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Mortillo M, Kennedy E, Hermetz K, Burt A, Marsit C. Associations between placental hydroxymethylation and birthweight. EPIGENETICS REPORTS 2024; 2:1-7. [PMID: 39091447 PMCID: PMC11290493 DOI: 10.1080/28361512.2024.2376954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/02/2024] [Indexed: 08/04/2024]
Abstract
5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC), formed through the ten-eleven translocation (TET) methylcytosine dioxygenase mediated oxidation of 5-methylcytosine (5mC) at cytosine-phosphate-guanine (CpG) dinucleotides, is believed to mainly serve as an intermediate in the DNA demethylation pathway, though recent evidence suggests that 5hmC may also play a functionally relevant role. We have conducted an epigenome-wide association study (EWAS) to assess the association between placenta 5hmC, obtained through parallel bisulfite and oxidative bisulfite modification of DNA and array-based assessment, and newborn birthweight in the Rhode Island Child Health Study (RICHS). We also assessed whether the removal of 5hmC signal impacts the observed results from traditional epigenome-wide studies that rely on BS modification-based (combined 5mC and 5hmC) assessment alone. We identified 5hmC at one CpG in the CUBN gene to be significantly associated with birthweight (FDR < 0.05) and demonstrate that expression of that gene was also associated with birthweight. Comparison of 5hmC+5mC and 5mC EWAS effect estimates reveal a strong correlation (r = 0.77, p < 0.0001). Our study suggests that traditional assessment of 5mC through bisulfite modification alone provides an accurate assessment of CpG-specific DNA methylation for EWAS studies but was unable to provide evidence of widespread associations between placental 5hmC and birthweight.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Mortillo
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University
| | - Elizabeth Kennedy
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University
| | - Karen Hermetz
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University
| | - Amber Burt
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University
| | - Carmen Marsit
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University
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2
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Zhu WX, Xi Y, Li F, Jiao WE, Li ZJ, Chen SM, Kong YG, Xu Y, Deng YQ, Zuo JJ, Tao ZZ. Calpeptin may reverse glucocorticoid-resistance of allergic rhinitis associated with cigarette smoke exposure by down-regulating interferon regulatory factor 1. Heliyon 2023; 9:e17316. [PMID: 37449098 PMCID: PMC10336445 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e17316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Revised: 06/03/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Cigarette smoke exposure is an important factor in chronic inflammation in patients with allergic rhinitis (AR); however, the relationship between cigarette smoke and AR-related glucocorticoid resistance requires further study. In mice, calpeptin significantly reduces inflammation of the lower respiratory tract caused by cigarette smoke, but whether it can treat glucocorticoid-resistant AR caused by cigarette smoke requires further research. In this study, we confirmed that cigarette smoke exposure can aggravate the Th2 inflammatory response in AR leading to glucocorticoid resistance. The underlying mechanism may be related to decreased expression of DNA methyltransferase 3a (Dnmt3a), and increased expression of interferon regulatory factor 1 (IRF1). In addition, we found that calpeptin can inhibit the expression of IRF1 and thus treat AR-associated glucocorticoid resistance in rats exposed to cigarette smoke. These data suggest that calpeptin may downregulate IRF1 and therefore treat glucocorticoid resistance in AR-associated with cigarette smoke exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Xuan Zhu
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, PR China
| | - Yang Xi
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, PR China
| | - Fen Li
- Institute of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, PR China
| | - Wo-Er Jiao
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, PR China
| | - Zi-Jing Li
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, PR China
| | - Shi-Ming Chen
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, PR China
- Institute of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, PR China
| | - Yong-Gang Kong
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, PR China
| | - Yu Xu
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, PR China
- Institute of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, PR China
| | - Yu-Qin Deng
- Department of Rhinology and Allergy, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, PR China
| | - Jing-Jing Zuo
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, PR China
| | - Ze-Zhang Tao
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, PR China
- Institute of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, PR China
- Department of Rhinology and Allergy, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, PR China
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Wang H, Li W, Yang J, Wang Y, Du H, Han M, Xu L, Liu S, Yi J, Chen Y, Jiang Q, He G. Gestational exposure to perfluoroalkyl substances is associated with placental DNA methylation and birth size. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 858:159747. [PMID: 36309289 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.159747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2022] [Revised: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 10/22/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
DNA methylation is one potential mechanism for the effects of gestational exposure to perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) on fetal growth. We investigated 180 pregnant women who participated in a cohort study conducted in Tangshan City, Northern China, and determined the concentrations of 11 PFASs and the methylation of two genes related to fetal growth [insulin-like growth factor 2 (IGF2) and nuclear receptor subfamily 3 group C member 1 (NR3C1)] and one surrogate marker for global methylation [long interspersed nuclear element-1 (LINE-1)] in placenta tissue. Multiple linear regression analysis was performed to examine the associations of log transformed PFASs with the DNA methylation and birth size. Weighted quantile sum regression was used to determine the mixture effect of PFASs. After adjusting for potential confounders, perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) was negatively associated with the overall methylation of LINE-1. PFASs mixture was negatively associated with the methylation of all CpG loci of LINE-1 and overall methylation of NR3C1. Perfluorootanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA), perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA), and the PFASs mixture showed negative associations with head circumference. After stratified by newborns' sex, PFOA, PFNA and the PFASs mixture was negatively associated with overall methylation of LINE-1 only in the male subgroup and the methylation of all CpG loci of LINE-1 was negatively associated with ponderal index only in the female subgroup. The interaction of newborns' sex with PFOS and PFOA on overall methylation of IGF2 was statistically significant and so was the interaction of sex with PFOS on overall methylation of LINE-1. These findings suggested that intrauterine exposure to PFASs affected placental DNA methylation and reduced fetal growth, which might be modified by sex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hexing Wang
- School of Public Health/Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety of Ministry of Education, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenyun Li
- School of Public Health/Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety of Ministry of Education, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiaqi Yang
- School of Public Health/Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety of Ministry of Education, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuanping Wang
- School of Public Health/Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety of Ministry of Education, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hongyi Du
- Healthy Lifestyle Medical Center, Fuwai Hospital, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Minghui Han
- Healthy Lifestyle Medical Center, Fuwai Hospital, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Linji Xu
- Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Tangshan, Hebei province, China
| | - Shuping Liu
- Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Tangshan, Hebei province, China
| | - Jianping Yi
- Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Tangshan, Hebei province, China
| | - Yue Chen
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Qingwu Jiang
- School of Public Health/Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety of Ministry of Education, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Gengsheng He
- School of Public Health/Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety of Ministry of Education, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
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He B, Zhang Q, Guo Y, Ao Y, Tie K, Xiao H, Chen L, Xu D, Wang H. Prenatal smoke (Nicotine) exposure and offspring's metabolic disease susceptibility in adulthood. Food Chem Toxicol 2022; 168:113384. [PMID: 36041661 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2022.113384] [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: 01/24/2022] [Revised: 08/06/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Exposure to smoking (nicotine) during pregnancy not only directly affects fetal development, but also increases susceptibility to metabolic diseases in adulthood, but the mechanism of action remains unclear. Here, we review epidemiological and laboratory studies linking these relationships. In addition to the direct effect of nicotine on the fetus, intrauterine neuroendocrine-metabolic programming mediated by maternal glucocorticoid overexposure also plays an important role, involving glucocorticoid-insulin-like growth factor 1 (GC-IGF1) axis, hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, renin-angiotensin system (RAS) and other endocrine systems. Epigenetics is involved in intrauterine neuroendocrine-metabolic programming, metabolic disease susceptibility and multigenerational inheritance. There are "two programming" and "two strikes" mechanisms for the occurrence of fetal-originated metabolic diseases in adulthood. These innovative research summaries and academic viewpoints provide experimental and theoretical basis for systematically elucidating the occurrence and development of fetal-originated metabolic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo He
- Department of Pharmacology, Basic Medical School of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Yunnan Key Laboratory of Pharmacology for Natural Products, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650500, China
| | - Qi Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, Basic Medical School of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China; Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disease, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Yu Guo
- Department of Pharmacology, Basic Medical School of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China; Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disease, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Ying Ao
- Department of Pharmacology, Basic Medical School of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China; Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disease, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Kai Tie
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China; Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disease, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Hao Xiao
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China; Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disease, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Liaobin Chen
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China; Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disease, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Dan Xu
- Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disease, Wuhan, 430071, China; Department of Pharmacy, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China.
| | - Hui Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, Basic Medical School of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China; Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disease, Wuhan, 430071, China.
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Cleal JK, Poore KR, Lewis RM. The placental exposome, placental epigenetic adaptations and lifelong cardio-metabolic health. Mol Aspects Med 2022; 87:101095. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mam.2022.101095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2021] [Revised: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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6
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Grilo LF, Tocantins C, Diniz MS, Gomes RM, Oliveira PJ, Matafome P, Pereira SP. Metabolic Disease Programming: From Mitochondria to Epigenetics, Glucocorticoid Signalling and Beyond. Eur J Clin Invest 2021; 51:e13625. [PMID: 34060076 DOI: 10.1111/eci.13625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Revised: 05/22/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Embryonic and foetal development are critical periods of development in which several environmental cues determine health and disease in adulthood. Maternal conditions and an unfavourable intrauterine environment impact foetal development and may programme the offspring for increased predisposition to metabolic diseases and other chronic pathologic conditions throughout adult life. Previously, non-communicable chronic diseases were only associated with genetics and lifestyle. Now the origins of non-communicable chronic diseases are associated with early-life adaptations that produce long-term dysfunction. Early-life environment sets the long-term health and disease risk and can span through multiple generations. Recent research in developmental programming aims at identifying the molecular mechanisms responsible for developmental programming outcomes that impact cellular physiology and trigger adulthood disease. The identification of new therapeutic targets can improve offspring's health management and prevent or overcome adverse consequences of foetal programming. This review summarizes recent biomedical discoveries in the Developmental Origins of Health and Disease (DOHaD) hypothesis and highlight possible developmental programming mechanisms, including prenatal structural defects, metabolic (mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, protein modification), epigenetic and glucocorticoid signalling-related mechanisms suggesting molecular clues for the causes and consequences of programming of increased susceptibility of offspring to metabolic disease after birth. Identifying mechanisms involved in DOHaD can contribute to early interventions in pregnancy or early childhood, to re-set the metabolic homeostasis and break the chain of subsequent events that could lead to the development of disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luís F Grilo
- CNC - Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, CIBB - Centre for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,PhD Programme in Experimental Biology and Biomedicine (PDBEB), Institute for Interdisciplinary Research (IIIUC), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Carolina Tocantins
- CNC - Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, CIBB - Centre for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Mariana S Diniz
- CNC - Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, CIBB - Centre for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Rodrigo Mello Gomes
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Biological Sciences Institute, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, Brazil
| | - Paulo J Oliveira
- CNC - Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, CIBB - Centre for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Paulo Matafome
- Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR) and Institute of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Clinical Academic Center of Coimbra (CACC), Coimbra, Portugal.,Department of Complementary Sciences, Instituto Politécnico de Coimbra, Coimbra Health School (ESTeSC), Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Susana P Pereira
- CNC - Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, CIBB - Centre for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Laboratory of Metabolism and Exercise (LametEx), Research Centre in Physical Activity, Health and Leisure (CIAFEL), Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health (ITR), Faculty of Sport, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
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Extensive Placental Methylation Profiling in Normal Pregnancies. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22042136. [PMID: 33669975 PMCID: PMC7924820 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22042136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2021] [Revised: 02/17/2021] [Accepted: 02/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The placental methylation pattern is crucial for the regulation of genes involved in trophoblast invasion and placental development, both key events for fetal growth. We investigated LINE-1 methylation and methylome profiling using a methylation EPIC array and the targeted methylation sequencing of 154 normal, full-term pregnancies, stratified by birth weight percentiles. LINE-1 methylation showed evidence of a more pronounced hypomethylation in small neonates compared with normal and large for gestational age. Genome-wide methylation, performed in two subsets of pregnancies, showed very similar methylation profiles among cord blood samples while placentae from different pregnancies appeared very variable. A unique methylation profile emerged in each placenta, which could represent the sum of adjustments that the placenta made during the pregnancy to preserve the epigenetic homeostasis of the fetus. Investigations into the 1000 most variable sites between cord blood and the placenta showed that promoters and gene bodies that are hypermethylated in the placenta are associated with blood-specific functions, whereas those that are hypomethylated belong mainly to pathways involved in cancer. These features support the functional analogies between a placenta and cancer. Our results, which provide a comprehensive analysis of DNA methylation profiling in the human placenta, suggest that its peculiar dynamicity can be relevant for understanding placental plasticity in response to the environment.
