/serum homocysteine levels. In addition, we more closely examined the composition of the control diet, the impact of the mouse strain, sex and age, and the duration of the dietary intervention on homocysteine levels. In total, 113 out of 1103 reviewed articles met the inclusion criteria. In the experimental and control diets, homocysteine levels varied from 0.1 to 280 µmol/l. We found negative correlations between dietary vitamin B12 (rho = − 0.125; p < 0.05), vitamin B6 (rho = − 0.191; p < 0.01) and folate (rho = − 0.395; p < 0.001) and circulating levels of homocysteine. In contrast, a positive correlation was observed between dietary methionine and homocysteine (methionine: rho = 0.146; p < 0.05). No significant correlations were found for cystine or choline and homocysteine levels. In addition, there was no correlation between the duration of the experimental diets and homocysteine levels. More importantly, the data showed that homocysteine levels varied widely in mice fed control diets as well. When comparing control diets with similar nutrient concentrations (AIN-based), there were significant differences in homocysteine levels caused by the strain (ANOVA, p < 0.05) and age of the mice at baseline (r = 0.47; p < 0.05). When comparing homocysteine levels and sex, female mice tended to have higher homocysteine levels than male mice (9.3 ± 5.9 µmol/l vs. 5.8 ± 4.5 µmol/l; p = 0.069). To conclude, diets low in vitamin B12, vitamin B6, or folate and rich in methionine are similarly effective in increasing homocysteine levels. AIN recommendations for control diets are adequate with respect to the amounts of homocysteine-modulating dietary parameters. In addition, the mouse strain and the age of mice can affect the homocysteine level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine Brütting
- Institute of Agricultural and Nutritional Sciences, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Von-Danckelmann-Platz 2, 06120, Halle (Saale), Germany.
| | - Pia Hildebrand
- Institute of Agricultural and Nutritional Sciences, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Von-Danckelmann-Platz 2, 06120, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Corinna Brandsch
- Institute of Agricultural and Nutritional Sciences, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Von-Danckelmann-Platz 2, 06120, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Gabriele I Stangl
- Institute of Agricultural and Nutritional Sciences, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Von-Danckelmann-Platz 2, 06120, Halle (Saale), Germany
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10
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Poddar R. Hyperhomocysteinemia is an emerging comorbidity in ischemic stroke. Exp Neurol 2021; 336:113541. [PMID: 33278453 PMCID: PMC7856041 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2020.113541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2020] [Revised: 11/08/2020] [Accepted: 11/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Hyperhomocysteinemia or systemic elevation of the amino acid homocysteine is a common metabolic disorder that is considered to be a risk factor for ischemic stroke. However, it is still unclear whether predisposition to hyperhomocysteinemia could contribute to the severity of stroke outcome. This review highlights the advantages and limitations of the current rodent models of hyperhomocysteinemia, describes the consequence of mild hyperhomocysteinemia on the severity of ischemic brain damage in preclinical studies and summarizes the mechanisms involved in homocysteine induced neurotoxicity. The findings provide the premise for establishing hyperhomocysteinemia as a comorbidity for ischemic stroke and should be taken into consideration while developing potential therapeutic agents for stroke treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ranjana Poddar
- Department of Neurology, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, 1 University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA.
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11
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Boonpattrawong NP, Golbidi S, Tai DC, Aleliunas RE, Bernatchez P, Miller JW, Laher I, Devlin AM. Exercise during pregnancy mitigates the adverse effects of maternal obesity on adult male offspring vascular function and alters one-carbon metabolism. Physiol Rep 2020; 8:e14582. [PMID: 32975908 PMCID: PMC7518297 DOI: 10.14814/phy2.14582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2020] [Accepted: 08/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Maternal obesity during pregnancy can adversely affect adult offspring vascular endothelial function. This study examined whether maternal exercise during pregnancy and lactation mitigates the adverse effects of maternal obesity on offspring vascular endothelial function. Female (C57BL/6N) mice were fed from weaning a control diet (10% kcal fat) or western diet (45% kcal fat) to induce excess adiposity (maternal obesity). After 13 weeks, the female mice were bred and maintained on the diets, with and without access to a running wheel (exercise), throughout breeding, pregnancy, and lactation. Offspring were weaned onto the control or western diet and fed for 13 weeks; male offspring were studied. Maternal exercise prevented the adverse effects of maternal obesity on offspring vascular endothelial function. However, this was dependent on offspring diet and the positive effect of maternal exercise was only observed in offspring fed the western diet. This was accompanied by alterations in aorta and liver one-carbon metabolism, suggesting a role for these pathways in the improved endothelial function observed in the offspring. Obesity and exercise had no effect on endothelial function in the dams but did affect aorta and liver one-carbon metabolism, suggesting the phenotype observed in the offspring may be due to obesity and exercise-induced changes in one-carbon metabolism in the dams. Our findings demonstrate that maternal exercise prevented vascular dysfunction in male offspring from obese dams and is associated with alterations in one-carbon metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicha P. Boonpattrawong
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory MedicineThe University of British Columbia, and BC Children’s Hospital Research InstituteVancouverBCCanada
| | - Saeid Golbidi
- Department of Family PracticeThe University of British Columbia, and BC Children’s Hospital Research InstituteVancouverBCCanada
| | - Daven C. Tai
- Department of PediatricsThe University of British Columbia, and BC Children’s Hospital Research InstituteVancouverBCCanada
| | - Rika E. Aleliunas
- Department of PediatricsThe University of British Columbia, and BC Children’s Hospital Research InstituteVancouverBCCanada
| | - Pascal Bernatchez
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology and TherapeuticsThe University of British ColumbiaVancouverBCCanada
| | - Joshua W. Miller
- Department of Nutritional SciencesRutgers UniversityThe State University of New JerseyNew BrunswickNJUSA
| | - Ismail Laher
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology and TherapeuticsThe University of British ColumbiaVancouverBCCanada
| | - Angela M. Devlin
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory MedicineThe University of British Columbia, and BC Children’s Hospital Research InstituteVancouverBCCanada
- Department of PediatricsThe University of British Columbia, and BC Children’s Hospital Research InstituteVancouverBCCanada
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12
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Su A, Ling F, Vaganay C, Sodaro G, Benaksas C, Dal Bello R, Forget A, Pardieu B, Lin KH, Rutter JC, Bassil CF, Fortin G, Pasanisi J, Antony-Debré I, Alexe G, Benoist JF, Pruvost A, Pikman Y, Qi J, Schlageter MH, Micol JB, Roti G, Cluzeau T, Dombret H, Preudhomme C, Fenouille N, Benajiba L, Golan HM, Stegmaier K, Lobry C, Wood KC, Itzykson R, Puissant A. The Folate Cycle Enzyme MTHFR Is a Critical Regulator of Cell Response to MYC-Targeting Therapies. Cancer Discov 2020; 10:1894-1911. [PMID: 32826232 DOI: 10.1158/2159-8290.cd-19-0970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2019] [Revised: 07/02/2020] [Accepted: 08/18/2020] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Deciphering the impact of metabolic intervention on response to anticancer therapy may elucidate a path toward improved clinical responses. Here, we identify amino acid-related pathways connected to the folate cycle whose activation predicts sensitivity to MYC-targeting therapies in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). We establish that folate restriction and deficiency of the rate-limiting folate cycle enzyme MTHFR, which exhibits reduced-function polymorphisms in about 10% of Caucasians, induce resistance to MYC targeting by BET and CDK7 inhibitors in cell lines, primary patient samples, and syngeneic mouse models of AML. Furthermore, this effect is abrogated by supplementation with the MTHFR enzymatic product CH3-THF. Mechanistically, folate cycle disturbance reduces H3K27/K9 histone methylation and activates a SPI1 transcriptional program counteracting the effect of BET inhibition. Our data provide a rationale for screening MTHFR polymorphisms and folate cycle status to nominate patients most likely to benefit from MYC-targeting therapies. SIGNIFICANCE: Although MYC-targeting therapies represent a promising strategy for cancer treatment, evidence of predictors of sensitivity to these agents is limited. We pinpoint that folate cycle disturbance and frequent polymorphisms associated with reduced MTHFR activity promote resistance to BET inhibitors. CH3-THF supplementation thus represents a low-risk intervention to enhance their effects.See related commentary by Marando and Huntly, p. 1791.This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 1775.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Su
