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Ji J, Sun J, Li J, Xie J, Xi B, Zhao M. Altered gut microbiome associated with metabolic-associated fatty liver disease in Chinese children. Clin Nutr 2024; 43:187-196. [PMID: 38070210 DOI: 10.1016/j.clnu.2023.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Revised: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIM Limited studies have investigated the association between gut microbiota and metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) in children and adolescents. We aimed to identify differences in gut microbiota composition and diversity between children with MAFLD and healthy counterparts. METHODS Data were collected from a nested case-control study (October to December, 2021) of the "Huantai Childhood Cardiovascular Health Cohort Study" in Huantai County, Zibo City, China. The study included 52 children aged 5-11 years with new-onset MAFLD and 52 healthy children matched by age and sex. Stool samples were collected and analyzed using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Shannon index and Chao index were used to assess the α diversity of gut microbiota and Principal coordinates analysis (PCoA) was performed to evaluate β diversity between the two groups. The differences in the relative abundance of gut microbiota between MAFLD group and control group were compared by the Wilcoxon rank-sum test after false discovery rate (FDR) correction. Additionally, the gut-microbial metabolic pathways were identified using the phylogenetic investigation of communities by reconstruction of unobserved states (PICRUSt). RESULTS We found that children with MAFLD had significant different gut microbiota composition and reduced α diversity compared with the control group. PCoA showed that the two groups can be significantly distinguished based on the unweighted unifrac distance algorithm. Gut microbiota at the phylum level such as Verrucomicrobia and Desulfobacterial, genus level such as Blautia, Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group, Coprococcus, Erysipelotrichaceae_UCG-003, UCG-002 and Akkermansia, and species level such as Bifidobacterium_longum abundances were significantly decreased in children with MAFLD compared with that in children without MAFLD. Notably, the abundance of these bacteria were found to be associated with HDL-C, SBP, DBP, WC, BMI, etc. In addition, our analysis of gut-microbial metabolic pathways identified differences in carbohydrate transport and metabolism, as well as amino acid transport and metabolism between the two groups. CONCLUSION Significant differences in gut microbiota composition are observed between children with and without MAFLD, which indicate that gut microbiota may be a potential contributor to the development of MAFLD in childhood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Ji
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Jiahong Sun
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China; Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, Guangdong, China
| | - Juan Li
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Jintang Xie
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Bo Xi
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Min Zhao
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China.
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2
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Melton PE, Burton MA, Lillycrop KA, Godfrey KM, Rauschert S, Anderson D, Burdge GC, Mori TA, Beilin LJ, Ayonrinde OT, Craig JM, Olynyk JK, Holbrook JD, Pennell CE, Oddy WH, Moses EK, Adams LA, Huang RC. Differential DNA methylation of steatosis and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in adolescence. Hepatol Int 2023; 17:584-594. [PMID: 36737504 PMCID: PMC9897882 DOI: 10.1007/s12072-022-10469-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 12/11/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Epigenetic modifications are associated with hepatic fat accumulation and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). However, few epigenetic modifications directly implicated in such processes have been identified during adolescence, a critical developmental window where physiological changes could influence future disease trajectory. To investigate the association between DNA methylation and NAFLD in adolescence, we undertook discovery and validation of novel methylation marks, alongside replication of previously reported marks. APPROACH AND RESULTS We performed a DNA methylation epigenome-wide association study (EWAS) on DNA from whole blood from 707 Raine Study adolescents phenotyped for steatosis score and NAFLD by ultrasound at age 17. Next, we performed pyrosequencing validation of loci within the most 100 strongly associated differentially methylated CpG sites (dmCpGs) for which ≥ 2 probes per gene remained significant across four statistical models with a nominal p value < 0.007. EWAS identified dmCpGs related to three genes (ANK1, MIR10a, PTPRN2) that met our criteria for pyrosequencing. Of the dmCpGs and surrounding loci that were pyrosequenced (ANK1 n = 6, MIR10a n = 7, PTPRN2 n = 3), three dmCpGs in ANK1 and two in MIR10a were significantly associated with NAFLD in adolescence. After adjustment for waist circumference only dmCpGs in ANK1 remained significant. These ANK1 CpGs were also associated with γ-glutamyl transferase and alanine aminotransferase concentrations. Three of twenty-two differentially methylated dmCpGs previously associated with adult NAFLD were associated with NAFLD in adolescence (all adjusted p < 2.3 × 10-3). CONCLUSIONS We identified novel DNA methylation loci associated with NAFLD and serum liver biochemistry markers during adolescence, implicating putative dmCpG/gene regulatory pathways and providing insights for future mechanistic studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phillip E. Melton
