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Franzago M, Borrelli P, Cavallo P, Di Tizio L, Gazzolo D, Di Nicola M, Stuppia L, Vitacolonna E. Circadian Gene Variants: Effects in Overweight and Obese Pregnant Women. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:3838. [PMID: 38612648 PMCID: PMC11011577 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25073838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2024] [Revised: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Obesity and overweight are common and complex conditions influenced by multiple genetic and environmental factors. Several genetic variants located in the genes involved in clock systems and fat taste perception can affect metabolic health. In particular, the polymorphisms in CLOCK and BMAL1 genes were reported to be significantly related to cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome, sleep reduction, and evening preference. Moreover, genetic variants in the CD36 gene have been shown to be involved in lipid metabolism, regulation of fat intake, and body weight regulation. The aim of this study is to evaluate, for the first time, the association between variants in some candidate genes (namely, BMAL1 rs7950226 (G>A), CLOCK rs1801260 (A>G), CLOCK rs4864548 (G>A), CLOCK rs3736544 (G>A), CD36 rs1984112 (A>G), CD36 rs1761667 (G>A)) and overweight/obesity (OB) in pregnant women. A total of 163 normal-weight (NW) and 128 OB participants were included. A significant correlation was observed between A-allele in CLOCK rs4864548 and an increased risk of obesity (OR: 1.97; 95% CI 1.22-3.10, p = 0.005). In addition, we found that subjects carrying the haplotype of rs1801260-A, rs4864548-A, and rs3736544-G are likely to be overweight or obese (OR 1.47, 95% CI 1.03-2.09, p = 0.030), compared with those with other haplotypes. Moreover, a significant relation was observed between third-trimester lipid parameters and genetic variants-namely, CD36 rs1984112, CD36 rs1761667, BMAL1 rs7950226, and CLOCK rs1801260. A multivariate logistic regression model revealed that CLOCK rs4864548 A-allele carriage was a strong risk factor for obesity (OR 2.05, 95% CI 1.07-3.93, p = 0.029); on the other hand, greater adherence to Mediterranean diet (OR 0.80, 95% CI 0.65-0.98, p = 0.038) and higher HDL levels (OR 0.96, 95% CI 0.94-0.99, p = 0.021) were related to a reduced risk of obesity. Interestingly, an association between maternal CLOCK rs4864548 and neonatal birthweight was detected (p = 0.025). These data suggest a potential role of the polymorphisms in clock systems and in fat taste perception in both susceptibility to overweight/obesity and influencing the related metabolic traits in pregnant women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marica Franzago
- Department of Medicine and Aging, School of Medicine, and Health Sciences, “G. D’Annunzio” University, Via dei Vestini, Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (M.F.); (P.C.); (D.G.)
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), “G. D’Annunzio” University, Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy;
| | - Paola Borrelli
- Laboratory of Biostatistics, Department of Medical, Oral and Biotechnological Sciences, “G. D’Annunzio” University, Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (P.B.); (M.D.N.)
| | - Pierluigi Cavallo
- Department of Medicine and Aging, School of Medicine, and Health Sciences, “G. D’Annunzio” University, Via dei Vestini, Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (M.F.); (P.C.); (D.G.)
| | - Luciano Di Tizio
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, SS. Annunziata Hospital, “G. D’Annunzio” University, 66100 Chieti, Italy;
| | - Diego Gazzolo
- Department of Medicine and Aging, School of Medicine, and Health Sciences, “G. D’Annunzio” University, Via dei Vestini, Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (M.F.); (P.C.); (D.G.)
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, “G. D’Annunzio” University, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Marta Di Nicola
- Laboratory of Biostatistics, Department of Medical, Oral and Biotechnological Sciences, “G. D’Annunzio” University, Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (P.B.); (M.D.N.)
| | - Liborio Stuppia
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), “G. D’Annunzio” University, Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy;
- Department of Psychological, Health and Territorial Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, “G. D’Annunzio” University, Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Ester Vitacolonna
- Department of Medicine and Aging, School of Medicine, and Health Sciences, “G. D’Annunzio” University, Via dei Vestini, Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (M.F.); (P.C.); (D.G.)
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), “G. D’Annunzio” University, Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy;
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Franzago M, Borrelli P, Di Nicola M, Stuppia L, Vitacolonna E. Genetic Variants in CD36 Involved in Fat Taste Perception: Association with Anthropometric and Clinical Parameters in Overweight and Obese Subjects Affected by Type 2 Diabetes or Dysglycemia-A Pilot Study. Nutrients 2023; 15:4656. [PMID: 37960309 PMCID: PMC10647499 DOI: 10.3390/nu15214656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Revised: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Obesity and overweight represent a growing health problem worldwide. Genes regulating the intake and metabolism of different nutrients can positively or negatively influence the efficacy of nutritional interventions against obesity and its complications. The aim of this study was to assess changes in anthropometric and clinical parameters and the adherence to a Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) over time in relation to nutrigenetic variants in overweight or obese subjects affected by Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) or dysglycemia, who were included in a nutritional program. A total of 23 subjects were included in this study. Clinical parameters, physical activity levels, and the adherence to a MedDiet were evaluated at baseline, at 6 (T6), and at 12 months (T12) during and after a diet/lifestyle intervention. In a single blood sample from each subject, rs1984112 (A>G) and rs1761667 (G>A) in CD36; rs7950226 (G>A) in BMAL1; and rs1801260 (A>G), rs4864548 (A>G), and rs3736544 (G>A) in CLOCK were genotyped with Real-Time PCR. Significant associations were observed between CD36 rs1761667 and weight (p = 0.025), hip circumference (p = 0.042), triglycerides (p = 0.047), and HbA1c (p = 0.012) at baseline. Moreover, the genotype AA in CD36 rs1761667 was significantly associated with a lower BMI when compared to G carriers at baseline, at T6, and also at T12. In addition, subjects with the AA genotype at CD36 rs1984112 had significantly lower levels of HbA1c (p = 0.027) than the GG and AG genotypes at baseline. These results show that variants in CD36 can have an impact on anthropometric and clinical parameters in overweight or obese subjects affected by T2D or dysglycemia, and that it might influence the success of the diet/lifestyle intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marica Franzago
- Department of Medicine and Aging, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, “G. D’Annunzio” University, Via dei Vestini, Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy;
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), “G. D’Annunzio” University, Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy;
| | - Paola Borrelli
- Laboratory of Biostatistics, Department of Medical, Oral and Biotechnological Sciences, “G. D’Annunzio” University, Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (P.B.); (M.D.N.)
| | - Marta Di Nicola
- Laboratory of Biostatistics, Department of Medical, Oral and Biotechnological Sciences, “G. D’Annunzio” University, Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (P.B.); (M.D.N.)