- INSERM UMR 944, IRSL, St Louis Hospital, University of Paris, Paris, France
| | - Frank Ling
- INSERM UMR 944, IRSL, St Louis Hospital, University of Paris, Paris, France
| | - Camille Vaganay
- INSERM UMR 944, IRSL, St Louis Hospital, University of Paris, Paris, France
| | - Gaetano Sodaro
- INSERM UMR 944, IRSL, St Louis Hospital, University of Paris, Paris, France
| | - Chaïma Benaksas
- INSERM UMR 944, IRSL, St Louis Hospital, University of Paris, Paris, France
| | - Reinaldo Dal Bello
- INSERM UMR 944, IRSL, St Louis Hospital, University of Paris, Paris, France
| | - Antoine Forget
- INSERM UMR 944, IRSL, St Louis Hospital, University of Paris, Paris, France
| | - Bryann Pardieu
- INSERM UMR 944, IRSL, St Louis Hospital, University of Paris, Paris, France
| | - Kevin H Lin
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Justine C Rutter
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Christopher F Bassil
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Gael Fortin
- INSERM UMR 944, IRSL, St Louis Hospital, University of Paris, Paris, France
| | - Justine Pasanisi
- INSERM UMR 944, IRSL, St Louis Hospital, University of Paris, Paris, France
| | - Iléana Antony-Debré
- INSERM UMR 1287, Gustave Roussy Institute, Université Paris-Saclay, Villejuif, France
| | - Gabriela Alexe
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts.,The Broad Institute of Harvard University and Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | | | - Alain Pruvost
- Paris-Saclay University, CEA, INRAE, Département Médicaments et Technologies pour la santé, SPI, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Yana Pikman
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts.,Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Jun Qi
- The Broad Institute of Harvard University and Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts.,Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Marie-Hélène Schlageter
- AP-HP, Cellular Biology Department, St Louis Hospital, Paris, France.,INSERM U 1131, IRSL, St Louis Hospital, University of Paris, Paris, France
| | - Jean-Baptiste Micol
- INSERM UMR 1287, Gustave Roussy Institute, Université Paris-Saclay, Villejuif, France.,Department of Hematology, Gustave Roussy Institute, Villejuif, France
| | - Giovanni Roti
- University of Parma, Department of Medicine and Surgery, Parma, Italy
| | - Thomas Cluzeau
- Department of Hematology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire, Nice, France
| | | | | | - Nina Fenouille
- INSERM UMR 944, IRSL, St Louis Hospital, University of Paris, Paris, France
| | - Lina Benajiba
- INSERM UMR 944, IRSL, St Louis Hospital, University of Paris, Paris, France.,AP-HP, Hematology Department, St Louis Hospital, Paris, France
| | - Hava M Golan
- Zlotowski Center for Neuroscience, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Kimberly Stegmaier
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts.,The Broad Institute of Harvard University and Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Camille Lobry
- INSERM UMR 1287, Gustave Roussy Institute, Université Paris-Saclay, Villejuif, France
| | - Kris C Wood
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Raphael Itzykson
- INSERM UMR 944, IRSL, St Louis Hospital, University of Paris, Paris, France.
| | - Alexandre Puissant
- INSERM UMR 944, IRSL, St Louis Hospital, University of Paris, Paris, France.
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13
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Gu SX, Sonkar VK, Katare PB, Kumar R, Kruger WD, Arning E, Bottiglieri T, Lentz SR, Dayal S. Memantine Protects From Exacerbation of Ischemic Stroke and Blood Brain Barrier Disruption in Mild But Not Severe Hyperhomocysteinemia. J Am Heart Assoc 2020; 9:e013368. [PMID: 32067580 PMCID: PMC7070222 DOI: 10.1161/jaha.119.013368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Background Hyperhomocysteinemia is a risk factor for ischemic stroke; however, a targeted treatment strategy is lacking partly because of limited understanding of the causal role of homocysteine in cerebrovascular pathogenesis. Methods and Results In a genetic model of cystathionine beta synthase (CBS) deficiency, we tested the hypothesis that elevation in plasma total homocysteine exacerbates cerebrovascular injury and that memantine, a N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonist, is protective. Mild or severe elevation in plasma total homocysteine was observed in Cbs+/- (6.1±0.3 μmol/L) or Cbs-/- (309±18 μmol/L) mice versus Cbs+/+ (3.1±0.6 μmol/L) mice. Surprisingly, Cbs-/- and Cbs+/- mice exhibited similar increases in cerebral infarct size following middle cerebral artery ischemia/reperfusion injury, despite the much higher total homocysteine levels in Cbs-/- mice. Likewise, disruption of the blood brain barrier was observed in both Cbs+/- and Cbs-/- mice. Administration of the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonist memantine protected Cbs+/- but not Cbs-/- mice from cerebral infarction and blood brain barrier disruption. Our data suggest that the differential effect of memantine in Cbs+/- versus Cbs-/- mice may be related to changes in expression of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor subunits. Cbs-/-, but not Cbs+/- mice had increased expression of NR2B subunit, which is known to be relatively insensitive to homocysteine. Conclusions These data provide experimental evidence that even a mild increase in plasma total homocysteine can exacerbate cerebrovascular injury and suggest that N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonism may represent a strategy to prevent reperfusion injury after acute ischemic stroke in patients with mild hyperhomocysteinemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean X Gu
- Department of Internal Medicine University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine Iowa City IA
| | - Vijay K Sonkar
- Department of Internal Medicine University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine Iowa City IA
| | - Parmeshwar B Katare
- Department of Internal Medicine University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine Iowa City IA
| | - Rahul Kumar
- Department of Internal Medicine University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine Iowa City IA
| | | | | | | | - Steven R Lentz
- Department of Internal Medicine University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine Iowa City IA
| | - Sanjana Dayal
- Department of Internal Medicine University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine Iowa City IA
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14
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Hyperhomocysteinemia leads to exacerbation of ischemic brain damage: Role of GluN2A NMDA receptors. Neurobiol Dis 2019; 127:287-302. [PMID: 30885791 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2019.03.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2018] [Revised: 02/19/2019] [Accepted: 03/14/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Hyperhomocysteinemia has been implicated in several neurodegenerative disorders including ischemic stroke. However, the pathological consequences of ischemic insult in individuals predisposed to hyperhomocysteinemia and the associated etiology are unknown. In this study, we evaluated the outcome of transient ischemic stroke in a rodent model of hyperhomocysteinemia, developed by subcutaneous implantation of osmotic pumps containing L-homocysteine into male Wistar rats. Our findings show a 42.3% mortality rate in hyperhomocysteinemic rats as compared to 7.7% in control rats. Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain in the surviving rats shows that mild hyperhomocysteinemia leads to exacerbation of ischemic injury within 24 h, which remains elevated over time. Behavioral studies further demonstrate significant deficit in sensorimotor functions in hyperhomocysteinemic rats compared to control rats. Using pharmacological inhibitors targeting the NMDAR subtypes, the study further demonstrates that inhibition of GluN2A-containing NMDARs significantly reduces ischemic brain damage in hyperhomocysteinemic rats but not in control rats, indicating that hyperhomocysteinemia-mediated exacerbation of ischemic brain injury involves GluN2A-NMDAR signaling. Complementary studies in GluN2A-knockout mice show that in the absence of GluN2A-NMDARs, hyperhomocysteinemia-associated exacerbation of ischemic brain injury is blocked, confirming that GluN2A-NMDAR activation is a critical determinant of the severity of ischemic damage under hyperhomocysteinemic conditions. Furthermore, at the molecular level we observe GluN2A-NMDAR dependent sustained increase in ERK MAPK phosphorylation under hyperhomocysteinemic condition that has been shown to be involved in homocysteine-induced neurotoxicity. Taken together, the findings show that hyperhomocysteinemia triggers a unique signaling pathway that in conjunction with ischemia-induced pathways enhance the pathology of stroke under hyperhomocysteinemic conditions.