- grid.1009.80000 0004 1936 826XMenzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, 17 Liverpool Street, Private Bag 23, Hobart, TAS 7000 Australia ,grid.1012.20000 0004 1936 7910School of Global and Population Health, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA Australia
| | - M. A. Burton
- grid.5491.90000 0004 1936 9297School of Human Development and Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - K. A. Lillycrop
- grid.5491.90000 0004 1936 9297Biological Sciences, Faculty of Natural and Environmental Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK ,grid.430506.40000 0004 0465 4079NIHR Southampton Biomedical Research Centre, University of Southampton and University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton, UK
| | - K. M. Godfrey
- grid.430506.40000 0004 0465 4079NIHR Southampton Biomedical Research Centre, University of Southampton and University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton, UK ,grid.5491.90000 0004 1936 9297MRC Lifecourse Epidemiology Centre, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - S. Rauschert
- grid.1012.20000 0004 1936 7910Telethon Kids Institute, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - D. Anderson
- grid.1012.20000 0004 1936 7910Telethon Kids Institute, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - G. C. Burdge
- grid.5491.90000 0004 1936 9297School of Human Health and Development, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - T. A. Mori
- grid.1012.20000 0004 1936 7910Medical School, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - L. J. Beilin
- grid.1012.20000 0004 1936 7910Medical School, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - O. T. Ayonrinde
- grid.1012.20000 0004 1936 7910Medical School, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia ,Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Fiona Stanley and Fremantle Hospitals, Murdoch, WA Australia
| | - J. M. Craig
- grid.416107.50000 0004 0614 0346MCRI, Royal Children’s Hospital, Flemington Road, Parkville, VIC Australia ,grid.1021.20000 0001 0526 7079The Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation (IMPACT), School of Medicine, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC Australia
| | - J. K. Olynyk
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Fiona Stanley and Fremantle Hospitals, Murdoch, WA Australia ,grid.1038.a0000 0004 0389 4302School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA Australia
| | - J. D. Holbrook
- grid.5491.90000 0004 1936 9297MRC Lifecourse Epidemiology Centre, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - C. E. Pennell
- grid.266842.c0000 0000 8831 109XUniversity of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW Australia
| | - W. H. Oddy
- grid.1009.80000 0004 1936 826XMenzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, 17 Liverpool Street, Private Bag 23, Hobart, TAS 7000 Australia
| | - E. K. Moses
- grid.1009.80000 0004 1936 826XMenzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, 17 Liverpool Street, Private Bag 23, Hobart, TAS 7000 Australia ,grid.1012.20000 0004 1936 7910School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA Australia
| | - L. A. Adams
- grid.1012.20000 0004 1936 7910Medical School, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - R. C. Huang
- grid.1012.20000 0004 1936 7910Telethon Kids Institute, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
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3
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Liu S, Fu H, Ray M, Heinsberg LW, Conley YP, Anderson CM, Hubel CA, Roberts JM, Jeyabalan A, Weeks DE, Schmella MJ. A longitudinal epigenome-wide association study of preeclamptic and normotensive pregnancy. EPIGENETICS COMMUNICATIONS 2023; 3:1. [PMID: 37063698 PMCID: PMC10101051 DOI: 10.1186/s43682-022-00014-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Background While preeclampsia (PE) is a leading cause of pregnancy-related morbidity/mortality, its underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. DNA methylation (DNAm) is a dynamic regulator of gene expression that may offer insight into PE pathophysiology and/or serve as a biomarker (e.g., risk, subtype, a therapeutic response). This study's purpose was to evaluate for differences in blood-based DNAm across all trimesters between individuals eventually diagnosed with PE (cases) and individuals who remained normotensive throughout pregnancy, did not develop proteinuria, and birthed a normally grown infant (controls). Results In the discovery phase, longitudinal, genome-wide DNAm data were generated across three trimesters of pregnancy in 56 participants (n=28 cases, n=28 controls) individually matched on self-identified race, pre-pregnancy body mass index, smoking, and gestational age at sample collection. An epigenome-wide association study (EWAS) was conducted, using surrogate variable analysis to account for unwanted sources of variation. No CpGs met the genome-wide significance p value threshold of 9×10-8, but 16 CpGs (trimester 1: 5; trimester 2: 1; trimester 3: 10) met the suggestive significance threshold of 1×10-5. DNAm data were also evaluated for differentially methylated regions (DMRs) by PE status. Three DMRs in each trimester were significant after Bonferonni-adjustment. Since only third-trimester samples were available from an independent replication sample (n=64 cases, n=50 controls), the top suggestive hits from trimester 3 (cg16155413 and cg21882990 associated with TRAF3IP2-AS1/TRAF3IP2 genes, which also made up the top DMR) were carried forward for replication. During replication, DNAm data were also generated for validation purposes from discovery phase third trimester samples. While significant associations between DNAm and PE status were observed at both sites in the validation sample, no associations between DNAm and PE status were observed in the independent replication sample. Conclusions The discovery phase findings for cg16155413/cg21882990 (TRAF3IP2-AS1/TRAF3IP2) were validated with a new platform but were not replicated in an independent sample. Given the differences in participant characteristics between the discovery and replication samples, we cannot rule out important signals for these CpGs. Additional research is warranted for cg16155413/cg21882990, as well as top hits in trimesters 1-2 and significant DMRs that were not examined in the replication phase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuwei Liu
- Department of Human Genetics, School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Haoyi Fu
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Mitali Ray
- Department of Health Promotion and Development, School of Nursing, University of Pittsburgh, 440 Victoria Building, 3500 Victoria Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA
| | - Lacey W. Heinsberg
- Department of Human Genetics, School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Yvette P. Conley
- Department of Human Genetics, School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Health Promotion and Development, School of Nursing, University of Pittsburgh, 440 Victoria Building, 3500 Victoria Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA
| | - Cindy M. Anderson
- Martha S. Pitzer Center for Women, Children and Youth, College of Nursing, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Carl A. Hubel
- Magee-Womens Research Institute and Foundation, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - James M. Roberts
- Magee-Womens Research Institute and Foundation, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Clinical and Translational Science Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Arun Jeyabalan
- Magee-Womens Research Institute and Foundation, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Clinical and Translational Science Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Daniel E. Weeks
- Department of Human Genetics, School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Mandy J. Schmella
- Department of Health Promotion and Development, School of Nursing, University of Pittsburgh, 440 Victoria Building, 3500 Victoria Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA
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Xu SM, Xu Y, Cheng XG, Yang LQ. Tilianin Protects against Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Early Obesity Mice. Biol Pharm Bull 2023; 46:419-426. [PMID: 36858570 DOI: 10.1248/bpb.b22-00700] [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: 03/03/2023]
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has emerged as one of the most frequent types of liver disease in pediatric populations with obesity. Tilianin has multiple biological activities including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. Here, we aim to explore the functions and possible mechanisms of tilianin on NAFLD in obese children. A high-fat high-carbohydrate (HFHC) diet was used to feed 21-d-old mice. Tilianin was administered at a dose of 10 or 20 mg/kg daily. HFHC-fed mice gained weight, increased liver index. The liver showed hepatocyte ballooning, inflammatory infiltration, and steatosis. Elevated levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and total cholesterol (TC) and reduced the high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) level were found in HFHC-fed mice. Administration of tilianin significantly reduced these impairments. We further evaluated proteins related to lipid metabolism and observed that LXRα, SREBP-1c, FAS and ACC1 expression were blunted following tilianin administration. In addition, tilianin suppressed reactive oxygen species (ROS) overproduction and lipid peroxide 4-Hydroxynonenal expression, ascribed to its oxidative stress-modulating capacity. Tilianin also reversed the increase in F4/80 expression and proinflammatory cytokine levels. Of note, tilianin administration resulted in decreased protein levels of active caspase-1 and NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) in HFHC-fed mice. Our study suggests that tilianin may ameliorate NAFLD in early obese mice by modulating lipids metabolism, oxidative stress, and inflammation, which may in part involve inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sen-Mao Xu
- Department of Pediatrics, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University.,Department of Pediatrics, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University.,Department of Pediatrics, Anhui Public Health Clinical Center
| | - Yao Xu
- Department of Pediatrics, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University.,Department of Pediatrics, Anhui Public Health Clinical Center
| | - Xian-Gao Cheng
- Department of Pediatrics, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University.,Department of Pediatrics, Anhui Public Health Clinical Center
| | - Li-Qi Yang
- Department of Pediatrics, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University
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5