| | - Liborio Stuppia
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), “G. D’Annunzio” University, Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy;
- Department of Psychological, Health and Territorial Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, “G. D’Annunzio” University, Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Ester Vitacolonna
- Department of Medicine and Aging, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, “G. D’Annunzio” University, Via dei Vestini, Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy;
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), “G. D’Annunzio” University, Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy;
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Franzago M, Di Nicola M, Stuppia L, Vitacolonna E. Response to letter to the editor: nutrigenetic variants and response to diet/lifestyle intervention in obese subjects-a pilot study. Acta Diabetol 2023; 60:1003-1004. [PMID: 37119302 DOI: 10.1007/s00592-023-02093-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/01/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Marica Franzago
- Department of Medicine and Aging, School of Medicine, and Health Sciences, "G. D'Annunzio" University, Via Dei Vestini, 66100, Chieti‑Pescara, Chieti, Italy
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), "G. D'Annunzio" University, Chieti‑Pescara,Chieti, Italy
| | - Marta Di Nicola
- Laboratory of Biostatistics, Department of Medical, Oral and Biotechnological Sciences, "G. D'Annunzio" University, Chieti‑Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Liborio Stuppia
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), "G. D'Annunzio" University, Chieti‑Pescara,Chieti, Italy
- Department of Psychological, Health and Territorial Sciences, School of Medicine, and Health Sciences, "G. D'Annunzio" University, Chieti‑Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Ester Vitacolonna
- Department of Medicine and Aging, School of Medicine, and Health Sciences, "G. D'Annunzio" University, Via Dei Vestini, 66100, Chieti‑Pescara, Chieti, Italy.
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), "G. D'Annunzio" University, Chieti‑Pescara,Chieti, Italy.
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Franzago M, Orecchini E, Porreca A, Mondanelli G, Orabona C, Dalla Ragione L, Di Nicola M, Stuppia L, Vitacolonna E, Beccari T, Ceccarini MR. SLC6A4 DNA Methylation Levels and Serum Kynurenine/Tryptophan Ratio in Eating Disorders: A Possible Link with Psychopathological Traits? Nutrients 2023; 15:nu15020406. [PMID: 36678277 PMCID: PMC9866524 DOI: 10.3390/nu15020406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Revised: 01/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: The incidence of eating disorders (EDs), serious mental and physical conditions characterized by a disturbance in eating or eating-related behaviors, has increased steadily. The present study aims to develop insights into the pathophysiology of EDs, spanning over biochemical, epigenetic, psychopathological, and clinical data. In particular, we focused our attention on the relationship between (i) DNA methylation profiles at promoter-associated CpG sites of the SCL6A4 gene, (ii) serum kynurenine/tryptophan levels and ratio (Kyn/Trp), and (iii) psychopathological traits in a cohort of ED patients. Among these, 45 patients were affected by restricting anorexia nervosa (AN0), 21 by purging AN (AN1), 21 by bulimia (BN), 31 by binge eating disorders (BED), 23 by unspecified feeding or eating disorders (UFED), and finally 14 by other specified eating disorders (OSFED) were compared to 34 healthy controls (CTRs). Results: Kyn level was higher in BED, UFED, and OSFED compared to CTRs (p ≤ 0.001). On the other hand, AN0, AN1, and BN patients showed significatively lower Kyn levels compared to the other three ED groups but were closed to CTRs. Trp was significantly higher in AN0, AN1, and BN in comparison to other ED groups. Moreover, AN1 and BN showed more relevant Trp levels than CTRs (p <0.001). BED patients showed a lower Trp as compared with CTRs (p ≤ 0.001). In addition, Kyn/Trp ratio was lower in the AN1 subtype but higher in BED, UFED, and OSFED patients than in CTRs (p ≤ 0.001). SCL6A4 DNA methylation level at CpG5 was lower in AN0 compared to BED (p = 0.021), and the CpG6 methylation was also significantly lower in AN0 in comparison to CTRs (p = 0.025). The mean methylation levels of the six CpGs analyzed were lower only in the AN0 subgroup compared to CTRs (p = 0.008). Relevant psychological trait EDI-3 subscales were correlated with biochemical and epigenetic data. Conclusions: These findings underline the complexity of psychological and pathophysiological components of EDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marica Franzago
- Department of Medicine and Aging, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, “G. d’Annunzio” University, 66100 Chieti, Italy
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology, “G. d’Annunzio” University, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Elena Orecchini
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, 06129 Perugia, Italy
| | - Annamaria Porreca
- Laboratory of Biostatistics, Department of Medical, Oral and Biotechnological Sciences, “G. d’Annunzio” University, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Giada Mondanelli
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, 06129 Perugia, Italy
| | - Ciriana Orabona
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, 06129 Perugia, Italy
| | - Laura Dalla Ragione
- Food Science and Human Nutrition Unit, University Campus Biomedico of Rome, 00128 Rome, Italy
| | - Marta Di Nicola
- Laboratory of Biostatistics, Department of Medical, Oral and Biotechnological Sciences, “G. d’Annunzio” University, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Liborio Stuppia
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology, “G. d’Annunzio” University, 66100 Chieti, Italy
- Department of Psychological, Health and Territorial Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, “G. d’Annunzio” University, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Ester Vitacolonna
- Department of Medicine and Aging, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, “G. d’Annunzio” University, 66100 Chieti, Italy
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology, “G. d’Annunzio” University, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Tommaso Beccari
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, 06126 Perugia, Italy
| | - Maria Rachele Ceccarini
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, 06126 Perugia, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-075-585-7905
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Coppedè F, Franzago M, Giardina E, Nigro CL, Matullo G, Moltrasio C, Nacmias B, Pileggi S, Sirchia SM, Stoccoro A, Storlazzi CT, Stuppia L, Tricarico R, Merla G. A perspective on diet, epigenetics and complex diseases: where is the field headed next? Epigenomics 2022; 14:1281-1304. [DOI: 10.2217/epi-2022-0239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Dietary factors can regulate epigenetic processes during life, modulating the intracellular pools of metabolites necessary for epigenetic reactions and regulating the activity of epigenetic enzymes. Their effects are strong during the prenatal life, when epigenetic patterns are written, allowing organogenesis. However, interactions between diet and the epigenome continue throughout life and likely contribute to the onset and progression of various complex diseases. Here, we review the contribution of dietary factors to the epigenetic changes observed in complex diseases and suggest future steps to better address this issue, focusing on neurobehavioral, neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders, cardiovascular diseases, obesity and Type 2 diabetes, cancer and inflammatory skin diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabio Coppedè