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15
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Larsson SC, Traylor M, Markus HS. Homocysteine and small vessel stroke: A mendelian randomization analysis. Ann Neurol 2019; 85:495-501. [PMID: 30785218 PMCID: PMC6594149 DOI: 10.1002/ana.25440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2018] [Revised: 02/18/2019] [Accepted: 02/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Objective Trials of B vitamin therapy to lower blood total homocysteine (tHcy) levels for prevention of stroke are inconclusive. Secondary analyses of trial data and epidemiological studies suggest that tHcy levels may be particularly associated with small vessel stroke (SVS). We assessed whether circulating tHcy and B vitamin levels are selectively associated with SVS, but not other stroke subtypes, using Mendelian randomization. Methods We used summary statistics data for single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with tHcy (n = 18), folate (n = 3), vitamin B6 (n = 1), and vitamin B12 (n = 14) levels, and the corresponding data for stroke from the MEGASTROKE consortium (n = 16,952 subtyped ischemic stroke cases and 404,630 noncases). Results Genetically predicted tHcy was associated with SVS, with an odds ratio of 1.34 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.13–1.58; p = 6.7 × 10–4) per 1 standard deviation (SD) increase in genetically predicted tHcy levels, but was not associated with large artery or cardioembolic stroke. The association was mainly driven by SNPs at or near the MTHFR and MUT genes. The odds ratios of SVS per 1 SD increase in genetically predicted folate and vitamin B6 levels were 0.49 (95% CI, 0.34–0.71; p = 1.3 × 10–4) and 0.70 (95% CI, 0.52–0.94; p = 0.02), respectively. Genetically higher vitamin B12 levels were not associated with any stroke subtype. Interpretation These findings suggest that any effect of homocysteine‐lowering treatment in preventing stroke will be confined to the SVS subtype. Whether genetic variants at or near the MTHFR and MUT genes influence SVS risk through pathways other than homocysteine levels and downstream effects require further investigation. Ann Neurol 2019;85:495–501
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanna C Larsson
- Unit of Cardiovascular and Nutritional Epidemiology, Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Surgical Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Matthew Traylor
- Stroke Research Group, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Hugh S Markus
- Stroke Research Group, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
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16
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Prieur EAK, Jadavji NM. Assessing Spatial Working Memory Using the Spontaneous Alternation Y-maze Test in Aged Male Mice. Bio Protoc 2019; 9:e3162. [PMID: 33654968 DOI: 10.21769/bioprotoc.3162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2018] [Revised: 01/15/2019] [Accepted: 01/17/2019] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The global population is aging and the prevalence of age-related diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia is increasing. Understanding functional impairments and disease processes is of vital importance in order to develop effective therapeutics. Using the natural exploratory behavior of mice, the spontaneous alternation y-maze can assess short-term spatial working memory. The protocol for y-maze testing is straightforward and requires minimal resources, as well as animal training and output. Therefore, it can be broadly applied to study short-term memory in aged rodent models.
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17
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Aavik E, Babu M, Ylä-Herttuala S. DNA methylation processes in atherosclerotic plaque. Atherosclerosis 2019; 281:168-179. [DOI: 10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2018.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2018] [Revised: 11/09/2018] [Accepted: 12/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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18
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Molecular Mechanisms Underlying the Link between Diet and DNA Methylation. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19124055. [PMID: 30558203 PMCID: PMC6320837 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19124055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2018] [Revised: 12/07/2018] [Accepted: 12/10/2018] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
DNA methylation is a vital modification process in the control of genetic information, which contributes to the epigenetics by regulating gene expression without changing the DNA sequence. Abnormal DNA methylation—both hypomethylation and hypermethylation—has been associated with improper gene expression, leading to several disorders. Two types of risk factors can alter the epigenetic regulation of methylation pathways: genetic factors and modifiable factors. Nutrition is one of the strongest modifiable factors, which plays a direct role in DNA methylation pathways. Large numbers of studies have investigated the effects of nutrition on DNA methylation pathways, but relatively few have focused on the biochemical mechanisms. Understanding the biological mechanisms is essential for clarifying how nutrients function in epigenetics. It is believed that nutrition affects the epigenetic regulations of DNA methylation in several possible epigenetic pathways: mainly, by altering the substrates and cofactors that are necessary for proper DNA methylation; additionally, by changing the activity of enzymes regulating the one-carbon cycle; and, lastly, through there being an epigenetic role in several possible mechanisms related to DNA demethylation activity. The aim of this article is to review the potential underlying biochemical mechanisms that are related to diet modifications in DNA methylation and demethylation.
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19
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A genetic deficiency in folic acid metabolism impairs recovery after ischemic stroke. Exp Neurol 2018; 309:14-22. [DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2018.07.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2018] [Revised: 07/06/2018] [Accepted: 07/24/2018] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
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20
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Early Manifestations of Brain Aging in Mice Due to Low Dietary Folate and Mild MTHFR Deficiency. Mol Neurobiol 2018; 56:4175-4191. [PMID: 30288696 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-018-1375-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2018] [Accepted: 09/27/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Folate is an important B vitamin required for methylation reactions, nucleotide and neurotransmitter synthesis, and maintenance of homocysteine at nontoxic levels. Its metabolism is tightly linked to that of choline, a precursor to acetylcholine and membrane phospholipids. Low folate intake and genetic variants in folate metabolism, such as the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) 677 C>T polymorphism, have been suggested to impact brain function and increase the risk for cognitive decline and late-onset Alzheimer's disease. Our study aimed to assess the impact of genetic and nutritional disturbances in folate metabolism, and their potential interaction, on features of cognitive decline and brain biochemistry in a mouse model. Wild-type and Mthfr+/- mice, a model for the MTHFR 677 C>T polymorphism, were fed control or folate-deficient diets from weaning until 8 and 10 months of age. We observed short-term memory impairment measured by the novel object paradigm, altered transcriptional levels of synaptic markers and epigenetic enzymes, as well as impaired choline metabolism due to the Mthfr+/- genotype in cortex or hippocampus. We also detected changes in mRNA levels of Presenillin-1, neurotrophic factors, one-carbon metabolic and epigenetic enzymes, as well as reduced levels of S-adenosylmethionine and acetylcholine, due to the folate-deficient diet. These findings shed further insights into the mechanisms by which genetic and dietary folate metabolic disturbances increase the risk for cognitive decline and suggest that these mechanisms are distinct.
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21
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Zhang N. Role of methionine on epigenetic modification of DNA methylation and gene expression in animals. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2017; 4:11-16. [PMID: 30167479 PMCID: PMC6112339 DOI: 10.1016/j.aninu.2017.08.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2017] [Revised: 08/25/2017] [Accepted: 08/30/2017] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
DNA methylation is one of the main epigenetic phenomena affecting gene expression. It is an important mechanism for the development of embryo, growth and health of animals. As a key nutritional factor limiting the synthesis of protein, methionine serves as the precursor of S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) in the hepatic one-carbon metabolism. The dietary fluctuation of methionine content can alter the levels of metabolic substrates in one-carbon metabolism, e.g., the SAM, S-adenosylhomocysteine (SAH), and change the expression of genes related to the growth and health of animals by DNA methylation reactions. The ratio of SAM to SAH is called ‘methylation index’ but it should be carefully explained because the complexity of methylation reaction. Alterations of methylation in a specific cytosine-guanine (CpG) site, rather than the whole promoter region, might be enough to change gene expression. Aberrant methionine cycle may provoke molecular changes of one-carbon metabolism that results in deregulation of cellular hemostasis and health problems. The importance of DNA methylation has been underscored but the mechanisms of methionine affecting DNA methylation are poorly understood. Nutritional epigenomics provides a promising insight into the targeting epigenetic changes in animals from a nutritional standpoint, which will deepen and expand our understanding of genes, molecules, tissues, and animals in which methionine alteration influences DNA methylation and gene expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naifeng Zhang
- Feed Research Institute of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Feed Biotechnology of the Ministry of Agriculture, 100081 Beijing, China
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22
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Majumder A, Behera J, Jeremic N, Tyagi SC. Hypermethylation: Causes and Consequences in Skeletal Muscle Myopathy. J Cell Biochem 2017; 118:2108-2117. [PMID: 27982479 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.25841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2016] [Accepted: 12/14/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