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A comparison of the genes and genesets identified by GWAS and EWAS of fifteen complex traits. Nat Commun 2022; 13:7816. [PMID: 36535946 PMCID: PMC9763500 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-35037-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Identifying genomic regions pertinent to complex traits is a common goal of genome-wide and epigenome-wide association studies (GWAS and EWAS). GWAS identify causal genetic variants, directly or via linkage disequilibrium, and EWAS identify variation in DNA methylation associated with a trait. While GWAS in principle will only detect variants due to causal genes, EWAS can also identify genes via confounding, or reverse causation. We systematically compare GWAS (N > 50,000) and EWAS (N > 4500) results of 15 complex traits. We evaluate if the genes or gene ontology terms flagged by GWAS and EWAS overlap, and find substantial overlap for diastolic blood pressure, (gene overlap P = 5.2 × 10-6; term overlap P = 0.001). We superimpose our empirical findings against simulated models of varying genetic and epigenetic architectures and observe that in most cases GWAS and EWAS are likely capturing distinct genesets. Our results indicate that GWAS and EWAS are capturing different aspects of the biology of complex traits.
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6
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Moylan CA, Mavis AM, Jima D, Maguire R, Bashir M, Hyun J, Cabezas MN, Parish A, Niedzwiecki D, Diehl AM, Murphy SK, Abdelmalek MF, Hoyo C. Alterations in DNA methylation associate with fatty liver and metabolic abnormalities in a multi-ethnic cohort of pre-teenage children. Epigenetics 2022; 17:1446-1461. [PMID: 35188871 PMCID: PMC9586600 DOI: 10.1080/15592294.2022.2039850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2021] [Revised: 01/09/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-Alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the leading cause of chronic liver disease in children. Epigenetic alterations, such as through DNA methylation (DNAm), may link adverse childhood exposures and fatty liver and provide non-invasive methods for identifying children at high risk for NAFLD and associated metabolic dysfunction. We investigated the association between differential DNAm and liver fat content (LFC) and liver injury in pre-adolescent children. Leveraging data from the Newborn Epigenetics Study (NEST), we enrolled 90 mother-child dyads and used linear regression to identify CpG sites and differentially methylated regions (DMRs) in peripheral blood associated with LFC and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels in 7-12yo children. DNAm was measured using Infinium HumanMethylationEPIC BeadChips (Illumina). LFC and fibrosis were quantified by magnetic resonance imaging proton density fat fraction and elastography. Median LFC was 1.4% (range, 0.3-13.4%) and MRE was 2.5 kPa (range, 1.5-3.6kPa). Three children had LFC ≥ 5%, while six (7.6%) met our definition of NAFLD (LFC ≥ 3.7%). All children with NAFLD were obese and five were Black. LFC was associated with 88 DMRs and 106 CpGs (FDR<5%). The top two CpGs, cg25474373 and cg07264203, mapped to or near RFTN2 and PRICKLE2 genes. These two CpG sites were also significantly associated with a NAFLD diagnosis. As higher LFC associates with an adverse cardiometabolic profile already in childhood, altered DNAm may identify these children early in disease course for targeted intervention. Larger, longitudinal studies are needed to validate these findings and determine mechanistic relevance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cynthia A. Moylan
- Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Alisha M. Mavis
- Department of Pediatrics, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Dereje Jima
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States
| | - Rachel Maguire
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States
| | - Mustafa Bashir
- Department of Radiology, Center of Advanced Magnetic Resonance Development, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Jeongeun Hyun
- Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Melanie N. Cabezas
- Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Alice Parish
- Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Donna Niedzwiecki
- Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Anna Mae Diehl
- Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Susan K. Murphy
- Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States
- Department of Pediatrics, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States
- Department of Radiology, Center of Advanced Magnetic Resonance Development, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States
- Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Manal F. Abdelmalek
- Department of Radiology, Center of Advanced Magnetic Resonance Development, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Cathrine Hoyo
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States
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7
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Riccio S, Melone R, Vitulano C, Guida P, Maddaluno I, Guarino S, Marzuillo P, Miraglia del Giudice E, Di Sessa A. Advances in pediatric non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: From genetics to lipidomics. World J Clin Pediatr 2022; 11:221-238. [PMID: 35663007 PMCID: PMC9134151 DOI: 10.5409/wjcp.v11.i3.221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 08/05/2021] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