- Department of Translational Research & of New Surgical & Medical Technologies, University of Pisa, Pisa, 56126, Italy
| | - Marica Franzago
- Department of Medicine & Aging, School of Medicine & Health Sciences, “G. d'Annunzio” University of Chieti–Pescara, Chieti, 66100, Italy
- Center for Advanced Studies & Technology, “G. d'Annunzio” University of Chieti–Pescara, Chieti, 66100, Italy
| | - Emiliano Giardina
- Genomic Medicine Laboratory UILDM, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, 00179, Italy
- Department of Biomedicine & Prevention, Tor Vergata University of Rome, Rome, 00133, Italy
| | | | - Giuseppe Matullo
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, 10126, Italy
| | - Chiara Moltrasio
- Dermatology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, 20122, Italy
- Department of Medical Surgical & Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, 34137, Italy
| | - Benedetta Nacmias
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research & Child Health, University of Florence, Florence, 50139, Italy
- IRCCS Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi, Florence, 50143, Italy
| | - Silvana Pileggi
- Department of Health Sciences, Medical Genetics, University of Milan, Milan, 20142, Italy
| | - Silvia Maria Sirchia
- Department of Health Sciences, Medical Genetics, University of Milan, Milan, 20142, Italy
| | - Andrea Stoccoro
- Department of Translational Research & of New Surgical & Medical Technologies, University of Pisa, Pisa, 56126, Italy
| | | | - Liborio Stuppia
- Center for Advanced Studies & Technology, “G. d'Annunzio” University of Chieti–Pescara, Chieti, 66100, Italy
- Department of Psychological, Health & Territorial Sciences, School of Medicine & Health Sciences, “G. d'Annunzio” University of Chieti–Pescara, Chieti, 66100, Italy
| | - Rossella Tricarico
- Department of Biology & Biotechnology, University of Pavia, Pavia, 27100, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Merla
- Laboratory of Regulatory & Functional Genomics, Fondazione IRCCS Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, San Giovanni Rotondo, Foggia, 71013, Italy
- Department of Molecular Medicine & Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, 80131, Italy
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Fabozzi G, Rebuzzini P, Cimadomo D, Allori M, Franzago M, Stuppia L, Garagna S, Ubaldi FM, Zuccotti M, Rienzi L. Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals, Gut Microbiota, and Human (In)Fertility-It Is Time to Consider the Triad. Cells 2022; 11:3335. [PMID: 36359730 PMCID: PMC9654651 DOI: 10.3390/cells11213335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2022] [Revised: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 07/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The gut microbiota (GM) is a complex and dynamic population of microorganisms living in the human gastrointestinal tract that play an important role in human health and diseases. Recent evidence suggests a strong direct or indirect correlation between GM and both male and female fertility: on the one hand, GM is involved in the regulation of sex hormone levels and in the preservation of the blood-testis barrier integrity; on the other hand, a dysbiotic GM is linked to the onset of pro-inflammatory conditions such as endometriosis or PCOS, which are often associated with infertility. Exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) is one of the main causes of GM dysbiosis, with important consequences to the host health and potential transgenerational effects. This perspective article aims to show that the negative effects of EDCs on reproduction are in part due to a dysbiotic GM. We will highlight (i) the link between GM and male and female fertility; (ii) the mechanisms of interaction between EDCs and GM; and (iii) the importance of the maternal-fetal GM axis for offspring growth and development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gemma Fabozzi
- B-Woman, Via dei Monti Parioli 6, 00197 Rome, Italy
- Clinica Valle Giulia, GeneraLife IVF, Via De Notaris 2B, 00197 Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Rebuzzini
- Laboratory of Developmental Biology, Department of Biology and Biotechnology “Lazzaro Spallanzani”, University of Pavia, Via Ferrata 9, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Danilo Cimadomo
- Clinica Valle Giulia, GeneraLife IVF, Via De Notaris 2B, 00197 Rome, Italy
| | | | - Marica Franzago
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), University “G. d’Annunzio” of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
- Department of Medicine and Aging Sciences, University “G. d’Annunzio” of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Liborio Stuppia
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), University “G. d’Annunzio” of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
- Department of Psychological, Health and Territorial Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University “G. d’Annunzio” of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Silvia Garagna
- Laboratory of Developmental Biology, Department of Biology and Biotechnology “Lazzaro Spallanzani”, University of Pavia, Via Ferrata 9, 27100 Pavia, Italy
- Centre for Health Technologies (CHT), University of Pavia, Via Ferrata 5, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | | | - Maurizio Zuccotti
- Laboratory of Developmental Biology, Department of Biology and Biotechnology “Lazzaro Spallanzani”, University of Pavia, Via Ferrata 9, 27100 Pavia, Italy
- Centre for Health Technologies (CHT), University of Pavia, Via Ferrata 5, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Laura Rienzi
- Clinica Valle Giulia, GeneraLife IVF, Via De Notaris 2B, 00197 Rome, Italy
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino “Carlo Bo”, Via Sant’Andrea 34, 61029 Urbino, Italy
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Franzago M, Pilenzi L, Di Rado S, Vitacolonna E, Stuppia L. The epigenetic aging, obesity, and lifestyle. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:985274. [PMID: 36176280 PMCID: PMC9514048 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.985274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The prevalence of obesity has dramatically increased worldwide over the past decades. Aging-related chronic conditions, such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease, are more prevalent in individuals with obesity, thus reducing their lifespan. Epigenetic clocks, the new metrics of biological age based on DNA methylation patterns, could be considered a reflection of the state of one’s health. Several environmental exposures and lifestyle factors can induce epigenetic aging accelerations, including obesity, thus leading to an increased risk of age-related diseases. The insight into the complex link between obesity and aging might have significant implications for the promotion of health and the mitigation of future disease risk. The present narrative review takes into account the interaction between epigenetic aging and obesity, suggesting that epigenome may be an intriguing target for age-related physiological changes and that its modification could influence aging and prolong a healthy lifespan. Therefore, we have focused on DNA methylation age as a clinical biomarker, as well as on the potential reversal of epigenetic age using a personalized diet- and lifestyle-based intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marica Franzago