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Zhao Y, Wang P, Zhou Y, Xia B, Zhu Q, Ge W, Li J, Shi H, Xiao X, Zhang Y. Prenatal fine particulate matter exposure, placental DNA methylation changes, and fetal growth. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2021; 147:106313. [PMID: 33341587 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2020.106313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2020] [Revised: 10/26/2020] [Accepted: 11/25/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
This study was designed to examine the impact of prenatal fine particulate matter (PM2.5) exposure on fetal growth and the underlying placental epigenetic mechanism in a cohort of Chinese women. Within the prospective Shanghai Mother-Child Pairs cohort (Shanghai MCPC), 329 women carrying singleton pregnancy with a due date in 2018 were recruited between 2017 and 2018. Maternal PM2.5 exposure levels were estimated using gestational exposure prediction model combining satellite-driven ambient concentrations and personal air sampling. Fetal growth characteristics were evaluated by prenatal ultrasound examinations and anthropometric measurements at birth. In a discovery phase, whole-genome DNA methylation analysis was performed using the Infinium 850 K array. In a validation phase, placental DNA methylation was measured using bisulfite pyrosequencing for five candidate genes that showed the most significant alterations and function relevance in our methylation array screen, including BID (BH3 interacting domain death agonist), FOXN3 (Forkhead box N3), FOXP1 (Forkhead box P1), IGF2 (Insulin-like growth factor 2) and HSD11B2 (Hydroxysteroid 11-beta dehydrogenase 2). Multivariate linear regression models were applied to examine the associations among PM2.5 exposure, fetal growth characteristics and DNA methylation on placental candidate genes. Sobel tests were used to evaluate the mediating role of DNA methylation in multivariable models. After excluding women who withdrew or failed to provide placenta, a total of 287 pregnant women with an average age of 30 entered the final analysis. Increased PM2.5 exposure was significantly associated with reduced biparietal diameter (BPD) (β: -0.136 mm, 95% CI: -0.228 to -0.043), head circumference (HC) (β: -0.462 mm, 95% CI: -0.782 to -0.142), femur length (FL) (β: -0.113 mm, 95% CI: -0.185 to -0.041) and abdominal circumference (AC) (β: -0.371 mm, 95% CI: -0.672 to -0.071) in the second trimester and birth length (β: -0.013 cm, 95% CI: -0.025 to -0.001). Prenatal PM2.5 exposure could lead to aberrant changes in DNA methylation profile of placenta genome, which were mainly enriched in reproductive development, energy metabolism and immune response. DNA methylation of IGF2 and BID showed significant associations with PM2.5 exposures during all exposure windows. In addition, BID methylation was negatively correlated with HC (β: -1.396 mm, 95% CI: -2.582 to -0.209) and BPD (β: -0.330 mm, 95% CI: -0.635 to -0.026) in the second trimester. Further mediation analysis indicated that BID methylation mediated about 30% of the effects of PM2.5 exposure on HC. These findings collectively suggested that prenatal PM2.5 exposure may cause adverse effects on fetal growth by modifying placental DNA methylation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingya Zhao
- Key Lab of Health Technology Assessment, National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China (Fudan University), China; Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Pengpeng Wang
- Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Yuhan Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Bin Xia
- Key Lab of Health Technology Assessment, National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China (Fudan University), China
| | - Qingyang Zhu
- Key Lab of Health Technology Assessment, National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China (Fudan University), China
| | - Wenzhen Ge
- Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc., New York, NY, USA
| | - Jialin Li
- Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Huijing Shi
- Key Lab of Health Technology Assessment, National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China (Fudan University), China; Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Xirong Xiao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.
| | - Yunhui Zhang
- Key Lab of Health Technology Assessment, National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China (Fudan University), China; Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.
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Tekola-Ayele F, Zeng X, Ouidir M, Workalemahu T, Zhang C, Delahaye F, Wapner R. DNA methylation loci in placenta associated with birthweight and expression of genes relevant for early development and adult diseases. Clin Epigenetics 2020; 12:78. [PMID: 32493484 PMCID: PMC7268466 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-020-00873-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2020] [Accepted: 05/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Birthweight marks an important milestone of health across the lifespan, including cardiometabolic disease risk in later life. The placenta, a transient organ at the maternal-fetal interface, regulates fetal growth. Identifying genetic loci where DNA methylation in placenta is associated with birthweight can unravel genomic pathways that are dysregulated in aberrant fetal growth and cardiometabolic diseases in later life. Results We performed placental epigenome-wide association study (EWAS) of birthweight in an ethnic diverse cohort of pregnant women (n = 301). Methylation at 15 cytosine-(phosphate)-guanine sites (CpGs) was associated with birthweight (false discovery rate (FDR) < 0.05). Methylation at four (26.7%) CpG sites was associated with placental transcript levels of 15 genes (FDR < 0.05), including genes known to be associated with adult lipid traits, inflammation and oxidative stress. Increased methylation at cg06155341 was associated with higher birthweight and lower FOSL1 expression, and lower FOSL1 expression was correlated with higher birthweight. Given the role of the FOSL1 transcription factor in regulating developmental processes at the maternal-fetal interface, epigenetic mechanisms at this locus may regulate fetal development. We demonstrated trans-tissue portability of methylation at four genes (MLLT1, PDE9A, ASAP2, and SLC20A2) implicated in birthweight by a previous study in cord blood. We also found that methylation changes known to be related to maternal underweight, preeclampsia and adult type 2 diabetes were associated with lower birthweight in placenta. Conclusion We identified novel placental DNA methylation changes associated with birthweight. Placental epigenetic mechanisms may underlie dysregulated fetal development and early origins of adult cardiometabolic diseases. Clinical trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT00912132
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Affiliation(s)
- Fasil Tekola-Ayele
- Epidemiology Branch, Division of Intramural Population Health Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, 6710B Rockledge Dr, room 3204, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA.
| | - Xuehuo Zeng
- Division of Intramural Population Health Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Marion Ouidir
- Epidemiology Branch, Division of Intramural Population Health Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, 6710B Rockledge Dr, room 3204, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Tsegaselassie Workalemahu
- Epidemiology Branch, Division of Intramural Population Health Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, 6710B Rockledge Dr, room 3204, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Cuilin Zhang
- Epidemiology Branch, Division of Intramural Population Health Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, 6710B Rockledge Dr, room 3204, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Fabien Delahaye
- Department of Genetics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA.,UMR 1283, Institut Pasteur de Lille, Lille, France
| | - Ronald Wapner
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
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10
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Johns EC, Denison FC, Reynolds RM. The impact of maternal obesity in pregnancy on placental glucocorticoid and macronutrient transport and metabolism. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2020; 1866:165374. [PMID: 30684643 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2018.12.025] [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] [Received: 09/21/2018] [Revised: 12/12/2018] [Accepted: 12/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Maternal obesity is the most common metabolic disturbance in pregnancy affecting >1 in 5 women in some countries. Babies born to obese women are heavier with more adiposity at birth, and are vulnerable to obesity and metabolic disease across the lifespan suggesting offspring health is 'programmed' by fetal exposure to an obese intra-uterine environment. The placenta plays a major role in dictating the impact of maternal health on prenatal development. Maternal obesity impacts the function of integral placental receptors and transporters for glucocorticoids and nutrients, key drivers of fetal growth, though mechanisms remain poorly understood. This review aims to summarise current knowledge in this area, and considers the impact of obesity on the epigenetic machinery of the placenta at this vital juncture in offspring development. Further research is required to advance understanding of these areas in the hope that the trans-generational cycle of obesity can be alleviated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma C Johns
- Tommy's Centre for Maternal and Fetal Health, MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Fiona C Denison
- Tommy's Centre for Maternal and Fetal Health, MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Rebecca M Reynolds
- Tommy's Centre for Maternal and Fetal Health, MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh, United Kingdom; BHF/University Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Edinburgh, Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh, United Kingdom.
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11
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Dwi Putra SE, Reichetzeder C, Hasan AA, Slowinski T, Chu C, Krämer BK, Kleuser B, Hocher B. Being Born Large for Gestational Age is Associated with Increased Global Placental DNA Methylation. Sci Rep 2020; 10:927. [PMID: 31969597 PMCID: PMC6976643 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-57725-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2019] [Accepted: 12/31/2019] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Being born small (SGA) or large for gestational age (LGA) is associated with adverse birth outcomes and metabolic diseases in later life of the offspring. It is known that aberrations in growth during gestation are related to altered placental function. Placental function is regulated by epigenetic mechanisms such as DNA methylation. Several studies in recent years have demonstrated associations between altered patterns of DNA methylation and adverse birth outcomes. However, larger studies that reliably investigated global DNA methylation are lacking. The aim of this study was to characterize global placental DNA methylation in relationship to size for gestational age. Global DNA methylation was assessed in 1023 placental samples by LC-MS/MS. LGA offspring displayed significantly higher global placental DNA methylation compared to appropriate for gestational age (AGA; p < 0.001). ANCOVA analyses adjusted for known factors impacting on DNA methylation demonstrated an independent association between placental global DNA methylation and LGA births (p < 0.001). Tertile stratification according to global placental DNA methylation levels revealed a significantly higher frequency of LGA births in the third tertile. Furthermore, a multiple logistic regression analysis corrected for known factors influencing birth weight highlighted an independent positive association between global placental DNA methylation and the frequency of LGA births (p = 0.001).
