1
|
Mokarat M, Lomthaisong K, Robson MG, Keithmaleesatti S. Effects of blood mercury accumulation on DNA methylation levels in the Khorat snail-eating turtle (Malayemys khoratensis). ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2024; 269:115770. [PMID: 38043412 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2023.115770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) has adverse effects on humans and wildlife. Hg exposure can cause significant alterations in DNA methylation, an epigenetic modification that causes various illnesses. Hg accumulation in the blood of the Khorat snail-eating turtle (Malayemys khoratensis) from northeastern Thailand was previously reported. Thus, this study aimed to assess total mercury (THg) levels in M. khoratensis blood and to examine the impact of these concentrations on DNA methylation (5-methylcytosine, 5-mC) levels. We divided turtles based on morphological characteristics into two groups, normal and deformed, and then the levels of each variable in both groups were assessed. The deformed group presented higher mean THg concentration and DNA methylation levels compared to the normal group; however, the differences were not significant. Additionally, we found no correlation between DNA methylation levels and THg concentrations in both groups. This study is the first attempt to investigate the relationship between mercury accumulation and DNA methylation in the blood of deformed freshwater turtles.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Monthakarn Mokarat
- Department of Environmental Science, Faculty of Science, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand
| | - Khemika Lomthaisong
- Forensic Science Program, Faculty of Science, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand
| | - Mark Gregory Robson
- School of Environmental and Biological Sciences, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA
| | - Sarun Keithmaleesatti
- Department of Environmental Science, Faculty of Science, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Chbihi K, Menouni A, Hardy E, Creta M, Grova N, Van Nieuwenhuyse A, Godderis L, El Jaafari S, Duca RC. Exposure of children to brominated flame retardants and heavy metals in Morocco: Urine and blood levels in association with global cytosine and adenine methylation. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2024; 183:108409. [PMID: 38185044 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2023.108409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2023] [Revised: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
Persistent pollutants, namely brominated flame retardants (BFRs) and heavy metals, are compounds that are added to a wide range of products and materials for preventing ignition, increasing the functionality of materials or improving their performance, e.g. electric conductivity. The exposure of children might consequently be inferred, through indoor dust and hand-to-mouth or toy-chewing behaviors. The current study is aimed at assessing the exposure of Moroccan children to BFRs and heavy metal elements, and evaluating their associations with global DNA methylation. First, parents responded to a questionnaire pertaining to children's lifestyle, then blood and urine samples were collected from (n = 93) children aged between 5 and 11 years for biomonitoring and DNA methylation analysis. BFRs were detected in 54.84% of samples with a median concentration of 0.01 nmol/mL (range: 0.004-0.051 nmol/mL) while metal elements were detected in more than 90% of samples. BFRs showed no variations with global DNA methylation, unlike metal elements, which revealed significant associations with global DNA methylation markers, namely 5-mC, 5-hmC and N⁶-mA levels. Moroccan children may be exposed to flame retardants and heavy metals through several routes. Further research is required to assess the exposure and the health impacts of environmental pollutants and ultimately protect the Moroccan population by the prevention of adverse health effects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kaoutar Chbihi
- Cluster of Competences on Health & Environment, Moulay Ismail University, Meknes 50000, Morocco; Center for Environment & Health, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine, Katholieke Universiteit of Leuven, Leuven 3000, Belgium; Unit of Environmental Hygiene and Human Biological Monitoring, Department of Health Protection, Laboratoire National de Santé (LNS), Dudelange L-3555, Luxembourg.
| | - Aziza Menouni
- Cluster of Competences on Health & Environment, Moulay Ismail University, Meknes 50000, Morocco; Center for Environment & Health, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine, Katholieke Universiteit of Leuven, Leuven 3000, Belgium
| | - Emilie Hardy
- Unit of Environmental Hygiene and Human Biological Monitoring, Department of Health Protection, Laboratoire National de Santé (LNS), Dudelange L-3555, Luxembourg
| | - Matteo Creta
- Center for Environment & Health, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine, Katholieke Universiteit of Leuven, Leuven 3000, Belgium; Unit of Environmental Hygiene and Human Biological Monitoring, Department of Health Protection, Laboratoire National de Santé (LNS), Dudelange L-3555, Luxembourg
| | - Nathalie Grova
- Immune Endocrine Epigenetics Research Group, Department of Infection and Immunity-Luxembourg Institute of Health, Esch-Sur-Alzette L-4354, Luxembourg; UMR Inserm 1256 nGERE, Nutrition-Génétique et exposition aux risques environnementaux, Institute of Medical Research (Pôle BMS) - University of Lorraine, B.P. 184, Nancy 54511, France
| | - An Van Nieuwenhuyse
- Center for Environment & Health, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine, Katholieke Universiteit of Leuven, Leuven 3000, Belgium; Department of Health Protection, Laboratoire National de Santé (LNS), Dudelange L-3555, Luxembourg
| | - Lode Godderis
- Center for Environment & Health, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine, Katholieke Universiteit of Leuven, Leuven 3000, Belgium; IDEWE, External Service for Prevention and Protection at Work, Heverlee 3001, Belgium
| | - Samir El Jaafari
- Cluster of Competences on Health & Environment, Moulay Ismail University, Meknes 50000, Morocco
| | - Radu-Corneliu Duca
- Center for Environment & Health, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine, Katholieke Universiteit of Leuven, Leuven 3000, Belgium; Unit of Environmental Hygiene and Human Biological Monitoring, Department of Health Protection, Laboratoire National de Santé (LNS), Dudelange L-3555, Luxembourg.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Cediel-Ulloa A, Lindner S, Rüegg J, Broberg K. Epigenetics of methylmercury. Neurotoxicology 2023; 97:34-46. [PMID: 37164037 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuro.2023.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Revised: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Methylmercury (MeHg) is neurotoxic at high levels and particularly affects the developing brain. One proposed mechanism of MeHg neurotoxicity is alteration of the epigenetic programming. In this review, we summarise the experimental and epidemiological literature on MeHg-associated epigenetic changes. RECENT FINDINGS Experimental and epidemiological studies have identified changes in DNA methylation following in utero exposure to MeHg, and some of the changes appear to be persistent. A few studies have evaluated associations between MeHg-related changes in DNA methylation and neurodevelopmental outcomes. Experimental studies reveal changes in histone modifications after MeHg exposure, but we lack epidemiological studies supporting such changes in humans. Experimental and epidemiological studies have identified microRNA-related changes associated with MeHg; however, more research is needed to conclude if these changes lead to persistent and toxic effects. SUMMARY MeHg appears to interfere with epigenetic processes, potentially leading to persistent changes. However, observed associations of mercury with epigenetic changes are as of yet of unknown relevance to neurodevelopmental outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Cediel-Ulloa
- Department of Organism Biology, Uppsala University, Kåbovägen 4, 752 36 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Sabrina Lindner
- Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Joëlle Rüegg
- Department of Organism Biology, Uppsala University, Kåbovägen 4, 752 36 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Karin Broberg
- Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden; Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Paz-Sabillón M, Torres-Sánchez L, Piña-Pozas M, Del Razo LM, Quintanilla-Vega B. Prenatal Exposure to Potentially Toxic Metals and Their Effects on Genetic Material in Offspring: a Systematic Review. Biol Trace Elem Res 2023; 201:2125-2150. [PMID: 35713810 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-022-03323-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
In recent years, the background level of environmental pollutants, including metals, has increased. Pollutant exposure during the earliest stages of life may determine chronic disease susceptibility in adulthood because of genetic or epigenetic changes. The objective of this review was to identify the association between prenatal and early postnatal exposure to potentially toxic metals (PTMs) and their adverse effects on the genetic material of offspring. A systematic review was carried out following the Cochrane methodology in four databases: PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library. Eligible papers were those conducted in humans and published in English between 2010/01/01 and 2021/04/30. A total of 57 articles were included, most of which evaluated prenatal exposure. Most commonly evaluated PTMs were As, Cd, and Pb. Main adverse effects on the genetic material of newborns associated with PTM prenatal exposure were alterations in telomere length, gene or protein expression, mitochondrial DNA content, metabolomics, DNA damage, and epigenetic modifications. Many of these effects were sex-specific, being predominant in boys. One article reported a synergistic interaction between As and Hg, and two articles observed antagonistic interactions between PTMs and essential metals, such as Cu, Se, and Zn. The findings in this review highlight that the problem of PTM exposure persists, affecting the most susceptible populations, such as newborns. Some of these associations were observed at low concentrations of PTMs. Most of the studies have focused on single exposures; however, three interactions between essential and nonessential metals were observed, highlighting that metal mixtures need more attention.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marvin Paz-Sabillón
- Department of Toxicology, Cinvestav, Ave. IPN 2508, San Pedro Zacatenco, 07360, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Luisa Torres-Sánchez
- National Institute of Public Health, Ave. Universidad 655, Santa María Ahuacatitlán, 62100, Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico
| | - Maricela Piña-Pozas
- National Institute of Public Health, Ave. Universidad 655, Santa María Ahuacatitlán, 62100, Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico
| | - Luz M Del Razo
- Department of Toxicology, Cinvestav, Ave. IPN 2508, San Pedro Zacatenco, 07360, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Betzabet Quintanilla-Vega
- Department of Toxicology, Cinvestav, Ave. IPN 2508, San Pedro Zacatenco, 07360, Mexico City, Mexico.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Parsons E, Rifas-Shiman SL, Bozack AK, Baccarelli AA, DeMeo DL, Hivert MF, Godderis L, Duca RC, Oken E, Cardenas A. Prenatal trimester-specific intake of micronutrients: global DNA methylation and hydroxymethylation at birth and persistence in childhood. J Dev Orig Health Dis 2023; 14:311-318. [PMID: 36515010 PMCID: PMC9998337 DOI: 10.1017/s2040174422000642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The prenatal environment may program health and disease susceptibility via epigenetic mechanisms. We evaluated associations of maternal trimester-specific intake of micronutrients with global DNA methylation (%5mC) and 5-hydroxymethylation (%5hmC) at birth in cord blood and tested for persistence into childhood. We quantified global %5mC and %5hmC in cord blood cells (n = 434) and in leukocytes collected in early (n = 108) and mid-childhood (n = 390) from children in Project Viva, a pre-birth cohort from Boston, MA. Validated food frequency questionnaires estimated maternal first- and second-trimester intakes of vitamin B2, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, folate, betaine, choline, methionine, iron, and zinc. Mean (SD) cord blood %5mC and %5hmC was 5.62% (2.04) and 0.25% (0.15), respectively. Each μg increase in first-trimester B12 intake was associated with 0.002 lower %5hmC in cord blood (95% CI: -0.005, -0.0003), and this association persisted in early childhood (β = -0.007; 95% CI: -0.01, -0.001) but not mid-childhood. Second-trimester iron (mg) was associated with 0.01 lower %5mC (95% CI: -0.02, -0.002) and 0.001 lower %5hmC (95% CI: -0.01, -0.00001) in cord blood only. Increased second-trimester zinc (mg) intake was associated with 0.003 greater %5hmC in early childhood (β = 0.003; 95% CI: 0.0004, 0.006). Second-trimester folate was positively associated with %5hmC in early childhood only (β = 0.08, 95% CI: 0.003, 0.16). Associations did not survive multiple testing adjustment; future replication is needed. Trimester-specific nutrients may impact various sensitive windows of epigenetic programming some with lasting effects in childhood. Further research is needed to understand the role of gene-specific epigenetic changes and how global DNA methylation measures relate to child health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ella Parsons
- Division of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Sheryl L. Rifas-Shiman
- Division of Chronic Disease Research Across the Lifecourse, Department of Population Medicine, Harvard Medical School and Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Anne K. Bozack
- Division of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Andrea A. Baccarelli
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Dawn L. DeMeo
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Marie-France Hivert
- Division of Chronic Disease Research Across the Lifecourse, Department of Population Medicine, Harvard Medical School and Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute, Boston, MA, USA
- Diabetes Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Lode Godderis
- Centre for Environment & Health, Department of Public Health & Primary Care, University of Leuven (KU Leuven), Belgium
- IDEWE, External service for prevention and protection at work, Heverlee, Belgium
| | - Radu-Corneliu Duca
- Centre for Environment & Health, Department of Public Health & Primary Care, University of Leuven (KU Leuven), Belgium
- Environmantal Hygiene and Biological Surveillance at the National Health Laboratory (LNS), Luxembourg
| | - Emily Oken
- Division of Chronic Disease Research Across the Lifecourse, Department of Population Medicine, Harvard Medical School and Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Andres Cardenas
- Division of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
- Center for Computational Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Schrott R, Song A, Ladd-Acosta C. Epigenetics as a Biomarker for Early-Life Environmental Exposure. Curr Environ Health Rep 2022; 9:604-624. [PMID: 35907133 DOI: 10.1007/s40572-022-00373-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW There is interest in evaluating the developmental origins of health and disease (DOHaD) which emphasizes the role of prenatal and early-life environments on non-communicable health outcomes throughout the life course. The ability to rigorously assess and identify early-life risk factors for later health outcomes, including those with childhood onset, in large population samples is often limited due to measurement challenges such as impractical costs associated with prospective studies with a long follow-up duration, short half-lives for some environmental toxicants, and lack of biomarkers that capture inter-individual differences in biologic response to external environments. RECENT FINDINGS Epigenomic patterns, and DNA methylation in particular, have emerged as a potential objective biomarker to address some of these study design and exposure measurement challenges. In this article, we summarize the literature to date on epigenetic changes associated with specific prenatal and early-life exposure domains as well as exposure mixtures in human observational studies and their biomarker potential. Additionally, we highlight evidence for other types of epigenetic patterns to serve as exposure biomarkers. Evidence strongly supports epigenomic biomarkers of exposure that are detectable across the lifespan and across a range of exposure domains. Current and future areas of research in this field seek to expand these lines of evidence to other environmental exposures, to determine their specificity, and to develop predictive algorithms and methylation scores that can be used to evaluate early-life risk factors for health outcomes across the life span.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rose Schrott
- Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Ashley Song
- Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Christine Ladd-Acosta
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N. Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Tung PW, Kennedy EM, Burt A, Hermetz K, Karagas M, Marsit CJ. Prenatal lead (Pb) exposure is associated with differential placental DNA methylation and hydroxymethylation in a human population. Epigenetics 2022; 17:2404-2420. [PMID: 36148884 PMCID: PMC9665158 DOI: 10.1080/15592294.2022.2126087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2022] [Revised: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Prenatal lead (Pb) exposure is associated with adverse developmental outcomes and to epigenetic alterations such as DNA methylation and hydroxymethylation in animal models and in newborn blood. Given the importance of the placenta in foetal development, we sought to examine how prenatal Pb exposure was associated with differential placental DNA methylation and hydroxymethylation and to identify affected biological pathways linked to developmental outcomes. Maternal (n = 167) and infant (n = 172) toenail and placenta (n = 115) samples for prenatal Pb exposure were obtained from participants in a US birth cohort, and methylation and hydroxymethylation data were quantified using the Illumina Infinium MethylationEPIC BeadChip. An epigenome-wide association study was applied to identify differential methylation and hydroxymethylation associated with Pb exposure. Biological functions of the Pb-associated genes were determined by overrepresentation analysis through ConsensusPathDB. Prenatal Pb quantified from maternal toenail, infant toenail, and placenta was associated with 480, 27, and 2 differentially methylated sites (q < 0.05), respectively, with both increases and decreases associated with exposure. Alternatively, we identified 2, 1, and 14 differentially hydroxymethylated site(s) associated with maternal toenail, infant toenail, and placental Pb, respectively, with most showing increases in hydroxymethylation with exposure. Significantly overrepresented pathways amongst genes associated with differential methylation and hydroxymethylation (q < 0.10) included mechanisms pertaining to nervous system and organ development, calcium transport and regulation, and signalling activities. Our results suggest that both methylation and hydroxymethylation in the placenta can be variable based on Pb exposure and that the pathways impacted could affect placental function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pei Wen Tung