- Department of Medicine and Aging, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, G. d’Annunzio University, Chieti, Italy
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology, G. d’Annunzio University, Chieti, Italy
| | - Lucrezia Pilenzi
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology, G. d’Annunzio University, Chieti, Italy
- Department of Psychological Health and Territorial Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, G. d’Annunzio University, Chieti, Italy
| | - Sara Di Rado
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology, G. d’Annunzio University, Chieti, Italy
| | - Ester Vitacolonna
- Department of Medicine and Aging, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, G. d’Annunzio University, Chieti, Italy
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology, G. d’Annunzio University, Chieti, Italy
| | - Liborio Stuppia
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology, G. d’Annunzio University, Chieti, Italy
- Department of Psychological Health and Territorial Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, G. d’Annunzio University, Chieti, Italy
- *Correspondence: Liborio Stuppia,
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Franzago M, Porreca A, D’Ardes M, Di Nicola M, Di Tizio L, Liberati M, Stuppia L, Vitacolonna E. The Obesogenic Environment: Epigenetic Modifications in Placental Melanocortin 4 Receptor Gene Connected to Gestational Diabetes and Smoking. Front Nutr 2022; 9:879526. [PMID: 35571924 PMCID: PMC9100829 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2022.879526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Maternal metabolic insults as well as Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) influence the fetal health and may affect ‘offspring’s susceptibility to chronic diseases via epigenetic modifications. GDM, the most common metabolic disorder in pregnancy, can be considered the result of complex interactions between genetic and environmental factors. A critical point in this view is the identification of genes which are epigenetically modified under the influence of GDM. The melanocortin 4 receptor (MC4R) gene plays a crucial role in nutritional health by suppressing appetite and participating in energy control regulation. The correlations between pregnant ‘women’s metabolic profiles and placental epigenetic modifications of this gene have been poorly investigated. Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of GDM and maternal clinical parameters at the third trimester of pregnancy to DNA methylation levels in the placenta at CpG sites of MC4R gene. Design and Methods Socio-demographic and clinical characteristics, Mediterranean diet adherence, smoking habits, and physical activity were assessed at the third trimester of pregnancy of 60 Caucasian pregnant women, of which 33 with GDM. Clinical parameters of the newborns were recorded at birth. MC4R DNA methylation on maternal and fetal sides of the placenta was analyzed using bisulfite pyrosequencing. Results MC4R DNA methylation levels at CpG1 and CpG2 were lower on the fetal side of the placenta in GDM-affected women than in non-GDM-affected recruits (p = 0.033). Moreover, DNA methylation levels on the maternal side at CpG1 were positively related to glucose concentration at 2-h oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). On the other hand, CpG2 DNA methylation was positively related to both 1-h and 2-h during OGTT. Maternal DNA methylation level at CpG2 was also associated with low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) at the third trimester of pregnancy (rho = 0.340, p < 0.05), while CpG1 methylation was negatively related to maternal weight variations at delivery (rho = −0.316, p < 0.05). Significant associations between MC4R DNA methylation on the maternal side and lipid profile at third trimester of pregnancy in women smokers were found. Conclusion Our results suggest that MC4R methylation profile in the placenta is related to maternal metabolic and nutritional conditions, potentially affecting fetal programming and the future metabolic health of the newborn.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marica Franzago
- Department of Medicine and Aging, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, “G. d’Annunzio” University, Chieti, Italy
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology, “G. d’Annunzio” University, Chieti, Italy
| | - Annamaria Porreca
- Laboratory of Biostatistics, Department of Medical, Oral and Biotechnological Sciences, “G. d’Annunzio” University, Chieti, Italy
| | - Mario D’Ardes
- Department of Medicine and Aging, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, “G. d’Annunzio” University, Chieti, Italy
| | - Marta Di Nicola
- Laboratory of Biostatistics, Department of Medical, Oral and Biotechnological Sciences, “G. d’Annunzio” University, Chieti, Italy
| | - Luciano Di Tizio
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, SS. Annunziata Hospital, “G. d’Annunzio” University, Chieti, Italy
| | - Marco Liberati
- Department of Medicine and Aging, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, “G. d’Annunzio” University, Chieti, Italy
| | - Liborio Stuppia
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology, “G. d’Annunzio” University, Chieti, Italy
- Department of Psychological, Health and Territorial Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, “G. d’Annunzio” University, Chieti, Italy
| | - Ester Vitacolonna
- Department of Medicine and Aging, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, “G. d’Annunzio” University, Chieti, Italy
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology, “G. d’Annunzio” University, Chieti, Italy
- *Correspondence: Ester Vitacolonna,
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Vitacolonna E, Masulli M, Palmisano L, Stuppia L, Franzago M. Inositols, Probiotics, and Gestational Diabetes: Clinical and Epigenetic Aspects. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14081543. [PMID: 35458105 PMCID: PMC9028601 DOI: 10.3390/nu14081543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2022] [Revised: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 04/05/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
There is growing interest in the potential role of different stereoisomers of inositol or their combination as well as probiotics supplementation in healthy glucose metabolism during pregnancy and in promoting offspring health. The aim of this review is to clarify the effects of several inositol and probiotics-based supplements in the prevention and treatment of gestational diabetes (GDM). Moreover, we will discuss the epigenetic aspects and their short- and long-term effects in response to probiotic intervention as well as the possible implications of these findings in guiding appropriate supplementation regimens in pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ester Vitacolonna
- Department of Medicine and Aging, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, “G. d’Annunzio” University, Chieti-Pescara, Via dei Vestini, 66100 Chieti, Italy;
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), “G. d’Annunzio” University, Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy;
- Correspondence:
| | - Maria Masulli
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, Federico II University, 80131 Naples, Italy; (M.M.); (L.P.)
| | - Luisa Palmisano
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, Federico II University, 80131 Naples, Italy; (M.M.); (L.P.)