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Affiliation(s)
- S E Dwi Putra
- Fifth Department of Medicine (Nephrology/Endocrinology/Rheumatology), University Medical Centre Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.,Department of Nutritional Toxicology, Institute of Nutritional Science, University of Potsdam, Nuthetal, Germany.,Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Surabaya, Surabaya, Indonesia
| | - C Reichetzeder
- Department of Nutritional Toxicology, Institute of Nutritional Science, University of Potsdam, Nuthetal, Germany.
| | - A A Hasan
- Fifth Department of Medicine (Nephrology/Endocrinology/Rheumatology), University Medical Centre Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.,Department of Nutritional Toxicology, Institute of Nutritional Science, University of Potsdam, Nuthetal, Germany.,Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt.,UP Transfer GmbH, University of Potsdam, Potsdam, Germany
| | - T Slowinski
- Department of Nephrology, Campus Charité Mitte, University Hospital Charité, Berlin, Germany
| | - C Chu
- Fifth Department of Medicine (Nephrology/Endocrinology/Rheumatology), University Medical Centre Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - B K Krämer
- Fifth Department of Medicine (Nephrology/Endocrinology/Rheumatology), University Medical Centre Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - B Kleuser
- Department of Nutritional Toxicology, Institute of Nutritional Science, University of Potsdam, Nuthetal, Germany
| | - B Hocher
- Fifth Department of Medicine (Nephrology/Endocrinology/Rheumatology), University Medical Centre Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany. .,Department of Basic Medicine, Medical College of Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China. .,Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, China.
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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: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [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.
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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
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13
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Stoica V, Gardan DA, Constantinescu I, Gardan IP, Calenic B, Diculescu M. Transgenerational Effects of Traumatic Historical Events on the Incidence of Metabolic Syndrome/ Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in the Romanian Population. J Med Life 2020; 13:475-483. [PMID: 33456595 PMCID: PMC7803300 DOI: 10.25122/jml-2020-0156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Concerns for successful public health management are integrated into the core business of government-responsible institutions. Diseases associated with metabolic syndrome are very common in the Romanian population. In our study, we focused on the cardiovascular and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The article starts from the hypothesis that the increased incidence of such diseases is determined today by the cumulative effect of traumatic historical events such as the famine of 1946-47 and the communist political regime specific to the 80s and 90s. This study aims to present the arguments that indicate the correlation of economic variables whose variation can be easily determined by traumatic events that affected the economy, with variables able to measure the incidence of various diseases usually associated with metabolic syndrome or NAFLD. A series of statistical data were analyzed from the official sources available in the form of consecutive value data for the 1995-2018 period. The results highlighted a direct and strong link between the variable gross domestic product (GDP) per capita in USD, 2011 purchasing power parity (PPP) and specific incidence of circulatory, nutritional endocrine and metabolic diseases, as well as a strong and inverse link between GDP and infant's deaths per 1000 live births. Conclusions highlight that the effects of traumatic historical events must be made aware through medical education of the population, supporting the idea according to which the incidence of various metabolic diseases is greater for the offspring of those who have actively suffered during such events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor Stoica
- Department of Gastroenterology, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy”, Bucharest, Romania,Department of Gastroenterology, Fundeni Clinical Institute, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Daniel Adrian Gardan
- Faculty of Economic Sciences, Spiru Haret University, Bucharest, Romania,* Corresponding Author: Daniel Adrian Gardan,Faculty of Economic Sciences,Spiru Haret University Phone/fax: +40721108979 E-mail:
| | - Ileana Constantinescu
- Department of Immunology and Transplant Immunology, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania,Center of Imunogenetics and Virusology, Fundeni Clinical Institute, Bucharest, Romania
| | | | - Bogdan Calenic
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Dentistry, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Mircea Diculescu
- Department of Gastroenterology, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy”, Bucharest, Romania,Department of Gastroenterology, Fundeni Clinical Institute, Bucharest, Romania
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14
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Zhu Z, Cao F, Li X. Epigenetic Programming and Fetal Metabolic Programming. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2019; 10:764. [PMID: 31849831 PMCID: PMC6901800 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2019.00764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2018] [Accepted: 10/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Fetal metabolic programming caused by the adverse intrauterine environment can induce metabolic syndrome in adult offspring. Adverse intrauterine environment introduces fetal long-term relatively irreversible changes in organs and metabolism, and thus causes fetal metabolic programming leading metabolic syndrome in adult offspring. Fetal metabolic programming of obesity and insulin resistance plays a key role in this process. The mechanism of fetal metabolic programming is still not very clear. It is suggested that epigenetic programming, also induced by the adverse intrauterine environment, is a critical underlying mechanism of fetal metabolic programming. Fetal epigenetic programming affects gene expression changes and cellular function through epigenetic modifications without DNA nucleotide sequence changes. Epigenetic modifications can be relatively stably retained and transmitted through mitosis and generations, and thereby induce the development of metabolic syndrome in adult offspring. This manuscript provides an overview of the critical role of epigenetic programming in fetal metabolic programming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziqiang Zhu
- Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
- Changzhou Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital affiliated to Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou, China
| | - Fang Cao
- Changzhou Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital affiliated to Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou, China
| | - Xiaozhong Li
- Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
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15
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Systemic endocrinopathies (thyroid conditions and diabetes): impact on postnatal life of the offspring. Fertil Steril 2019; 111:1076-1091. [PMID: 31155115 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2019.04.039] [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] [Received: 04/12/2019] [Revised: 04/25/2019] [Accepted: 04/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Fetal programming may influence childhood and adult life, determining the risk of specific diseases. During earlier stages of pregnancy, the transfer of maternal thyroid hormones to the fetus is vital for adequate neurologic development. The presence of severe maternal thyroid dysfunction, particularly severe iodine deficiency, is devastating, leading to irreversible neurologic sequelae. Moreover, mild maternal thyroid conditions, such as a mild-to-moderate iodine deficiency, may also lead to milder neurologic and behavioral conditions later during the life of the offspring. Maternal dysglycemia due to pregestational or gestational diabetes mellitus is another common situation in which fetal development encounters a hostile environment. Hyperglycemia in utero may trigger metabolic conditions in the offspring, including abnormalities of glucose tolerance and weight excess. Physicians assisting pregnant women have to be aware about these conditions, because they may go unnoticed if not properly screened. Because an early diagnosis and appropriate management may prevent most of the possible negative consequences for the progeny, the prevention, early diagnosis, and proper management of these endocrine conditions should be offered to all women undergoing pregnancy. Here, we comprehensively review the current evidence about the effects of maternal thyroid dysfunction and maternal dysglycemia on the cognitive function and carbohydrate metabolism in the offspring, two prevalent conditions of utmost importance for the child's health and development.
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Steroid receptors and their regulation in avian extraembryonic membranes provide a novel substrate for hormone mediated maternal effects. Sci Rep 2019; 9:11501. [PMID: 31395925 PMCID: PMC6687743 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-48001-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2018] [Accepted: 07/03/2019] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Exposure of the vertebrate embryo to maternal hormones can have long-lasting effects on its phenotype, which has been studied extensively by experimentally manipulating maternal steroids, mostly androgens, in bird eggs. Yet, there is a severe lack of understanding of how and when these effects are actually mediated, hampering both underlying proximate and ultimate explanations. Here we report a novel finding that the embryo expresses androgen receptor (AR) and estrogen receptor (ERα) mRNA in its extraembryonic membranes (EMs) as early as before its own hormone production starts, suggesting a novel substrate for action of maternal hormones on the offspring. We also report the first experimental evidence for steroid receptor regulation in the avian embryo in response to yolk steroid levels: the level of AR is dependent on yolk androgen levels only in the EMs but not in body tissues, suggesting embryonic adaptation to maternal hormones. The results also solve the problem of uptake of lipophilic steroids from the yolk, why they affect multiple traits, and how they could mediate maternal effects without affecting embryonic sexual differentiation.
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18
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Adverse Maternal Metabolic Intrauterine Environment and Placental Epigenetics: Implications for Fetal Metabolic Programming. Curr Environ Health Rep 2019; 5:531-543. [PMID: 30267228 DOI: 10.1007/s40572-018-0217-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Herein, we summarize existent epidemiological studies relating adverse maternal metabolic environments of maternal obesity and gestational diabetes and placental DNA methylation. RECENT FINDINGS Multiple studies have evaluated associations between intrauterine exposure to gestational diabetes and/or maternal glucose levels and DNA methylation at candidate metabolic genes as well as in epigenome-wide studies. Some of the genomic regions more consistently associated include lipid-related genes (LPL and PPARGC1A), the major histocompatibility complex (MHC), and imprinted genes. Studies solely focused on maternal obesity influences on the placental epigenome are scarce. Understanding the placental mechanisms involved in fetal metabolic programming could lead to discovery of placental biomarkers at birth that predict later-life metabolic risk. Moving forward is important to standardize methods utilized in epigenetics research; consistent methodology can help interpret disparate findings. Larger studies with longitudinal follow-up are needed to address future challenges in fetal programming research.
