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Campagna MP, Lechner-Scott J, Maltby VE, Lea RA, Butzkueven H, Jokubaitis VG. Conceiving complexity: Biological mechanisms underpinning the lasting effect of pregnancy on multiple sclerosis outcomes. Autoimmun Rev 2023; 22:103388. [PMID: 37352902 DOI: 10.1016/j.autrev.2023.103388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/25/2023]
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune, demyelinating disease with the highest incidence in women of childbearing age. The effect of pregnancy on disease activity and progression is a primary concern for women with MS and their clinical teams. It is well established that inflammatory disease activity is naturally suppressed during pregnancy, followed by an increase postpartum. However, the long-term effect of pregnancy on disease progression is less understood. Having had a pregnancy before MS onset has been associated with an older age at first demyelinating event, an average delay of 3.4 years. After MS onset, there is conflicting evidence about the impact of pregnancy on long-term outcomes. The study with the longest follow-up to date showed that pregnancy was associated with a 0.36-point lower disability score after 10-years of disease in 1830 women. Understanding the biological mechanism by which pregnancy induces long-term beneficial effects on MS outcomes could provide mechanistic insights into the elusive determinants of secondary progression. Here, we review potential biological processes underlying this effect, including evidence that acute sex hormone exposure induces lasting changes to neurobiological and DNA methylation patterns, and how sustained methylation changes in immune cells can alter immune composition and function long-term.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Pia Campagna
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Jeannette Lechner-Scott
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Hunter Medical Research Institute, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia; Department of Neurology, John Hunter Hospital, New Lambton Heights, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Vicki E Maltby
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Hunter Medical Research Institute, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia; Department of Neurology, John Hunter Hospital, New Lambton Heights, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Rodney A Lea
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Hunter Medical Research Institute, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia; Centre for Genomics and Personalised Health, School of Biomedical Science, Queensland University of Technology, Kelvin Grove, Queensland, Australia
| | - Helmut Butzkueven
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Department of Neurology, Alfred Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Vilija G Jokubaitis
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Department of Neurology, Alfred Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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2
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Poganik JR, Zhang B, Baht GS, Tyshkovskiy A, Deik A, Kerepesi C, Yim SH, Lu AT, Haghani A, Gong T, Hedman AM, Andolf E, Pershagen G, Almqvist C, Clish CB, Horvath S, White JP, Gladyshev VN. Biological age is increased by stress and restored upon recovery. Cell Metab 2023; 35:807-820.e5. [PMID: 37086720 PMCID: PMC11055493 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmet.2023.03.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 49.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Revised: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 04/24/2023]
Abstract
Aging is classically conceptualized as an ever-increasing trajectory of damage accumulation and loss of function, leading to increases in morbidity and mortality. However, recent in vitro studies have raised the possibility of age reversal. Here, we report that biological age is fluid and exhibits rapid changes in both directions. At epigenetic, transcriptomic, and metabolomic levels, we find that the biological age of young mice is increased by heterochronic parabiosis and restored following surgical detachment. We also identify transient changes in biological age during major surgery, pregnancy, and severe COVID-19 in humans and/or mice. Together, these data show that biological age undergoes a rapid increase in response to diverse forms of stress, which is reversed following recovery from stress. Our study uncovers a new layer of aging dynamics that should be considered in future studies. The elevation of biological age by stress may be a quantifiable and actionable target for future interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesse R Poganik
- Division of Genetics, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Bohan Zhang
- Division of Genetics, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Gurpreet S Baht
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Duke University, Durham, NC 27701, USA; Duke Molecular Physiology Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC 27701, USA
| | - Alexander Tyshkovskiy
- Division of Genetics, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Amy Deik
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 01241, USA
| | - Csaba Kerepesi
- Institute for Computer Science and Control (SZTAKI), Eötvös Loránd Research Network, Budapest, 1111, Hungary
| | - Sun Hee Yim
- Division of Genetics, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Ake T Lu
- Department of Human Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Altos Labs, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Amin Haghani
- Department of Human Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Altos Labs, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Tong Gong
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Anna M Hedman
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ellika Andolf
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Danderyd Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Göran Pershagen
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Centre for Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Region Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Catarina Almqvist
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Astrid Lindgren Children's Hospital, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Clary B Clish
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 01241, USA
| | - Steve Horvath
- Department of Human Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Altos Labs, San Diego, CA, USA; Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - James P White
- Duke Molecular Physiology Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC 27701, USA; Department of Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27701, USA.
| | - Vadim N Gladyshev
- Division of Genetics, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 01241, USA.