A detrimental consequence of hypermethylation is hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy), that causes oxidative stress, inflammation, and matrix degradation, which leads to multi-pathology in different organs. Although, it is well known that hypermethylation leads to overall gene silencing and hypomethylation leads to overall gene activation, the role of such process in skeletal muscle dysfunction during HHcy condition is unclear. In this study, we emphasized the multiple mechanisms including epigenetic alteration by which HHcy causes skeletal muscle myopathy. This review also highlights possible role of methylation, histone modification, and RNA interference in skeletal muscle dysfunction during HHcy condition and potential therapeutic molecules, putative challenges, and methodologies to deal with HHcy mediated skeletal muscle dysfunction. We also highlighted that B vitamins (mainly B12 and B6), with folic acid supplementation, could be useful as an adjuvant therapy to reverse these consequences associated with this HHcy conditions in skeletal muscle. However, we would recommend to further study involving long-term trials could help to assess efficacy of the use of these therapeutic agents. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 2108-2117, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Avisek Majumder
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky, 40202.,Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky, 40202
| | - Jyotirmaya Behera
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky, 40202
| | - Nevena Jeremic
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky, 40202
| | - Suresh C Tyagi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky, 40202.,Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky, 40202
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23
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Dayal S, Baumbach GL, Arning E, Bottiglieri T, Faraci FM, Lentz SR. Deficiency of superoxide dismutase promotes cerebral vascular hypertrophy and vascular dysfunction in hyperhomocysteinemia. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0175732. [PMID: 28414812 PMCID: PMC5393600 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0175732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2016] [Accepted: 03/30/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
There is an emerging consensus that hyperhomocysteinemia is an independent risk factor for cerebral vascular disease and that homocysteine-lowering therapy protects from ischemic stroke. However, the mechanisms by which hyperhomocysteinemia produces abnormalities of cerebral vascular structure and function remain largely undefined. Our objective in this study was to define the mechanistic role of superoxide in hyperhomocysteinemia-induced cerebral vascular dysfunction and hypertrophy. Unlike previous studies, our experimental design included a genetic approach to alter superoxide levels by using superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1)-deficient mice fed a high methionine/low folate diet to produce hyperhomocysteinemia. In wild-type mice, the hyperhomocysteinemic diet caused elevated superoxide levels and impaired responses to endothelium-dependent vasodilators in cerebral arterioles, and SOD1 deficiency compounded the severity of these effects. The cross-sectional area of the pial arteriolar wall was markedly increased in mice with SOD1 deficiency, and the hyperhomocysteinemic diet sensitized SOD1-deficient mice to this hypertrophic effect. Analysis of individual components of the vascular wall demonstrated a significant increase in the content of smooth muscle and elastin. We conclude that superoxide is a key driver of both cerebral vascular hypertrophy and vasomotor dysfunction in this model of dietary hyperhomocysteinemia. These findings provide insight into the mechanisms by which hyperhomocysteinemia promotes cerebral vascular disease and ischemic stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanjana Dayal
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, Iowa, United States of America
| | - Gary L. Baumbach
- Department of Pathology, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, Iowa, United States of America
| | - Erland Arning
- Baylor Institute of Metabolic Disease, Dallas, Texas, United States of America
| | - Teodoro Bottiglieri
- Baylor Institute of Metabolic Disease, Dallas, Texas, United States of America
| | - Frank M. Faraci
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, Iowa, United States of America
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, Iowa, United States of America
| | - Steven R. Lentz
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, Iowa, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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24
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Barroso M, Handy DE, Castro R. The Link Between Hyperhomocysteinemia and Hypomethylation. JOURNAL OF INBORN ERRORS OF METABOLISM AND SCREENING 2017. [DOI: 10.1177/2326409817698994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Madalena Barroso
- Cardiovascular Division, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Diane E. Handy
- Cardiovascular Division, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Rita Castro
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
- Department of Biochemistry and Human Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
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25
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Kamat PK, Mallonee CJ, George AK, Tyagi SC, Tyagi N. Homocysteine, Alcoholism, and Its Potential Epigenetic Mechanism. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2016; 40:2474-2481. [PMID: 27805256 PMCID: PMC5133158 DOI: 10.1111/acer.13234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2016] [Accepted: 09/08/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Alcohol is the most socially accepted addictive drug. Alcohol consumption is associated with some health problems such as neurological, cognitive, behavioral deficits, cancer, heart, and liver disease. Mechanisms of alcohol-induced toxicity are presently not yet clear. One of the mechanisms underlying alcohol toxicity has to do with its interaction with amino acid homocysteine (Hcy), which has been linked with brain neurotoxicity. Elevated Hcy impairs with various physiological mechanisms in the body, especially metabolic pathways. Hcy metabolism is predominantly controlled by epigenetic regulation such as DNA methylation, histone modifications, and acetylation. An alteration in these processes leads to epigenetic modification. Therefore, in this review, we summarize the role of Hcy metabolism abnormalities in alcohol-induced toxicity with epigenetic adaptation and their influences on cerebrovascular pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pradip K Kamat
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky
- Department of Anesthesiology, Center for Translational Research in Neurodegenerative Disease, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Carissa J Mallonee
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky
| | - Akash K George
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky
| | - Suresh C Tyagi
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky
| | - Neetu Tyagi
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky
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Abstract
Hyperhomocysteinemia is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease and stroke. Like many other cardiovascular risk factors, hyperhomocysteinemia produces endothelial dysfunction due to impaired bioavailability of endothelium-derived nitric oxide (NO). The molecular mechanisms responsible for decreased NO bioavailabil ity in hyperhomocysteinemia are incompletely understood, but emerging evidence suggests that asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), an endogenous inhibitor of NO synthase, may be a key mediator. Homocysteine is produced during the synthesis of ADMA and can alter ADMA metabolism by inhibiting dimethylarginine dimethy laminohydrolase (DDAH). Several animal and clinical studies have demonstrated a strong association between plasma total homocysteine, plasma ADMA, and endothelial dysfunction. These observations suggest a model in which elevation of ADMA may be a unifying mechanism for endothelial dysfunction during hyper homocysteinemia. The recent development of transgenic mice with altered ADMA metabolism should provide further mechanistic insights into the role of ADMA in hyperhomocysteinemia.
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De Silva TM, Miller AA. Cerebral Small Vessel Disease: Targeting Oxidative Stress as a Novel Therapeutic Strategy? Front Pharmacol 2016; 7:61. [PMID: 27014073 PMCID: PMC4794483 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2016.00061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2016] [Accepted: 03/04/2016] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Cerebral small vessel disease (SVD) is a major contributor to stroke, and a leading cause of cognitive impairment and dementia. Despite the devastating effects of cerebral SVD, the pathogenesis of cerebral SVD is still not completely understood. Moreover, there are no specific pharmacological strategies for its prevention or treatment. Cerebral SVD is characterized by marked functional and structural abnormalities of the cerebral microcirculation. The clinical manifestations of these pathological changes include lacunar infarcts, white matter hyperintensities, and cerebral microbleeds. The main purpose of this review is to discuss evidence implicating oxidative stress in the arteriopathy of both non-amyloid and amyloid (cerebral amyloid angiopathy) forms of cerebral SVD and its most important risk factors (hypertension and aging), as well as its contribution to cerebral SVD-related brain injury and cognitive impairment. We also highlight current evidence of the involvement of the NADPH oxidases in the development of oxidative stress, enzymes that are a major source of reactive oxygen species in the cerebral vasculature. Lastly, we discuss potential pharmacological strategies for oxidative stress in cerebral SVD, including some of the historical and emerging NADPH oxidase inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- T. Michael De Silva
- Department of Pharmacology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash UniversityMelbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Alyson A. Miller
- Cerebrovascular and Stroke Laboratory, School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT UniversityMelbourne, VIC, Australia
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Microvascular Dysfunction and Cognitive Impairment. Cell Mol Neurobiol 2016; 36:241-58. [PMID: 26988697 DOI: 10.1007/s10571-015-0308-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2015] [Accepted: 11/19/2015] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The impact of vascular risk factors on cognitive function has garnered much interest in recent years. The appropriate distribution of oxygen, glucose, and other nutrients by the cerebral vasculature is critical for proper cognitive performance. The cerebral microvasculature is a key site of vascular resistance and a preferential target for small vessel disease. While deleterious effects of vascular risk factors on microvascular function are known, the contribution of this dysfunction to cognitive deficits is less clear. In this review, we summarize current evidence for microvascular dysfunction in brain. We highlight effects of select vascular risk factors (hypertension, diabetes, and hyperhomocysteinemia) on the pial and parenchymal circulation. Lastly, we discuss potential links between microvascular disease and cognitive function, highlighting current gaps in our understanding.