| | - Liborio Stuppia
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), “G. d’Annunzio” University, Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy;
- Department of Psychological, Health and Territorial Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, “G. d’Annunzio” University, Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Marica Franzago
- Department of Medicine and Aging, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, “G. d’Annunzio” University, Chieti-Pescara, Via dei Vestini, 66100 Chieti, Italy;
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), “G. d’Annunzio” University, Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy;
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Franzago M, Di Nicola M, Fraticelli F, Marchioni M, Stuppia L, Vitacolonna E. Nutrigenetic variants and response to diet/lifestyle intervention in obese subjects: a pilot study. Acta Diabetol 2022; 59:69-81. [PMID: 34480216 PMCID: PMC8758637 DOI: 10.1007/s00592-021-01787-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Nutritional and lifestyle interventions can contribute to prevent and treat obesity and its complications; however, genetic background may influence the success of a therapy. The aim of this pilot study is to evaluate the effects of the interaction between nutrigenetic variants and nutritional intervention, as well as the changes in clinical parameters and the adherence to Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) and to physical activity, of 18 overweight or obese subjects affected by T2D or dysglycemia included in a nutritional program. METHODS The subjects' clinical parameters as well as their PREDIMED score and physical activity levels were recorded and compared at baseline, at 6 months and at the end of the intervention. Rs9939609 in FTO, rs17782313 near MC4R, rs326 in LPL, rs16147 in NPY, rs2943641 near IRS-1 were genotyped. RESULTS The subjects carrying the A allele in FTO lost less weight (p = 0.022) and had a lower BMI decrease from baseline to 12 months (p-interaction = 0.047) than TT carriers. In addition, there was a significant PREDIMED score modification over time, according to genotypes for FTO rs9939609 (p = 0.025) and NPY rs16147 (p = 0.039), respectively. CONCLUSIONS These preliminary findings show a significant interaction between genetic variants and the PREDIMED score, suggesting that individuals carrying the FTO variant may lose less weight than non-carriers through diet/lifestyle intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marica Franzago
- Department of Medicine and Aging, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, "G. D'Annunzio" University, Via dei Vestini, 66100, Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), "G. D'Annunzio" University, Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Marta Di Nicola
- Laboratory of Biostatistics, Department of Medical, Oral and Biotechnological Sciences, "G. D'Annunzio" University, Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Federica Fraticelli
- Department of Medicine and Aging, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, "G. D'Annunzio" University, Via dei Vestini, 66100, Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Michele Marchioni
- Laboratory of Biostatistics, Department of Medical, Oral and Biotechnological Sciences, "G. D'Annunzio" University, Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Liborio Stuppia
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), "G. D'Annunzio" University, Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
- Department of Psychological, Health and Territorial Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, "G. D'Annunzio" University, Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Ester Vitacolonna
- Department of Medicine and Aging, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, "G. D'Annunzio" University, Via dei Vestini, 66100, Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy.
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), "G. D'Annunzio" University, Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy.
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Tommasi M, Sergi MR, Konstantinidou F, Franzago M, Pesce M, Fratta IL, Grilli A, Stuppia L, Picconi L, Saggino A, Gatta V. Association of COMT, BDNF and 5-HTT functional polymorphisms with personality characteristics. Front Biosci (Landmark Ed) 2021; 26:1064-1074. [PMID: 34856753 DOI: 10.52586/5009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2021] [Revised: 10/01/2021] [Accepted: 10/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Background: The real impact of genetic factors on personality is still unknown, even if in literature about 50% of variance in personality traits are considered genetically determined. The determination of the genetic variance in personality traits could promote psychological well-being and the prevention of psychopathologies, because there are many experimental evidences showing that mental illness is associated to personality. Numerous studies have showed that Catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT), brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and serotonin transporter (5-HTT) are genes whose variants are associated with personality traits. This aim of this study is the investigation of the association between personality traits and 5-HTTLPR/rs255315-HTT promoter variant, COMT Val158Met and BDNF Val66Met gene polymorphisms. Methods: The sample was composed by 132 healthy female students. Genomic DNA was extracted from buccal swab, while personality was assessed with Cloninger's Temperament and Character Inventory-Revised (TCI-R). Linear discriminant analysis was used to analyze how personality characteristics can differentiate individuals in relation to their genetic polymorphisms. Results: Data showed that the temperament trait Reward Dependence discriminated individuals with different BDNF variants; Novelty Seeking and Harm Avoidance discriminated individuals with different 5HTTLPR variants; Persistence discriminated individuals with different COMT variants. Conclusions: Since these traits are connected to psychological diseases as depression, social anxiety, anorexia and obsessive-compulsive disorders of personality, the study of their genetic component can be used as intermediary issue to better define the connection between genes and predisposition toward maladaptive behavior and mental illness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Tommasi
- Department of Medicine and Aging Sciences, "G. d'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Maria Rita Sergi
- Department of Medicine and Aging Sciences, "G. d'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Fani Konstantinidou
- Department of Psychological, Health and Territorial Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, "G. d'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy.,Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), "G. d'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Marica Franzago
- Department of Medicine and Aging Sciences, "G. d'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy.,Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), "G. d'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Mirko Pesce
- Department of Medical and Oral Sciences and Biotechnologies, "G. d'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Irene La Fratta
- Department of Medical and Oral Sciences and Biotechnologies, "G. d'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Alfredo Grilli
- Department of Medical and Oral Sciences and Biotechnologies, "G. d'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Liborio Stuppia
- Department of Psychological, Health and Territorial Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, "G. d'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy.,Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), "G. d'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Laura Picconi
- Department of Medicine and Aging Sciences, "G. d'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Aristide Saggino
- Department of Medicine and Aging Sciences, "G. d'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Valentina Gatta
- Department of Psychological, Health and Territorial Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, "G. d'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy.,Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), "G. d'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
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12
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Franzago M, Fraticelli F, Marchioni M, Di Nicola M, Di Sebastiano F, Liberati M, Stuppia L, Vitacolonna E. Fat mass and obesity-associated (FTO) gene epigenetic modifications in gestational diabetes: new insights and possible pathophysiological connections. Acta Diabetol 2021; 58:997-1007. [PMID: 33743080 PMCID: PMC8272710 DOI: 10.1007/s00592-020-01668-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2020] [Accepted: 12/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) can lead to short- and long-term complications for the child. Epigenetic alterations could contribute to explaining the metabolic disturbances associated with foetal programming. Although the role of the FTO gene remains unclear, it affects metabolic phenotypes probably mediated by epigenetic mechanisms. The aim of this study was to assess whether placental DNA epigenetic modifications at FTO promoter-associated cysteine-phosphate-guanine (CpG) sites are correlated with GDM. A secondary aim was to evaluate the association between the placental FTO DNA methylation and the maternal metabolic traits in women with and without GDM. METHODS Socio-demographic characteristics, clinical parameters at the third trimester of pregnancy, Mediterranean diet adherence, and physical activity were assessed in 33 GDM women and 27 controls. Clinical information about the newborns was registered at birth. The FTO rs9939609 (T > A) was genotyped. RESULTS No association between FTO DNA methylation and GDM was found. DNA methylation on the maternal side at the CpG1 was associated with maternal smoking in GDM (p = 0.034), and DNA methylation at the CpG3 was correlated with smoking or former smoking in controls (p = 0.023). A higher level of TGs was correlated with higher foetal placental DNA methylation at the CpG2 (p = 0.036) in GDM. An inverse association between HDL-C and maternal placental DNA methylation at the CpG3 in controls (p = 0.045) was found. An association between FTO rs9939609 and neonatal birthweight (p = 0.033) was detected. CONCLUSIONS In the awareness that the obesity pathophysiology is complex, the study adds a piece to this intricate mosaic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marica Franzago
- Department of Medicine and Aging, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, "G. D'Annunzio" University, Chieti-Pescara, Via dei Vestini, 66100, Chieti, Italy
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), "G. D'Annunzio" University, Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Federica Fraticelli
- Department of Medicine and Aging, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, "G. D'Annunzio" University, Chieti-Pescara, Via dei Vestini, 66100, Chieti, Italy
| | - Michele Marchioni
- Laboratory of Biostatistics, Department of Medical, Oral and Biotechnological Sciences, "G.D'Annunzio" University, Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Marta Di Nicola
- Laboratory of Biostatistics, Department of Medical, Oral and Biotechnological Sciences, "G.D'Annunzio" University, Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Francesca Di Sebastiano
- Department of Obstetric and Gynaecology, SS. Annunziata Hospital, "G. D'Annunzio" University, Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Marco Liberati
- Department of Medicine and Aging, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, "G. D'Annunzio" University, Chieti-Pescara, Via dei Vestini, 66100, Chieti, Italy
| | - Liborio Stuppia
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), "G. D'Annunzio" University, Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
- Department of Psychological, Health and Territorial Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, "G. D'Annunzio" University, Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Ester Vitacolonna
- Department of Medicine and Aging, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, "G. D'Annunzio" University, Chieti-Pescara, Via dei Vestini, 66100, Chieti, Italy.