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Elizabeth M. Kennedy
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Amber Burt
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Karen Hermetz
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Margaret Karagas
- Department of Epidemiology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, Lebanon
| | - Carmen J. Marsit
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Jain VG, Monangi N, Zhang G, Muglia LJ. Genetics, epigenetics, and transcriptomics of preterm birth. Am J Reprod Immunol 2022; 88:e13600. [PMID: 35818963 PMCID: PMC9509423 DOI: 10.1111/aji.13600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2022] [Revised: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Preterm birth contributes significantly to neonatal mortality and morbidity. Despite its global significance, there has only been limited progress in preventing preterm birth. Spontaneous preterm birth (sPTB) results from a wide variety of pathological processes. Although many non-genetic risk factors influence the timing of gestation and labor, compelling evidence supports the role of substantial genetic and epigenetic influences and their interactions with the environment contributing to sPTB. To investigate a common and complex disease such as sPTB, various approaches such as genome-wide association studies, whole-exome sequencing, transcriptomics, and integrative approaches combining these with other 'omics studies have been used. However, many of these studies were typically small or focused on a single ethnicity or geographic region with limited data, particularly in populations at high risk for sPTB, or lacked a robust replication. These studies found many genes involved in the inflammation and immunity-related pathways that may affect sPTB. Recent studies also suggest the role of epigenetic modifications of gene expression by the environmental signals as a potential contributor to the risk of sPTB. Future genetic studies of sPTB should continue to consider the contributions of both maternal and fetal genomes as well as their interaction with the environment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Viral G. Jain
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Nagendra Monangi
- Division of Neonatology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
- Center for Prevention of Preterm Birth, Perinatal Institute, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center and March of Dimes Prematurity Research Center Ohio Collaborative, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Ge Zhang
- Center for Prevention of Preterm Birth, Perinatal Institute, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center and March of Dimes Prematurity Research Center Ohio Collaborative, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
- Division of Human Genetics, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Louis J. Muglia
- Center for Prevention of Preterm Birth, Perinatal Institute, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center and March of Dimes Prematurity Research Center Ohio Collaborative, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
- Division of Human Genetics, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States of America
- Burroughs Wellcome Fund, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Svoboda LK, Perera BPU, Morgan RK, Polemi KM, Pan J, Dolinoy DC. Toxicoepigenetics and Environmental Health: Challenges and Opportunities. Chem Res Toxicol 2022; 35:1293-1311. [PMID: 35876266 PMCID: PMC9812000 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrestox.1c00445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
The rapidly growing field of toxicoepigenetics seeks to understand how toxicant exposures interact with the epigenome to influence disease risk. Toxicoepigenetics is a promising field of environmental health research, as integrating epigenetics into the field of toxicology will enable a more thorough evaluation of toxicant-induced disease mechanisms as well as the elucidation of the role of the epigenome as a biomarker of exposure and disease and possible mediator of exposure effects. Likewise, toxicoepigenetics will enhance our knowledge of how environmental exposures, lifestyle factors, and diet interact to influence health. Ultimately, an understanding of how the environment impacts the epigenome to cause disease may inform risk assessment, permit noninvasive biomonitoring, and provide potential opportunities for therapeutic intervention. However, the translation of research from this exciting field into benefits for human and animal health presents several challenges and opportunities. Here, we describe four significant areas in which we see opportunity to transform the field and improve human health by reducing the disease burden caused by environmental exposures. These include (1) research into the mechanistic role for epigenetic change in environment-induced disease, (2) understanding key factors influencing vulnerability to the adverse effects of environmental exposures, (3) identifying appropriate biomarkers of environmental exposures and their associated diseases, and (4) determining whether the adverse effects of environment on the epigenome and human health are reversible through pharmacologic, dietary, or behavioral interventions. We then highlight several initiatives currently underway to address these challenges.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laurie K Svoboda
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Bambarendage P U Perera
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Rachel K Morgan
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Katelyn M Polemi
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Junru Pan
- Department Nutritional Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Dana C Dolinoy
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
- Department Nutritional Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Zhang M, Liu C, Li WD, Xu XD, Cui FP, Chen PP, Deng YL, Miao Y, Luo Q, Zeng JY, Lu TT, Shi T, Zeng Q. Individual and mixtures of metal exposures in associations with biomarkers of oxidative stress and global DNA methylation among pregnant women. CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 293:133662. [PMID: 35063557 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.133662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Revised: 12/09/2021] [Accepted: 01/15/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prenatal exposure to metals has been linked with adverse pregnancy outcomes. Oxidative stress and epigenetic changes are potential mechanisms of action. OBJECTIVES We aimed to examine the associations of individual and mixtures of metal exposures with oxidative stress and DNA methylation among pregnant women. METHODS We measured a panel of 16 metals and 3 oxidative stress biomarkers including 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal-mercapturic acid (HNE-MA) and 8-isoprostaglandin F2α (8-isoPGF2α) in urine from 113 pregnant women in a Chinese cohort. Biomarkers of global DNA methylation including Alu and long interspersed nucleotide element-1 (LINE-1) in cord blood were measured. Multivariable linear regression and Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) models were separately applied to estimate the associations between individual and mixtures of metal exposures and biomarkers of oxidative stress and global DNA methylation. RESULTS In single-metal analyses, we observed positive associations between 11 metals [arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), thallium (Tl), barium (Ba), nickel (Ni), vanadium (V), cobalt (Co), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), selenium (Se) and molybdenum (Mo)] and at least one of oxidative stress biomarkers (all FDR-adjusted P-values < 0.05). In mixture analyses, we found positive overall associations of metal mixtures with 8-OHdG and 8-isoPGF2α, and Se was the most important predictor. There was no evidence on associations of urinary metals as individual chemicals and mixtures with Alu and LINE-1 methylation. CONCLUSION Urinary metals as individual chemicals and mixtures were associated with increased oxidative stress, especially Se.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Min Zhang
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
| | - Chong Liu
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
| | - Wen-Ding Li
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
| | - Xue-Dan Xu
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
| | - Fei-Peng Cui
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
| | - Pan-Pan Chen
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
| | - Yan-Ling Deng
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
| | - Yu Miao
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
| | - Qiong Luo
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
| | - Jia-Yue Zeng
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
| | - Ting-Ting Lu
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
| | - Tian Shi
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
| | - Qiang Zeng
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Lozano M, Yousefi P, Broberg K, Soler-Blasco R, Miyashita C, Pesce G, Kim WJ, Rahman M, Bakulski KM, Haug LS, Ikeda-Araki A, Huel G, Park J, Relton C, Vrijheid M, Rifas-Shiman S, Oken E, Dou JF, Kishi R, Gutzkow KB, Annesi-Maesano I, Won S, Hivert MF, Fallin MD, Vafeiadi M, Ballester F, Bustamante M, Llop S. DNA methylation changes associated with prenatal mercury exposure: A meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies from PACE consortium. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 204:112093. [PMID: 34562483 PMCID: PMC10879652 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.112093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Revised: 09/17/2021] [Accepted: 09/18/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) is a ubiquitous heavy metal that originates from both natural and anthropogenic sources and is transformed in the environment to its most toxicant form, methylmercury (MeHg). Recent studies suggest that MeHg exposure can alter epigenetic modifications during embryogenesis. In this study, we examined associations between prenatal MeHg exposure and levels of cord blood DNA methylation (DNAm) by meta-analysis in up to seven independent studies (n = 1462) as well as persistence of those relationships in blood from 7 to 8 year-old children (n = 794). In cord blood, we found limited evidence of differential DNAm at cg24184221 in MED31 (β = 2.28 × 10-4, p-value = 5.87 × 10-5) in relation to prenatal MeHg exposure. In child blood, we identified differential DNAm at cg15288800 (β = 0.004, p-value = 4.97 × 10-5), also located in MED31. This repeated link to MED31, a gene involved in lipid metabolism and RNA Polymerase II transcription function, may suggest a DNAm perturbation related to MeHg exposure that persists into early childhood. Further, we found evidence for association between prenatal MeHg exposure and child blood DNAm levels at two additional CpGs: cg12204245 (β = 0.002, p-value = 4.81 × 10-7) in GRK1 and cg02212000 (β = -0.001, p-value = 8.13 × 10-7) in GGH. Prenatal MeHg exposure was associated with DNAm modifications that may influence health outcomes, such as cognitive or anthropometric development, in different populations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Manuel Lozano
- Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Food Sciences, Toxicology and Forensic Medicine Department, Universitat de València, Valencia, Spain; Epidemiology and Environmental Health Joint Research Unit, FISABIO-Universitat Jaume I-Universitat de València, Valencia, Spain.
| | - Paul Yousefi
- MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom; Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Karin Broberg
- Unit of Metals and Health, Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden; Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Raquel Soler-Blasco
- Epidemiology and Environmental Health Joint Research Unit, FISABIO-Universitat Jaume I-Universitat de València, Valencia, Spain
| | - Chihiro Miyashita
- Center for Environmental and Health Sciences, Hokkaido University, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Giancarlo Pesce
- INSERM UMR1018, Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, Centre for Epidemiology and Public Health (CESP), Villejuif, France
| | - Woo Jin Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine and Environmental Health Center, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, South Korea
| | - Mohammad Rahman
- Division of Chronic Disease Research Across the Lifecourse, Department of Population Medicine, Harvard Medical School and Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Kelly M Bakulski
- School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Line S Haug
- Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Division of Climate and Environment, Oslo, Norway
| | - Atsuko Ikeda-Araki
- Center for Environmental and Health Sciences, Hokkaido University, Hokkaido, Japan; Faculty of Health Sciences, Hokkaido University, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Guy Huel
- INSERM UMR1018, Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, Centre for Epidemiology and Public Health (CESP), Villejuif, France
| | - Jaehyun Park
- Interdisciplinary Program of Bioinformatics, College of Natural Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Caroline Relton
- MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom; Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Martine Vrijheid
- Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain; ISGlobal, Barcelona, Spain; Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sheryl Rifas-Shiman
- Division of Chronic Disease Research Across the Lifecourse, Department of Population Medicine, Harvard Medical School and Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Emily Oken
- Division of Chronic Disease Research Across the Lifecourse, Department of Population Medicine, Harvard Medical School and Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute, Boston, MA, United States
| | - John F Dou
- School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Reiko Kishi
- Center for Environmental and Health Sciences, Hokkaido University, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Kristine B Gutzkow
- Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Division of Climate and Environment, Oslo, Norway
| | - Isabella Annesi-Maesano
- INSERM UMR1302, Montpellier University, Insitut Desbrest d'Épidémiologie et de Santé Publique (IDESP), Montpellier, France
| | - Sungho Won
- Interdisciplinary Program of Bioinformatics, College of Natural Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea; Department of Public Health Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Marie-France Hivert
- Division of Chronic Disease Research Across the Lifecourse, Department of Population Medicine, Harvard Medical School and Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute, Boston, MA, United States; Diabetes Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - M Daniele Fallin
- Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Marina Vafeiadi
- Department of Social Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Ferran Ballester
- Epidemiology and Environmental Health Joint Research Unit, FISABIO-Universitat Jaume I-Universitat de València, Valencia, Spain; Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain; School of Nursing, Universitat de València, Valencia, Spain
| | - Mariona Bustamante
- Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain; ISGlobal, Barcelona, Spain; Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sabrina Llop
- Epidemiology and Environmental Health Joint Research Unit, FISABIO-Universitat Jaume I-Universitat de València, Valencia, Spain; Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Fragki S, Hoogenveen R, van Oostrom C, Schwillens P, Piersma AH, Zeilmaker MJ. Integrating in vitro chemical transplacental passage into a generic PBK model: A QIVIVE approach. Toxicology 2022; 465:153060. [PMID: 34871708 DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2021.153060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2021] [Revised: 11/19/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
With the increasing application of cell culture models as primary tools for predicting chemical safety, the quantitative extrapolation of the effective dose from in vitro to in vivo (QIVIVE) is of increasing importance. For developmental toxicity this requires scaling the in vitro observed dose-response characteristics to in vivo fetal exposure, while integrating maternal in vivo kinetics during pregnancy, in particular transplacental transfer. Here the transfer of substances across the placental barrier, has been studied using the in vitro BeWo cell assay and six embryotoxic compounds of different kinetic complexity. The BeWo assay results were incorporated in an existing generic Physiologically Based Kinetic (PBK) model which for this purpose was extended with rat pregnancy. Finally, as a "proof of principle", the BeWo PBK model was used to perform a QIVIVE based on developmental toxicity as observed in various different in vitro toxicity assays. The BeWo results illustrated different transport profiles of the chemicals across the BeWo monolayer, allocating the substances into two distinct groups: the 'quickly-transported' and the 'slowly-transported'. BeWo PBK exposure simulations during gestation were compared to experimentally measured maternal blood and fetal concentrations and a reverse dosimetry approach was applied to translate in vitro observed embryotoxicity into equivalent in vivo dose-response curves. This approach allowed for a direct comparison of the in vitro dose-response characteristics as observed in the Whole Embryo Culture (WEC), and the Embryonic Stem Cell test (cardiac:ESTc and neural:ESTn) with in vivo rat developmental toxicity data. Overall, the in vitro to in vivo comparisons suggest a promising future for the application of such QIVIVE methodologies for screening and prioritization purposes of developmental toxicants. Nevertheless, the clear need for further improvements is acknowledged for a wider application of the approach in chemical safety assessment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Styliani Fragki
- Centre for Health Protection, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, the Netherlands.