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Lévesque N, Leclerc D, Gayden T, Lazaris A, De Jay N, Petrillo S, Metrakos P, Jabado N, Rozen R. Murine diet/tissue and human brain tumorigenesis alter Mthfr/MTHFR 5'-end methylation. Mamm Genome 2016; 27:122-34. [PMID: 26951114 DOI: 10.1007/s00335-016-9624-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2015] [Accepted: 02/25/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Polymorphisms and decreased activity of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) are linked to disease, including cancer. However, epigenetic regulation has not been thoroughly studied. Our goal was to generate DNA methylation profiles of murine/human MTHFR gene regions and examine methylation in brain and liver tumors. Pyrosequencing in four murine tissues revealed minimal DNA methylation in the CpG island. Higher methylation was seen in liver or intestine in the CpG island shore 5' to the upstream translational start site or in another region 3' to the downstream start site. In the latter region, there was negative correlation between expression and methylation. Three orthologous regions were investigated in human MTHFR, as well as a fourth region between the two translation start sites. We found significantly increased methylation in three regions (not the CpG island) in pediatric astrocytomas compared with control brain, with decreased expression in tumors. Methylation in hepatic carcinomas was also increased in the three regions compared with normal liver, but the difference was significant for only one CpG. This work, the first overview of the Mthfr/MTHFR epigenetic landscape, suggests regulation through methylation in some regions, demonstrates increased methylation/decreased expression in pediatric astrocytomas, and should serve as a resource for future epigenetic studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nancy Lévesque
- Departments of Human Genetics and Pediatrics, The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, McGill University, 1001 Décarie Blvd., Bloc E, Rm E M0.3211, Montreal, H4A 3J1, Canada
| | - Daniel Leclerc
- Departments of Human Genetics and Pediatrics, The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, McGill University, 1001 Décarie Blvd., Bloc E, Rm E M0.3211, Montreal, H4A 3J1, Canada
| | - Tenzin Gayden
- Division of Experimental Medicine, Departments of Pediatrics and Human Genetics, The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, McGill University, 1001 Décarie Blvd., Montreal, H4A 3J1, Canada
| | - Anthoula Lazaris
- Department of Surgery, The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, McGill University, 1001 Décarie Blvd., Montreal, H4A 3J1, Canada
| | - Nicolas De Jay
- Division of Experimental Medicine, Departments of Pediatrics and Human Genetics, The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, McGill University, 1001 Décarie Blvd., Montreal, H4A 3J1, Canada
| | - Stephanie Petrillo
- Department of Surgery, The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, McGill University, 1001 Décarie Blvd., Montreal, H4A 3J1, Canada
| | - Peter Metrakos
- Department of Surgery, The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, McGill University, 1001 Décarie Blvd., Montreal, H4A 3J1, Canada
| | - Nada Jabado
- Division of Experimental Medicine, Departments of Pediatrics and Human Genetics, The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, McGill University, 1001 Décarie Blvd., Montreal, H4A 3J1, Canada
| | - Rima Rozen
- Departments of Human Genetics and Pediatrics, The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, McGill University, 1001 Décarie Blvd., Bloc E, Rm E M0.3211, Montreal, H4A 3J1, Canada.
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Torres N, Guevara-Cruz M, Velázquez-Villegas LA, Tovar AR. Nutrition and Atherosclerosis. Arch Med Res 2015; 46:408-26. [DOI: 10.1016/j.arcmed.2015.05.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 151] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2015] [Accepted: 05/12/2015] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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Roberts RL, Barclay ML. Update on thiopurine pharmacogenetics in inflammatory bowel disease. Pharmacogenomics 2015; 16:891-903. [PMID: 26067482 DOI: 10.2217/pgs.15.29] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Azathioprine and 6-mercaptopurine remain pivotal therapies for the maintenance of disease remission in patients with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. While thiopurine S-methyltransferase deficiency was the first pharmacogenetic phenomenon to be recognized to influence thiopurine toxicity and reliably predict leukopenia, it does not predict other adverse effects, nor does it explain most cases of thiopurine resistance. In recent years, a number of other genetic polymorphisms have received increasing attention in the literature. In particular, SNPs in NUDT15 and in the class II HLA locus have been shown to predict thiopurine-related leukopenia and pancreatitis. The aim of this review is to provide a concise update of genetic variability which may influence patient response to azathioprine and 6-mercaptopurine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca L Roberts
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Dunedin School of Medicine, PO Box 56, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Murray L Barclay
- Department of Medicine, University of Otago Christchurch, PO Box 4345, Christchurch, New Zealand.,Department of Gastroenterology, Christchurch Hospital, Private Bag 4710, Christchurch, New Zealand
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Elevated levels of plasma homocysteine, deficiencies in dietary folic acid and uracil–DNA glycosylase impair learning in a mouse model of vascular cognitive impairment. Behav Brain Res 2015; 283:215-26. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2015.01.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2014] [Revised: 01/20/2015] [Accepted: 01/22/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Aleliunas RE, Aljaadi AM, Laher I, Glier MB, Green TJ, Murphy M, Miller JW, Devlin AM. Folic Acid Supplementation of Female Mice, with or without Vitamin B-12, before and during Pregnancy and Lactation Programs Adiposity and Vascular Health in Adult Male Offspring. J Nutr 2015; 146:688-696. [PMID: 26962174 DOI: 10.3945/jn.115.227629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2015] [Revised: 12/19/2015] [Accepted: 01/26/2016] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The developmental origins of health and disease theory suggest that disturbances in the fetal and early postnatal environment contribute to chronic adulthood diseases, such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Greater adiposity and insulin resistance have been reported in children of women with high erythrocyte folate but poor vitamin B-12 status during pregnancy. The mechanisms underlying this relation are not known. OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of maternal supplemental folic acid, with or without vitamin B-12, on adiposity, glucose homeostasis, and vascular health in adult male offspring mice. METHODS Female C57BL/6J mice were fed a control diet (M-CON, 2 mg folic acid/kg, 50 μg vitamin B-12/kg) or a folic acid-supplemented diet with [10 mg folic acid/kg, 50 μg vitamin B-12/kg (SFA+B12)] or without [10 mg folic acid/kg, no vitamin B-12 (SFA-B12)] vitamin B-12 for 6 wk before mating and during pregnancy and lactation. The offspring were weaned onto a control diet (16% energy from fat) or a western diet (45% energy from fat) until 23 wk of age. The effects of maternal diet on adiposity, vascular function, and glucose tolerance were assessed in 6 groups of adult male offspring: control diet-fed M-CON, SFA+B12, and SFA-B12 and western diet-fed M-CON, SFA+B12, and SFA-B12. RESULTS Control and western diet-fed SFA-B12 and SFA+B12 offspring had smaller visceral and subcutaneous adipose tissue than M-CON offspring (P < 0.05). Control SFA-B12 and SFA+B12 offspring had lower serum total adiponectin and vitamin B-12 concentrations and lower NADPH oxidase 2 expression in aorta compared with M-CON offspring (P < 0.05). These effects were not observed in western diet-fed offspring. CONCLUSIONS Folic acid supplementation of female mice before and during pregnancy and lactation, with or without dietary vitamin B-12, affects adult male offspring adiposity, vascular function, and one-carbon metabolism in those fed a control diet but not a western diet.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rika E Aleliunas
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Child and Family Research Institute, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Abeer M Aljaadi
- Department of Food Nutrition and Health, Child and Family Research Institute, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Ismail Laher
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Child and Family Research Institute, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Melissa B Glier
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Child and Family Research Institute, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Tim J Green
- Department of Food Nutrition and Health, Child and Family Research Institute, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Melissa Murphy
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, Rutgers, State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ
| | - Joshua W Miller
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, Rutgers, State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ
| | - Angela M Devlin
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Child and Family Research Institute, Vancouver, Canada.,Department of Pediatrics, University of British Columbia, Child and Family Research Institute, Vancouver, Canada
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Mandaviya PR, Stolk L, Heil SG. Homocysteine and DNA methylation: a review of animal and human literature. Mol Genet Metab 2014; 113:243-52. [PMID: 25456744 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymgme.2014.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2014] [Revised: 10/04/2014] [Accepted: 10/04/2014] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Homocysteine (Hcy) is a sulfur-containing non-protein forming amino acid, which is synthesized from methionine as an important intermediate in the one-carbon pathway. High concentrations of Hcy in a condition called hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) are an independent risk factor for several disorders including cardiovascular diseases and osteoporotic fractures. Since Hcy is produced as a byproduct of the methyltransferase reaction, alteration in DNA methylation is studied as one of the underlying mechanisms of HHcy-associated disorders. In animal models, elevated Hcy concentrations are induced either by diet (high methionine, low B-vitamins, or both), gene knockouts (Mthfr, Cbs, Mtrr or Mtr) or combination of both to investigate their effects on DNA methylation or its markers. In humans, most of the literature involves case-control studies concerning patients. The focus of this review is to study existing literature on HHcy and its role in relation to DNA methylation. Apart from this, a few studies investigated the effect of Hcy-lowering trials on restoring DNA methylation patterns, by giving a folic acid or B-vitamin supplemented diet. These studies which were conducted in animal models as well as humans were included in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pooja R Mandaviya
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands; Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Lisette Stolk
- Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Sandra G Heil
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
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Sulistyoningrum DC, Singh R, Devlin AM. Epigenetic regulation of glucocorticoid receptor expression in aorta from mice with hyperhomocysteinemia. Epigenetics 2014; 7:514-21. [DOI: 10.4161/epi.19836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
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Protective vascular and cardiac effects of inducible nitric oxide synthase in mice with hyperhomocysteinemia. PLoS One 2014; 9:e107734. [PMID: 25226386 PMCID: PMC4167199 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0107734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2014] [Accepted: 08/19/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Diet-induced hyperhomocysteinemia produces endothelial and cardiac dysfunction and promotes thrombosis through a mechanism proposed to involve oxidative stress. Inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) is upregulated in hyperhomocysteinemia and can generate superoxide. We therefore tested the hypothesis that iNOS mediates the adverse oxidative, vascular, thrombotic, and cardiac effects of hyperhomocysteinemia. Mice deficient in iNOS (Nos2-/-) and their wild-type (Nos2+/+) littermates were fed a high methionine/low folate (HM/LF) diet to induce mild hyperhomocysteinemia, with a 2-fold increase in plasma total homocysteine (P<0.001 vs. control diet). Hyperhomocysteinemic Nos2+/+ mice exhibited endothelial dysfunction in cerebral arterioles, with impaired dilatation to acetylcholine but not nitroprusside, and enhanced susceptibility to carotid artery thrombosis, with shortened times to occlusion following photochemical injury (P<0.05 vs. control diet). Nos2-/- mice had decreased rather than increased dilatation responses to acetylcholine (P<0.05 vs. Nos2+/+ mice). Nos2-/- mice fed control diet also exhibited shortened times to thrombotic occlusion (P<0.05 vs. Nos2+/+ mice), and iNOS deficiency failed to protect from endothelial dysfunction or accelerated thrombosis in mice with hyperhomocysteinemia. Deficiency of iNOS did not alter myocardial infarct size in mice fed the control diet but significantly increased infarct size and cardiac superoxide production in mice fed the HM/LF diet (P<0.05 vs. Nos2+/+ mice). These findings suggest that endogenous iNOS protects from, rather than exacerbates, endothelial dysfunction, thrombosis, and hyperhomocysteinemia-associated myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury. In the setting of mild hyperhomocysteinemia, iNOS functions to blunt cardiac oxidative stress rather than functioning as a source of superoxide.