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), "G. D'Annunzio" University, Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy.
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13
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Franzago M, Sabovic I, Franchi S, De Santo M, Di Nisio A, Luddi A, Piomboni P, Vitacolonna E, Stuppia L, Foresta C. Sperm DNA Methylation at Metabolism-Related Genes in Vegan Subjects. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2021; 12:633943. [PMID: 33767672 PMCID: PMC7985526 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2021.633943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2020] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective To investigate if epigenome of sperm cells could be dynamically affected by nutrition. Design and Methods We assessed 40 healthy volunteers with different dietary habits and collected their demographic characteristics, as well as clinical and anthropometric parameters. We compared methylation profiles in sperm quantified by bisulfite pyrosequencing, at promoter-associated CpG sites of genes involved in metabolism including fat mass and obesity-associated (FTO) and melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R) from six vegans and 34 omnivores. In addition, the FTO rs9939609 (T>A) was genotyped. Results Higher DNA methylation levels were detected in the sperm of vegan at FTO gene CpG1 (p=0.02), CpG2 (p=0.001), CpG3 (p=0.004), and CpG4 (p=0.003) sites and at MC4R-CpG2 site [p=0.016] as compared to sperm of omnivores. This association was not related to FTO genotype. Conclusions Although limited by the small number of investigated cases, our data provide insight into the role of diet on sperm DNA methylation in genes involved in metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marica Franzago
- Department of Medicine and Aging, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, “G. D’Annunzio” University, Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), “G. D’Annunzio” University, Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Iva Sabovic
- Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Sara Franchi
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), “G. D’Annunzio” University, Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
- Department of Psychological, Health and Territorial Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, “G. D’Annunzio” University, Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | | | - Andrea Di Nisio
- Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Alice Luddi
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Paola Piomboni
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Ester Vitacolonna
- Department of Medicine and Aging, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, “G. D’Annunzio” University, Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), “G. D’Annunzio” University, Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Liborio Stuppia
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), “G. D’Annunzio” University, Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
- Department of Psychological, Health and Territorial Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, “G. D’Annunzio” University, Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Carlo Foresta
- Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
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14
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Succurro E, Fraticelli F, Franzago M, Fiorentino TV, Andreozzi F, Vitacolonna E, Sesti G. Hyperglycemia at 1h-OGTT in Pregnancy: A Reliable Predictor of Metabolic Outcomes? Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2021; 12:612829. [PMID: 34108933 PMCID: PMC8181723 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2021.612829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Accepted: 05/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is associated with a high risk of developing type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and cardiovascular disease (CVD). Identifying among GDM women those who are at high risk may help prevent T2DM and, possibly CVD. Several studies have shown that in women with GDM, hyperglycemia at 1 h during an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) (1-h PG) is not only associated with an increase in adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes but is also an independent predictor of T2DM. Interestingly, also in pregnant women who did not meet the criteria for a GDM diagnosis, 1-h PG was an independent predictor of postpartum impaired insulin sensitivity and beta-cell dysfunction. Moreover, maternal 1- and 2-h PG levels have been found to be independently associated with insulin resistance and impaired insulin secretion also during childhood. There is evidence that hyperglycemia at 1h PG during pregnancy may identify women at high risk of future CVD, due to its association with an unfavorable CV risk profile, inflammation, arterial stiffness and endothelial dysfunction. Overall, hyperglycemia at 1h during an OGTT in pregnancy may be a valuable prediction tool for identifying women at a high risk of future T2DM, who may then benefit from therapeutic strategies aimed at preventing cardiovascular outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Succurro
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
- *Correspondence: Elena Succurro,
| | - Federica Fraticelli
- Department of Medicine and Aging, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, ‘G. d'Annunzio’ University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Marica Franzago
- Department of Medicine and Aging, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, ‘G. d'Annunzio’ University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Teresa Vanessa Fiorentino
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Francesco Andreozzi
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Ester Vitacolonna
- Department of Medicine and Aging, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, ‘G. d'Annunzio’ University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Giorgio Sesti
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, University of Rome-Sapienza, Rome, Italy
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15
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Franzago M, Lanuti P, Fraticelli F, Marchioni M, Buca D, Di Nicola M, Liberati M, Miscia S, Stuppia L, Vitacolonna E. Biological insight into the extracellular vesicles in women with and without gestational diabetes. J Endocrinol Invest 2021; 44:49-61. [PMID: 32335856 DOI: 10.1007/s40618-020-01262-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2019] [Accepted: 04/16/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is the most common metabolic disorder in pregnancy, with increasing prevalence worldwide and still unclear pathogenic mechanisms. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are emerging as potential biomarkers of disease-specific pathways in metabolic disorders, but their potential role in GDM is not fully understood. Therefore, the main aim of this study was to evaluate the link between EVs and hyperglycaemia during pregnancy. METHODS We assessed 50 GDM women and 50 controls at the third trimester of pregnancy in whom we collected demographic characteristics and clinical and anthropometric parameters. In addition, the circulating total EVs (tEVs) and their subpopulations were assessed using flow cytometry. RESULTS The levels of tEVs and EVs subtypes, expressed as median and interquartile range, were not significantly different between two groups; however, adipocyte-derived EVs (aEVs) concentration, expressed as percentage, was higher in controls than in GDM women (p = 0.045). In addition, a significant correlation was observed between aEVs (%) and third trimester total cholesterol (p = 0.022) within the GDM group. Furthermore, a significant correlation between endothelial-derived EVs (eEVs) and platelet-derived EVs (pEVs) within both groups was found, as well as a significant relation between aEVs and pEVs. CONCLUSIONS These data, although preliminary, represent the starting point for further studies to determine the role of circulating EVs in GDM.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Franzago
- Department of Medicine and Aging, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, "G. D'Annunzio" University, Chieti-Pescara, Via dei Vestini, 66100, Chieti, Italy
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), "G. D'Annunzio" University, Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - P Lanuti
- Department of Medicine and Aging, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, "G. D'Annunzio" University, Chieti-Pescara, Via dei Vestini, 66100, Chieti, Italy
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), "G. D'Annunzio" University, Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - F Fraticelli
- Department of Medicine and Aging, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, "G. D'Annunzio" University, Chieti-Pescara, Via dei Vestini, 66100, Chieti, Italy
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), "G. D'Annunzio" University, Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - M Marchioni
- Laboratory of Biostatistics, Department of Medical, Oral and Biotechnological Sciences, "G. D'Annunzio" University, Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - D Buca
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, SS. Annunziata Hospital, "G. D'Annunzio" University, Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - M Di Nicola
- Laboratory of Biostatistics, Department of Medical, Oral and Biotechnological Sciences, "G. D'Annunzio" University, Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - M Liberati
- Department of Medicine and Aging, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, "G. D'Annunzio" University, Chieti-Pescara, Via dei Vestini, 66100, Chieti, Italy
| | - S Miscia
- Department of Medicine and Aging, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, "G. D'Annunzio" University, Chieti-Pescara, Via dei Vestini, 66100, Chieti, Italy
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), "G. D'Annunzio" University, Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - L Stuppia
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), "G. D'Annunzio" University, Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
- Department of Psychological, Health and Territorial Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, "G. D'Annunzio" University, Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - E Vitacolonna
- Department of Medicine and Aging, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, "G. D'Annunzio" University, Chieti-Pescara, Via dei Vestini, 66100, Chieti, Italy.