| | - Rudolf Hoogenveen
- Centre for Statistics, Informatics and Modelling, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, the Netherlands
| | - Conny van Oostrom
- Centre for Health Protection, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, the Netherlands
| | - Paul Schwillens
- Centre for Health Protection, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, the Netherlands
| | - Aldert H Piersma
- Centre for Health Protection, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, the Netherlands; Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Utrecht University, P.O. Box 80178, 3508 TD, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Marco J Zeilmaker
- Centre for Nutrition, Prevention and Health Services, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, the Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Egba SI, Famurewa AC, Omoruyi LE. Buchholzia coriacea seed extract attenuates mercury-induced cerebral and cerebellar oxidative neurotoxicity via NO signaling and suppression of oxidative stress, adenosine deaminase and acetylcholinesterase activities in rats. AVICENNA JOURNAL OF PHYTOMEDICINE 2022; 12:42-53. [PMID: 35145894 PMCID: PMC8801217 DOI: 10.22038/ajp.2021.18262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2020] [Revised: 12/18/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Mercury (Hg) is a classic cumulative neurotoxicant implicated in neuronal deficit via oxidative damage and inflammatory responses. We sought to investigate whether Buccholzia coriacea seed methanol extract (BCSE) would modulate oxidative neurotoxicity induced by Hg in rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS Rats were orally treated with BCSE (200 or 400 mg/kg body weight of rat) for 28 days, while Hg was administered from day 15 to day 28. After sacrifice, antioxidant enzyme activities, reduced glutathione (GSH), nitric oxide (NO), malondialdehyde (MDA), and acetylcholinesterase (AchE) and adenine deaminase (ADA) activities were evaluated in the cerebrum and cerebellum of rats. RESULTS Mercury induced significant depressions in catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities and GSH levels, whereas levels of NO and activities of AchE and ADA markedly increased. The histopathology of the brain tissues confirmed these changes. In contrast, BCSE administration prominently modulated the brain NO production and reversed the Hg-induced biochemical alterations comparable to normal control. CONCLUSION Methanol extract of B. coriacea seeds protects the cerebrum and cerebellum against Hg-induced brain damage via its antioxidant and NO modulatory actions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Simeon I Egba
- Department of Biochemistry, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Abia State, Nigeria
| | - Ademola C Famurewa
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Alex-Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike, Ikwo, Ebonyi State, Nigeria
| | - Lilian E Omoruyi
- Department of Biochemistry, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Abia State, Nigeria
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Sinha N, Lydia Walker G, Sen A. Looking at the Future Through the Mother's Womb: Gestational Diabetes and Offspring Fertility. Endocrinology 2021; 162:6379047. [PMID: 34597389 PMCID: PMC8520322 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqab209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Altered nutrition or intrauterine exposure to various adverse conditions during fetal development or earlier in a mother's life can lead to epigenetic changes in fetal tissues, predisposing those tissues to diseases that manifest when offspring become adults. An example is a maternal obesity associated with gestational diabetes (GDM), where fetal exposure to a hyperglycemic, hyperinsulinemic, and/or hyperlipidemic gestational environment can provoke epigenetic changes that predispose offspring to various diseased conditions later in life. While it is now well established that offspring exposed to GDM have an increased risk of developing obesity, metabolic disorders, and/or cardiovascular disease in adult life, there are limited studies assessing the reproductive health of these offspring. This mini-review discusses the long-term effect of in utero exposure to GDM-associated adverse prenatal environment on the reproductive health of the offspring. Moreover, using evidence from various animal models and human epidemiological studies, this review offers molecular insight and understanding of how epigenetic reprogramming of genes culminates in reproductive dysfunction and the development of subfertility or infertility later in adult life.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Niharika Sinha
- Reproductive and Developmental Sciences Program, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, USA
- Department of Animal Sciences, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, USA
| | - Gretchen Lydia Walker
- Reproductive and Developmental Sciences Program, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, USA
- Department of Animal Sciences, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, USA
| | - Aritro Sen
- Reproductive and Developmental Sciences Program, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, USA
- Department of Animal Sciences, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, USA
- Correspondence: Aritro Sen, PhD, Reproductive and Developmental Sciences Program, 3013 Interdisciplinary Science & Technology Building, Michigan State University, 766 Service Rd, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Ke T, Tinkov AA, Skalny AV, Bowman AB, Rocha JBT, Santamaria A, Aschner M. Developmental exposure to methylmercury and ADHD, a literature review of epigenetic studies. ENVIRONMENTAL EPIGENETICS 2021; 7:dvab014. [PMID: 34881051 PMCID: PMC8648069 DOI: 10.1093/eep/dvab014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2021] [Revised: 09/20/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects the competence of academic performance and social wellness in children and adults. The causes of ADHD are unclear. Both genetic and environmental factors contribute to the development of ADHD. The behavioral impairments in ADHD are associated with epigenetic changes in genes that are important for neurodevelopment. Among environmental causes of ADHD, the neurotoxin methylmercury (MeHg) is associated with an increased risk for ADHD. Developing children are susceptible to neurotoxic effects of prenatal MeHg exposure. Human epidemiology studies have shown that prenatal MeHg exposure could invoke epigenetic changes in genes that are involved in ADHD. In addition, the pathogenesis of ADHD involves dopaminergic system, which is a target of developmental MeHg exposure. MeHg-induced alterations in the dopaminergic system have a profound impact on behavioral functions in adults. As a trace level of MeHg (around nM) can induce long-lasting behavioral alterations, potential mechanisms of MeHg-induced functional changes in the dopaminergic system may involve epigenetic mechanisms. Here, we review the relevant evidence on developmental MeHg exposures and the risk for ADHD. We also point out research gaps in understanding environmental causes of ADHD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tao Ke
- **Correspondence address. Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 1300 Morris Park Avenue, Forchheimer Building, Room 209, Bronx, NY 10461, USA. Tel: +1 718 430 4047; Fax: +1 718 430 8922; E-mail:
| | - Alexey A Tinkov
- World-Class Research Center “Digital Biodesign and Personalized Healthcare”, IM Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow 119435, Russia
- Laboratory of Ecobiomonitoring and Quality Control, Yaroslavl State University, Yaroslavl 150003, Russia
| | - Antoly V Skalny
- World-Class Research Center “Digital Biodesign and Personalized Healthcare”, IM Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow 119435, Russia
- Laboratory of Medical Elementology, K.G. Razumovsky Moscow State University of Technologies and Management, Moscow 109004, Russia
| | - Aaron B Bowman
- School of Health Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907-2051, USA
| | - Joao B T Rocha
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Santa Maria, Santa Maria, RS 97105-900, Brazil
| | - Abel Santamaria
- Laboratorio de Aminoácidos Excitadores, Instituto Nacional de Neurología y Neurocirugía, Mexico City 14269, Mexico
| | - Michael Aschner
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 1300 Morris Park Avenue, Forchheimer Building, Room 209, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Vaiserman A, Lushchak O. DNA methylation changes induced by prenatal toxic metal exposure: An overview of epidemiological evidence. ENVIRONMENTAL EPIGENETICS 2021; 7:dvab007. [PMID: 34631153 PMCID: PMC8493661 DOI: 10.1093/eep/dvab007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2021] [Revised: 04/06/2021] [Accepted: 09/19/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Accumulating evidence suggests that exposure to unfavorable conditions early in life can substantially contribute to the risk of chronic disorders later in life ('developmental programming' phenomenon). The mechanistic basis for this phenomenon remains poorly understood so far, although epigenetic mechanisms such as DNA methylation, histone modifications and microRNA-mediated gene regulation apparently play a crucial role. The key role of epigenetic modifications triggered by unfavorable environmental cues during sensitive developmental periods in linking adverse early-life events to later-life health outcomes is evident from a large body of studies, including methylome-wide association studies and research of candidate genes. Toxic metals (TMs), such as heavy metals, including lead, chromium, cadmium, arsenic, mercury, etc., are among environmental contaminants currently most significantly impacting human health status. Since TMs can cross the placental barrier and accumulate in fetal tissues, exposure to high doses of these xenobiotics early in development is considered to be among important factors contributing to the developmental programming of adult-life diseases in modern societies. In this mini-review, we summarize epidemiological findings indicating that prenatal TM exposure can induce epigenetic dysregulation, thereby potentially affecting adult health outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Vaiserman
- Laboratory of Epigenetics, D.F. Chebotarev Institute of Gerontology, NAMS, 67 Vyshgorodska str., Kyiv 04114, Ukraine
| | - Oleh Lushchak
- *Correspondence address. Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Vasyl Stefanyk Precarpathian National University, 57 Shevchenka str., Ivano-Frankivsk 76018, Ukraine. Tel/Fax: +38 0342 71 46 83; E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Weyde KVF, Olsen AK, Duale N, Kamstra JH, Skogheim TS, Caspersen IH, Engel SM, Biele G, Xia Y, Meltzer HM, Aase H, Villanger GD. Gestational blood levels of toxic metal and essential element mixtures and associations with global DNA methylation in pregnant women and their infants. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 787:147621. [PMID: 34000534 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.147621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2021] [Revised: 03/24/2021] [Accepted: 05/03/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pregnant women and their fetuses are exposed to multiple toxic metals that together with variations in essential element levels may alter epigenetic regulation, such as DNA methylation. OBJECTIVES The aim of the study was to investigate the associations between gestational levels of toxic metals and essential elements and mixtures thereof, with global DNA methylation levels in pregnant women and their newborn children. METHODS Using 631 mother-child pairs from a prospective birth cohort (The Norwegian Mother, Father and Child Cohort Study), we measured maternal blood concentration (gestation week ~18) of five toxic metals and seven essential elements. We investigated associations as individual exposures and two-way interactions, using elastic net regression, and total mixture, using quantile g-computation, with blood levels of 5-methylcytocine (5mC) and 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC) in mothers during pregnancy and their newborn children (cord blood). Multiple testing was adjusted for using the Benjamini and Hochberg false discovery rate (FDR) approach. RESULTS The most sensitive marker of DNA methylation appeared to be 5mC levels. In pregnant mothers, elastic net regression indicated associations between 5mC and selenium and lead (non-linear), while in newborns results indicated relationships between maternal selenium, cobalt (non-linear) and mercury and 5mC, as well as copper (non-linear) and 5hmC levels. Several possible two-way interactions were identified (e.g. arsenic and mercury, and selenium and maternal smoking in newborns). None of these findings met the FDR threshold for multiple testing. No net effect was observed in the joint (mixture) exposure-approach using quantile g-computation. CONCLUSION We identified few associations between gestational levels of several toxic metals and essential elements and global DNA methylation in pregnant mothers and their newborn children. As DNA methylation dysregulation might be a key mechanism in disease development and thus of high importance for public health, our results should be considered as important candidates to investigate in future studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Nur Duale
- Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Jorke H Kamstra
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Department of Population Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, the Netherlands
| | | | | | - Stephanie M Engel
- Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, USA
| | - Guido Biele
- Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway; Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Yankai Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China; Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | | | - Heidi Aase
- Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | | |
Collapse
|
18
|
Fernandes SB, Grova N, Roth S, Duca RC, Godderis L, Guebels P, Mériaux SB, Lumley AI, Bouillaud-Kremarik P, Ernens I, Devaux Y, Schroeder H, Turner JD. N 6-Methyladenine in Eukaryotic DNA: Tissue Distribution, Early Embryo Development, and Neuronal Toxicity. Front Genet 2021; 12:657171. [PMID: 34108991 PMCID: PMC8181416 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.657171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