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Zhou S, Zhang Z, Xu G. Notable epigenetic role of hyperhomocysteinemia in atherogenesis. Lipids Health Dis 2014; 13:134. [PMID: 25142226 PMCID: PMC4156629 DOI: 10.1186/1476-511x-13-134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2014] [Accepted: 08/15/2014] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Atherosclerosis is associated with multiple genetic and modifiable risk factors. There is an increasing body of evidences to indicate that epigenetic mechanisms also play an essential role in atherogenesis by influencing gene expression. Homocysteine is a sulfur-containing amino acid formed during methionine metabolism. Elevated plasma level of homocysteine is generally termed as hyperhomocysteinemia. As a potential risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, hyperhomocysteinemia may initiate or motivate atherogenesis by modification of DNA methylation. The underlying epigenetic mechanism is still unclear with controversial findings. This review focuses on epigenetic involvement and mechanisms of hyperhomocysteinemia in atherogenesis. Considering the potential beneficial effects of anti-homocysteinemia treatments in preventing atherosclerosis, further studies on the role of hyperhomocysteinemia in atherogenesis are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuyu Zhou
- Department of Neurology, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing University School of Medicine, 305 East Zhongshan Road, Nanjing, 210002 Jiangsu Province China
| | - Zhizhong Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing University School of Medicine, 305 East Zhongshan Road, Nanjing, 210002 Jiangsu Province China
| | - Gelin Xu
- Department of Neurology, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing University School of Medicine, 305 East Zhongshan Road, Nanjing, 210002 Jiangsu Province China
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Pham DNT, Leclerc D, Lévesque N, Deng L, Rozen R. β,β-carotene 15,15'-monooxygenase and its substrate β-carotene modulate migration and invasion in colorectal carcinoma cells. Am J Clin Nutr 2013; 98:413-22. [PMID: 23803888 DOI: 10.3945/ajcn.113.060996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND β,β-Carotene 15,15'-monooxygenase (BCMO1) converts β-carotene to retinaldehyde. Increased β-carotene consumption is linked to antitumor effects. Retinoic acid reduces the invasiveness in cancer, through inhibition of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). In our studies of a mouse model that develops intestinal tumors after low dietary folate, we found reduced BCMO1 expression in normal preneoplastic intestine of folate-deficient tumor-prone mice. OBJECTIVE Our goal was to determine whether BCMO1 expression could influence transformation potential in human colorectal carcinoma cells, by examining the effect of BCMO1 modulation on cellular migration and invasion, and on expression of MMPs. DESIGN LoVo colon carcinoma cells were transfected with BCMO1 small interfering RNA (siRNA) or scrambled siRNA. Migration and invasion were measured, and the expression of BCMO1, MMP7, and MMP28 was assessed by quantitative reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. These variables were also measured after treatment of cells with retinoic acid, 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine, folate-depleted/high-methionine medium, and β-carotene. RESULTS Retinoic acid decreased the migration, invasion, and expression of MMP28 mRNA. Transfection of cells with BCMO1 siRNA inhibited BCMO1 expression, enhanced migration and invasion, and increased expression of MMP7 and MMP28. 5-Aza-2'-deoxycytidine decreased, whereas folate-depleted/high-methionine medium increased invasiveness. β-Carotene increased BCMO1 expression and reduced invasiveness with a decrease in expression of MMP7 and MMP28. CONCLUSIONS Inhibition of BCMO1 expression is associated with increased invasiveness of colon cancer cells and increased expression of MMP7 and MMP28. β-Carotene can upregulate BCMO1 and reverse these effects. These novel associations suggest a critical role for BCMO1 in cancer and provide a mechanism for the proposed antitumor effects of β-carotene.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diep Ngoc Thi Pham
- Departments of Human Genetics and Pediatrics, McGill University, and the Montreal Children's Hospital site of the McGill University Health Centre Research Institute, Montreal, Canada
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An SA, Lee HB, Kim Y, Kim J, Kim HS, Kim WC, Kim OJ, Oh SH. Plasma total homocysteine level is associated with the pulsatility index of cerebral arteries in lacunar infarction. Yonsei Med J 2013; 54:819-24. [PMID: 23709413 PMCID: PMC3663237 DOI: 10.3349/ymj.2013.54.4.819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The pulsatility index (PI), measured by transcranial Doppler (TCD), is a surrogate marker for distal vascular resistance in cerebral arteries, and elevated plasma total homocysteine (tHcyt) is regarded as a cause of ischemic stroke, including lacunar infarction. We investigated the relationship between the PI of cerebral arteries and plasma tHcyt in patients with lacunar infarction. MATERIALS AND METHODS Plasma tHcyt level and TCD examination were performed in 94 patients with lacunar infarction. Mean flow velocity (MFV) and PI were assessed at the ipsilateral middle cerebral artery (MCA) and contralateral MCA, relative to the infarction, and the basilar artery (BA). Multivariate regression analysis was conducted between log-transformed tHcyt levels (logHcyt) and the PI of individual arteries. RESULTS There was a significant correlation between logHcyt and the PI in all tested arteries (ipsilateral MCA: r=0.21, p=0.03; contralateral MCA: r=0.21, p=0.04; BA: r=0.35, p=0.01). In multivariate regression analysis, this significance remained unchanged after adjusting for vascular risk factors, creatinine, hematocrit and platelet count (ipsilateral MCA: β=0.26, p=0.01; contralateral MCA: β=0.21, p=0.04; BA: β=0.39, p=0.001). There was no significant association between logHcyt and MFV of individual arteries. CONCLUSION A significant association between plasma tHcyt and the PI of cerebral arteries indicates that homocysteine plays a role in the increase of distal arterial resistance in lacunar infarction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Se-A An
- Department of Neurology, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University, Seongnam, Korea
| | - Han-Bin Lee
- Department of Neurology, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University, Seongnam, Korea
| | - Yoon Kim
- Department of Neurology, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University, Seongnam, Korea
| | - Jinkwon Kim
- Department of Neurology, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University, Seongnam, Korea
| | - Hyun-Sook Kim
- Department of Neurology, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University, Seongnam, Korea
| | - Won-Chan Kim
- Department of Neurology, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University, Seongnam, Korea
| | - Ok-Joon Kim
- Department of Neurology, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University, Seongnam, Korea
| | - Seung-Hun Oh
- Department of Neurology, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University, Seongnam, Korea
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Kolb AF, Petrie L. Folate deficiency enhances the inflammatory response of macrophages. Mol Immunol 2013; 54:164-72. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2012.11.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2012] [Revised: 11/24/2012] [Accepted: 11/26/2012] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
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Kim GH, Ryan JJ, Archer SL. The role of redox signaling in epigenetics and cardiovascular disease. Antioxid Redox Signal 2013; 18:1920-36. [PMID: 23480168 PMCID: PMC3624767 DOI: 10.1089/ars.2012.4926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2012] [Revised: 12/24/2012] [Accepted: 01/15/2013] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
SIGNIFICANCE The term epigenetics refers to the changes in the phenotype and gene expression that occur without alterations in the DNA sequence. There is a rapidly growing body of evidence that epigenetic modifications are involved in the pathological mechanisms of many cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), which intersect with many of the pathways involved in oxidative stress. RECENT ADVANCES Most studies relating epigenetics and human pathologies have focused on cancer. There has been a limited study of epigenetic mechanisms in CVDs. Although CVDs have multiple established genetic and environmental risk factors, these explain only a portion of the total CVD risk. The epigenetic perspective is beginning to shed new light on how the environment influences gene expression and disease susceptibility in CVDs. Known epigenetic changes contributing to CVD include hypomethylation in proliferating vascular smooth muscle cells in atherosclerosis, changes in estrogen receptor-α (ER-α) and ER-β methylation in vascular disease, decreased superoxide dismutase 2 expression in pulmonary hypertension (PH), as well as trimethylation of histones H3K4 and H3K9 in congestive heart failure. CRITICAL ISSUES In this review, we discuss the epigenetic modifications in CVDs, including atherosclerosis, congestive heart failure, hypertension, and PH, with a focus on altered redox signaling. FUTURE DIRECTIONS As advances in both the methodology and technology accelerate the study of epigenetic modifications, the critical role they play in CVD is beginning to emerge. A fundamental question in the field of epigenetics is to understand the biochemical mechanisms underlying reactive oxygen species-dependent regulation of epigenetic modification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gene H Kim
- Department of Medicine, Section of Cardiology, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60637, USA.