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19
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Edwards KL, Edes AN, Brown JL. Stress, Well-Being and Reproductive Success. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2019; 1200:91-162. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-23633-5_5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
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20
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Baud O, Berkane N. Hormonal Changes Associated With Intra-Uterine Growth Restriction: Impact on the Developing Brain and Future Neurodevelopment. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2019; 10:179. [PMID: 30972026 PMCID: PMC6443724 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2019.00179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2018] [Accepted: 03/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The environment in which a fetus develops is not only important for its growth and maturation but also for its long-term postnatal health and neurodevelopment. Several hormones including glucocorticosteroids, estrogens and progesterone, insulin growth factor and thyroid hormones, carefully regulate the growth of the fetus and its metabolism during pregnancy by controlling the supply of nutrients crossing the placenta. In addition to fetal synthesis, hormones regulating fetal growth are also expressed and regulated in the placenta, and they play a key role in the vulnerability of the developing brain and its maturation. This review summarizes the current understanding and evidence regarding the involvement of hormonal dysregulation associated with intra-uterine growth restriction and its consequences on brain development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivier Baud
- Division of Neonatology and Pediatric Intensive Care, Department of Women-Children-Teenagers, University Hospitals Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- Inserm U1141, Sorbonne, Paris Diderot University, Paris, France
- *Correspondence: Olivier Baud
| | - Nadia Berkane
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Women-Children-Teenagers, University Hospitals Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
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21
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Alur P. Sex Differences in Nutrition, Growth, and Metabolism in Preterm Infants. Front Pediatr 2019; 7:22. [PMID: 30792973 PMCID: PMC6374621 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2019.00022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2018] [Accepted: 01/18/2019] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Biological differences between the sexes are apparent even from the early part of the pregnancy. The crown-rump length is larger in male fetuses compared to females in the first trimester. Placentae of male and female fetuses have different protein and gene expressions, especially in adverse conditions. Even within the intrauterine milieu, the same extracellular micro RNA may show upregulation in females and downregulation in male fetuses. There appears to be a natural survival advantage for females. Maternal glucocorticoids (GC) play an important role in fetal growth and organ maturation. However, excess glucocorticoids can not only affect growth but the response may be sex-specific and probably mediated through glucocorticoid receptors (GR) in the placenta. Mild pre-eclampsia and asthma are associated with normal growth pattern in males, but in female fetuses, they are associated with a slowing of growth rate without causing IUGR probably as an adaptive response for future adverse events. Thus, female fetuses survive while male fetuses exhibit IUGR, preterm delivery and even death in the face of another adverse event. It is thought that the maternal diet may not influence growth but may influence the programming for adult disease. There is growing evidence that maternal pre-pregnancy overweight or obesity status is directly associated with a higher risk of obesity in a male child, but not in a female child, at 1 year of age. It is observed that exposure to gestational diabetes is a risk factor for childhood overweight in boys but not in girls. It is fascinating that male and female fetuses respond differently to the same intrauterine environment, and this suggests a fundamental biological variation most likely at the cellular and molecular level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pradeep Alur
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, United States
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22
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Genetic variants influence on the placenta regulatory landscape. PLoS Genet 2018; 14:e1007785. [PMID: 30452450 PMCID: PMC6277118 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1007785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2018] [Revised: 12/03/2018] [Accepted: 10/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
From genomic association studies, quantitative trait loci analysis, and epigenomic mapping, it is evident that significant efforts are necessary to define genetic-epigenetic interactions and understand their role in disease susceptibility and progression. For this reason, an analysis of the effects of genetic variation on gene expression and DNA methylation in human placentas at high resolution and whole-genome coverage will have multiple mechanistic and practical implications. By producing and analyzing DNA sequence variation (n = 303), DNA methylation (n = 303) and mRNA expression data (n = 80) from placentas from healthy women, we investigate the regulatory landscape of the human placenta and offer analytical approaches to integrate different types of genomic data and address some potential limitations of current platforms. We distinguish two profiles of interaction between expression and DNA methylation, revealing linear or bimodal effects, reflecting differences in genomic context, transcription factor recruitment, and possibly cell subpopulations. These findings help to clarify the interactions of genetic, epigenetic, and transcriptional regulatory mechanisms in normal human placentas. They also provide strong evidence for genotype-driven modifications of transcription and DNA methylation in normal placentas. In addition to these mechanistic implications, the data and analytical methods presented here will improve the interpretability of genome-wide and epigenome-wide association studies for human traits and diseases that involve placental functions. The placenta is a critical organ playing multiple roles including oxygen and metabolite transfer from mother to fetus, hormone production, and vascular perfusion. With this study, we aimed to deliver a placenta-specific regulatory map based on a combination of publicly available and newly generated data. To complete this reference, we obtained genotype information (n = 303), DNA methylation (n = 303) and expression data (n = 80) for placentas from healthy women. Our analysis of methylation and expression quantitative trait loci (QTLs) and correlations between methylation and expression data were designed to identify fundamental associations between genome, transcriptome, and epigenome in this key fetal organ. The results provide high-resolution genetic and epigenetic maps specific to the placenta based on a representative ethnically diverse cohort. As interest and efforts are growing to better understand the etiology of placental disease and the impact of the environment on placental function these data will provide a reference and enhance future investigations.
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Martino J, Segura MT, García-Valdés L, Padilla MC, Rueda R, McArdle HJ, Budge H, Symonds ME, Campoy C. The Impact of Maternal Pre-Pregnancy Body Weight and Gestational Diabetes on Markers of Folate Metabolism in the Placenta. Nutrients 2018; 10:nu10111750. [PMID: 30428605 PMCID: PMC6266824 DOI: 10.3390/nu10111750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2018] [Revised: 11/08/2018] [Accepted: 11/10/2018] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Dietary methyl donors, including folate, may modify the placenta and size at birth but the influence of maternal body weight has not been widely investigated. We therefore examined whether maternal or fetal folate status, together with indices of placental folate transport, were modulated by either maternal pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI i.e., overweight: 25 ≤ BMI < 30 or obesity: BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2) and/or gestational diabetes mellitus (GD). We utilised a sub-sample of 135 pregnant women participating in the Spanish PREOBE survey for our analysis (i.e., 59 healthy normal weight, 29 overweight, 22 obese and 25 GD). They were blood sampled at 34 weeks gestation, and, at delivery, when a placental sample was taken together with maternal and cord blood. Placental gene expression of folate transporters and DNA methyltransferases (DNMT) were all measured. Folate plasma concentrations were determined with an electro-chemiluminescence immunoassay. Food diaries indicated that folate intake was unaffected by BMI or GD and, although all women maintained normal folate concentrations (i.e., 5–16 ng/mL), higher BMIs were associated with reduced maternal folate concentrations at delivery. Umbilical cord folate was not different, reflecting an increased concentration gradient between the mother and her fetus. Placental mRNA abundance for the folate receptor alpha (FOLR1) was reduced with obesity, whilst DNMT1 was increased with raised BMI, responses that were unaffected by GD. Multi-regression analysis to determine the best predictors for placental FOLR1 indicated that pre-gestational BMI had the greatest influence. In conclusion, the placenta’s capacity to maintain fetal folate supply was not compromised by either obesity or GD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jole Martino
- Early Life Research Unit, Division of Child Health and Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK.
- EURISTIKOS Excellence Centre for Paediatric Research, University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain.
| | - Maria Teresa Segura
- EURISTIKOS Excellence Centre for Paediatric Research, University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain.
| | - Luz García-Valdés
- EURISTIKOS Excellence Centre for Paediatric Research, University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain.
| | - M C Padilla
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain.
| | | | - Harry J McArdle
- The Rowett Institute of Nutrition and Health, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB24 3FX UK.
| | - Helen Budge
- Early Life Research Unit, Division of Child Health and Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK.
| | - Michael E Symonds
- Early Life Research Unit, Division of Child Health and Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK.
- Nottingham Digestive Disease Centre, Biomedical Research Unit, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK.
| | - Cristina Campoy
- EURISTIKOS Excellence Centre for Paediatric Research, University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain.
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Vaiserman A, Koliada A, Lushchak O. Developmental programming of aging trajectory. Ageing Res Rev 2018; 47:105-122. [PMID: 30059788 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2018.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2018] [Revised: 07/17/2018] [Accepted: 07/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
There is accumulating evidence that aging phenotype and longevity may be developmentally programmed. Main mechanisms linking developmental conditions to later-life health outcomes include persistent changes in epigenetic regulation, (re)programming of major endocrine axes such as growth hormone/insulin-like growth factor axis and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and also early-life immune maturation. Recently, evidence has also been generated on the role of telomere biology in developmental programming of aging trajectory. In addition, persisting changes of intestinal microbiota appears to be crucially involved in these processes. In this review, experimental and epidemiological evidence on the role of early-life conditions in programming of aging phenotypes are presented and mechanisms potentially underlying these associations are discussed.
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25
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Placental FKBP51 mediates a link between second trimester maternal anxiety and birthweight in female infants. Sci Rep 2018; 8:15151. [PMID: 30310158 PMCID: PMC6181924 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-33357-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2018] [Accepted: 06/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Prenatal distress is associated with adverse outcomes in affected offspring. Alterations in placental glucocorticoid signalling and subsequent foetal overexposure to glucocorticoids have been implicated as an underlying mechanism. Infant sex is emerging as an important factor in disease susceptibility. This study aimed to examine the effects of maternal distress across pregnancy on birth outcomes and placental glucocorticoid genes in a sex-dependent manner. Participants completed psychological distress questionnaires throughout pregnancy. Placental HSD11B2, NR3C1 and FKBP51 were analysed by real time PCR and cortisol was measured in new-born hair. Second trimester stress was negatively correlated with birthweight in males and positively correlated with placental NR3C1 mRNA in females. Second trimester anxiety was negatively correlated with birthweight and placental FKBP51 mRNA in females. In mediation analysis, placental FKBP51 mRNA expression was found to mediate the link between prenatal anxiety and birthweight. New-born cortisol was negatively correlated with second trimester anxiety and positively correlated with female placental FKBP51 mRNA levels. Again, FKBP51 mRNA was found to mediate the link between anxiety and new-born cortisol. These results highlight a role for FKBP51 in the placental response to prenatal distress in females. The precise role that placental FKBP51 has in foetal and infant development has not been extensively studied and warrants further investigations.
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26
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Lester BM, Conradt E, LaGasse LL, Tronick EZ, Padbury JF, Marsit CJ. Epigenetic Programming by Maternal Behavior in the Human Infant. Pediatrics 2018; 142:peds.2017-1890. [PMID: 30257918 PMCID: PMC6192679 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2017-1890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/11/2018] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
UNLABELLED : media-1vid110.1542/5804912859001PEDS-VA_2017-1890Video Abstract OBJECTIVES: We sought to determine if variations in maternal care alter DNA methylation in term, healthy, 5-month-old infants. This work was based on landmark studies in animal models demonstrating that nurturing care by dams would alter their newborns' stress responses through epigenetic mechanisms. We used breastfeeding as a proxy for animal maternal behavior. We hypothesized alterations in DNA methylation of the glucocorticoid receptor gene and less hypothalamic stress response in infants of mothers who breastfed their infants versus infants of mothers who did not breastfeed. METHODS A cohort study of term, healthy infants and their mothers who did (n = 21) or did not (n = 21) breastfeed for the first 5 months was used in this analysis. Cortisol stress reactivity was measured in infant saliva by using a mother-infant interaction procedure and DNA methylation of an important regulatory region of the glucocorticoid receptor gene. Changes in DNA methylation of this gene in humans were compared to homologous regions of the rat gene. DNA samples were prepared from cheek swabs and subjected to quantitative analysis of the extent of methylation by using sensitive sequencing techniques. RESULTS Breastfeeding was associated with decreased DNA methylation of the glucocorticoid receptor promoter and decreased cortisol reactivity in 5-month-old infants. Decreased DNA methylation occurred in the promoter region involved in regulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal and immune system responses. CONCLUSIONS Maternal care in humans may impact the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal stress response through behavioral programming and manifest as offspring epigenetic change. These results explain, in part, some of the positive effects observed in children who are breastfed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barry M. Lester
- Center for the Study of Children at Risk, Providence,
Rhode Island;,Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University,
Providence, Rhode Island;,Women and Infants Hospital of Rhode Island,
Providence, Rhode Island
| | | | - Linda L. LaGasse
- Center for the Study of Children at Risk, Providence,
Rhode Island;,Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University,
Providence, Rhode Island;,Women and Infants Hospital of Rhode Island,
Providence, Rhode Island
| | | | - James F. Padbury
- Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University,
Providence, Rhode Island;,Women and Infants Hospital of Rhode Island,
Providence, Rhode Island
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Conradt E, Adkins DE, Crowell SE, Raby KL, Diamond L, Ellis B. Incorporating epigenetic mechanisms to advance fetal programming theories. Dev Psychopathol 2018; 30:807-824. [PMID: 30068415 PMCID: PMC6079515 DOI: 10.1017/s0954579418000469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Decades of fetal programming research indicates that we may be able to map the origins of many physical, psychological, and medical variations and morbidities before the birth of the child. While great strides have been made in identifying associations between prenatal insults, such as undernutrition or psychosocial stress, and negative developmental outcomes, far less is known about how adaptive responses to adversity regulate the developing phenotype to match stressful conditions. As the application of epigenetic methods to human behavior has exploded in the last decade, research has begun to shed light on the role of epigenetic mechanisms in explaining how prenatal conditions shape later susceptibilities to mental and physical health problems. In this review, we describe and attempt to integrate two dominant fetal programming models: the cumulative stress model (a disease-focused approach) and the match-mismatch model (an evolutionary-developmental approach). In conjunction with biological sensitivity to context theory, we employ these two models to generate new hypotheses regarding epigenetic mechanisms through which prenatal and postnatal experiences program child stress reactivity and, in turn, promote development of adaptive versus maladaptive phenotypic outcomes. We conclude by outlining priority questions and future directions for the fetal programming field.