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), "G. D'Annunzio" University, Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy.
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Franzago M, Santurbano D, Vitacolonna E, Stuppia L. Genes and Diet in the Prevention of Chronic Diseases in Future Generations. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21072633. [PMID: 32290086 PMCID: PMC7178197 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21072633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2020] [Revised: 03/30/2020] [Accepted: 04/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Nutrition is a modifiable key factor that is able to interact with both the genome and epigenome to influence human health and fertility. In particular, specific genetic variants can influence the response to dietary components and nutrient requirements, and conversely, the diet itself is able to modulate gene expression. In this context and the era of precision medicine, nutrigenetic and nutrigenomic studies offer significant opportunities to improve the prevention of metabolic disturbances, such as Type 2 diabetes, gestational diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular diseases, even with transgenerational effects. The present review takes into account the interactions between diet, genes and human health, and provides an overview of the role of nutrigenetics, nutrigenomics and epigenetics in the prevention of non-communicable diseases. Moreover, we focus our attention on the mechanism of intergenerational or transgenerational transmission of the susceptibility to metabolic disturbances, and underline that the reversibility of epigenetic modifications through dietary intervention could counteract perturbations induced by lifestyle and environmental factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marica Franzago
- Department of Medicine and Aging, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, ‘G. d’Annunzio’ University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), ‘G. d’Annunzio’ University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | | | - Ester Vitacolonna
- Department of Medicine and Aging, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, ‘G. d’Annunzio’ University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), ‘G. d’Annunzio’ University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
- Correspondence:
| | - Liborio Stuppia
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), ‘G. d’Annunzio’ University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
- Department of Psychological, Health and Territorial Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, ‘G. d’Annunzio’ University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
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Ceccarini MR, Tasegian A, Franzago M, Patria FF, Albi E, Codini M, Conte C, Bertelli M, Dalla Ragione L, Stuppia L, Beccari T. 5-HT2AR and BDNF gene variants in eating disorders susceptibility. Am J Med Genet B Neuropsychiatr Genet 2020; 183:155-163. [PMID: 31746551 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.b.32771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2019] [Revised: 09/09/2019] [Accepted: 11/01/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Evidence from family and twin studies points to a genetic contribution to the etiology of eating disorders (EDs), confirmed by the association of several single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with this group of disorders. Previous reports have suggested that the serotonin receptor (5-HT2AR) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) genes could be both involved in EDs susceptibility. In order to provide further evidence about such association, we focused our attention on two SNPs located in these genes carrying out a genetic association study on a large Italian cohort composed of 556 ED patients and 355 controls (CTRs). Obtained results confirm the presence of an association between 5-HT2AR and BDNF genes and the susceptibility to EDs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Anna Tasegian
- Department of Pharmaceutical Science, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Marica Franzago
- Department of Medicine and Aging, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, "G. d'Annunzio" University, Chieti-Pescara, Italy.,Aging and Translational Medicine Research Center (CeSI-MeT), University "G. d'Annunzio", Chieti-Pescara, Italy
| | - F Filomena Patria
- Department of Pharmaceutical Science, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Albi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Science, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Michela Codini
- Department of Pharmaceutical Science, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Carmela Conte
- Department of Pharmaceutical Science, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Matteo Bertelli
- MAGI Euregio, Non Profit Genetic Testing Laboratory, Research Unit, Bolzano, Italy
| | - Laura Dalla Ragione
- University of Campus Biomedico, Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie per l'uomo e l'ambiente, Rome, Italy
| | - Liborio Stuppia
- Aging and Translational Medicine Research Center (CeSI-MeT), University "G. d'Annunzio", Chieti-Pescara, Italy.,Department of Psychological, Health and Territorial Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, "G. d'Annunzio" University, Chieti-Pescara, Italy
| | - Tommaso Beccari
- Department of Pharmaceutical Science, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
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Ceccarini M, Tasegian A, Franzago M, Stuppia L, Patria F, Codini M, Conte C, Albi E, Bertelli M, Ragione LD, Beccari T. Genetic study of patients affected by eating disorders in an Italian cohort. J Biotechnol 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiotec.2019.05.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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Franzago M, La Rovere M, Guanciali Franchi P, Vitacolonna E, Stuppia L. Epigenetics and human reproduction: the primary prevention of the noncommunicable diseases. Epigenomics 2019; 11:1441-1460. [PMID: 31596147 DOI: 10.2217/epi-2019-0163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic regulation of gene expression plays a key role in affecting human health and diseases with particular regard to human reproduction. The major concern in this field is represented by the epigenetic modifications in the embryo and the increased risk of long-life disorders induced by the use of assisted reproduction techniques, able to affect the epigenetic assessment in the first steps of embryo development. In this review, we analyze the correlation between epigenetic modifications and human reproduction, suggesting that the reversibility of the epigenetic processes could represent a novel resource for the treatment of the couple's infertility and that parental lifestyle in periconceptional period could be considered as an important issue of primary prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marica Franzago
- Department of Medicine & Aging, School of Medicine & Health Sciences, 'G. d'Annunzio' University, Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy.,Center for Aging Studies & Translational Medicine (CESI-MET), 'G. d'Annunzio' University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Marina La Rovere
- Department of Psychological, Health & Territorial Sciences, School of Medicine & Health Sciences, 'G. d'Annunzio' University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Paolo Guanciali Franchi