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Glier MB, Green TJ, Devlin AM. Methyl nutrients, DNA methylation, and cardiovascular disease. Mol Nutr Food Res 2013; 58:172-82. [PMID: 23661599 DOI: 10.1002/mnfr.201200636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2012] [Revised: 03/08/2013] [Accepted: 03/13/2013] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Diet plays an important role in the development and prevention of cardiovascular disease (CVD), but the molecular mechanisms are not fully understood. DNA methylation has been implicated as an underlying molecular mechanism that may account for the effect of dietary factors on the development and prevention of CVD. DNA methylation is an epigenetic process that provides "marks" in the genome by which genes are set to be transcriptionally activated or silenced. Epigenomic marks are heritable but are also responsive to environmental shifts, such as changes in nutritional status, and are especially vulnerable during development. S-adenosylmethionine is the methyl group donor for DNA methylation and several nutrients are required for the production of S-adenosylmethionine. These methyl nutrients include vitamins (folate, riboflavin, vitamin B12, vitamin B6, choline) and amino acids (methionine, cysteine, serine, glycine). As such, imbalances in the metabolism of these nutrients have the potential to affect DNA methylation. The focus of this review is to provide an overview on the current understanding of the relationship between methyl nutrient status and DNA methylation patterns and the potential role of this interaction in CVD pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa B Glier
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Child and Family Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
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Glier MB, Ngai YF, Sulistyoningrum DC, Aleliunas RE, Bottiglieri T, Devlin AM. Tissue-specific relationship of S-adenosylhomocysteine with allele-specific H19/Igf2 methylation and imprinting in mice with hyperhomocysteinemia. Epigenetics 2012; 8:44-53. [PMID: 23221482 DOI: 10.4161/epi.23063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
DNA methylation is linked to homocysteine metabolism through the generation of S-adenosylmethionine (AdoMet) and S-Adenosylhomocysteine (AdoHcy). The ratio of AdoMet/AdoHcy is often considered an indicator of tissue methylation capacity. The goal of this study is to determine the relationship of tissue AdoMet and AdoHcy concentrations to allele-specific methylation and expression of genomically imprinted H19/Igf2. Expression of H19/Igf2 is regulated by a differentially methylated domain (DMD), with H19 paternally imprinted and Igf2 maternally imprinted. F1 hybrid C57BL/6J x Castaneous/EiJ (Cast) mice with (+/-), and without (+/+), heterozygous disruption of cystathionine-β-synthase (Cbs) were fed a control diet or a diet (called HH) to induce hyperhomocysteinemia and changes in tissue AdoMet and AdoHcy. F1 Cast x Cbs+/- mice fed the HH diet had significantly higher plasma total homocysteine concentrations, higher liver AdoHcy, and lower AdoMet/AdoHcy ratios and this was accompanied by lower liver maternal H19 DMD allele methylation, lower liver Igf2 mRNA levels, and loss of Igf2 maternal imprinting. In contrast, we found no significant differences in AdoMet and AdoHcy in brain between the diet groups but F1 Cast x Cbs+/- mice fed the HH diet had higher maternal H19 DMD methylation and lower H19 mRNA levels in brain. A significant negative relationship between AdoHcy and maternal H19 DMD allele methylation was found in liver but not in brain. These findings suggest the relationship of AdoMet and AdoHcy to gene-specific DNA methylation is tissue-specific and that changes in DNA methylation can occur without changes in AdoMet and AdoHcy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa B Glier
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Child & Family Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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Abstract
Perturbations in methyl group metabolism and homocysteine balance have emerged over the past few decades as having defining roles in a number of pathological conditions. Numerous nutritional, hormonal, and genetic factors that are characterized by elevations in circulating homocysteine concentrations are also associated with specific pathological conditions, including cancer development, autoimmune diseases, vascular dysfunction, and neurodegenerative disease. Although much remains to be explored, our understanding of the relationship between disease, methyl balance, and epigenetic control of gene expression has steadily progressed. However, homocysteine balance and its role in health and disease are not as clearly understood. This review presents our current understanding of homocysteine metabolism and its link to specific pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin L Schalinske
- Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, Interdepartmental Graduate Program in Nutritional Sciences, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA.
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Mikael LG, Pancer J, Jiang X, Wu Q, Caudill M, Rozen R. Low dietary folate and methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase deficiency may lead to pregnancy complications through modulation of ApoAI and IFN-γ in spleen and placenta, and through reduction of methylation potential. Mol Nutr Food Res 2012; 57:661-70. [PMID: 23112124 DOI: 10.1002/mnfr.201200152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2012] [Revised: 07/04/2012] [Accepted: 08/22/2012] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
SCOPE Genetic or nutritional disturbances in folate metabolism lead to hyperhomocysteinemia and adverse reproductive outcomes. Folate-dependent homocysteine remethylation is required for methylation reactions and may influence choline/betaine metabolism. Hyperhomocysteinemia has been suggested to play a role in inflammation. The goal of this study was to determine whether folate-related pregnancy complications could be due to altered expression of some inflammatory mediators or due to disturbances in methylation intermediates. METHODS AND RESULTS Pregnant mice with or without a deficiency of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) were fed control diets or folate-deficient (FD) diets; tissues were collected at embryonic day 14.5. FD decreased plasma phosphocholine and increased plasma glycerophosphocholine and lysophosphatidylcholine. Liver betaine, phosphocholine, and S-adenosylmethionine:S-adenosylhomocysteine ratios were reduced in FD. In liver, spleen, and placenta, the lowest levels of apolipoprotein AI (ApoAI) were observed in Mthfr(+/-) mice fed FD. Increased interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) was observed in spleen and placentae due to FD or Mthfr genotype. Plasma homocysteine correlated negatively with liver and spleen ApoAI, and positively with IFN-γ. CONCLUSION Low dietary folate or Mthfr deficiency during pregnancy may result in adverse pregnancy outcomes by altering expression of the inflammatory mediators ApoAI and IFN-γ in spleen and placenta. Disturbances in choline metabolism or methylation reactions may also play a role.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonie G Mikael
- Department of Human Genetics, McGill University, Montreal Children's Hospital Research Institute, Montreal, QC, Canada
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Paradoxical absence of a prothrombotic phenotype in a mouse model of severe hyperhomocysteinemia. Blood 2011; 119:3176-83. [PMID: 22186991 DOI: 10.1182/blood-2011-09-380568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Hyperhomocysteinemia confers a high risk for thrombotic vascular events, but homocysteine-lowering therapies have been ineffective in reducing the incidence of secondary vascular outcomes, raising questions regarding the role of homocysteine as a mediator of cardiovascular disease. Therefore, to determine the contribution of elevated homocysteine to thrombosis susceptibility, we studied Cbs(-/-) mice conditionally expressing a zinc-inducible mutated human CBS (I278T) transgene. Tg-I278T Cbs(-/-) mice exhibited severe hyperhomocysteinemia and endothelial dysfunction in cerebral arterioles. Surprisingly, however, these mice did not display increased susceptibility to arterial or venous thrombosis as measured by photochemical injury in the carotid artery, chemical injury in the carotid artery or mesenteric arterioles, or ligation of the inferior vena cava. A survey of hemostatic and hemodynamic parameters revealed no detectible differences between control and Tg-I278T Cbs(-/-) mice. Our data demonstrate that severe elevation in homocysteine leads to the development of vascular endothelial dysfunction but is not sufficient to promote thrombosis. These findings may provide insights into the failure of homocysteine-lowering trials in secondary prevention from thrombotic vascular events.