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Frasch MG, Lobmaier SM, Stampalija T, Desplats P, Pallarés ME, Pastor V, Brocco MA, Wu HT, Schulkin J, Herry CL, Seely AJE, Metz GAS, Louzoun Y, Antonelli MC. Non-invasive biomarkers of fetal brain development reflecting prenatal stress: An integrative multi-scale multi-species perspective on data collection and analysis. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2018; 117:165-183. [PMID: 29859198 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2018.05.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2018] [Revised: 05/09/2018] [Accepted: 05/25/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Prenatal stress (PS) impacts early postnatal behavioural and cognitive development. This process of 'fetal programming' is mediated by the effects of the prenatal experience on the developing hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and autonomic nervous system (ANS). We derive a multi-scale multi-species approach to devising preclinical and clinical studies to identify early non-invasively available pre- and postnatal biomarkers of PS. The multiple scales include brain epigenome, metabolome, microbiome and the ANS activity gauged via an array of advanced non-invasively obtainable properties of fetal heart rate fluctuations. The proposed framework has the potential to reveal mechanistic links between maternal stress during pregnancy and changes across these physiological scales. Such biomarkers may hence be useful as early and non-invasive predictors of neurodevelopmental trajectories influenced by the PS as well as follow-up indicators of success of therapeutic interventions to correct such altered neurodevelopmental trajectories. PS studies must be conducted on multiple scales derived from concerted observations in multiple animal models and human cohorts performed in an interactive and iterative manner and deploying machine learning for data synthesis, identification and validation of the best non-invasive detection and follow-up biomarkers, a prerequisite for designing effective therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin G Frasch
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington, Seattle, USA.
| | - Silvia M Lobmaier
- Frauenklinik und Poliklinik, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Tamara Stampalija
- Unit of Fetal Medicine and Prenatal Diagnosis, Institute for Mother and Child Health IRCCS Burlo Garofolo, Trieste, Italy
| | - Paula Desplats
- University of California, Departments of Neurosciences and Pathology, San Diego, USA
| | - María Eugenia Pallarés
- Instituto de Biología Celular y Neurociencia "Prof. Eduardo De Robertis", Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Verónica Pastor
- Instituto de Biología Celular y Neurociencia "Prof. Eduardo De Robertis", Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Marcela A Brocco
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biotecnológicas - Instituto Tecnológico de Chascomús (IIB-INTECH), Universidad Nacional de San Martín - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (UNSAM-CONICET), San Martín, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Hau-Tieng Wu
- Department of Mathematics and Department of Statistical Science, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA; Mathematics Division, National Center for Theoretical Sciences, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jay Schulkin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
| | | | | | - Gerlinde A S Metz
- Canadian Centre for Behavioural Neuroscience, Department of Neuroscience, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada
| | - Yoram Louzoun
- Bar-Ilan University, Department of Applied Mathematics, Israel
| | - Marta C Antonelli
- Instituto de Biología Celular y Neurociencia "Prof. Eduardo De Robertis", Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Argentina
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The Vast Complexity of the Epigenetic Landscape during Neurodevelopment: An Open Frame to Understanding Brain Function. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19051333. [PMID: 29723958 PMCID: PMC5983638 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19051333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2018] [Revised: 04/16/2018] [Accepted: 04/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Development is a well-defined stage-to-stage process that allows the coordination and maintenance of the structure and function of cells and their progenitors, in a complete organism embedded in an environment that, in turn, will shape cellular responses to external stimuli. Epigenetic mechanisms comprise a group of process that regulate genetic expression without changing the DNA sequence, and they contribute to the necessary plasticity of individuals to face a constantly changing medium. These mechanisms act in conjunction with genetic pools and their correct interactions will be crucial to zygote formation, embryo development, and brain tissue organization. In this work, we will summarize the main findings related to DNA methylation and histone modifications in embryonic stem cells and throughout early development phases. Furthermore, we will critically outline some key observations on how epigenetic mechanisms influence the rest of the developmental process and how long its footprint is extended from fecundation to adulthood.
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DNA methylation of the glucocorticoid receptor gene promoter in the placenta is associated with blood pressure regulation in human pregnancy. J Hypertens 2018; 35:2276-2286. [PMID: 28817493 DOI: 10.1097/hjh.0000000000001450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Blood pressure (BP) regulation during pregnancy is influenced by hormones of placental origin. It was shown that the glucocorticoid system is altered in hypertensive pregnancy disorders such as preeclampsia. Epigenetic mechanism might influence the activity of genes involved in placental hormone/hormone receptor synthesis/action during pregnancy. METHOD In the current study, we analyzed the association of 5'-C-phosphate-G-3' (CpG) site methylation of different glucocorticoid receptor gene (NR3C1) promoter regions with BP during pregnancy. The study was performed as a nested case-control study (n = 80) out of 1045 mother/child pairs from the Berlin Birth Cohort. Placental DNA was extracted and bisulfite converted. Nested PCR products from six NR3C1 proximal promoter regions [glucocorticoid receptor gene promotor region B (GR-1B), C (GR-1C), D (GR-1D), E (GR-1E), F (GR-1F), and H (GR-1H)] were analyzed by next generation sequencing. RESULTS NR3C1 promoter regions GR-1D and GR-1E had a much higher degree of DNA methylation as compared to GR-1B, GR-1F or GR-1H when analyzing the entire study population. Comparison of placental NR3C1 CpG site methylation among hypotensive, normotensive and hypertensive mothers revealed several differently methylated CpG sites in the GR-1F promoter region only. Both hypertension and hypotension were associated with increased DNA methylation of GR-1F CpG sites. These associations were independent of confounding factors, such as family history of hypertension, smoking status before pregnancy and prepregnancy BMI. Assessment of placental glucocorticoid receptor expression by western blot showed that observed DNA methylation differences were not associated with altered levels of placental glucocorticoid receptor expression. However, correlation matrices of all NR3C1 proximal promoter regions demonstrated different correlation patterns of intraregional and interregional DNA methylation in the three BP groups, putatively indicating altered transcriptional control of glucocorticoid receptor isoforms. CONCLUSION Our study provides evidence of an independent association between placental NR3C1 proximal promoter methylation and maternal BP. Furthermore, we observed different patterns of NR3C1 promoter methylation in normotensive, hypertensive and hypotensive pregnancy.
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Exposure to Phthalate, an Endocrine Disrupting Chemical, Alters the First Trimester Placental Methylome and Transcriptome in Women. Sci Rep 2018; 8:6086. [PMID: 29666409 PMCID: PMC5904105 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-24505-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 111] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2017] [Accepted: 04/04/2018] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Phthalates are known endocrine disruptors and associated with decreased fecundity, pregnancy loss, and adverse obstetrical outcomes, however the underlying mechanisms remain to be established. Environmental factors can influence gene expression and cell function by modifying epigenetic marks, impacting the developing embryo as well as future generations of offspring. The impact of phthalates on placental gene methylation and expression is largely unknown. We studied the effect of maternal phthalate exposure on the human placental DNA methylome and transcriptome. We determined epigenome-wide DNA methylation marks (Illumina Infinium Human Methylation 850k BeadChip) and gene expression (Agilent whole human genome array) associated with phthalate exposure in first trimester placenta. Integrative genomic analysis of candidate genes was performed to define gene methylation-expression relationships. We identified 39 genes with significantly altered methylation and gene expression in the high phthalate exposure group. Most of these relationships were inversely correlated. This analysis identified epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) as a critical candidate gene mediating the effects of phthalates on early placental function. Although additional studies are needed to determine the functional consequences of these changes, our findings are consistent with the model that phthalates impact placental function by modulating the expression of critical placental genes through epigenetic regulation.