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3
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Andrawus M, Sharvit L, Atzmon G. Epigenetics and Pregnancy: Conditional Snapshot or Rolling Event. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232012698. [PMID: 36293556 PMCID: PMC9603966 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232012698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Revised: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Epigenetics modification such as DNA methylation can affect maternal health during the gestation period. Furthermore, pregnancy can drive a range of physiological and molecular changes that have the potential to contribute to pathological conditions. Pregnancy-related risk factors include multiple environmental, behavioral, and hereditary factors that can impact maternal DNA methylation with long-lasting consequences. Identification of the epigenetic patterns linked to poor pregnancy outcomes is crucial since changes in DNA methylation patterns can have long-term effects. In this review, we provide an overview of the epigenetic changes that influence pregnancy-related molecular programming such as gestational diabetes, immune response, and pre-eclampsia, in an effort to close the gap in current understanding regarding interactions between the environment, the genetics of the fetus, and the pregnant woman.
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Lin MW, Tsai MH, Shih CY, Tai YY, Lee CN, Lin SY. Comparison of DNA Methylation Changes Between the Gestation Period and the After-Delivery State: A Pilot Study of 10 Women. Front Nutr 2022; 9:829915. [PMID: 35600817 PMCID: PMC9116383 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2022.829915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2021] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Gestational adaptation occurs soon after fertilization and continues throughout pregnancy, whereas women return to a pre-pregnancy state after delivery and lactation. However, little is known about the role of DNA methylation in fine-tuning maternal physiology. Understanding the changes in DNA methylation during pregnancy is the first step in clarifying the association of diet, nutrition, and thromboembolism with the changes in DNA methylation. In this study, we investigated whether and how the DNA methylation pattern changes in the three trimesters and after delivery in ten uncomplicated pregnancies. Results DNA methylation was measured using a Human MethylationEPIC BeadChip. There were 14,018 cytosine-guanine dinucleotide (CpG) sites with statistically significant changes in DNA methylation over the four time periods (p <
0.001). Overall, DNA methylation after delivery was higher than that of the three trimesters (p < 0.001), with the protein ubiquitination pathway being the top canonical pathway involved. We classified the CpG sites into nine groups according to the changes in the three trimesters and found that 38.37% of CpG sites had DNA methylation changes during pregnancy, especially between the first and second trimesters. Conclusion DNA methylation pattern changes between trimesters, indicating possible involvement in maternal adaptation to pregnancy. Meanwhile, DNA methylation patterns during pregnancy and in the postpartum period were different, implying that puerperium repair may also function through DNA methylation mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming-Wei Lin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Mong-Hsun Tsai
- Bioinformatics and Biostatistics Core Lab, Centers of Genomic and Precision Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Institute of Biotechnology, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ching-Yu Shih
- Bioinformatics and Biostatistics Core Lab, Centers of Genomic and Precision Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Yun Tai
- Department of Medical Genetics, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Nan Lee
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Shin-Yu Lin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- *Correspondence: Shin-Yu Lin
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Ryan CP, Jones MJ, Edgar RD, Lee NR, Kobor MS, McDade TW, Kuzawa CW. Immune cell type and DNA methylation vary with reproductive status in women: possible pathways for costs of reproduction. Evol Med Public Health 2022; 10:47-58. [PMID: 35169479 PMCID: PMC8841013 DOI: 10.1093/emph/eoac003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Consistent with evolutionarily theorized costs of reproduction (CoR), reproductive history in women is associated with life expectancy and susceptibility to certain cancers, autoimmune disorders and metabolic disease. Immunological changes originating during reproduction may help explain some of these relationships. Methodology To explore the potential role of the immune system in female CoR, we characterized leukocyte composition and regulatory processes using DNA methylation (DNAm) in a cross-sectional cohort of young (20–22 years old) women differing in reproductive status. Results Compared to nulliparity, pregnancy was characterized by differential methylation at 828 sites, 96% of which were hypomethylated and enriched for genes associated with T-cell activation, innate immunity, pre-eclampsia and neoplasia. Breastfeeding was associated with differential methylation at 1107 sites (71% hypermethylated), enriched for genes involved in metabolism, immune self-recognition and neurogenesis. There were no significant differences in DNAm between nulliparous