As a result of the obesity epidemic, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) represents a global medical concern in childhood with a closely related increased cardiometabolic risk. Knowledge on NAFLD pathophysiology has been largely expanded over the last decades. Besides the well-known key NAFLD genes (including the I148M variant of the PNPLA3 gene, the E167K allele of the TM6SF2, the GCKR gene, the MBOAT7-TMC4 rs641738 variant, and the rs72613567:TA variant in the HSD17B13 gene), an intriguing pathogenic role has also been demonstrated for the gut microbiota. More interestingly, evidence has added new factors involved in the “multiple hits” theory. In particular, omics determinants have been highlighted as potential innovative markers for NAFLD diagnosis and treatment. In fact, different branches of omics including metabolomics, lipidomics (in particular sphingolipids and ceramides), transcriptomics (including micro RNAs), epigenomics (such as DNA methylation), proteomics, and glycomics represent the most attractive pathogenic elements in NAFLD development, by providing insightful perspectives in this field. In this perspective, we aimed to provide a comprehensive overview of NAFLD pathophysiology in children, from the oldest pathogenic elements (including genetics) to the newest intriguing perspectives (such as omics branches).
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Riccio
- Department of Woman, Child, General and Specialized Surgery, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples 80138, Italy
| | - Rosa Melone
- Department of Woman, Child, General and Specialized Surgery, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples 80138, Italy
| | - Caterina Vitulano
- Department of Woman, Child, General and Specialized Surgery, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples 80138, Italy
| | - Pierfrancesco Guida
- Department of Woman, Child, General and Specialized Surgery, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples 80138, Italy
| | - Ivan Maddaluno
- Department of Woman, Child, General and Specialized Surgery, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples 80138, Italy
| | - Stefano Guarino
- Department of Woman, Child, General and Specialized Surgery, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples 80138, Italy
| | - Pierluigi Marzuillo
- Department of Woman, Child, General and Specialized Surgery, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples 80138, Italy
| | - Emanuele Miraglia del Giudice
- Department of Woman, Child, General and Specialized Surgery, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples 80138, Italy
| | - Anna Di Sessa
- Department of Woman, Child, General and Specialized Surgery, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples 80138, Italy
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8
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Peng XF, Huang SF, Chen LJ, Xu L, Ye WC. Targeting epigenetics and lncRNAs in liver disease: From mechanisms to therapeutics. Pharmacol Res 2021; 172:105846. [PMID: 34438063 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2021.105846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2021] [Revised: 08/16/2021] [Accepted: 08/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Early onset and progression of liver diseases can be driven by aberrant transcriptional regulation. Different transcriptional regulation processes, such as RNA/DNA methylation, histone modification, and ncRNA-mediated targeting, can regulate biological processes in healthy cells, as well also under various pathological conditions, especially liver disease. Numerous studies over the past decades have demonstrated that liver disease has a strong epigenetic component. Therefore, the epigenetic basis of liver disease has challenged our knowledge of epigenetics, and epigenetics field has undergone an important transformation: from a biological phenomenon to an emerging focus of disease research. Furthermore, inhibitors of different epigenetic regulators, such as m6A-related factors, are being explored as potential candidates for preventing and treating liver diseases. In the present review, we summarize and discuss the current knowledge of five distinct but interconnected and interdependent epigenetic processes in the context of hepatic diseases: RNA methylation, DNA methylation, histone methylation, miRNAs, and lncRNAs. Finally, we discuss the potential therapeutic implications and future challenges and ongoing research in the field. Our review also provides a perspective for identifying therapeutic targets and new hepatic biomarkers of liver disease, bringing precision research and disease therapy to the modern era of epigenetics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Fei Peng
- Department of General Surgery, Qingyuan People's Hospital, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Qingyuan 511518, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Shi-Feng Huang
- Qingyuan People's Hospital, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Qingyuan 511518, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Ling-Juan Chen
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Qingyuan People's Hospital, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Qingyuan 511518, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Lingqing Xu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Qingyuan People's Hospital, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Qingyuan 511518, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Wen-Chu Ye
- Qingyuan People's Hospital, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Qingyuan 511518, Guangdong Province, China.