DNA methylation is one of the most important epigenetic modifications and is closely related with several biological processes such as regulation of gene transcription and the development of non-malignant diseases. The prevailing dogma states that DNA methylation in eukaryotes occurs essentially through 5-methylcytosine (5mC) but recently adenine methylation was also found to be present in eukaryotes. In mouse embryonic stem cells, 6-methyladenine (6mA) was associated with the repression and silencing of genes, particularly in the X-chromosome, known to play an important role in cell fate determination. Here, we have demonstrated that 6mA is a ubiquitous eukaryotic epigenetic modification that is put in place during epigenetically sensitive periods such as embryogenesis and fetal development. In somatic cells there are clear tissue specificity in 6mA levels, with the highest 6mA levels being observed in the brain. In zebrafish, during the first 120 h of embryo development, from a single pluripotent cell to an almost fully formed individual, 6mA levels steadily increase. An identical pattern was observed over embryonic days 7–21 in the mouse. Furthermore, exposure to a neurotoxic environmental pollutant during the same early life period may led to a decrease in the levels of this modification in female rats. The identification of the periods during which 6mA epigenetic marks are put in place increases our understanding of this mammalian epigenetic modification, and raises the possibility that it may be associated with developmental processes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sara B Fernandes
- Immune Endocrine Epigenetics Research Group, Department of Infection and Immunity, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg.,Faculty of Science, Technology and Medicine, University of Luxembourg, Belval, Luxembourg
| | - Nathalie Grova
- Immune Endocrine Epigenetics Research Group, Department of Infection and Immunity, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg.,Calbinotox, EA7488, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Lorraine, Vandoeuvre-lès-Nancy, France
| | - Sarah Roth
- Immune Endocrine Epigenetics Research Group, Department of Infection and Immunity, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
| | - Radu Corneliu Duca
- Unit Environmental Hygiene and Human Biological Monitoring, Department of Health Protection, National Health Laboratory (LNS), Dudelange, Luxembourg.,Centre for Environment and Health, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Lode Godderis
- Centre for Environment and Health, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,IDEWE, External Service for Prevention and Protection at Work, Heverlee, Belgium
| | - Pauline Guebels
- Immune Endocrine Epigenetics Research Group, Department of Infection and Immunity, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
| | - Sophie B Mériaux
- Immune Endocrine Epigenetics Research Group, Department of Infection and Immunity, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
| | - Andrew I Lumley
- Cardiovascular Research Unit, Department of Public Health, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Strassen, Luxembourg
| | | | - Isabelle Ernens
- Cardiovascular Research Unit, Department of Public Health, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Strassen, Luxembourg
| | - Yvan Devaux
- Cardiovascular Research Unit, Department of Public Health, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Strassen, Luxembourg
| | - Henri Schroeder
- Calbinotox, EA7488, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Lorraine, Vandoeuvre-lès-Nancy, France
| | - Jonathan D Turner
- Immune Endocrine Epigenetics Research Group, Department of Infection and Immunity, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Cardenas A, Fadadu RP, Van Der Laan L, Ward-Caviness C, Granger L, Diaz-Sanchez D, Devlin RB, Bind MA. Controlled human exposures to diesel exhaust: a human epigenome-wide experiment of target bronchial epithelial cells. ENVIRONMENTAL EPIGENETICS 2021; 7:dvab003. [PMID: 33859829 PMCID: PMC8035831 DOI: 10.1093/eep/dvab003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2021] [Revised: 03/05/2021] [Accepted: 03/11/2021] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Diesel exhaust (DE) is a major contributor to ambient air pollution around the world. It is a known human carcinogen that targets the respiratory system and increases risk for many diseases, but there is limited research on the effects of DE exposure on the epigenome of human bronchial epithelial cells. Understanding the epigenetic impact of this environmental pollutant can elucidate biological mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of harmful DE-related health effects. To estimate the causal effect of short-term DE exposure on the bronchial epithelial epigenome, we conducted a controlled single-blinded randomized crossover human experiment of exposure to DE and used bronchoscopy and Illumina 450K arrays for data collection and analysis, respectively. Of the 13 participants, 11 (85%) were male and 2 (15%) were female, and 12 (92%) were White and one (8%) was Hispanic; the mean age was 26 years (SD = 3.8 years). Eighty CpGs were differentially methylated, achieving the minimum possible exact P-value of P = 2.44 × 10-4 (i.e. 2/213). In regional analyses, we found two differentially methylated regions (DMRs) annotated to the chromosome 5 open reading frame 63 genes (C5orf63; 7-CpGs) and unc-45 myosin chaperone A gene (UNC45A; 5-CpGs). Both DMRs showed increased DNA methylation after DE exposure. The average causal effects for the DMRs ranged from 1.5% to 6.0% increases in DNA methylation at individual CpGs. In conclusion, we found that short-term DE alters DNA methylation of genes in target bronchial epithelial cells, demonstrating epigenetic level effects of exposure that could be implicated in pulmonary pathologies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andres Cardenas
- Division of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley; Berkeley, CA 94704, USA
- Center for Computational Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94704, USA
| | - Raj P Fadadu
- Division of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley; Berkeley, CA 94704, USA
- School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Lars Van Der Laan
- Division of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley; Berkeley, CA 94704, USA
| | - Cavin Ward-Caviness
- Public Health and Integrated Toxicology Division, Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment, US Environmental Protection Agency, Chapel Hill, NC 27709, USA
| | - Louis Granger
- Department of Statistics, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - David Diaz-Sanchez
- Public Health and Integrated Toxicology Division, Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment, US Environmental Protection Agency, Chapel Hill, NC 27709, USA
| | - Robert B Devlin
- Public Health and Integrated Toxicology Division, Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment, US Environmental Protection Agency, Chapel Hill, NC 27709, USA
| | - Marie-Abèle Bind
- Department of Statistics, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Aung MT, M Bakulski K, Feinberg JI, F Dou J, D Meeker J, Mukherjee B, Loch-Caruso R, Ladd-Acosta C, Volk HE, Croen LA, Hertz-Picciotto I, Newschaffer CJ, Fallin MD. Maternal blood metal concentrations and whole blood DNA methylation during pregnancy in the Early Autism Risk Longitudinal Investigation (EARLI). Epigenetics 2021; 17:253-268. [PMID: 33794742 DOI: 10.1080/15592294.2021.1897059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The maternal epigenome may be responsive to prenatal metals exposures. We tested whether metals are associated with concurrent differential maternal whole blood DNA methylation. In the Early Autism Risk Longitudinal Investigation cohort, we measured first or second trimester maternal blood metals concentrations (cadmium, lead, mercury, manganese, and selenium) using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. DNA methylation in maternal whole blood was measured on the Illumina 450 K array. A subset sample of 97 women had both measures available for analysis, all of whom did not report smoking during pregnancy. Linear regression was used to test for site-specific associations between individual metals and DNA methylation, adjusting for cell type composition and confounding variables. Discovery gene ontology analysis was conducted on the top 1,000 sites associated with each metal. We observed hypermethylation at 11 DNA methylation sites associated with lead (FDR False Discovery Rate q-value <0.1), near the genes CYP24A1, ASCL2, FAT1, SNX31, NKX6-2, LRC4C, BMP7, HOXC11, PCDH7, ZSCAN18, and VIPR2. Lead-associated sites were enriched (FDR q-value <0.1) for the pathways cell adhesion, nervous system development, and calcium ion binding. Manganese was associated with hypermethylation at four DNA methylation sites (FDR q-value <0.1), one of which was near the gene ARID2. Manganese-associated sites were enriched for cellular metabolism pathways (FDR q-value<0.1). Effect estimates for DNA methylation sites associated (p < 0.05) with cadmium, lead, and manganese were highly correlated (Pearson ρ > 0.86). DNA methylation sites associated with lead and manganese may be potential biomarkers of exposure or implicate downstream gene pathways.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Max T Aung
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA
| | - Kelly M Bakulski
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA
| | - Jason I Feinberg
- Wendy Klag Center for Autism and Developmental Disabilities, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, USA.,Department of Mental Health, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, USA.,Center for Epigenetics, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, USA
| | - John F Dou
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA
| | - John D Meeker
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA
| | - Bhramar Mukherjee
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA.,Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA
| | - Rita Loch-Caruso
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA
| | - Christine Ladd-Acosta
- Wendy Klag Center for Autism and Developmental Disabilities, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, USA.,Department of Epidemiology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, USA
| | - Heather E Volk
- Wendy Klag Center for Autism and Developmental Disabilities, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, USA.,Department of Mental Health, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, USA
| | - Lisa A Croen
- Division of Research, Kaiser Permanente, Oakland, USA
| | - Irva Hertz-Picciotto
- Department of Public Health Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California Davis, Davis, USA
| | - Craig J Newschaffer
- Department of Biobehavioral Health, College of Health and Human Development, Penn State University, USA
| | - M Daniele Fallin
- Wendy Klag Center for Autism and Developmental Disabilities, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, USA.,Department of Mental Health, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, USA
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Cediel Ulloa A, Gliga A, Love TM, Pineda D, Mruzek DW, Watson GE, Davidson PW, Shamlaye CF, Strain JJ, Myers GJ, van Wijngaarden E, Ruegg J, Broberg K. Prenatal methylmercury exposure and DNA methylation in seven-year-old children in the Seychelles Child Development Study. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2021; 147:106321. [PMID: 33340986 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2020.106321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2020] [Revised: 11/06/2020] [Accepted: 12/02/2020] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Methylmercury (MeHg) is present in fish and is a neurotoxicant at sufficiently high levels. One potential mechanism of MeHg toxicity early in life is epigenetic dysregulation that may affect long-term neurodevelopment. Altered DNA methylation of nervous system-related genes has been associated with adult mental health outcomes. OBJECTIVE To assess associations between prenatal MeHg exposure and DNA methylation (at the cytosine of CG dinucleotides, CpGs) in three nervous system-related genes, encoding brain-derived neurotropic factor (BDNF), glutamate receptor subunit NR2B (GRIN2B), and the glucocorticoid receptor (NR3C1), in children who were exposed to MeHg in utero. METHODS We tested 406 seven-year-old Seychellois children participating in the Seychelles Child Development Study (Nutrition Cohort 2), who were prenatally exposed to MeHg from maternal fish consumption. Total mercury in maternal hair (prenatal MeHg exposure measure) collected during pregnancy was measured using atomic absorption spectroscopy. Methylation in DNA from the children's saliva was measured by pyrosequencing. To assess associations between prenatal MeHg exposure and CpG methylation at seven years of age, we used multivariable linear regression models adjusted for covariates. RESULTS We identified associations with prenatal MeHg exposure for DNA methylation of one GRIN2B CpG and two NR3C1 CpGs out of 12 total CpG sites. Higher prenatal MeHg was associated with higher methylation for each CpG site. For example, NR3C1 CpG3 had an expected increase of 0.03-fold for each additional 1 ppm of prenatal MeHg (B = 0.030, 95% CI 0.001, 0.059; p = 0.047). Several CpG sites associated with MeHg are located in transcription factor binding sites and the observed methylation changes are predicted to lead to lower gene expression. CONCLUSIONS In a population of people who consume large amounts of fish, we showed that higher prenatal MeHg exposure was associated with differential DNA methylation at seven years of age at specific CpG sites that may influence neurodevelopment and mental health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Cediel Ulloa
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Box 210, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Organism Biology, Uppsala University, Kåbovägen 4, 752 36 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Anda Gliga
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Box 210, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Tanzy M Love
- University of Rochester Medical Center, School of Medicine and Dentistry, 601 Elmwood Ave, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
| | - Daniela Pineda
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Lund University, Scheelevägen 8, 22185 Lund, Sweden
| | - Daniel W Mruzek
- University of Rochester Medical Center, School of Medicine and Dentistry, 601 Elmwood Ave, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
| | - Gene E Watson
- University of Rochester Medical Center, School of Medicine and Dentistry, 601 Elmwood Ave, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
| | - Philip W Davidson
- University of Rochester Medical Center, School of Medicine and Dentistry, 601 Elmwood Ave, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
| | | | - J J Strain
- Nutrition Innovation Centre for Food and Health (NICHE), Ulster University, Coleraine, Northern Ireland Bt52 1SA, UK
| | - Gary J Myers
- University of Rochester Medical Center, School of Medicine and Dentistry, 601 Elmwood Ave, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
| | - Edwin van Wijngaarden
- University of Rochester Medical Center, School of Medicine and Dentistry, 601 Elmwood Ave, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
| | - Joelle Ruegg
- Department of Organism Biology, Uppsala University, Kåbovägen 4, 752 36 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Karin Broberg
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Box 210, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Laboratory Medicine, Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Lund University, Scheelevägen 8, 22185 Lund, Sweden.