and parous women. However, compared to nullipara, pregnant women had lower proportions of B, CD4T, CD8T and natural killer (NK) cells, and higher proportions of granulocytes and monocytes. Monocyte counts were lower and NK counts higher among breastfeeding women, and remained so among parous women. Implications Our findings point to widespread differences in DNAm during pregnancy and lactation. These effects appear largely transient, but may accumulate with gravidity become detectable as women age. Nulliparous and parous women differed in leukocyte composition, consistent with more persistent effects of reproduction on cell type. These findings support transient (leukocyte DNAm) and persistent (cell composition) changes associated with reproduction in women, illuminating potential pathways contributing to CoR. Lay Summary: Evolutionary theory and epidemiology support costs of reproduction (CoR) to women’s health that may involve changes in immune function. We report differences in immune cell composition and gene regulation during pregnancy and breastfeeding. While many of these differences appear transient, immune cell composition may remain, suggesting mechanisms for female CoR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Calen P Ryan
- Department of Anthropology, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
| | - Meaghan J Jones
- Department of Biochemistry and Medical Genetics, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0J9, Canada.,Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0J9, Canada
| | | | - Nanette R Lee
- University of San Carlos Office of Population Studies Foundation Inc., Cebu City 6000, Philippines
| | - Michael S Kobor
- BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V5Z 4H4, Canada.,Child and Brain Development Program, Canadian Institute for Advanced Research, Toronto, ON M5G 1Z8, Canada
| | - Thomas W McDade
- Department of Anthropology, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA.,Child and Brain Development Program, Canadian Institute for Advanced Research, Toronto, ON M5G 1Z8, Canada.,Institute for Policy Research, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
| | - Christopher W Kuzawa
- Department of Anthropology, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA.,Institute for Policy Research, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
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6
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Ghamrawi R, Velickovic I, Milicevic O, White WM, Thistlethwaite LR, Cunningham JM, Milosavljevic A, Milic NM, Garovic VD. Buffy Coat DNA Methylation Profile Is Representative of Methylation Patterns in White Blood Cell Types in Normal Pregnancy. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 9:782843. [PMID: 35071203 PMCID: PMC8766967 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2021.782843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: We aimed to assess the extent to which the buffy coat DNA methylome is representative of methylation patterns in constitutive white blood cell (WBC) types in normal pregnancy. Methods: A comparison of differential methylation of buffy coat DNA vs DNA isolated from polymorphonuclear (PMN) and lymphocytic fractions was performed for each blood sample obtained within 24 h prior to delivery from 29 normotensive pregnant women. Methylation profiles were obtained using an Illumina Human Methylation 450 BeadChip and CHaMP bioinformatics pipeline. A subset of differentially methylated probes (DMPs) showing discordant methylation were further investigated using statistical modeling and enrichment analysis. Results: The smallest number of DMPs was found between the buffy coat and the PMN fraction (2.96%). Pathway enrichment analysis of the DMPs identified biological pathways involved in the particular leukocyte lineage, consistent with perturbations during isolation. The comparisons between the buffy coat and the isolated fractions as a group using linear modeling yielded a small number of probes (∼29,000) with discordant methylation. Demethylation of probes in the buffy coat compared to derived cell lines was more common and was prevalent in shelf and open sea regions. Conclusion: Buffy coat is representative of methylation patterns in WBC types in normal pregnancy. The differential methylations are consistent with perturbations during isolation of constituent cells and likely originate in vitro due to the physical stress during cell separation and are of no physiological relevance. These findings help the interpretation of DNA methylation profiling in pregnancy and numerous other conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ranine Ghamrawi
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Igor Velickovic
- Department of Medical Statistics and Informatics, Medical Faculty University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Ognjen Milicevic
- Department of Medical Statistics and Informatics, Medical Faculty University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Wendy M White
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States.,Department of Perinatology, Olmsted Medical Center, Rochester, MN, United States
| | | | - Julie M Cunningham
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Aleksandar Milosavljevic
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Natasa M Milic
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States.,Department of Medical Statistics and Informatics, Medical Faculty University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Vesna D Garovic