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Kim CS, Kim YR, Naqvi A, Kumar S, Hoffman TA, Jung SB, Kumar A, Jeon BH, McNamara DM, Irani K. Homocysteine promotes human endothelial cell dysfunction via site-specific epigenetic regulation of p66shc. Cardiovasc Res 2011; 92:466-75. [PMID: 21933910 PMCID: PMC3211975 DOI: 10.1093/cvr/cvr250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2011] [Revised: 09/01/2011] [Accepted: 09/14/2011] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
AIMS Hyperhomocysteinaemia is an independent risk factor for atherosclerotic vascular disease and is associated with vascular endothelial dysfunction. Homocysteine modulates cellular methylation reactions. P66shc is a protein that promotes oxidative stress whose expression is governed by promoter methylation. We asked if homocysteine induces endothelial p66shc expression via hypomethylation of CpG dinucleotides in the p66shc promoter, and whether p66shc mediates homocysteine-stimulated endothelial cell dysfunction. METHODS AND RESULTS Homocysteine stimulates p66shc transcription in human endothelial cells and hypomethylates specific CpG dinucleotides in the human p66shc promoter. Knockdown of p66shc inhibits the increase in reactive oxygen species, and decrease in nitric oxide, elicited by homocysteine in endothelial cells and prevents homocysteine-induced up-regulation of endothelial intercellular adhesion molecule-1. In addition, knockdown of p66shc mitigates homocysteine-induced adhesion of monocytes to endothelial cells. Inhibition of DNA methyltransferase activity or knockdown of DNA methyltransferase 3b abrogates homocysteine-induced up-regulation of p66shc. Comparison of plasma homocysteine in humans with coronary artery disease shows a significant difference between those with highest and lowest p66shc promoter CpG methylation in peripheral blood leucocytes. CONCLUSION Homocysteine up-regulates human p66shc expression via hypomethylation of specific CpG dinucleotides in the p66shc promoter, and this mechanism is important in homocysteine-induced endothelial cell dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cuk-Seong Kim
- Heart and Vascular Institute, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Scaife S620, 200 Lothrop St, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Young-Rae Kim
- Heart and Vascular Institute, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Scaife S620, 200 Lothrop St, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Asma Naqvi
- Heart and Vascular Institute, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Scaife S620, 200 Lothrop St, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Santosh Kumar
- Heart and Vascular Institute, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Scaife S620, 200 Lothrop St, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Timothy A. Hoffman
- Heart and Vascular Institute, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Scaife S620, 200 Lothrop St, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Saet-Byel Jung
- Heart and Vascular Institute, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Scaife S620, 200 Lothrop St, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Ajay Kumar
- Heart and Vascular Institute, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Scaife S620, 200 Lothrop St, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Byeong-Hwa Jeon
- Department of Physiology, Chungnam National University School of Medicine, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Dennis M. McNamara
- Heart and Vascular Institute, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Scaife S620, 200 Lothrop St, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Kaikobad Irani
- Heart and Vascular Institute, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Scaife S620, 200 Lothrop St, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
- Vascular Medicine Institute, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
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Pickell L, Wu Q, Wang XL, Leclerc D, Friedman H, Peterson AC, Rozen R. Targeted insertion of two Mthfr promoters in mice reveals temporal- and tissue-specific regulation. Mamm Genome 2011; 22:635-47. [PMID: 21769670 DOI: 10.1007/s00335-011-9351-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2011] [Accepted: 06/07/2011] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR), a key enzyme in folate metabolism, synthesizes 5-methyltetrahydrofolate, the main circulatory form of folate which is required for maintaining nontoxic levels of homocysteine and providing one-carbon units for methylation. A common 677C → T variant in MTHFR confers mild MTHFR deficiency and has been associated with a number of human disorders, including neural tube defects and vascular disease. Two promoters of Mthfr, designated as upstream and downstream promoters, are located upstream of a transcription start site cluster and have previously demonstrated cell-specific activities. In this study we used a unique approach for targeted, single-copy transgene insertion to generate transgenic mice carrying a Mthfr upstream or Mthfr downstream promoter-reporter construct located 5' to the endogenous Hprt (hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyltransferase) locus. The Mthfr downstream promoter demonstrated activity in the neural tube, neural crest cells, dorsal root ganglia, heart, and endothelial cells of blood vessels in 10.5-days post coitum embryos and placentas. Upstream promoter activity was absent at this developmental stage. Postnatally, both promoters demonstrated activity in the brain stem, hippocampus, and thalamus of 1-week-old brain that became stronger in the adult. The Mthfr upstream promoter also showed activity in the cerebellum and cerebral cortex. Both promoters were active in male reproductive tissues, including 1-week-old epididymides, and there was upstream promoter-specific activity in the adult testis. Our investigation of Mthfr regulation in an in vivo mouse model revealed temporal- and tissue-specific regulation that supports important roles for MTHFR in the developing embryo, and in postnatal brain and male reproductive tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Pickell
- Departments of Human Genetics and Pediatrics, McGill University and Montreal Children's Hospital Research Institute, Montreal, QC, Canada
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Gomez J, Sanchez-Roman I, Gomez A, Sanchez C, Suarez H, Lopez-Torres M, Barja G. Methionine and homocysteine modulate the rate of ROS generation of isolated mitochondria in vitro. J Bioenerg Biomembr 2011; 43:377-86. [PMID: 21748404 DOI: 10.1007/s10863-011-9368-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2011] [Accepted: 06/05/2011] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Dietary methionine restriction and supplementation in mammals have beneficial (antiaging) and detrimental effects respectively, which have been related to chronic modifications in the rate of mitochondrial ROS generation. However it is not known if methionine or its metabolites can have, in addition, direct effects on the rate of mitochondrial ROS production. This is studied here for the methionine cycle metabolites S-adenosylmethionine (SAM), S-adenosylhomocysteine (SAH), homocysteine and methionine itself in isolated rat liver, kidney, heart, and brain mitochondria. The results show that methionine increases ROS production in liver and kidney mitochondria, homocysteine increases it in kidney and decreases it in the other three organs, and SAM and SAH have no effects. The variations in ROS production are localized at complexes I or III. These changes add to previously described chronic effects of methionine restriction and supplementation in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jose Gomez
- Department of Animal Physiology II, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Complutense University, Madrid, Spain
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Barroso M, Rocha MS, Esse R, Gonçalves I, Gomes AQ, Teerlink T, Jakobs C, Blom HJ, Loscalzo J, Rivera I, de Almeida IT, Castro R. Cellular hypomethylation is associated with impaired nitric oxide production by cultured human endothelial cells. Amino Acids 2011; 42:1903-11. [PMID: 21614558 DOI: 10.1007/s00726-011-0916-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2010] [Accepted: 04/08/2011] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) is a risk factor for vascular disease, but the underlying mechanisms remain incompletely defined. Reduced bioavailability of nitric oxide (NO) is a principal manifestation of underlying endothelial dysfunction, which is an initial event in vascular disease. Inhibition of cellular methylation reactions by S-adenosylhomocysteine (AdoHcy), which accumulates during HHcy, has been suggested to contribute to vascular dysfunction. However, thus far, the effect of intracellular AdoHcy accumulation on NO bioavailability has not yet been fully substantiated by experimental evidence. The present study was carried out to evaluate whether disturbances in cellular methylation status affect NO production by cultured human endothelial cells. Here, we show that a hypomethylating environment, induced by the accumulation of AdoHcy, impairs NO production. Consistent with this finding, we observed decreased eNOS expression and activity, but, by contrast, enhanced NOS3 transcription. Taken together, our data support the existence of regulatory post-transcriptional mechanisms modulated by cellular methylation potential leading to impaired NO production by cultured human endothelial cells. As such, our conclusions may have implications for the HHcy-mediated reductions in NO bioavailability and endothelial dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Barroso
- Research Institute for Medicines and Pharmaceutical Sciences (iMed.UL), Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
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