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Bakulski KM, Dou JF, Feinberg JI, Brieger KK, Croen LA, Hertz-Picciotto I, Newschaffer CJ, Schmidt RJ, Fallin MD. Prenatal Multivitamin Use and MTHFR Genotype Are Associated with Newborn Cord Blood DNA Methylation. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17249190. [PMID: 33317014 PMCID: PMC7764679 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17249190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2020] [Revised: 11/20/2020] [Accepted: 11/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Background: Fetal development involves cellular differentiation and epigenetic changes—complex processes that are sensitive to environmental factors. Maternal nutrient levels during pregnancy affect development, and methylene tetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) is important for processing the nutrient folate. Hypothesis: We hypothesize that supplement intake before pregnancy and maternal genotype are associated with DNA methylation in newborns. Methods: In the pregnancy cohort, Early Autism Risk Longitudinal Investigation (EARLI), health history, and genotype information was obtained (n = 249 families). Cord blood DNA methylation (n = 130) was measured using the Illumina HumanMethylation450k array and global DNA methylation levels were computed over 455,698 sites. Supplement use preconception and during pregnancy were surveyed at visits during pregnancy. We evaluated associations between maternal preconception supplement intake and global DNA methylation or DNA methylation density distributions of newborn cord blood, stratified by the presence of a variant maternal MTHFR C677T allele. Results: Maternal preconceptional multivitamin intake was associated with cord blood methylation, dependent on maternal MTHFR genotype (interaction term p = 0.013). For mothers without the MTHFR variant allele, multivitamin intake was associated with 0.96% (95% CI: 0.09, 1.83) higher global cord blood methylation (p = 0.04) and was also associated with the cumulative density distribution of methylation (p = 0.03). For mothers with at least one variant allele, multivitamin intake had a null −0.06% (95% CI: −0.45, 0.33) association with global cord blood DNA methylation, and was not associated with the cumulative density distribution (p = 0.37). Conclusions: We observed that cord blood DNA methylation was associated with maternal supplement exposure preconception and maternal genotype. Genetic context should be considered when assessing DNA methylation effects of modifiable risk factors around the time of pregnancy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kelly M. Bakulski
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; (K.M.B.); (J.F.D.); (K.K.B.)
| | - John F. Dou
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; (K.M.B.); (J.F.D.); (K.K.B.)
| | - Jason I. Feinberg
- Department of Mental Health, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA;
| | - Katharine K. Brieger
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; (K.M.B.); (J.F.D.); (K.K.B.)
| | - Lisa A. Croen
- Division of Research, Kaiser Permanente, Oakland, CA 94612, USA;
| | - Irva Hertz-Picciotto
- Department of Public Health Sciences and the M.I.N.D. Institute, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA; (I.H.-P.); (R.J.S.)
| | - Craig J. Newschaffer
- College of Health and Human Development, Penn State University, State College, PA 16802, USA;
| | - Rebecca J. Schmidt
- Department of Public Health Sciences and the M.I.N.D. Institute, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA; (I.H.-P.); (R.J.S.)
| | - M. Daniele Fallin
- Department of Mental Health, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-(410)-955-3463
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Cavalcante GM, Borges DP, de Oliveira RTG, Furtado CLM, Alves APNN, Sousa AM, de Paula DS, Filho FDR, Magalhães SMM, Ribeiro-Jr HL, Pinheiro RF. Tissue methylation and demethylation influence translesion synthesis DNA polymerases (TLS) contributing to the genesis of chromosomal abnormalities in myelodysplastic syndrome. J Clin Pathol 2020; 75:85-93. [PMID: 33234697 DOI: 10.1136/jclinpath-2020-207131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2020] [Revised: 10/21/2020] [Accepted: 11/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
AIMS DNA methylation has its distribution influenced by DNA demethylation processes with the catalytic conversion of 5-methylcytosine (5mC) into 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC). Myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) has been associated with epigenetic dysregulation of genes related to DNA repair system, chronic immune response and cell cycle. METHODS We evaluated the tissue DNA methylation/hydroxymethylation in bone marrow trephine biopsies of 73 patients with MDS, trying to correlate with the mRNA expression of 21 genes (POLH, POLL, REV3L, POLN, POLQ, POLI, POLK, IRF-1, IRF-2, IRF-3, IRF-4, IRF-5, IRF6, IRF-7, IRF-8,IRF-9, MAD2, CDC20, AURKA, AURKB and TPX2). RESULTS The M-score (5mC) was significantly higher in patients with chromosomal abnormalities than patients with normal karyotype (95% CI -27.127779 to -2.368020; p=0.022). We observed a higher 5mC/5hmC ratio in patients classified as high-risk subtypes compared with low-risk subtypes (95% CI -72.922115 to -1.855662; p=0.040) as well as patients with hypercellular bone marrow compared with patients with normocellular/hypocellular bone marrow (95% CI -69.189259 to -0.511828; p=0.047) and with the presence of dyserythropoiesis (95% CI 17.077703 to 51.331388; p=0.001). DNA pols with translesion activity are significantly influenced by methylation. As 5mC immunoexpression increases, the expressions of POLH (r=-0.816; r2 =0.665; p=0.000), POLQ (r=-0.790; r2=0.624; p=0.001), PCNA (r=-0.635; r2=0.403; p=0.020), POLK (r=-0.633; r2=0.400; p=0.036 and REV1 (r=-0.578; r2=0.334; p=0.049) decrease. CONCLUSIONS Our results confirm that there is an imbalance in the DNA methylation in MDS, influencing the development of chromosomal abnormalities which may be associated with the low expression of DNA polymerases with translesion synthesis polymerases activity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gabrielle Melo Cavalcante
- Postgraduate Program in Pathology, Federal University of Ceara, Fortaleza, Ceara, Brazil.,Cancer Cytogenomic Laboratory, Drug Research and Development Center, Federal University of Ceara, Fortaleza, Ceara, Brazil
| | - Daniela Paula Borges
- Cancer Cytogenomic Laboratory, Drug Research and Development Center, Federal University of Ceara, Fortaleza, Ceara, Brazil.,Postgraduate Program in Medical Science, Federal University of Ceara, Fortaleza, Ceara, Brazil
| | - Roberta Taiane Germano de Oliveira
- Cancer Cytogenomic Laboratory, Drug Research and Development Center, Federal University of Ceara, Fortaleza, Ceara, Brazil.,Postgraduate Program in Medical Science, Federal University of Ceara, Fortaleza, Ceara, Brazil
| | - Cristiana Libardi Miranda Furtado
- Postgraduate Program in Medical and Surgical Sciences, Universidade Federal do Ceara, Fortaleza, Ceara, Brazil.,Drug Research and Development Center, Federal University of Ceara, Fortaleza, Ceara, Brazil
| | - Ana Paula Negreiros Nunes Alves
- Department of Dental Clinic, Faculty of Pharmacy, Dentistry and Nursing, Universidade Federal do Ceara, Fortaleza, Ceara, Brazil
| | - Alceu Machado Sousa
- Department of Odontology Clinic, Universidade Federal do Ceara, Fortaleza, Ceara, Brazil
| | | | | | - Silvia Maria Meira Magalhães
- Cancer Cytogenomic Laboratory, Drug Research and Development Center, Federal University of Ceara, Fortaleza, Ceara, Brazil.,Postgraduate Program in Medical Science, Federal University of Ceara, Fortaleza, Ceara, Brazil
| | - Howard Lopes Ribeiro-Jr
- Postgraduate Program in Pathology, Federal University of Ceara, Fortaleza, Ceara, Brazil.,Cancer Cytogenomic Laboratory, Drug Research and Development Center, Federal University of Ceara, Fortaleza, Ceara, Brazil
| | - Ronald Feitosa Pinheiro
- Postgraduate Program in Pathology, Federal University of Ceara, Fortaleza, Ceara, Brazil .,Cancer Cytogenomic Laboratory, Drug Research and Development Center, Federal University of Ceara, Fortaleza, Ceara, Brazil.,Postgraduate Program in Medical Science, Federal University of Ceara, Fortaleza, Ceara, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Li H, Ryu MH, Rider CF, Tse W, Clifford RL, Aristizabal MJ, Wen W, Carlsten C. Predominant DNMT and TET mediate effects of allergen on the human bronchial epithelium in a controlled air pollution exposure study. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2020; 147:1671-1682. [PMID: 33069714 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2020.08.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2020] [Revised: 07/29/2020] [Accepted: 08/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Epidemiological data show that traffic-related air pollution contributes to the increasing prevalence and severity of asthma. DNA methylation (DNAm) changes may elucidate adverse health effects of environmental exposures. OBJECTIVES We sought to assess the effects of allergen and diesel exhaust (DE) exposures on global DNAm and its regulation enzymes in human airway epithelium. METHODS A total of 11 participants, including 7 with and 4 without airway hyperresponsiveness, were recruited for a randomized, double-blind crossover study. Each participant had 3 exposures: filtered air + saline, filtered air + allergen, and DE + allergen. Forty-eight hours postexposure, endobronchial biopsies and bronchoalveolar lavages were collected. Levels of DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs) and ten-eleven translocation (TET) enzymes, 5-methylcytosine, and 5-hydroxymethylcytosine were determined by immunohistochemistry. Cytokines and chemokines in bronchoalveolar lavages were measured by electrochemiluminescence multiplex assays. RESULTS Predominant DNMT (the most abundant among DNMT1, DNMT3A, and DNMT3B) and predominant TET (the most abundant among TET1, TET2, and TET3) were participant-dependent. 5-Methylcytosine and its regulation enzymes differed between participants with and without airway hyperresponsiveness at baseline (filtered air + saline) and in response to allergen challenge (regardless of DE exposure). Predominant DNMT and predominant TET correlated with lung function. Allergen challenge effect on IL-8 in bronchoalveolar lavages was modified by TET2 baseline levels in the epithelium. CONCLUSIONS Response to allergen challenge is associated with key DNAm regulation enzymes. This relationship is generally unaltered by DE coexposure but is rather dependent on airway hyperresponsiveness status. These enzymes therefore warranted further inquiry regarding their potential in diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of asthma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hang Li
- Department of Otolaryngology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China; Air Pollution Exposure Laboratory, Department of Medicine, Division of Respiratory Medicine, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Min Hyung Ryu
- Air Pollution Exposure Laboratory, Department of Medicine, Division of Respiratory Medicine, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Christopher F Rider
- Air Pollution Exposure Laboratory, Department of Medicine, Division of Respiratory Medicine, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Wayne Tse
- Air Pollution Exposure Laboratory, Department of Medicine, Division of Respiratory Medicine, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Rachel L Clifford
- Nottingham NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, Nottingham MRC Molecular Pathology Node, Division of Respiratory Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, City Hospital, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Maria J Aristizabal
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics, BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Child and Brain Development Program, Canadian Institute for Advanced Research (CIFAR), Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Weiping Wen
- Department of Otolaryngology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
| | - Chris Carlsten
- Air Pollution Exposure Laboratory, Department of Medicine, Division of Respiratory Medicine, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Li S, Tollefsbol TO. DNA methylation methods: Global DNA methylation and methylomic analyses. Methods 2020; 187:28-43. [PMID: 33039572 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymeth.2020.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2020] [Revised: 10/02/2020] [Accepted: 10/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
DNA methylation provides a pivotal layer of epigenetic regulation in eukaryotes that has significant involvement for numerous biological processes in health and disease. The function of methylation of cytosine bases in DNA was originally proposed as a "silencing" epigenetic marker and focused on promoter regions of genes for decades. Improved technologies and accumulating studies have been extending our understanding of the roles of DNA methylation to various genomic contexts including gene bodies, repeat sequences and transcriptional start sites. The demand for comprehensively describing DNA methylation patterns spawns a diversity of DNA methylation profiling technologies that target its genomic distribution. These approaches have enabled the measurement of cytosine methylation from specific loci at restricted regions to single-base-pair resolution on a genome-scale level. In this review, we discuss the different DNA methylation analysis technologies primarily based on the initial treatments of DNA samples: bisulfite conversion, endonuclease digestion and affinity enrichment, involving methodology evolution, principles, applications, and their relative merits. This review may offer referable information for the selection of various platforms for genome-wide analysis of DNA methylation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shizhao Li
- Department of Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States.