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
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7
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Harville EW, Mishra PP, Kähönen M, Raitoharju E, Marttila S, Raitakari O, Lehtimäki T. Reproductive history and blood cell DNA methylation later in life: the Young Finns Study. Clin Epigenetics 2021; 13:227. [PMID: 34930449 PMCID: PMC8690999 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-021-01215-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Women with a history of complications of pregnancy, including hypertensive disorders, gestational diabetes or an infant fetal growth restriction or preterm birth, are at higher risk for cardiovascular disease later in life. We aimed to examine differences in maternal DNA methylation following pregnancy complications. Methods Data on women participating in the Young Finns study (n = 836) were linked to the national birth registry. DNA methylation in whole blood was assessed using the Infinium Methylation EPIC BeadChip. Epigenome-wide analysis was conducted on differential CpG methylation at 850 K sites. Reproductive history was also modeled as a predictor of four epigenetic age indices. Results Fourteen significant differentially methylated sites were found associated with both history of pre-eclampsia and overall hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. No associations were found between reproductive history and any epigenetic age acceleration measure. Conclusions Differences in epigenetic methylation profiles could represent pre-existing risk factors, or changes that occurred as a result of experiencing these complications. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13148-021-01215-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily W Harville
- Department of Epidemiology, Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, LA, 70112, USA. .,Department of Clinical Chemistry, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, 33520, Tampere, Finland.
| | - Pashupati P Mishra
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, 33520, Tampere, Finland.,Finnish Cardiovascular Research Center - Tampere, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, 33521, Tampere, Finland.,Department of Clinical Chemistry, Fimlab Laboratories, Tampere, Finland
| | - Mika Kähönen
- Department of Clinical Physiology, Tampere University Hospital, and Finnish Cardiovascular Research Center - Tampere, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, 33521, Tampere, Finland
| | - Emma Raitoharju
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, 33520, Tampere, Finland.,Department of Molecular Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
| | - Saara Marttila
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, 33520, Tampere, Finland.,Department of Molecular Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland.,Gerontology Research Center, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
| | - Olli Raitakari
- Research Center of Applied and Preventive Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Terho Lehtimäki
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, 33520, Tampere, Finland.,Finnish Cardiovascular Research Center - Tampere, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, 33521, Tampere, Finland.,Department of Clinical Chemistry, Fimlab Laboratories, Tampere, Finland
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8
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Badam TV, Hellberg S, Mehta RB, Lechner-Scott J, Lea RA, Tost J, Mariette X, Svensson-Arvelund J, Nestor CE, Benson M, Berg G, Jenmalm MC, Gustafsson M, Ernerudh J. CD4 + T-cell DNA methylation changes during pregnancy significantly correlate with disease-associated methylation changes in autoimmune diseases. Epigenetics 2021; 17:1040-1055. [PMID: 34605719 PMCID: PMC9487751 DOI: 10.1080/15592294.2021.1982510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Epigenetics may play a central, yet unexplored, role in the profound changes that the maternal immune system undergoes during pregnancy and could be involved in the pregnancy-induced modulation of several autoimmune diseases. We investigated changes in the methylome in isolated circulating CD4+ T-cells in non-pregnant and pregnant women, during the 1st and 2nd trimester, using the Illumina Infinium Human Methylation 450K array, and explored how these changes were related to autoimmune diseases that are known to be affected during pregnancy. Pregnancy was associated with several hundreds of methylation differences, particularly during the 2nd trimester. A network-based modular approach identified several genes, e.g., CD28, FYN, VAV1 and pathways related to T-cell signalling and activation, highlighting T-cell regulation as a central component of the observed methylation alterations. The identified pregnancy module was significantly enriched for disease-associated methylation changes related to multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus. A negative correlation between pregnancy-associated methylation changes and disease-associated changes was found for multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis, diseases that are known to improve during pregnancy whereas a positive correlation was found for systemic lupus erythematosus, a disease that instead worsens during pregnancy. Thus, the directionality of the observed changes is in line with the previously observed effect of pregnancy on disease activity. Our systems medicine approach supports the importance of the methylome in immune regulation of T-cells during pregnancy. Our findings highlight the relevance of using pregnancy as a model for understanding and identifying disease-related mechanisms involved in the modulation of autoimmune diseases.Abbreviations: BMIQ: beta-mixture quantile dilation; DMGs: differentially methylated genes; DMPs: differentially methylated probes; FE: fold enrichment; FDR: false discovery rate; GO: gene ontology; GWAS: genome-wide association studies; MDS: multidimensional scaling; MS: multiple sclerosis; PBMC: peripheral blood mononuclear cells; PBS: phosphate buffered saline; PPI; protein-protein interaction; RA: rheumatoid arthritis; SD: standard deviation; SLE: systemic lupus erythematosus; SNP: single nucleotide polymorphism; TH: CD4+ T helper cell; VIStA: diVIsive Shuffling Approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tejaswi V Badam