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32
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Toure DM, ElRayes W, Barnes-Josiah D, Hartman T, Klinkebiel D, Baccaglini L. Epigenetic modifications of human placenta associated with preterm birth: a systematic review. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med 2018; 31:530-541. [PMID: 28282769 DOI: 10.1080/14767058.2017.1291620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2016] [Accepted: 02/01/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Preterm birth (PTB) is one of the leading causes of neonatal mortality and morbidity around the world. Epigenetic alterations of the human placenta may be involved in the causal chain of adverse pregnancy outcomes specifically PTB. In this systematic review, we investigated whether epigenetic dysregulation of the human placenta is associated with PTB. METHODS We searched MEDLINE and EMBASE and systematically reviewed all relevant studies on epigenetic placental modifications in PTB. Two independent reviewers selected controlled human studies published in any language, evaluated their quality, and graded them using the Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale. We resolved disagreements by consensus with a third reviewer. RESULTS Eleven observational studies of low to moderate quality met the eligibility criteria out of 60 unique studies. Most studies reported an association between placental epigenetic changes (methylation, mRNA and miRNA) and PTB, although research methods were highly heterogeneous. CONCLUSIONS Studies reported various associations between specific epigenetic findings and PTB, although methodological concerns limited results' validity. Additional high quality studies are needed to assess the repeatability of these findings. The STROBE guidelines can be used to improve the quality of reporting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Drissa M Toure
- a Department of Health Promotion, Social and Behavioral Health , College of Public Health, University of Nebraska Medical Center , Omaha , NE , USA
| | - Wael ElRayes
- b Department of Environmental, Agricultural and Occupational Health , College of Public Health, University of Nebraska Medical Center , Omaha , NE , USA
| | - Debora Barnes-Josiah
- c Department of Epidemiology , College of Public Health, University of Nebraska Medical Center , Omaha , NE , USA
| | - Teresa Hartman
- d McGoogan Library of Medicine , University of Nebraska Medical Center , Omaha , NE , USA
| | - David Klinkebiel
- e Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology , University of Nebraska Epigenomics Core Facility , Omaha , NE , USA
| | - Lorena Baccaglini
- c Department of Epidemiology , College of Public Health, University of Nebraska Medical Center , Omaha , NE , USA
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Simner C, Novakovic B, Lillycrop KA, Bell CG, Harvey NC, Cooper C, Saffery R, Lewis RM, Cleal JK. DNA methylation of amino acid transporter genes in the human placenta. Placenta 2017; 60:64-73. [PMID: 29208242 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2017.10.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2017] [Revised: 10/27/2017] [Accepted: 10/30/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Placental transfer of amino acids via amino acid transporters is essential for fetal growth. Little is known about the epigenetic regulation of amino acid transporters in placenta. This study investigates the DNA methylation status of amino acid transporters and their expression across gestation in human placenta. METHODS BeWo cells were treated with 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine to inhibit methylation and assess the effects on amino acid transporter gene expression. The DNA methylation levels of amino acid transporter genes in human placenta were determined across gestation using DNA methylation array data. Placental amino acid transporter gene expression across gestation was also analysed using data from publically available Gene Expression Omnibus data sets. The expression levels of these transporters at term were established using RNA sequencing data. RESULTS Inhibition of DNA methylation in BeWo cells demonstrated that expression of specific amino acid transporters can be inversely associated with DNA methylation. Amino acid transporters expressed in term placenta generally showed low levels of promoter DNA methylation. Transporters with little or no expression in term placenta tended to be more highly methylated at gene promoter regions. The transporter genes SLC1A2, SLC1A3, SLC1A4, SLC7A5, SLC7A11 and SLC7A10 had significant changes in enhancer DNA methylation across gestation, as well as gene expression changes across gestation. CONCLUSION This study implicates DNA methylation in the regulation of amino acid transporter gene expression. However, in human placenta, DNA methylation of these genes remains low across gestation and does not always play an obvious role in regulating gene expression, despite clear evidence for differential expression as gestation proceeds.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Simner
- The Institute of Developmental Sciences, University of Southampton, UK
| | - B Novakovic
- Cancer and Disease Epigenetics, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Royal Children's Hospital and Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - K A Lillycrop
- The Institute of Developmental Sciences, University of Southampton, UK; Centre for Biological Sciences, Faculty of Natural and Environmental Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton SO17 1BJ, UK
| | - C G Bell
- The Institute of Developmental Sciences, University of Southampton, UK; MRC Lifecourse Epidemiology Unit, University of Southampton, UK
| | - N C Harvey
- MRC Lifecourse Epidemiology Unit, University of Southampton, UK; NIHR Southampton Biomedical Research Centre, University of Southampton, University Hospital Southampton, NHS Foundation Trust, UK
| | - C Cooper
- MRC Lifecourse Epidemiology Unit, University of Southampton, UK; NIHR Southampton Biomedical Research Centre, University of Southampton, University Hospital Southampton, NHS Foundation Trust, UK; NIHR Oxford Musculoskeletal Biomedical Research Unit, University of Oxford, UK
| | - R Saffery
- Cancer and Disease Epigenetics, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Royal Children's Hospital and Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - R M Lewis
- The Institute of Developmental Sciences, University of Southampton, UK
| | - J K Cleal
- The Institute of Developmental Sciences, University of Southampton, UK.
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Pombo-de-Oliveira MS, Andrade FG. Early-age Acute Leukemia: Revisiting Two Decades of the Brazilian Collaborative Study Group. Arch Med Res 2017; 47:593-606. [PMID: 28476187 DOI: 10.1016/j.arcmed.2016.11.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2016] [Accepted: 11/24/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The understanding of leukemogenesis in early-age acute leukemia (EAL) has improved remarkably. Initiating somatic mutations detected in dried neonatal blood spots (DNBS) and in cord blood samples of affected children with leukemia have been proven to be acquired prenatally. However, to date, few epidemiological studies have been carried out exploring EAL that include infants and children 13-24 months of age at the diagnosis. Maternal exposure to transplacental DNA-damaging substances during pregnancy has been suggested to be a risk factor for EAL. Most cases of infants with acute lymphoblastic (i-ALL) or myeloid leukemia (i-AML) have KMT2A gene rearrangements (KMT2A-r), which disturb its essential role as an epigenetic regulator of hematopoiesis. Due to the short latency period for EAL and the fact that KMT2A-r resembles those found in secondary AML, exposure to topoisomerase II inhibitors has been associated with transplacental risk as proxi for causality. EAL studies have been conducted in Brazil for over two decades, combining observational epidemiology, leukemia biology, and clinical data. EAL was investigated considering (i) age strata (infants vs. 13-24 months-old); (ii) somatic mutations associated with i-ALL and i-AML; (iii) ethnic-geographic variations; (iv) contribution of maternal genotypes; and (v) time latency of exposures and mutations in DNBS. Interactions of acquired and constitutive gene mutations are challenging tools to test risk factor associations for EAL. In this review we summarize the EAL scenario (including B-cell precursor-ALL, T-ALL, and AML) results combining environmental and genetic susceptibility risk factors and we raise questions that should be considered for further action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria S Pombo-de-Oliveira
- Pediatric Hematology-Oncology Research Program, Instituto Nacional de Câncer, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
| | - Francianne Gomes Andrade
- Pediatric Hematology-Oncology Research Program, Instituto Nacional de Câncer, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | -
- Pediatric Hematology-Oncology Research Program, Instituto Nacional de Câncer, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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Clifton V, Cuffe J, Moritz K, Cole T, Fuller P, Lu N, Kumar S, Chong S, Saif Z. Review: The role of multiple placental glucocorticoid receptor isoforms in adapting to the maternal environment and regulating fetal growth. Placenta 2017; 54:24-29. [DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2016.12.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2016] [Revised: 12/13/2016] [Accepted: 12/15/2016] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
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Gu H, Gao J, Guo W, Zhou Y, Kong Q. The expression of DNA methyltransferases3A is specifically downregulated in chorionic villi of early embryo growth arrest cases. Mol Med Rep 2017; 16:591-596. [PMID: 28560437 PMCID: PMC5482127 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2017.6650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2016] [Accepted: 03/14/2017] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to investigate the expression pattern of four DNA methyltransferases (DNMT1, DNMT3A, DNMT3B and DNMT3L) in placenta chorionic villi of early embryo growth arrest patients. Chorionic villous specimens were obtained from 40 pregnant patients diagnosed with early embryo growth arrest and 40 healthy women who underwent selective pregnancy termination. Reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction, immunohistochemistry and western blot analysis were performed to characterize the mRNA and protein expression of DNMTs in chorionic villous cells. It was identified, among the four DNMTs, DNMT3B presented the highest level of protein expression in both patient groups. Although the mRNA expressions of the four DNMTs were comparable, the DNMT3A protein was specifically downregulated in patients with early embryo growth arrest. Therefore, the current study suggests that an abnormal decrease in DNMT3A protein levels may be involved in the pathogenesis of early embryo growth arrest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huating Gu
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Medical College of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong 266071, P.R. China
| | - Jing Gao
- Department of Reproductive Medicine Center, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, Affiliated to Medical College of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong 266011, P.R. China
| | - Weiwei Guo
- Department of Pathology, Yantaishan Hospital, Affiliated to Medical College of Qingdao University, Yantai, Shandong 264001, P.R. China
| | - Yu Zhou
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Medical College of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong 266071, P.R. China
| | - Qingnuan Kong
- Department of Pathology, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, Affiliated to Medical College of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong 266011, P.R. China
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Barcelona de Mendoza V, Wright ML, Agaba C, Prescott L, Desir A, Crusto CA, Sun YV, Taylor JY. A Systematic Review of DNA Methylation and Preterm Birth in African American Women. Biol Res Nurs 2017; 19:308-317. [PMID: 27646016 PMCID: PMC5357599 DOI: 10.1177/1099800416669049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The causes of many cases of preterm birth (PTB) remain enigmatic. Increased understanding of how epigenetic factors are associated with health outcomes has resulted in studies examining DNA methylation (DNAm) as a contributing factor to PTB. However, few studies on PTB and DNAm have included African American women, the group with the highest rate of PTB. METHODS The objective of this review was to systematically analyze the existing studies on DNAm and PTB among African American women. RESULTS Studies ( N = 10) were limited by small sample size, cross-sectional study designs, inconsistent methodologies for epigenomic analysis, and evaluation of different tissue types across studies. African Americans comprised less than half of the sample in 50% of the studies reviewed. Despite these limitations, there is evidence for an association between DNAm patterns and PTB. CONCLUSIONS Future research on DNAm patterns and PTB should use longitudinal study designs, repeated DNAm testing, and a clinically relevant definition of PTB and should include large samples of high-risk African American women to better understand the mechanisms for PTB in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Cindy A. Crusto
- Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- Department of Psychology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Yan V. Sun
- Emory University Rollins School of Public Health, Atlanta, GA, USA