| | - Trygve O Tollefsbol
- Department of Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States; Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States; Nutrition Obesity Research Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States; Comprehensive Center for Healthy Aging, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States; Comprehensive Diabetes Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Chatterjee N, Jeong J, Park MS, Ha M, Cheong HK, Choi J. Cross-sectional and longitudinal associations between global DNA (hydroxy) methylation and exposure biomarkers of the Hebei Spirit oil spill cohort in Taean, Korea. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2020; 263:114607. [PMID: 33618490 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2020.114607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2019] [Revised: 03/25/2020] [Accepted: 04/14/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The Hebei Spirit oil spill (HSOS) occurred on the west coast of South Korea (Taean county) on December 7, 2007, and studies revealed that exposure to the oil spill was associated with various adverse health issues in the inhabiting population. However, no studies evaluated the association between crude-oil exposure and epigenetic changes. This study aimed to investigate the HSOS exposure-associated longitudinal and cross-sectional variations in global DNA methylation (5-mc) and/or hydroxymethylation (5-hmc) and expression profiles of related genes in Taean cohort participants from 2009 (AH-baseline) and 2014 (AH-follow-up) relative to the reference group (AL). We measured global DNA 5-mc and 5-hmc levels and related gene expression levels in whole blood. We identified significant associations between HSOS exposure and AH-baseline-5-mc, AH-baseline-5-hmc, and AH-follow-up-5-hmc. HSOS exposure was associated with lower %5-mc content and higher %5-hmc content in the same individuals from both the cross-sectional and longitudinal studies. In addition, we found a strong correlation between 5-mc and DNMT3B expression, and between 5-hmc and TET1 expression. Our findings suggested that epigenetic changes are important biomarkers for HSOS exposure and that 5-hmc is likely to be more sensitive for environmental epidemiological studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nivedita Chatterjee
- School of Environmental Engineering, University of Seoul, 163 Seoulsiripdae-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul, 02504, South Korea
| | - Jaeseong Jeong
- School of Environmental Engineering, University of Seoul, 163 Seoulsiripdae-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul, 02504, South Korea
| | - Myung-Sook Park
- Taean Environmental Health Center, Taean, Chungnam, 32148, South Korea
| | - Mina Ha
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Dankook University College of Medicine, Cheonan, Chungnam, 31116, South Korea
| | - Hae-Kwan Cheong
- Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Suwon, Gyeonggi, 16419, South Korea
| | - Jinhee Choi
- School of Environmental Engineering, University of Seoul, 163 Seoulsiripdae-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul, 02504, South Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Solomon O, Macisaac JL, Tindula G, Kobor MS, Eskenazi B, Holland N. 5-Hydroxymethylcytosine in cord blood and associations of DNA methylation with sex in newborns. Mutagenesis 2020; 34:315-322. [PMID: 31587037 DOI: 10.1093/mutage/gez023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2018] [Accepted: 08/20/2019] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
DNA methylation has been widely studied for associations with exposures and health outcomes. Both 5-methylcytosine (5mC) and 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC) are epigenetic marks that may function differently to impact gene expression; however, the most commonly used technology to assess methylation for population studies in blood use are the Illumina 450K and EPIC BeadChips, for which the traditional bisulfite conversion does not differentiate 5mC and 5hmC marks. We used a modified protocol originally developed by Stewart et al. to analyse oxidative bisulfite-converted and conventional bisulfite-converted DNA for the same subject in parallel by the EPIC chip, allowing us to isolate the two measures. We measured 5mC and 5hmC in cord blood of 41 newborn participants of the Center for Health Assessment of Mothers and Children of Salinas (CHAMACOS) birth cohort and investigated differential methylation of 5mC + 5hmC, isolated 5mC and isolated 5hmC with sex at birth as an example of a biological variable previously associated with DNA methylation. Results showed low levels of 5hmC throughout the epigenome in the cord blood samples in comparison to 5mC. The concordance of autosomal hits between 5mC + 5hmC and exclusive 5mC analyses were low (25%); however, overlap was larger with increased effect size difference. There were 43 autosomal cytosine nucleotide followed by a guanine nucleotide (CpG) sites where 5hmC was associated with sex, 21 of which were unique to 5hmC after adjustment for cell composition. 5hmC only accounts for a small portion of overall methylation in cord blood; however, it has the potential to impact interpretation of combined 5hmC + 5mC studies in cord blood, especially given that effect sizes of differential methylation analyses are often small. Several significant CpG sites were unique to 5hmC, suggesting some functions distinct from 5mC. More studies of genome-wide 5hmC in children are warranted.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Olivia Solomon
- School of Public Health, Center for Environmental Research and Children's Health (CERCH), University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Julia L Macisaac
- University of British Columbia, BC Children's Hospital Research, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Gwen Tindula
- School of Public Health, Center for Environmental Research and Children's Health (CERCH), University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Michael S Kobor
- University of British Columbia, BC Children's Hospital Research, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Brenda Eskenazi
- School of Public Health, Center for Environmental Research and Children's Health (CERCH), University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Nina Holland
- School of Public Health, Center for Environmental Research and Children's Health (CERCH), University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Efimova OA, Koltsova AS, Krapivin MI, Tikhonov AV, Pendina AA. Environmental Epigenetics and Genome Flexibility: Focus on 5-Hydroxymethylcytosine. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E3223. [PMID: 32370155 PMCID: PMC7247348 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21093223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2020] [Revised: 04/24/2020] [Accepted: 04/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Convincing evidence accumulated over the last decades demonstrates the crucial role of epigenetic modifications for mammalian genome regulation and its flexibility. DNA methylation and demethylation is a key mechanism of genome programming and reprogramming. During ontogenesis, the DNA methylome undergoes both programmed changes and those induced by environmental and endogenous factors. The former enable accurate activation of developmental programs; the latter drive epigenetic responses to factors that directly or indirectly affect epigenetic biochemistry leading to alterations in genome regulation and mediating organism response to environmental transformations. Adverse environmental exposure can induce aberrant DNA methylation changes conducive to genetic dysfunction and, eventually, various pathologies. In recent years, evidence was derived that apart from 5-methylcytosine, the DNA methylation/demethylation cycle includes three other oxidative derivatives of cytosine-5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC), 5-formylcytosine, and 5-carboxylcytosine. 5hmC is a predominantly stable form and serves as both an intermediate product of active DNA demethylation and an essential hallmark of epigenetic gene regulation. This makes 5hmC a potential contributor to epigenetically mediated responses to environmental factors. In this state-of-the-art review, we consolidate the latest findings on environmentally induced adverse effects on 5hmC patterns in mammalian genomes. Types of environmental exposure under consideration include hypnotic drugs and medicines (i.e., phenobarbital, diethylstilbestrol, cocaine, methamphetamine, ethanol, dimethyl sulfoxide), as well as anthropogenic pollutants (i.e., heavy metals, particulate air pollution, bisphenol A, hydroquinone, and pentachlorophenol metabolites). We put a special focus on the discussion of molecular mechanisms underlying environmentally induced alterations in DNA hydroxymethylation patterns and their impact on genetic dysfunction. We conclude that DNA hydroxymethylation is a sensitive biosensor for many harmful environmental factors each of which specifically targets 5hmC in different organs, cell types, and DNA sequences and induces its changes through a specific metabolic pathway. The associated transcriptional changes suggest that environmentally induced 5hmC alterations play a role in epigenetically mediated genome flexibility. We believe that knowledge accumulated in this review together with further studies will provide a solid basis for new approaches to epigenetic therapy and chemoprevention of environmentally induced epigenetic toxicity involving 5hmC patterns.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Olga A. Efimova
- D. O. Ott Research Institute of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductology, Mendeleevskaya line 3, 199034 St. Petersburg, Russia; (A.S.K.); (M.I.K.); (A.V.T.); (A.A.P.)
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
29
|
Zhang Y, Zheng D, Fang Q, Zhong M. Aberrant hydroxymethylation of ANGPTL4 is associated with selective intrauterine growth restriction in monochorionic twin pregnancies. Epigenetics 2020; 15:887-899. [PMID: 32114885 DOI: 10.1080/15592294.2020.1737355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Selective intrauterine growth restriction (sIUGR) is a severe complication in monochorionic (MC) twin pregnancies, and it carries increased risks of poor prognosis. Current data suggest that vascular anastomoses and unequal placental sharing may be the key contributor to discordant foetal growth. While MC twins derive from a single zygote and have almost identical genetic information, the precise mechanisms remain unknown. DNA hydroxymethylation is a newly discovered epigenetic feature associated with gene regulation and modification. Here, we investigate discordant hydroxymethylation patterns between two placental shares of sIUGR and analyse the potential role of aberrant hydroxymethylation of angiopoietin-like 4 (ANGPTL4) in placental dysplasia. Hydroxymethylation DNA immunoprecipitation (hMeDIP)-chip and mRNA sequencing were performed to identify hydroxymethylation-associated genes. Real-time qPCR, western blotting, and immunohistochemistry were used to confirm ANGPTL4 expression. The mechanisms regulating ANGPTL4 were investigated by cell migration assay, invasion assay, viability assay, and apoptotic ratio assays, western blotting and hMeDIP-qPCR. Decreased ANGPTL4 was detected in the smaller placental shares of sIUGR. ANGPTL4 knockdown suppressed trophoblast invasiveness and migration, which possibly occurred through hypoxia inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α) and HIF-1 signalling pathway. Hypoxia leads to aberrant expression of ANGPTL4 and HIF-1α, positively correlated with their aberrant hydroxymethylation levels in promoter regions. Aberrant hydroxymethylation of ANGPTL4 may contribute to placental impairment by the HIF-1 signalling pathway in smaller placental shares of sIUGR.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yi Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University , Guangzhou, China
| | - Dezhong Zheng
- Department of Cardiology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Southern Medical University, Southern Medical University , Guangzhou, China.,Department of Cardiology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University , Guangzhou, China
| | - Qun Fang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Sun Yat-sen University , Guangzhou, China
| | - Mei Zhong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University , Guangzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Aaseth J, Wallace DR, Vejrup K, Alexander J. Methylmercury and developmental neurotoxicity: A global concern. CURRENT OPINION IN TOXICOLOGY 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cotox.2020.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
|
31
|
Park B, Khanam R, Vinayachandran V, Baqui AH, London SJ, Biswal S. Epigenetic biomarkers and preterm birth. ENVIRONMENTAL EPIGENETICS 2020; 6:dvaa005. [PMID: 32551139 PMCID: PMC7293830 DOI: 10.1093/eep/dvaa005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2019] [Revised: 03/03/2020] [Accepted: 03/06/2020] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Preterm birth (PTB) is a major public health challenge, and novel, sensitive approaches to predict PTB are still evolving. Epigenomic markers are being explored as biomarkers of PTB because of their molecular stability compared to gene expression. This approach is also relatively new compared to gene-based diagnostics, which relies on mutations or single nucleotide polymorphisms. The fundamental principle of epigenome diagnostics is that epigenetic reprogramming in the target tissue (e.g. placental tissue) might be captured by more accessible surrogate tissue (e.g. blood) using biochemical epigenome assays on circulating DNA that incorporate methylation, histone modifications, nucleosome positioning, and/or chromatin accessibility. Epigenomic-based biomarkers may hold great potential for early identification of the majority of PTBs that are not associated with genetic variants or mutations. In this review, we discuss recent advances made in the development of epigenome assays focusing on its potential exploration for association and prediction of PTB. We also summarize population-level cohort studies conducted in the USA and globally that provide opportunities for genetic and epigenetic marker development for PTB. In addition, we summarize publicly available epigenome resources and published PTB studies. We particularly focus on ongoing genome-wide DNA methylation and epigenome-wide association studies. Finally, we review the limitations of current research, the importance of establishing a comprehensive biobank, and possible directions for future studies in identifying effective epigenome biomarkers to enhance health outcomes for pregnant women at risk of PTB and their infants.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bongsoo Park
- Department of Environmental Health and Engineering, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Rasheda Khanam
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, International Center for Maternal and Newborn Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Vinesh Vinayachandran
- School of Medicine, Cardiovascular Research Institute, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Abdullah H Baqui
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, International Center for Maternal and Newborn Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Stephanie J London
- Department of Health and Human Services, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
| | - Shyam Biswal
- Department of Environmental Health and Engineering, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Cardenas A, Lutz SM, Everson TM, Perron P, Bouchard L, Hivert MF. Mediation by Placental DNA Methylation of the Association of Prenatal Maternal Smoking and Birth Weight. Am J Epidemiol 2019; 188:1878-1886. [PMID: 31497855 DOI: 10.1093/aje/kwz184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2018] [Revised: 04/17/2019] [Accepted: 04/22/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Prenatal maternal smoking is a risk factor for lower birth weight. We performed epigenome-wide association analyses of placental DNA methylation (DNAm) at 720,077 cytosine-phosphate-guanine (CpG) sites and prenatal maternal smoking among 441 mother-infant pairs (2010-2014) and evaluated whether DNAm mediates the association between smoking and birth weight using mediation analysis. Mean birth weight was 3,443 (standard deviation, 423) g, and 38 mothers (8.6%) reported smoking at a mean of 9.4 weeks of gestation. Prenatal maternal smoking was associated with a 175-g lower birth weight (95% confidence interval (CI): -305.5, -44.8) and with differential DNAm of 71 CpGs in placenta, robust to latent-factor adjustment reflecting cell types (Bonferroni-adjusted P < 6.94 × 10-8). Of the 71 CpG sites, 7 mediated the association between prenatal smoking and birth weight (on MDS2, PBX1, CYP1A2, VPRBP, WBP1L, CD28, and CDK6 genes), and prenatal smoking × DNAm interactions on birth weight were observed for 5 CpG sites. The strongest mediator, cg22638236, was annotated to the PBX1 gene body involved in skeletal patterning and programming, with a mediated effect of 301-g lower birth weight (95% CI: -543, -86) among smokers but no mediated effect for nonsmokers (β = -38 g; 95% CI: -88, 9). Prenatal maternal smoking might interact with placental DNAm at specific loci, mediating the association with lower infant birth weight.