- Bioinformatics Department of Physics, Chemistry and Biology, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden.,School of Bioscience, Skövde University, Skövde, Sweden
| | - Sandra Hellberg
- Bioinformatics Department of Physics, Chemistry and Biology, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden.,Division of Inflammation and Infection, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Ratnesh B Mehta
- Division of Inflammation and Infection, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Jeannette Lechner-Scott
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Australia.,Centre for Brain and Mental Health, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, Australia.,Department of Neurology, John Hunter Hospital, New Lambton Heights, Australia
| | - Rodney A Lea
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Australia.,Centre for Brain and Mental Health, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, Australia.,Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovations, Genomics Research Centre, Queensland University of Technology, Kelvin Grove, Australia
| | - Jorg Tost
- Laboratory of Epigenetics and Environment, Centre National De Recherche En Génomique Humaine, CEA-Institut De Biologie Francois Jacob, Evry, France
| | - Xavier Mariette
- Université Paris-Saclay, AP-HP-Université Paris-Saclay, Hôpital Bicêtre, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (Inserm) U1184, Center for Immunology of Viral Infections and Autoimmune Diseases, France
| | - Judit Svensson-Arvelund
- Division of Inflammation and Infection, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Colm E Nestor
- The Centre for Individualized Medicine, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Mikael Benson
- The Centre for Individualized Medicine, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Göran Berg
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology and Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Maria C Jenmalm
- Division of Inflammation and Infection, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Mika Gustafsson
- Bioinformatics Department of Physics, Chemistry and Biology, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Jan Ernerudh
- Department of Clinical Immunology and Transfusion Medicine and Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
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9
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Epigenetic and senescence markers indicate an accelerated ageing-like state in women with preeclamptic pregnancies. EBioMedicine 2021; 70:103536. [PMID: 34391091 PMCID: PMC8365351 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2021.103536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2021] [Revised: 07/20/2021] [Accepted: 07/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Preeclampsia is a pregnancy-specific hypertensive disorder characterized by proteinuria and/or multisystem involvement. Disease-specific therapy has yet to be developed due to the lack of understanding of underlying mechanism(s). We postulate that accelerated ageing in general, and particularly cellular senescence, play a role in its pathophysiology. Methods We compared women with preeclampsia vs. normotensive pregnancies with respect to epigenetic markers of ageing and markers of senescence in tissues/organs affected by preeclampsia (blood, urine, adipose tissue, and kidney). Findings We demonstrate that preeclamptic compared to normotensive pregnant women: (i) undergo accelerated epigenetic ageing during pregnancy, as demonstrated by an “epigenetic clock”; (ii) exhibit higher levels/expression of senescence-associated secretory phenotype factors in blood and adipose tissue; (iii) display increased expression of p16INK4A in adipose tissue and renal sections, and (iv) demonstrate decreased levels of urinary α-Klotho (an anti-ageing protein) at the time of delivery. Finally, we provide data indicating that pre-treatment with dasatinib, a senolytic agent, rescues the angiogenic potential of mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) obtained from preeclamptic pregnancies, and promotes angiogenesis, even under pro-inflammatory conditions. Interpretation Taken together, our results identify senescence as one of the mechanisms underpinning the pathophysiology of preeclampsia. Therapeutic strategies that target senescent cells may offer novel mechanism-based treatments for preeclampsia. Funding This work was supported by NIH grants, R01 HL136348, R37 AG013925, P01 AG062413, R01 DK11916, generous gifts from the Connor Fund, Robert J. and Theresa W. Ryan and from The George G. Beasley family, the Noaber Foundation, and the Henry and Emma Meyer Professorship in Molecular Genetics.