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9
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Maskarinec G, Garber AK, Wong MC, Kelly N, Kazemi L, Buchthal SD, Fearnbach N, Heymsfield SB, Shepherd JA. Predictors of liver fat among children and adolescents from five different ethnic groups. Obes Sci Pract 2020; 7:53-62. [PMID: 33680492 PMCID: PMC7909587 DOI: 10.1002/osp4.459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2020] [Revised: 09/27/2020] [Accepted: 09/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives As rates of obesity around the world have increased, so has the detection of high level of liver fat in children and adolescents. This may put them at risk for cardiovascular disease later in life. This analysis of a cross‐sectional population‐based study of children and adolescents evaluated demographic and lifestyle determinants of percent liver fat. Methods Healthy participants (123 girls and 99 boys aged 5–17 years) recruited by convenience sampling in three locations completed questionnaires, anthropometric measurements, and dual X‐ray absorptiometry and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) assessment. General linear models were applied to estimate the association of demographic, anthropometric, and dietary factors as well as physical activity with MRI‐based percent liver fat. Results The strongest predictor of liver fat was body mass index (BMI; p < 0.0001); overweight and obesity were associated with 0.5% and 1% higher liver fat levels. The respective adjusted mean percent values were 2.9 (95% CI 2.7, 3.1) and 3.4 (95% CI 3.2, 3.6) as compared to normal weight (2.4; 95% CI 2.3, 2.6). Mean percent liver fat was highest in Whites and African Americans, intermediate in Hispanic, and lowest among Asians and Native Hawaiians/Pacific Islanders (p < 0.0001). Age (p = 0.67), sex (p = 0.28), physical activity (p = 0.74), and diet quality (p = 0.70) were not significantly related with liver fat. Conclusions This study in multiethnic children and adolescents confirms the strong relationship of BMI with percent liver fat even in a population with low liver fat levels without detecting an association with age, sex, and dietary or physical activity patterns.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Andrea K Garber
- University of California at San Francisco San Francisco California USA
| | | | - Nisa Kelly
- University of Hawaii Cancer Center Honolulu Hawaii USA
| | - Leila Kazemi
- University of Hawaii Cancer Center Honolulu Hawaii USA
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Jonscher KR, Abrams J, Friedman JE. Maternal Diet Alters Trained Immunity in the Pathogenesis of Pediatric NAFLD. JOURNAL OF CELLULAR IMMUNOLOGY 2020; 2:315-325. [PMID: 33426540 PMCID: PMC7793570 DOI: 10.33696/immunology.2.061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Pediatric nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) affects 1 in 10 children in the US, increases risk of cirrhosis and transplantation in early adulthood, and shortens lifespan, even after transplantation. Exposure to maternal obesity and/or a diet high in fat, sugar and cholesterol is strongly associated with development of NAFLD in offspring. However, mechanisms by which "priming" of the immune system in early life increases susceptibility to NAFLD are poorly understood. Recent studies have focused on the role "non-reparative" macrophages play in accelerating inflammatory signals promoting fibrogenesis. In this Commentary, we review evidence that the pioneering gut bacteria colonizing the infant intestinal tract remodel the naïve immune system in the offspring. Epigenetic changes in hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells, induced by exposure to an obesogenic diet in utero, may skew lineage commitment of myeloid cells during gestation. Further, microbial dysbiosis in neonatal life contributes to training innate immune cell responsiveness in the gut, bone marrow, and liver, leading to developmental programming of pediatric NAFLD. Comprehensive understanding of how different gut bacteria and their byproducts shape development of the early innate immune system and microbiome will uncover early interventions to prevent NAFLD pathophysiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen R. Jonscher
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, USA
- Harold Hamm Diabetes Center, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, USA
| | - Jesse Abrams
- Harold Hamm Diabetes Center, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, USA
| | - Jacob E. Friedman
- Harold Hamm Diabetes Center, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, USA
- Departments of Physiology and Pediatrics, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, USA
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