Collapse
|
33
|
Laubach ZM, Perng W, Cardenas A, Rifas-Shiman SL, Oken E, DeMeo D, Litonjua AA, Duca RC, Godderis L, Baccarelli A, Hivert MF. Socioeconomic status and DNA methylation from birth through mid-childhood: a prospective study in Project Viva. Epigenomics 2019; 11:1413-1427. [PMID: 31509016 PMCID: PMC6802709 DOI: 10.2217/epi-2019-0040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2019] [Accepted: 06/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim: We investigated associations of prenatal socioeconomic status (SES) with DNA methylation at birth, and to explore persistence of associations into early (∼3 years) and mid-childhood (∼7 years) among 609 mother-child pairs in a Boston-area prebirth cohort. Materials & methods: First, we created a prenatal SES index comprising individual- and neighborhood-level metrics and examined associations of low (lowest 10%) versus high (upper 90%) SES with genome-wide DNA methylation in cord blood via the Infinium HumanMethylation450 BeadChip. Next, we evaluated persistence of associations detected in cord blood with DNA methylation of the same CpG sites measured in peripheral leukocytes in early- and mid-childhood. Results & conclusion: Low prenatal SES was associated with methylation at CpG sites near ACSF3, TNRC6C-AS1, MTMR4 and LRRN4. The relationship with LRRN4 persisted into early childhood.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zachary M Laubach
- Department of Integrative Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48823, USA
| | - Wei Perng
- Department of Epidemiology, Colorado School of Public Health, Anschutz Medical Center, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Andres Cardenas
- Division of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Sheryl L Rifas-Shiman
- Division of Chronic Disease Research Across the Lifecourse, Department of Population Medicine, Harvard Medical School/Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Emily Oken
- Division of Chronic Disease Research Across the Lifecourse, Department of Population Medicine, Harvard Medical School/Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA
- Department of Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Dawn DeMeo
- Center for Chest Diseases, Brigham & Women's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Augusto A Litonjua
- Division of Pediatric Pulmonary Medicine, Golisano Children's Hospital at Strong, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
| | - Radu-Corneliu Duca
- Centre for Environment & Health, Department of Public Health & Primary Care, University of Leuven (KU Leuven), 3000, Belgium
| | - Lode Godderis
- Centre for Environment & Health, Department of Public Health & Primary Care, University of Leuven (KU Leuven), 3000, Belgium
- IDEWE, External Service for Prevention at Protection at Work, Heverlee, 3001, Belgium
| | - Andrea Baccarelli
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Columbia Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Marie-France Hivert
- Division of Chronic Disease Research Across the Lifecourse, Department of Population Medicine, Harvard Medical School/Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Martín-Del-Campo R, Bárcenas-Ibarra A, Lund G, Rodríguez-Ríos D, Yong-Villalobos L, García-Hernández J, García-Gasca A. Mercury Concentration, DNA Methylation, and Mitochondrial DNA Damage in Olive Ridley Sea Turtle Embryos With Schistosomus Reflexus Syndrome. Vet Pathol 2019; 56:940-949. [PMID: 31434549 DOI: 10.1177/0300985819868649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Schistosomus reflexus syndrome (SR) is a rare and lethal congenital malformation that has been reported in the olive ridley sea turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea) in Mexico. Although the etiology remains unclear, it is presumed to be genetic. Since embryonic development in sea turtles largely depends on environmental conditions, we investigated whether sea turtle total mercury content participates in the etiology of SR. Given that several toxins are known to affect both DNA methylation and/or mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) copy number, we also probed for associations of these parameters to SR and mercury exposure. We measured the levels of each variable in malformed olive ridley sea turtle embryos (either with SR or other non-SR malformations) and embryos without malformations. Malformed embryos (with or without SR) showed higher mercury concentrations compared to normal embryos, while only embryos with SR showed higher levels of methylation compared to embryos without malformations and those with other malformations. Furthermore, we uncovered a positive correlation between mercury concentrations and DNA methylation in SR embryos. With respect to mtDNA copy number, no differences were detected across experimental groups. Because of sample size limitations, this study is an initial attempt to understand the association of environmental toxins (such as mercury) and epigenetic alterations (DNA methylation) in the etiology of SR in sea turtles.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rodolfo Martín-Del-Campo
- Laboratorio de Biología Molecular y Celular, Centro de Investigación en Alimentación y Desarrollo, Mazatlán, Sinaloa, Mexico
| | - Annelisse Bárcenas-Ibarra
- Laboratorio de Biología Molecular y Celular, Centro de Investigación en Alimentación y Desarrollo, Mazatlán, Sinaloa, Mexico
| | - Gertrud Lund
- Departamento de Ingeniería Genética, CINVESTAV (GL, DRR), Irapuato, Guanajuato, Mexico
| | - Dalia Rodríguez-Ríos
- Departamento de Ingeniería Genética, CINVESTAV (GL, DRR), Irapuato, Guanajuato, Mexico
| | - Lenin Yong-Villalobos
- Laboratorio Nacional de Genómica para la Biodiversidad (Langebio)/Unidad de Genómica Avanzada, CINVESTAV, Irapuato, Guanajuato, Mexico
| | - Jaqueline García-Hernández
- Laboratorio de Ciencias Ambientales, Centro de Investigación en Alimentación y Desarrollo, Guaymas, Sonora, Mexico
| | - Alejandra García-Gasca
- Laboratorio de Biología Molecular y Celular, Centro de Investigación en Alimentación y Desarrollo, Mazatlán, Sinaloa, Mexico
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Cardenas A, Sordillo JE, Rifas-Shiman SL, Chung W, Liang L, Coull BA, Hivert MF, Lai PS, Forno E, Celedón JC, Litonjua AA, Brennan KJ, DeMeo DL, Baccarelli AA, Oken E, Gold DR. The nasal methylome as a biomarker of asthma and airway inflammation in children. Nat Commun 2019; 10:3095. [PMID: 31300640 PMCID: PMC6625976 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-11058-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2018] [Accepted: 06/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The nasal cellular epigenome may serve as biomarker of airway disease and environmental response. Here we collect nasal swabs from the anterior nares of 547 children (mean-age 12.9 y), and measure DNA methylation (DNAm) with the Infinium MethylationEPIC BeadChip. We perform nasal Epigenome-Wide Association analyses (EWAS) of current asthma, allergen sensitization, allergic rhinitis, fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) and lung function. We find multiple differentially methylated CpGs (FDR < 0.05) and Regions (DMRs; ≥ 5-CpGs and FDR < 0.05) for asthma (285-CpGs), FeNO (8,372-CpGs; 191-DMRs), total IgE (3-CpGs; 3-DMRs), environment IgE (17-CpGs; 4-DMRs), allergic asthma (1,235-CpGs; 7-DMRs) and bronchodilator response (130-CpGs). Discovered DMRs annotated to genes implicated in allergic asthma, Th2 activation and eosinophilia (EPX, IL4, IL13) and genes previously associated with asthma and IgE in EWAS of blood (ACOT7, SLC25A25). Asthma, IgE and FeNO were associated with nasal epigenetic age acceleration. The nasal epigenome is a sensitive biomarker of asthma, allergy and airway inflammation. Epigenetic differences in nasal epithelium have been proposed as a biomarker for lower airway disease and asthma. Here, in epigenome-wide association studies for asthma and other airway traits using nasal swabs, the authors identify differentially methylated CpGs that highlight genes involved in TH2 response.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andres Cardenas
- Division of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA. .,Department of Population Medicine, Division of Chronic Disease Research Across the Lifecourse, Harvard Medical School and Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute, Boston, MA, 02215, USA.
| | - Joanne E Sordillo
- Department of Population Medicine, Division of Chronic Disease Research Across the Lifecourse, Harvard Medical School and Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Sheryl L Rifas-Shiman
- Department of Population Medicine, Division of Chronic Disease Research Across the Lifecourse, Harvard Medical School and Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Wonil Chung
- Department of Biostatistics, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Liming Liang
- Department of Biostatistics, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Brent A Coull
- Department of Biostatistics, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Marie-France Hivert
- Department of Population Medicine, Division of Chronic Disease Research Across the Lifecourse, Harvard Medical School and Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute, Boston, MA, 02215, USA.,Diabetes Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, 02114, MA, USA
| | - Peggy S Lai
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Pulmonary/Critical Care, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Erick Forno
- Division of Pediatric Pulmonary Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, 15224, USA
| | - Juan C Celedón
- Division of Pediatric Pulmonary Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, 15224, USA
| | - Augusto A Litonjua
- Division of Pediatric Pulmonary Medicine, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, 14642, USA
| | - Kasey J Brennan
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Dawn L DeMeo
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Channing Division of Network Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Andrea A Baccarelli
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Emily Oken
- Department of Population Medicine, Division of Chronic Disease Research Across the Lifecourse, Harvard Medical School and Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Diane R Gold
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Channing Division of Network Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.,Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Huang Y, Lin S, Jin L, Wang L, Ren A. Decreased global DNA hydroxymethylation in neural tube defects: Association with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Epigenetics 2019; 14:1019-1029. [PMID: 31179819 DOI: 10.1080/15592294.2019.1629233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
5-Hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC), a distinct epigenetic marker that plays a role in DNA active demethylation, has been reported to be important for embryonic development and may respond to environmental exposure. No studies have evaluated the association between DNA hydroxymethylation and the risk for fetal neural tube defects (NTDs), with consideration of prenatal exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), a risk factor for NTDs. We measured the global levels of 5hmC% in neural tissue from 92 terminated NTD cases and 33 terminated non-malformed fetuses. A lower level of 5hmC% was found in the NTD cases (median [interquartile range]: 0.25 [0.12-0.39]) compared to the controls (0.45 [0.19-1.00]). After adjusting for periconceptional folate supplementation, risk for NTDs increased with decreasing tertiles of 5hmC% (odds ratio: 7.89, 95% confidence interval: 2.32, 26.86, for the lowest tertile relative to the top tertile; pfor trend = 0.002). Linear regression revealed that concentrations of high-molecular-weight PAHs (H_PAHs) in fetal liver tissue were negatively associated with log2-transformed 5hmC%. Superoxide dismutase activity and 5hmC% were positively correlated in fetal neural tissue (rs = 0.64; p < 0.05). A mouse whole-embryo culture model was used for further validation. Decreased levels of 5hmC% and increased levels of reactive oxygen species were found in mouse embryos treated with BaP, a well-studied PAH. Taken together, levels of 5hmC% in fetal neural tissue were inversely associated with the risk for NTDs, and this association may be related to oxidative stress induced by exposure to PAHs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yun Huang
- a Institute of Reproductive and Child Health, National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health, and Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Peking University Health Science Center , Beijing , China
| | - Shanshan Lin
- a Institute of Reproductive and Child Health, National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health, and Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Peking University Health Science Center , Beijing , China.,b Division of Birth Cohort Study, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center , Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou , China
| | - Lei Jin
- a Institute of Reproductive and Child Health, National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health, and Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Peking University Health Science Center , Beijing , China
| | - Linlin Wang
- a Institute of Reproductive and Child Health, National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health, and Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Peking University Health Science Center , Beijing , China
| | - Aiguo Ren
- a Institute of Reproductive and Child Health, National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health, and Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Peking University Health Science Center , Beijing , China
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Emerce E, Ghosh M, Öner D, Duca RC, Vanoirbeek J, Bekaert B, Hoet PHM, Godderis L. Carbon Nanotube- and Asbestos-Induced DNA and RNA Methylation Changes in Bronchial Epithelial Cells. Chem Res Toxicol 2019; 32:850-860. [PMID: 30990028 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrestox.8b00406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are nanoscale tube-shaped carbon materials used in many industrial areas. Their fiber shape has caused concerns about their toxicity given their structural similarity with asbestos. The aim here was to elucidate the effect of CNTs and asbestos exposure on global DNA and RNA methylation and the methylation of genes associated with cell cycle, inflammation, and DNA damage processes in human lung cells. Human bronchial epithelial cells (16HBE14o-) were exposed for 24 h to 25 and 100 μg/mL CNTs (single-walled CNTs [SWCNTs] and multiwalled CNTs [MWCNTs]) and 2.5 μg/mL asbestos (chrysotile, amosite, and crocidolite). Global DNA and RNA (hydroxy)methylation to cytosines was measured by a validated liquid chromatography tandem-mass spectrometry method. Global RNA methylation to adenines was measured by a colorimetric ELISA-like assay. Gene-specific DNA methylation status at certain cytosine-phosphate-guanine (CpG) sites of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 1A ( CDKN1A), serine/threonine kinase ( ATM), and TNF receptor-associated factor 2 ( TRAF2) were analyzed by using bisulfite pyrosequencing technology. Only MWCNT-exposed cells showed significant global DNA hypomethylation of cytosine and global RNA hypomethylation of adenosine. SWCNT, MWCNT, and amosite exposure decreased DNA methylation of CDKN1A. ATM methylation was affected by chrysotile, SWCNT, and MWCNT. However, SWCNT exposure led to DNA hypermethylation of TRAF2. These findings contribute to further understanding of the effect of CNTs on different carcinogenic pathways.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Esra Emerce
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Unit of Environment and Health , KU Leuven , 3000 Leuven , Belgium.,Department of Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy , Gazi University , 06560 Ankara , Turkey
| | - Manosij Ghosh
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Unit of Environment and Health , KU Leuven , 3000 Leuven , Belgium
| | - Deniz Öner
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Unit of Environment and Health , KU Leuven , 3000 Leuven , Belgium
| | - Radu-Corneliu Duca
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Unit of Environment and Health , KU Leuven , 3000 Leuven , Belgium
| | - Jeroen Vanoirbeek
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Unit of Environment and Health , KU Leuven , 3000 Leuven , Belgium
| | - Bram Bekaert
- Forensic Biomedical Sciences, Department of Imaging and Pathology , KU Leuven - University of Leuven , 3000 Leuven , Belgium.,Department of Forensic Medicine, Laboratory of Forensic Genetics and Molecular Archaeology , University Hospitals Leuven , 3000 Leuven , Belgium
| | - Peter H M Hoet
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Unit of Environment and Health , KU Leuven , 3000 Leuven , Belgium
| | - Lode Godderis
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Unit of Environment and Health , KU Leuven , 3000 Leuven , Belgium.,External Service for Prevention and Protection at Work , IDEWE , B-3001 Leuven , Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Xiong J, Yuan BF, Feng YQ. Mass Spectrometry for Investigating the Effects of Toxic Metals on Nucleic Acid Modifications. Chem Res Toxicol 2019; 32:808-819. [PMID: 30920205 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrestox.9b00042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
The extensive use of toxic metals in industry and agriculture leads to their wide distribution in the environment, which raises critical concerns over their toxic effects on human health. Many toxic metals are reported to be mildly mutagenic or non-mutagenic, indicating that genetic-based mechanisms may not be primarily responsible for toxic metal-induced carcinogenesis. Increasing evidence has demonstrated that exposure to toxic metals can alter epigenetic modifications, which may lead to the dysregulation of gene expression and disease susceptibility. It is now becoming clear that a full understanding of the effects of toxic metals on cellular toxicity and carcinogenesis will need to consider both genetic- and epigenetic-based mechanisms. Uncovering the effects of toxic metals on epigenetic modifications in nucleic acids relies on the detection and quantification of these modifications. Mass spectrometry (MS)-based methods for deciphering epigenetic modifications have substantially advanced over the past decade, and they are now becoming widely used and essential tools for evaluating the effects of toxic metals on nucleic acid modifications. This Review provides an overview of MS-based methods for analysis of nucleic acid modifications. In addition, we also review recent advances in understanding the effects of exposure to toxic metals on nucleic acid modifications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jun Xiong
- Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Biology and Medicine (Ministry of Education), Department of Chemistry , Wuhan University , Wuhan 430072 , P.R. China
| | - Bi-Feng Yuan
- Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Biology and Medicine (Ministry of Education), Department of Chemistry , Wuhan University , Wuhan 430072 , P.R. China
| | - Yu-Qi Feng
- Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Biology and Medicine (Ministry of Education), Department of Chemistry , Wuhan University , Wuhan 430072 , P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Shukla A, Bunkar N, Kumar R, Bhargava A, Tiwari R, Chaudhury K, Goryacheva IY, Mishra PK. Air pollution associated epigenetic modifications: Transgenerational inheritance and underlying molecular mechanisms. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 656:760-777. [PMID: 30530146 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.11.381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2018] [Revised: 10/23/2018] [Accepted: 11/25/2018] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Air pollution is one of the leading causes of deaths in Southeast Asian countries including India. Exposure to air pollutants affects vital cellular mechanisms and is intimately linked with the etiology of a number of chronic diseases. Earlier work from our laboratory has shown that airborne particulate matter disturbs the mitochondrial machinery and causes significant damage to the epigenome. Mitochondrial reactive oxygen species possess the ability to trigger redox-sensitive signaling mechanisms and induce irreversible epigenomic changes. The electrophilic nature of reactive metabolites can directly result in deprotonation of cytosine at C-5 position or interfere with the DNA methyltransferases activity to cause alterations in DNA methylation. In addition, it also perturbs level of cellular metabolites critically involved in different epigenetic processes like acetylation and methylation of histone code and DNA hypo or hypermethylation. Interestingly, these modifications may persist through downstream generations and result in the transgenerational epigenomic inheritance. This phenomenon of subsequent transfer of epigenetic modifications is mainly associated with the germ cells and relies on the germline stability of the epigenetic states. Overall, the recent literature supports, and arguably strengthens, the contention that air pollution might contribute to transmission of epimutations from gametes to zygotes by involving mitochondrial DNA, parental allele imprinting, histone withholding and non-coding RNAs. However, larger prospective studies using innovative, integrated epigenome-wide metabolomic strategy are highly warranted to assess the air pollution induced transgenerational epigenetic inheritance and associated human health effects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anushi Shukla
- Department of Molecular Biology, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Environmental Health, Bhopal, India
| | - Neha Bunkar
- Department of Molecular Biology, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Environmental Health, Bhopal, India
| | - Rajat Kumar
- Department of Molecular Biology, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Environmental Health, Bhopal, India
| | - Arpit Bhargava
- Department of Molecular Biology, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Environmental Health, Bhopal, India
| | - Rajnarayan Tiwari
- Department of Molecular Biology, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Environmental Health, Bhopal, India
| | - Koel Chaudhury
- School of Medical Science & Technology, Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur, India
| | - Irina Y Goryacheva
- Department of General and Inorganic Chemistry, Saratov State University, Saratov, Russia
| | - Pradyumna K Mishra
- Department of Molecular Biology, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Environmental Health, Bhopal, India.