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10
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Maternal DNA Methylation During Pregnancy: a Review. Reprod Sci 2021; 28:2758-2769. [PMID: 33469876 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-020-00456-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2020] [Accepted: 12/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Multiple environmental, behavioral, and hereditary factors affect pregnancy. Recent studies suggest that epigenetic modifications, such as DNA methylation (DNAm), affect both maternal and fetal health during the period of gestation. Some of the pregnancy-related risk factors can influence maternal DNAm, thus predisposing both the mother and the neonate to clinical adversities with long-lasting consequences. DNAm alterations in the promoter and enhancer regions modulate gene expression changes which play vital physiological role. In this review, we have discussed the recent advances in our understanding of maternal DNA methylation changes during pregnancy and its associated complications such as gestational diabetes and anemia, adverse pregnancy outcomes like preterm birth, and preeclampsia. We have also highlighted some major gaps and limitations in the area which if addressed might improve our understanding of pregnancy and its associated adverse clinical conditions, ultimately leading to healthy pregnancies and reduction of public health burden.
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Jasienska G. Costs of reproduction and ageing in the human female. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2020; 375:20190615. [PMID: 32951546 PMCID: PMC7540952 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2019.0615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Evolutionary theories of ageing point to reproduction as a significant factor to consider when asking why ageing occurs and why there is inter-individual variation in its progression. Reproduction in human females is costly, in terms of energy, nutrients and metabolic adjustments. Thus, it is expected that women who experienced high reproductive effort resulting from multiple reproductive events will age faster. However, the evidence for long-term negative effects of reproduction is not conclusive. The lack of understanding of whether there are trade-offs between reproduction and ageing in women is partly due to methodological challenges. The costs of reproduction are often calculated based only on parity, while other elements contributing to these costs (e.g. breastfeeding, timing of reproduction) are neglected, which may significantly underestimate the total costs and obscure the all-important inter-individual variation in such costs. Costs must be evaluated in relation to individual characteristics, including developmental conditions, nutritional status and social support that a mother receives during reproduction. Furthermore, ageing and health must be assessed based on comprehensive markers rather than arbitrarily assembled variables. Finally, longitudinal rather than cross-sectional studies and new statistical approaches are needed to reveal how much of a decline in health and progressing ageing can actually be attributed to past reproductive processes. This article is part of the theme issue 'Evolution of the primate ageing process'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grazyna Jasienska
- Department of Environmental Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Krakow, Poland
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Kresovich JK, Harmon QE, Xu Z, Nichols HB, Sandler DP, Taylor JA. Reproduction, DNA methylation and biological age. Hum Reprod 2020; 34:1965-1973. [PMID: 31600381 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dez149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2019] [Revised: 06/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Are reproductive characteristics associated with genome-wide DNA methylation and epigenetic age? SUMMARY ANSWER Our data suggest that increasing parity is associated with differences in blood DNA methylation and small increases in epigenetic age. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY A study of 397 young Filipino women (ages 20-22) observed increasing epigenetic age with an increasing number of pregnancies. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION We used data from 2356 non-Hispanic white women (ages 35-74) enrolled in the Sister Study cohort. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Data on reproductive history were ascertained via questionnaire. Of the 2356 women, 1897 (81%) reported at least one live birth. Among parous women, 487 (26%) women reported ever experiencing a pregnancy complication. Three epigenetic clocks (i.e. Hannum, Horvath and Levine) and genome-wide methylation were measured in DNA from whole blood using Illumina's HumanMethylation450 BeadChip. We estimated association β-values and 95% CIs using linear regression. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE All three epigenetic clocks showed weak associations between number of births and epigenetic age (per live birth; Hannum: β = 0.16, 95% CI = 0.02, 0.29, P = 0.03; Horvath: β = 0.12, 95% CI = -0.04, 0.27, P = 0.14; Levine: β = 0.27, 95% CI = 0.08, 0.45, P = 0.01); however, additional adjustment for current BMI attenuated the associations. Among parous women, a history of abnormal glucose tolerance during pregnancy was associated with increased epigenetic age by the Hannum clock (β = 0.96; 95% CI = 0.10, 1.81; P = 0.03) and Levine clocks (β = 1.69; 95% CI = 0.54, 2.84; P < 0.01). In epigenome-wide analysis, increasing parity was associated with methylation differences at 17 CpG sites (Bonferroni corrected P≤ 1.0 × 10-7). LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION We relied on retrospective recall to ascertain reproductive history and pregnancy complications. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Our findings suggest that parity is associated with small increases in epigenetic age and with DNA methylation at multiple sites in the genome. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This research was supported by the Intramural Research program of the NIH, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (Z01-ES049033, Z01-ES049032 and Z01-ES044055). None of the authors have a conflict of interest. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER Not applicable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob K Kresovich
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, NIH, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Quaker E Harmon
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, NIH, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Zongli Xu
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, NIH, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Hazel B Nichols
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Dale P Sandler
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, NIH, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Jack A Taylor
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, NIH, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA.,Epigenetic and Stem Cell Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, NIH, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
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White WM, Sun Z, Borowski KS, Brost BC, Davies NP, Rose CH, Garovic VD. Preeclampsia/Eclampsia candidate genes show altered methylation in maternal leukocytes of preeclamptic women at the time of delivery. Hypertens Pregnancy 2016; 35:394-404. [PMID: 27064514 DOI: 10.3109/10641955.2016.1162315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To analyze methylation profiles of known preeclampsia/eclampsia (PE) candidate genes in normal (NL) and preeclamptic (PE) women at delivery. METHODS A matched case-control study comparing methylation in 79 CpG sites/33 genes from an independent gene set in maternal leukocyte DNA in PE and NL (n = 14 each) on an Illumina BeadChip platform. Replication performed on second cohort (PE = 12; NL = 32). RESULTS PE demonstrates differential methylation in POMC, AGT, CALCA, and DDAH1 compared with NL. CONCLUSION Differential methylation in four genes associated with PE may represent a potential biomarker or an epigenetic pathophysiologic mechanism altering gene transcription.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wendy M White
- a Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology , Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine , Mayo Clinic, Rochester , MN , USA
| | - Zhifu Sun
- b Department of Health Sciences Research , Division of Biomedical Statistics and Informatics , Mayo Clinic, Rochester , MN , USA
| | - Kristi S Borowski
- a Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology , Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine , Mayo Clinic, Rochester , MN , USA
| | - Brian C Brost
- a Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology , Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine , Mayo Clinic, Rochester , MN , USA
| | - Norman P Davies
- a Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology , Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine , Mayo Clinic, Rochester , MN , USA
| | - Carl H Rose
- a Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology , Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine , Mayo Clinic, Rochester , MN , USA
| | - Vesna D Garovic
- c Department of Internal Medicine , Division of Nephrology and Hypertension , Mayo Clinic, Rochester , MN , USA
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Demetriou CA, van Veldhoven K, Relton C, Stringhini S, Kyriacou K, Vineis P. Biological embedding of early-life exposures and disease risk in humans: a role for DNA methylation. Eur J Clin Invest 2015; 45:303-32. [PMID: 25645488 DOI: 10.1111/eci.12406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2014] [Accepted: 01/19/2015] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Following wider acceptance of 'the thrifty phenotype' hypothesis and the convincing evidence that early-life exposures can influence adult health even decades after the exposure, much interest has been placed on the mechanisms through which early-life exposures become biologically embedded. MATERIALS AND METHODS In this review, we summarize the current literature regarding biological embedding of early-life experiences. To this end, we conducted a literature search to identify studies investigating