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Kristensen P, Keyes KM, Susser E, Corbett K, Mehlum IS, Irgens LM. High birth weight and perinatal mortality among siblings: A register based study in Norway, 1967-2011. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0172891. [PMID: 28245262 PMCID: PMC5330506 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0172891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2016] [Accepted: 02/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Perinatal mortality according to birth weight has an inverse J-pattern. Our aim was to estimate the influence of familial factors on this pattern, applying a cohort sibling design. We focused on excess mortality among macrosomic infants (>2 SD above the mean) and hypothesized that the birth weight-mortality association could be explained by confounding shared family factors. We also estimated how the participant's deviation from mean sibling birth weight influenced the association. METHODS AND FINDINGS We included 1 925 929 singletons, born term or post-term to mothers with more than one delivery 1967-2011 registered in the Medical Birth Registry of Norway. We examined z-score birth weight and perinatal mortality in random-effects and sibling fixed-effects logistic regression models including measured confounders (e.g. maternal diabetes) as well as unmeasured shared family confounders (through fixed effects models). Birth weight-specific mortality showed an inverse J-pattern, being lowest (2.0 per 1000) at reference weight (z-score +1 to +2) and increasing for higher weights. Mortality in the highest weight category was 15-fold higher than reference. This pattern changed little in multivariable models. Deviance from mean sibling birth weight modified the mortality pattern across the birth weight spectrum: small and medium-sized infants had increased mortality when being smaller than their siblings, and large-sized infants had an increased risk when outweighing their siblings. Maternal diabetes and birth weight acted in a synergistic fashion with mortality among macrosomic infants in diabetic pregnancies in excess of what would be expected for additive effects. CONCLUSIONS The inverse J-pattern between birth weight and mortality is not explained by measured confounders or unmeasured shared family factors. Infants are at particularly high mortality risk when their birth weight deviates substantially from their siblings. Sensitivity analysis suggests that characteristics related to maternal diabetes could be important in explaining the increased mortality among macrosomic infants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petter Kristensen
- Department of Occupational Medicine and Epidemiology, National Institute of Occupational Health, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Community Medicine, Institute of Health and Society, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Katherine M. Keyes
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Ezra Susser
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States of America
- New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Karina Corbett
- Department of Occupational Medicine and Epidemiology, National Institute of Occupational Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Ingrid Sivesind Mehlum
- Department of Occupational Medicine and Epidemiology, National Institute of Occupational Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Lorentz M. Irgens
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Medical Birth Registry of Norway, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Bergen, Norway
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Current Issues in Developmental Immunotoxicity. IMMUNOPATHOLOGY IN TOXICOLOGY AND DRUG DEVELOPMENT 2017. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-47377-2_13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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Giarraputo J, DeLoach J, Padbury J, Uzun A, Marsit C, Hawes K, Lester B. Medical morbidities and DNA methylation of NR3C1 in preterm infants. Pediatr Res 2017; 81:68-74. [PMID: 27653086 PMCID: PMC5313510 DOI: 10.1038/pr.2016.185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2016] [Accepted: 08/08/2016] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although there are no accepted "normal" levels of circulating cortisol in preterm infants, critically ill preterm infants show lower cortisol levels than healthy preterm infants. The regulation of cortisol reactivity by epigenetic changes in glucocorticoid receptor gene (NR3C1) expression has been demonstrated. This study aims to examine the relationship between medical morbidities in preterm infants and DNA methylation of NR3C1. METHODS Pyrosequencing was used to determine DNA methylation in CpG sites 1-4 of promoter region 1F of NR3C1. Cluster analysis placed 67 preterm infants born <1,500 g into groups based on medical morbidities. The DNA methylation pattern was compared across groups. RESULTS Cluster analysis identified a high medical risk cluster and a low medical risk cluster. A Mann-Whitney U-test showed lower methylation at CpG1 for infants in the high-risk group (M = 0.336, SE = 0.084) than infants in the low-risk group (M = 0.617, SE = 0.109, P = 0.032). The false discovery rate was low (q = 0.025). Cohen's D effect size was moderate (0.525). CONCLUSION Decreased DNA methylation of CpG1 of NR3C1 in high-risk infants may allow for increased binding of transcription factors involved in the stress response, repair and regulation of NR3C1. This may ensure healthy growth in high-risk preterm infants over increasing cortisol levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Giarraputo
- Department of Neuroscience, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island
- Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Center for the Study of Children at Risk, Providence, Rhode Island
| | - Jordan DeLoach
- Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Center for the Study of Children at Risk, Providence, Rhode Island
- Department of Sociology, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island
| | - James Padbury
- Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Departments of Pediatrics, Providence, Rhode Island
- Department of Pediatrics, Women and Infants Hospital of Rhode Island, Providence, Rhode Island
| | - Alper Uzun
- Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Departments of Pediatrics, Providence, Rhode Island
- Department of Pediatrics, Women and Infants Hospital of Rhode Island, Providence, Rhode Island
| | - Carmen Marsit
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology and Epidemiology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, New Hampshire
| | - Katheleen Hawes
- Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Center for the Study of Children at Risk, Providence, Rhode Island
- Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Departments of Pediatrics, Providence, Rhode Island
- Department of Pediatrics, Women and Infants Hospital of Rhode Island, Providence, Rhode Island
| | - Barry Lester
- Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Center for the Study of Children at Risk, Providence, Rhode Island
- Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Departments of Pediatrics, Providence, Rhode Island
- Department of Pediatrics, Women and Infants Hospital of Rhode Island, Providence, Rhode Island
- Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Departments of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Providence, Rhode Island
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Stroud LR, Papandonatos GD, Salisbury AL, Phipps MG, Huestis MA, Niaura R, Padbury JF, Marsit CJ, Lester BM. Epigenetic Regulation of Placental NR3C1: Mechanism Underlying Prenatal Programming of Infant Neurobehavior by Maternal Smoking? Child Dev 2016; 87:49-60. [PMID: 26822442 DOI: 10.1111/cdev.12482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Epigenetic regulation of the placental glucocorticoid receptor gene (NR3C1) was investigated as a mechanism underlying links between maternal smoking during pregnancy (MSDP) and infant neurobehavior in 45 mother-infant pairs (49% MSDP-exposed; 52% minorities; ages 18-35). The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) Network Neurobehavioral Scale was administered 7 times over the 1st postnatal month; methylation of placental NR3C1 was assessed via bisulfite pyrosequencing. Increased placental NR3C1 methylation was associated with increased infant attention and self-regulation, and decreased lethargy and need for examiner soothing over the 1st postnatal month. A causal steps approach revealed that NR3C1 methylation and MSDP were independently associated with lethargic behavior. Although preliminary, results highlight the importance of epigenetic mechanisms in elucidating pathways to neurobehavioral alterations from MSDP.
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Kertes DA, Kamin HS, Hughes DA, Rodney NC, Bhatt S, Mulligan CJ. Prenatal Maternal Stress Predicts Methylation of Genes Regulating the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenocortical System in Mothers and Newborns in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Child Dev 2016; 87:61-72. [PMID: 26822443 DOI: 10.1111/cdev.12487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 129] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Exposure to stress early in life permanently shapes activity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical (HPA) axis and the brain. Prenatally, glucocorticoids pass through the placenta to the fetus with postnatal impacts on brain development, birth weight (BW), and HPA axis functioning. Little is known about the biological mechanisms by which prenatal stress affects postnatal functioning. This study addresses this gap by examining the effect of chronic stress and traumatic war-related stress on epigenetic changes in four key genes regulating the HPA axis in neonatal cord blood, placenta, and maternal blood: CRH, CRHBP, NR3C1, and FKBP5. Participants were 24 mother-newborn dyads in the conflict-ridden region of the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. BW data were collected at delivery and maternal interviews were conducted to assess culturally relevant chronic and war-related stressors. Chronic stress and war trauma had widespread effects on HPA axis gene methylation, with significant effects observed at transcription factor binding (TFB) sites in all target genes tested. Some changes in methylation were unique to chronic or war stress, whereas others were observed across both stressor types. Moreover, stress exposures impacted maternal and fetal tissues differently, supporting theoretical models that stress impacts vary according to life phase. Methylation in several NR3C1 and CRH CpG sites, all located at TFB sites, was associated with BW. These findings suggest that prenatal stress exposure impacts development via epigenetic changes in HPA axis genes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - David A Hughes
- Institute of Evolutionary Biology (CSIC-Universitat Pompeu Fabra)
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43
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Nagarajan S, Seddighzadeh B, Baccarelli A, Wise LA, Williams M, Shields AE. Adverse maternal exposures, methylation of glucocorticoid-related genes and perinatal outcomes: a systematic review. Epigenomics 2016; 8:925-44. [DOI: 10.2217/epi.16.9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim: Maternal environmental exposures affect perinatal outcomes through epigenetic placental changes. We examine the literature addressing associations between adverse maternal exposures, perinatal outcomes and methylation of key genes regulating placental cortisol metabolism. Methods: We searched three databases for studies that examined NR3C1 and HSD11β1/HSD11 β 2 methylation with maternal exposures or perinatal outcomes. Nineteen studies remained after screening. We followed Cochrane's PRISMA reporting guidelines (2009). Results: NR3C1 and HSD11 β methylation were associated with adverse infant neurobehavior, stress response, blood pressure and physical development. In utero exposure to maternal stress, nutrition, preeclampsia, smoking and diabetes were associated with altered NR3C1 and HSD11 β methylation. Conclusion: NR3C1 and HSD11 β methylation are useful biomarkers of specific environmental stressors associated with important perinatal outcomes that determine pediatric and adult disease risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sairaman Nagarajan
- Harvard/MGH Center on Genomics, Vulnerable Populations & Health Disparities, Mongan Institute for Health Policy, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Bobak Seddighzadeh
- Harvard/MGH Center on Genomics, Vulnerable Populations & Health Disparities, Mongan Institute for Health Policy, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Andrea Baccarelli
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Lauren A Wise
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Michelle Williams
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Alexandra E Shields
- Harvard/MGH Center on Genomics, Vulnerable Populations & Health Disparities, Mongan Institute for Health Policy, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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Sheinkopf SJ, Righi G, Marsit CJ, Lester BM. Methylation of the Glucocorticoid Receptor (NR3C1) in Placenta Is Associated with Infant Cry Acoustics. Front Behav Neurosci 2016; 10:100. [PMID: 27313516 PMCID: PMC4889592 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2016.00100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2016] [Accepted: 05/11/2016] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic mechanisms regulating expression of the glucocorticoid receptor gene (NR3C1) promoter may influence behavioral and biological aspects of stress response in human infants. Acoustic features of infant crying are an indicator of neurobehavioral and neurological status not yet investigated in relation to epigenetic mechanisms. We examined NR3C1 methylation in placental tissue from a series of 120 healthy newborn infants in relation to a detailed set of acoustic features extracted from newborn infant cries. We identified significant associations of NR3C1 methylation with energy variation in infants' cries as well as with the presence of very high fundamental frequency in cry utterances. The presence of high fundamental frequency in cry (above 1 kHz) has been linked to poor vocal tract control, poor regulation of stress response, and may be an indicator or poor neurobehavioral integrity. Thus, these results add to evidence linking epigenetic alteration of the NR3C1 gene in the placenta to neurodevelopmental features in infants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen J Sheinkopf
- The Brown Center for the Study of Children at Risk, Women and Infants HospitalProvidence, RI, USA; Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown UniversityProvidence, RI, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown UniversityProvidence, RI, USA
| | - Giulia Righi
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University Providence, RI, USA
| | - Carmen J Marsit
- Section of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology and of Community and Family Medicine, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth Hanover, NH, USA
| | - Barry M Lester
- The Brown Center for the Study of Children at Risk, Women and Infants HospitalProvidence, RI, USA; Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown UniversityProvidence, RI, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown UniversityProvidence, RI, USA