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Epigenetic age acceleration is associated with allergy and asthma in children in Project Viva. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2019; 143:2263-2270.e14. [PMID: 30738172 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2019.01.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2018] [Revised: 01/14/2019] [Accepted: 01/17/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Epigenetic clocks have been suggested to capture one feature of the complexity between aging and the epigenome. However, little is known about the epigenetic clock in childhood allergy and asthma. OBJECTIVE We sought to examine associations of DNA methylation age (DNAmAge) and epigenetic age acceleration with childhood allergy and asthma. METHODS We calculated DNAmAge and age acceleration at birth, early childhood, and midchildhood based on the IlluminaHumanMethylation450BeadChip in Project Viva. We evaluated epigenetic clock associations with allergy and asthma using covariate-adjusted linear and logistic regressions. We attempted to replicate our findings in the Genetics of Asthma in Costa Rica Study. RESULTS At midchildhood (mean age, 7.8 years) in Project Viva, DNAmAge and age acceleration were cross-sectionally associated with greater total serum IgE levels and greater odds of atopic sensitization. Every 1-year increase in intrinsic epigenetic age acceleration was associated with a 1.22 (95% CI, 1.07-1.39), 1.17 (95% CI, 1.03-1.34), and 1.29 (95% CI, 1.12-1.49) greater odds of atopic sensitization and environmental and food allergen sensitization. DNAmAge and extrinsic epigenetic age acceleration were also cross-sectionally associated with current asthma at midchildhood. DNAmAge and age acceleration at birth and early childhood were not associated with midchildhood allergy or asthma. The midchildhood association between age acceleration and atopic sensitization were replicated in an independent data set. CONCLUSIONS Because the epigenetic clock might reflect immune and developmental components of biological aging, our study suggests pathways through which molecular epigenetic mechanisms of immunity, development, and maturation can interact along the age axis and associate with childhood allergy and asthma by midchildhood.
Collapse
|
41
|
Abstract
Purpose of review This review demonstrates the growing body of evidence connecting DNA methylation to prior exposure. It highlights the potential to use DNA methylation patterns as a feasible, stable, and accurate biomarker of past exposure, opening new opportunities for environmental and gene-environment interaction studies among existing banked samples. Recent findings We present the evidence for association between past exposure, including prenatal exposures, and DNA methylation measured at a later time in the life course. We demonstrate the potential utility of DNA methylation-based biomarkers of past exposure using results from multiple studies of smoking as an example. Multiple studies show the ability to accurately predict prenatal smoking exposure based on DNA methylation measured at birth, in childhood, and even adulthood. Separate sets of DNA methylation loci have been used to predict past personal smoking exposure (postnatal) as well. Further, it appears that these two types of exposures, prenatal and previous personal exposure, can be isolated from each other. There is also a suggestion that quantitative methylation scores may be useful for estimating dose. We highlight the remaining needs for rigor in methylation biomarker development including analytic challenges as well as the need for development across multiple developmental windows, multiple tissue types, and multiple ancestries. Summary If fully developed, DNA methylation-based biomarkers can dramatically shift our ability to carry out environmental and genetic-environmental epidemiology using existing biobanks, opening up unprecedented opportunities for environmental health.
Collapse
|
42
|
Bozack AK, Cardenas A, Quamruzzaman Q, Rahman M, Mostofa G, Christiani DC, Kile ML. DNA methylation in cord blood as mediator of the association between prenatal arsenic exposure and gestational age. Epigenetics 2018; 13:923-940. [PMID: 30175652 PMCID: PMC6284783 DOI: 10.1080/15592294.2018.1516453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2018] [Revised: 08/06/2018] [Accepted: 08/22/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Prenatal arsenic exposure is associated with adverse birth outcomes and disease risk later in life, which could be mediated through epigenetic dysregulation. We evaluated the association between arsenic and gestational age (GA) that was mediated through DNA methylation (DNAm) using data from a Bangladeshi birth cohort. Arsenic exposure was measured in maternal drinking water at ≤16 weeks GA and maternal toenails collected ≤1 month postpartum. Cord blood DNAm was measured using Infinium HumanMethylation450 arrays (n = 44, discovery phase). Top loci identified in the discovery phase were then pyrosequenced in a second group (n = 569, validation phase). Structural equation models (SEM) evaluated the direct and indirect effects of arsenic and DNAm on GA. In the discovery phase, arsenic was associated with differential DNAm of 139 loci that were associated with GA (P < 1.10X10-6; |β regression|>0.10). Each doubling in water arsenic concentration decreased GA by 2 days, which was fully mediated through the main principal component of the top-ten CpGs (P < 0.001). In the validation phase, there were direct and indirect effects of miR214-3 and MCC DNAm on GA. In an adjusted SEM model, mediation of the association between arsenic and GA by miR124-3 was borderline significant (P = 0.061). This study therefore identified DNAm at specific loci in cord blood that mediated the effect of arsenic exposure on GA. Specifically, prenatal arsenic exposure was associated with lower methylation of miR124-3 that mediated the exposure-response of arsenic on GA. Future research should evaluate if these epigenetic changes are persistent and associated with disease risk.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anne K. Bozack
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Andres Cardenas
- Department of Population Medicine, Harvard Medical School and Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | | | | | - David C. Christiani
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Molly L. Kile
- School of Biological and Population Health Sciences, College of Public Health and Human Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Algarve TD, Assmann CE, Aigaki T, da Cruz IBM. Parental and preimaginal exposure to methylmercury disrupts locomotor activity and circadian rhythm of adult Drosophila melanogaster. Drug Chem Toxicol 2018; 43:255-265. [PMID: 30033776 DOI: 10.1080/01480545.2018.1485689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Methylmercury (MeHg) is a well-known toxic pollutant. However, little is known about the effects of this toxic agent in an adult as a consequence of a parental or preimaginal exposure. This study used Drosophila melanogaster to investigate whether a parental or a preimaginal (eggs-larvae-pupae stages) exposure could impact parameters as viability, locomotor activity, and sleep patterns of fruit flies. Thus, we performed two exposure protocols. One where just parents were exposed to MeHg (0-12 µM) during 24 h, then flies were transferred to lay eggs in a healthy medium (without MeHg). In the other, flies were set to lay eggs in a MeHg medium, same concentrations, and discarded after this (preimaginal exposure). Viability was evaluated from egg to adult flies. F1 progeny was collected within 24 h and transferred to a fresh healthy medium. Sleep behavior analysis was performed using Drosophila Active Monitoring System (DAMS), and the locomotor activity was evaluated by climbing assay. Results have shown that the parental exposure had a significant impact on F1 progeny reducing viability and locomotor activity performance, but no significant circadian rhythm alterations. Whereas the preimaginal exposure had a stronger effect decreasing viability and locomotor activity, it also disrupted sleep patterns. MeHg preimaginal exposure showed a longer sleep duration and lower daily activity. Results corroborate the hypothesis that low MeHg exposure could trigger subclinical symptoms related to a 'neurotoxicological development effect'. Complementary investigations could clarify the underlying mechanisms of MeHg effects in neural functions due to parental and early development exposure to this toxicant.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thaís Doeler Algarve
- Graduate Program in Biological Sciences: Toxicological Biochemistry, Federal University of Santa Maria, Santa Maria, Brazil.,Department of Morphology, Laboratory of Biogenomics, Federal University of Santa Maria, Santa Maria, Brazil.,Department of Biological Sciences, Cellular Genetics Laboratory, Tokyo Metropolitan University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Charles Elias Assmann
- Graduate Program in Biological Sciences: Toxicological Biochemistry, Federal University of Santa Maria, Santa Maria, Brazil.,Department of Morphology, Laboratory of Biogenomics, Federal University of Santa Maria, Santa Maria, Brazil
| | - Toshiro Aigaki
- Department of Biological Sciences, Cellular Genetics Laboratory, Tokyo Metropolitan University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ivana Beatrice Mânica da Cruz
- Graduate Program in Biological Sciences: Toxicological Biochemistry, Federal University of Santa Maria, Santa Maria, Brazil.,Department of Morphology, Laboratory of Biogenomics, Federal University of Santa Maria, Santa Maria, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Exposure to Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons Leads to Non-monotonic Modulation of DNA and RNA (hydroxy)methylation in a Rat Model. Sci Rep 2018; 8:10577. [PMID: 30002487 PMCID: PMC6043565 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-28911-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2018] [Accepted: 07/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Besides genetic modifications, rapidly growing evidence has linked environmental pollutants with epigenetic variations. To date, only a few studies have been performed on DNA methylation changes of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), which showed contradictory results. These discrepancies might be partially explained by differences in used agents. Generally in in vitro studies, a single compound is used, while in humans environmental studies, multi-residue exposure is investigated. The present study aimed to study epigenetic alterations induced by multi-residue exposure to PAH. Female Long Evans rats were exposed to a mixture of 16 US-EPA priority PAH, 3 times per week over a 90-day period. The livers were used to assess the (hydroxy)methylation status of genomic DNA/RNA, together with reduced and oxidized forms of glutathione. The results of this study demonstrate that a multi-residue exposure to PAH affects glutathione status, DNA (hydroxy)methylation, and RNA (hydroxy)methylation, together with DNA PAH-adducts formation. In addition, a non-monotonic response relationship was demonstrated between PAH concentration, the levels of glutathione and DNA (hydroxy)methylation levels at environmental relevant doses. This hormetic response gives a novel insight concerning the toxicity of environmental pollutants such as PAH and the biological response that may be different depending on the level of exposure.
Collapse
|
45
|
De Nys S, Duca RC, Nawrot T, Hoet P, Van Meerbeek B, Van Landuyt KL, Godderis L. Temporal variability of global DNA methylation and hydroxymethylation in buccal cells of healthy adults: Association with air pollution. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2018; 111:301-308. [PMID: 29217223 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2017.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2017] [Revised: 10/11/2017] [Accepted: 11/02/2017] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Epigenetic changes, such as DNA methylation, are observed in response to environmental exposure and in the development of several chronic diseases. Consequently, DNA methylation alterations might serve as indicators of early effects. In this context, the aim of this study was to assess the temporal variability of global DNA methylation and hydroxymethylation levels in buccal cells from healthy adult volunteers. METHODS Global DNA methylation (%5mdC) and hydroxymethylation (%5hmdC) levels in human buccal cells, collected from 26 healthy adults at different time points, were quantified by UPLC-MS/MS. Associations between %5mdC and %5hmdC, respectively, and short-term exposure (1-7days) to air pollutants PM2.5 and PM10 were tested with mixed-effects models including various covariates. RESULTS/DISCUSSION Dynamic short-term changes in DNA methylation and hydroxymethylation levels in buccal cells were observed, which were inversely associated with exposure to PM2.5 and PM10. An IQR increase in PM2.5 over a 7-day moving average period was significantly associated with a decrease of -1.47% (-1.74%, -1.20%) and -0.043% (-0.054%, -0.032%) in %5mdC and %5hmdC, respectively. Likewise, for PM10, a decrease of -1.42% (-1.70, -1.13) and -0.040% (-0.051%, -0.028%) was observed. CONCLUSION Global DNA methylation and hydroxymethylatation varied over a time period of three weeks. The observed temporal variability was associated with exposure to ambient PM2.5 and PM10 levels. This should be taken into account when interpreting epigenetic alterations in buccal cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Siemon De Nys
- KU Leuven (University of Leuven), Department of Oral Health Sciences, BIOMAT & University Hospitals Leuven (UZ Leuven), Dentistry, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Radu-Corneliu Duca
- Environment and Health, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven (University of Leuven), Kapucijnenvoer 35, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Tim Nawrot
- Environment and Health, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven (University of Leuven), Kapucijnenvoer 35, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Belgium
| | - Peter Hoet
- Environment and Health, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven (University of Leuven), Kapucijnenvoer 35, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Bart Van Meerbeek
- KU Leuven (University of Leuven), Department of Oral Health Sciences, BIOMAT & University Hospitals Leuven (UZ Leuven), Dentistry, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Kirsten L Van Landuyt
- KU Leuven (University of Leuven), Department of Oral Health Sciences, BIOMAT & University Hospitals Leuven (UZ Leuven), Dentistry, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Lode Godderis
- Environment and Health, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven (University of Leuven), Kapucijnenvoer 35, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; IDEWE, External Service for Prevention and Protection at Work, Heverlee, Belgium.
| |
Collapse
|