early-life exposures in relation to DNA methylation changes. In addition, we summarize the challenges faced in investigations of epigenetic effects, stemming from the peculiarities of this emergent and complex field. A proper systematic review and meta-analyses were not feasible given the nature of the evidence. RESULTS We identified seven studies on early-life socio-economic circumstances, 10 studies on childhood obesity and six studies on early-life nutrition all relating to DNA methylation changes that met the stipulated inclusion criteria. The pool of evidence gathered, albeit small, favours a role of epigenetics and DNA methylation in biological embedding, but replication of findings, multiple comparison corrections, publication bias and causality are concerns remaining to be addressed in future investigations. CONCLUSIONS Based on these results, we hypothesize that epigenetics, in particular DNA methylation, is a plausible mechanism through which early-life exposures are biologically embedded. This review describes the current status of the field and acts as a stepping stone for future, better designed investigations on how early-life exposures might become biologically embedded through epigenetic effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christiana A Demetriou
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK; Department of Electron Microscopy / Molecular Pathology, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
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Craici IM, Wagner SJ, Weissgerber TL, Grande JP, Garovic VD. Advances in the pathophysiology of pre-eclampsia and related podocyte injury. Kidney Int 2014; 86:275-85. [PMID: 24573315 PMCID: PMC4117806 DOI: 10.1038/ki.2014.17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2013] [Revised: 11/04/2013] [Accepted: 11/14/2013] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Pre-eclampsia is a pregnancy-specific hypertensive disorder that may lead to serious maternal and fetal complications. It is a multisystem disease that is commonly, but not always, accompanied by proteinuria. Its cause(s) remain unknown, and delivery remains the only definitive treatment. It is increasingly recognized that many pathophysiological processes contribute to this syndrome, with different signaling pathways converging at the point of systemic endothelial dysfunction, hypertension, and proteinuria. Different animal models of pre-eclampsia have proven utility for specific aspects of pre-eclampsia research, and offer insights into pathophysiology and treatment possibilities. Therapeutic interventions that specifically target these pathways may optimize pre-eclampsia management and may improve fetal and maternal outcomes. In addition, recent findings regarding placental, endothelial, and podocyte pathophysiology in pre-eclampsia provide unique and exciting possibilities for improved diagnostic accuracy. Emerging evidence suggests that testing for urinary podocytes or their markers may facilitate the prediction and diagnosis of pre-eclampsia. In this review, we explore recent research regarding placental, endothelial, and podocyte pathophysiology. We further discuss new signaling and genetic pathways that may contribute to pre-eclampsia pathophysiology, emerging screening and diagnostic strategies, and potential targeted interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iasmina M Craici
- Division of Nephrology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi, USA
| | - Steven J Wagner
- Division of Nephrology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi, USA
| | | | - Joseph P Grande
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Vesna D Garovic
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
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White WM, Brost B, Sun Z, Rose C, Craici I, Wagner SJ, Turner ST, Garovic VD. Genome-wide methylation profiling demonstrates hypermethylation in maternal leukocyte DNA in preeclamptic compared to normotensive pregnancies. Hypertens Pregnancy 2013; 32:257-69. [PMID: 23782156 PMCID: PMC3741019 DOI: 10.3109/10641955.2013.796970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To compare genome-wide methylation profiles in maternal leukocyte DNA between normotensive and preeclamptic pregnant women at delivery. METHODS Age, body mass index matched case-control comparison of methylation at 27,578 cytosine-- guanine sites in 14,495 genes in maternal leukocyte DNA in women with preeclampsia (PE; n = 14) and normotensive controls (n = 14). RESULTS PE was associated with widespread differential methylation favoring hypermethylation. Pathway analysis identified the best matched process as a neuropeptide signaling pathway (p < 10(-5)); best matched disease as eclampsia (p < 9.97 × 10(-20)). Significantly differentially methylated genes (GRIN2b. GABRA1. PCDHB7, and BEX1) are associated with seizures. CONCLUSION Altered maternal leukocyte DNA methylation is associated with PE at delivery, and differential methylation of certain neuronal genes may explain the risk for eclampsia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wendy M White
- Department of OB/GYN, Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN, USA
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