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Grasso C, Trevisan M, Fiano V, Tarallo V, De Marco L, Sacerdote C, Richiardi L, Merletti F, Gillio-Tos A. Performance of Different Analytical Software Packages in Quantification of DNA Methylation by Pyrosequencing. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0150483. [PMID: 26934703 PMCID: PMC4775062 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0150483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2015] [Accepted: 02/14/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pyrosequencing has emerged as an alternative method of nucleic acid sequencing, well suited for many applications which aim to characterize single nucleotide polymorphisms, mutations, microbial types and CpG methylation in the target DNA. The commercially available pyrosequencing systems can harbor two different types of software which allow analysis in AQ or CpG mode, respectively, both widely employed for DNA methylation analysis. OBJECTIVE Aim of the study was to assess the performance for DNA methylation analysis at CpG sites of the two pyrosequencing software which allow analysis in AQ or CpG mode, respectively. Despite CpG mode having been specifically generated for CpG methylation quantification, many investigations on this topic have been carried out with AQ mode. As proof of equivalent performance of the two software for this type of analysis is not available, the focus of this paper was to evaluate if the two modes currently used for CpG methylation assessment by pyrosequencing may give overlapping results. METHODS We compared the performance of the two software in quantifying DNA methylation in the promoter of selected genes (GSTP1, MGMT, LINE-1) by testing two case series which include DNA from paraffin embedded prostate cancer tissues (PC study, N = 36) and DNA from blood fractions of healthy people (DD study, N = 28), respectively. RESULTS We found discrepancy in the two pyrosequencing software-based quality assignment of DNA methylation assays. Compared to the software for analysis in the AQ mode, less permissive criteria are supported by the Pyro Q-CpG software, which enables analysis in CpG mode. CpG mode warns the operators about potential unsatisfactory performance of the assay and ensures a more accurate quantitative evaluation of DNA methylation at CpG sites. CONCLUSION The implementation of CpG mode is strongly advisable in order to improve the reliability of the methylation analysis results achievable by pyrosequencing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Grasso
- Cancer Epidemiology Unit – C.E.R.M.S, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Morena Trevisan
- Cancer Epidemiology Unit – C.E.R.M.S, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Valentina Fiano
- Cancer Epidemiology Unit – C.E.R.M.S, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Valentina Tarallo
- Cancer Epidemiology Unit – C.E.R.M.S, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Laura De Marco
- Cancer Epidemiology Unit – C.E.R.M.S, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
- Cancer Epidemiology Unit, Department of Medical Sciences, City of Health and Science Hospital, Turin, Italy
| | - Carlotta Sacerdote
- Cancer Epidemiology Unit, Department of Medical Sciences, City of Health and Science Hospital, Turin, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Richiardi
- Cancer Epidemiology Unit – C.E.R.M.S, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Franco Merletti
- Cancer Epidemiology Unit – C.E.R.M.S, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
- Cancer Epidemiology Unit, Department of Medical Sciences, City of Health and Science Hospital, Turin, Italy
| | - Anna Gillio-Tos
- Cancer Epidemiology Unit – C.E.R.M.S, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
- * E-mail:
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Delpierre C, Lepeule J, Cordier S, Slama R, Heude B, Charles MA. [DOHaD: epidemiological researches]. Med Sci (Paris) 2016; 32:21-6. [PMID: 26850603 DOI: 10.1051/medsci/20163201005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Epidemiological researches in the field of DOHaD are in favor of a role of early environment, including chemical (pesticides), physical (air pollution), nutritional or psychosocial environment, on child and adult health. Disentangling the different factors of environment that may affect health, especially over time, and identifying critical periods of exposure remains a major challenge. The biological mechanisms involved remain elusive in human beings. Nevertheless, it seems that whatever the nature of the exposure, epigenetic mechanisms are currently discussed to explain how the environment may alter biological systems over time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cyrille Delpierre
- Équipe cancer et maladies chroniques : inégalités sociales de santé, accès primaire et secondaire aux soins, UMR1027, université Toulouse III, 37, allées Jules Guesde, 31069 Toulouse, France
| | - Johanna Lepeule
- Université Grenoble Alpes, Institut Albert Bonniot, équipe d'épidémiologie environnementale appliquée à la reproduction et la santé respiratoire, F-38000 Grenoble, France - Inserm, Institut Albert Bonniot, équipe d'épidémiologie environnementale appliquée à la reproduction et la santé respiratoire, F-38000 Grenoble, France - CHU de Grenoble, Institut Albert Bonniot, équipe d'épidémiologie environnementale appliquée à la reproduction et la santé respiratoire, F-38000 Grenoble, France
| | - Sylvaine Cordier
- Équipe recherches épidémiologiques sur l'environnement, la reproduction et le développement, Inserm U1085, Institut de recherche en santé, environnement et travail, université Rennes I, campus de Beaulieu, F-35042 Rennes Cedex, France
| | - Remy Slama
- Université Grenoble Alpes, Institut Albert Bonniot, équipe d'épidémiologie environnementale appliquée à la reproduction et la santé respiratoire, F-38000 Grenoble, France - Inserm, Institut Albert Bonniot, équipe d'épidémiologie environnementale appliquée à la reproduction et la santé respiratoire, F-38000 Grenoble, France - CHU de Grenoble, Institut Albert Bonniot, équipe d'épidémiologie environnementale appliquée à la reproduction et la santé respiratoire, F-38000 Grenoble, France
| | - Barbara Heude
- Inserm, UMR1153, centre de recherche en épidémiologie et biostatistiques, Sorbonne Paris Cité (CRESS), équipe de recherche sur les origines précoces de la santé et du développement de l'enfant (ORCHAD) ; Paris Descartes université, F-94807 Villejuif, France
| | - Marie-Aline Charles
- Inserm, UMR1153, centre de recherche en épidémiologie et biostatistiques, Sorbonne Paris Cité (CRESS), équipe de recherche sur les origines précoces de la santé et du développement de l'enfant (ORCHAD) ; Paris Descartes université, F-94807 Villejuif, France
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Wiley JW, Higgins GA, Athey BD. Stress and glucocorticoid receptor transcriptional programming in time and space: Implications for the brain-gut axis. Neurogastroenterol Motil 2016; 28:12-25. [PMID: 26690871 PMCID: PMC4688904 DOI: 10.1111/nmo.12706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2015] [Accepted: 09/20/2015] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic psychological stress is associated with enhanced abdominal pain and altered intestinal barrier function that may result from a perturbation in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. The glucocorticoid receptor (GR) exploits diverse mechanisms to activate or suppress congeneric gene expression, with regulatory variation associated with stress-related disorders in psychiatry and gastroenterology. PURPOSE During acute and chronic stress, corticotropin-releasing hormone drives secretion of adrenocorticotropic hormone from the pituitary, ultimately leading to the release of cortisol (human) and corticosterone (rodent) from the adrenal glands. Cortisol binds with the GR in the cytosol, translocates to the nucleus, and activates the NR3C1 (nuclear receptor subfamily 3, group C, member 1 [GR]) gene. This review focuses on the rapidly developing observations that cortisol is responsible for driving circadian and ultradian bursts of transcriptional activity in the CLOCK (clock circadian regulator) and PER (period circadian clock 1) gene families, and this rhythm is disrupted in major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, and stress-related gastrointestinal and immune disorders. Glucocorticoid receptor regulates different sets of transcripts in a tissue-specific manner, through pulsatile waves of gene expression that includes occupancy of glucocorticoid response elements located within constitutively open spatial domains in chromatin. Emerging evidence supports a potentially pivotal role for epigenetic regulation of how GR interacts with other chromatin regulators to control the expression of its target genes. Dysregulation of the central and peripheral GR regulome has potentially significant consequences for stress-related disorders affecting the brain-gut axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- John W. Wiley
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, University of Michigan Medical School, 1150 West Medical Center Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Gerald A. Higgins
- Department of Pharmacogenomic Science, Assurex Health, Inc., 6030 South Mason Montgomery Road, Mason, OH 45040, USA,Department of Computational Medicine and Bioinformatics, University of Michigan Medical School, 100 Washtenaw Avenue, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Brian D. Athey
- Department of Computational Medicine and Bioinformatics, University of Michigan Medical School, 100 Washtenaw Avenue, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
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Xiao X, Zhao Y, Jin R, Chen J, Wang X, Baccarelli A, Zhang Y. Fetal growth restriction and methylation of growth-related genes in the placenta. Epigenomics 2015; 8:33-42. [PMID: 26678531 DOI: 10.2217/epi.15.101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM To examine the associations between fetal growth restriction (FGR) and DNA methylation of six growth-related genes in human placenta. MATERIALS & METHODS A total of 181 mother-newborn pairs (80 FGR cases and 101 controls) were enrolled in this case-control study. Placental DNA methylation was measured by bisulfite pyrosequencing. RESULTS DNA methylation levels of IGF2 and AHRR were positively associated with newborn birth weight and Quetelet's index, while DNA methylation levels of HSD11B2 and WNT2 were negatively associated with those fetal growth indicators. In addition, significantly elevated odds of FGR birth were associated with increasing DNA methylation of HSD11B2 and WNT2, and decreasing DNA methylation of IGF2. CONCLUSION Our findings demonstrated that placental DNA methylation levels of IGF2, AHRR, HSD11B2 and WNT2 were associated with measures of fetal growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xirong Xiao
- Obstetrics & Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Yan Zhao
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Rong Jin
- The International Peace Maternity & Child Health Hospital of China Welfare Institute, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Jiao Chen
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Xiu Wang
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Andrea Baccarelli
- Departments of Environmental Health, Harvard School of Public Health, 677 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Yunhui Zhang
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
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Monteiro LJ, Norman JE, Rice GE, Illanes SE. Fetal programming and gestational diabetes mellitus. Placenta 2015; 48 Suppl 1:S54-S60. [PMID: 26724985 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2015.11.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2015] [Revised: 11/26/2015] [Accepted: 11/29/2015] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Gestational diabetes mellitus is defined by new-onset glucose intolerance during pregnancy. About 2-5% of all pregnant women develop gestational diabetes during their pregnancies and the prevalence has increased considerably during the last decade. This metabolic condition is manifested when pancreatic β-cells lose their ability to compensate for increased insulin resistance during pregnancy, however, the pathogenesis of the disease remains largely unknown. Gestational diabetes is strongly associated with adverse pregnancy outcome as well as with long-term adverse effects on the offspring which likely occurs due to epigenetic modifications of the fetal genome. In the current review we address gestational diabetes and the short and long term complications for both mothers and offspring focusing on the importance of fetal programming in conferring risk of developing diseases in adulthood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lara J Monteiro
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Los Andes, Santiago, Chile
| | - Jane E Norman
- Tommy's Centre for Fetal and Maternal Health, Medical Research Council Centre for Reproductive Health, Queen's Medical Research Institute, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Gregory E Rice
- Centre for Clinical Diagnostics, Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Queensland Centre for Clinical Research, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Sebastián E Illanes
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Los Andes, Santiago, Chile; Centre for Clinical Diagnostics, Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Queensland Centre for Clinical Research, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.
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DNA Methylation Changes in the IGF1R Gene in Birth Weight Discordant Adult Monozygotic Twins. Twin Res Hum Genet 2015; 18:635-46. [DOI: 10.1017/thg.2015.76] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Low birth weight (LBW) can have an impact on health outcomes in later life, especially in relation to pre-disposition to metabolic disease. Several studies suggest that LBW resulting from restricted intrauterine growth leaves a footprint on DNA methylation in utero, and this influence likely persists into adulthood. To investigate this further, we performed epigenome-wide association analyses of blood DNA methylation using Infinium HumanMethylation450 BeadChip profiles in 71 adult monozygotic (MZ) twin pairs who were extremely discordant for birth weight. A signal mapping to the IGF1R gene (cg12562232, p = 2.62 × 10−8), was significantly associated with birth weight discordance at a genome-wide false-discovery rate (FDR) of 0.05. We pursued replication in three additional independent datasets of birth weight discordant MZ pairs and observed the same direction of association, but the results were not significant. However, a meta-analysis across the four independent samples, in total 216 birth-weight discordant MZ twin pairs, showed a significant positive association between birth weight and DNA methylation differences at IGF1R (random-effects meta-analysis p = .04), and the effect was particularly pronounced in older twins (random-effects meta-analysis p = .008, 98 older birth-weight discordant MZ twin pairs). The results suggest that severe intra-uterine growth differences (birth weight discordance >20%) are associated with methylation changes in the IGF1R gene in adulthood, independent of genetic effects.
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