- Department of Medical, Oral & Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine & Health Sciences, 'G. d'Annunzio' University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Ester Vitacolonna
- Department of Medicine & Aging, School of Medicine & Health Sciences, 'G. d'Annunzio' University, Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Liborio Stuppia
- Center for Aging Studies & Translational Medicine (CESI-MET), 'G. d'Annunzio' University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy.,Department of Psychological, Health & Territorial Sciences, School of Medicine & Health Sciences, 'G. d'Annunzio' University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
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La Rovere M, Franzago M, Stuppia L. Epigenetics and Neurological Disorders in ART. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20174169. [PMID: 31454921 PMCID: PMC6747212 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20174169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2019] [Revised: 08/21/2019] [Accepted: 08/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
About 1–4% of children are currently generated by Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART) in developed countries. These babies show only a slightly increased risk of neonatal malformations. However, follow-up studies have suggested a higher susceptibility to multifactorial, adult onset disorders like obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases in ART offspring. It has been suggested that these conditions could be the consequence of epigenetic, alterations, due to artificial manipulations of gametes and embryos potentially able to alter epigenetic stability during zygote reprogramming. In the last years, epigenetic alterations have been invoked as a possible cause of increased risk of neurological disorders, but at present the link between epigenetic modifications and long-term effects in terms of neurological diseases in ART children remains unclear, due to the short follow up limiting retrospective studies. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge about neurological disorders promoted by epigenetics alterations in ART. Based on data currently available, it is possible to conclude that little, if any, evidence of an increased risk of neurological disorders in ART conceived children is provided. Most important, the large majority of reports appears to be limited to epidemiological studies, not providing any experimental evidence about epigenetic modifications responsible for an increased risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina La Rovere
- Department of Psychological, Health and Territorial Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, "G. d'Annunzio" University, 66100 Chieti-Pescara, Italy
| | - Marica Franzago
- Department of Medicine and Aging, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, "G. d'Annunzio" University, 66100 Chieti-Pescara, Italy
- Aging Center Studies-Translational Medicine (CeSI-Met), "G. d'Annunzio" University, 66100 Chieti-Pescara, Italy
| | - Liborio Stuppia
- Department of Psychological, Health and Territorial Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, "G. d'Annunzio" University, 66100 Chieti-Pescara, Italy.
- Aging Center Studies-Translational Medicine (CeSI-Met), "G. d'Annunzio" University, 66100 Chieti-Pescara, Italy.
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Abstract
Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) is the most common metabolic condition during pregnancy and may result in short- and long-term complications for both mother and offspring. The complexity of phenotypic outcomes seems influenced by genetic susceptibility, nutrient-gene interactions and lifestyle interacting with clinical factors. There is strong evidence that not only the adverse genetic background but also the epigenetic modifications in response to nutritional and environmental factors could influence the maternal hyperglycemia in pregnancy and the foetal metabolic programming. In this view, the correlation between epigenetic modifications and their transgenerational effects represents a very interesting field of study. The present review gives insight into the role of gene variants and their interactions with nutrients in GDM. In addition, we provide an overview of the epigenetic changes and their role in the maternal-foetal transmission of chronic diseases. Overall, the knowledge of epigenetic modifications induced by an adverse intrauterine and perinatal environment could shed light on the potential pathophysiological mechanisms of long-term disease development in the offspring and provide useful tools for their prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marica Franzago
- a Department of Medicine and Aging, School of Medicine and Health Sciences , "G. d'Annunzio" University, Chieti-Pescara , Chieti , Italy.,b Molecular Genetics, Unit , CeSI-Met , Chieti , Italy
| | - Federica Fraticelli
- a Department of Medicine and Aging, School of Medicine and Health Sciences , "G. d'Annunzio" University, Chieti-Pescara , Chieti , Italy
| | - Liborio Stuppia
- b Molecular Genetics, Unit , CeSI-Met , Chieti , Italy.,c Department of Psychological, Health and Territorial Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences , "G. d'Annunzio" University, Chieti-Pescara , Chieti , Italy
| | - Ester Vitacolonna
- a Department of Medicine and Aging, School of Medicine and Health Sciences , "G. d'Annunzio" University, Chieti-Pescara , Chieti , Italy
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Scaparrotta A, Franzago M, Marcovecchio ML, Di Pillo S, Chiarelli F, Mohn A, Stuppia L. Role of THRB, ARG1, and ADRB2 Genetic Variants on Bronchodilators Response in Asthmatic Children. J Aerosol Med Pulm Drug Deliv 2019; 32:164-173. [PMID: 30855197 DOI: 10.1089/jamp.2018.1493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: An interindividual variability in response to short-acting bronchodilator drugs (short-acting inhaled β2-agonists, SABA) exists and this is linked in part to genetic factors. The aim of this study was to verify the influence of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of a previously studied gene (ADRB2) and of new candidate genes (THRB and ARG1) on the acute response to SABA in children with asthma. Methods: One hundred asthmatic children (mean age 9.6 ± 3.0 years, 77 boys) underwent allergological and lung function evaluations. Spirometry was performed before and after bronchodilation test (BD test). The ADRB2 region containing the Arg16Gly (rs1042713) and Gln27Glu (rs1042714) variants were amplified by polymerase chain reaction, whereas ARG1 rs2781659 (A>G) and THRB rs892940 (G>A) SNPs were genotyped by high-resolution melting (HRM) analysis. Results: Seventy-seven percent of children developed asthma in the first 6 years of life. Allergic sensitization was observed in 92% (total immunoglobulin G: 529.8 ± 477. kU/L). All patients exhibited respiratory allergy: 43% has multiple respiratory, 22% to single respiratory, and 27% multiple respiratory and food allergies. Fifty four percent children showed positive BD response (forced expiratory volume in 1 second [FEV1] > 12%). Presence of Arg/Gly or Gly/Gly genotypes in position 16 of ADRB2 was significantly associated to a worse BD response (post-BD FEV1: 108.68% ± 15.62% in Arg/Arg vs. 101.86% ± 14.03% in Arg/Gly or Gly/Gly patients, p = 0.02). No significant association was found between spirometric parameters before and after BD for the other three examined SNPs. Conclusion: The influence of genetic variability on responsiveness to drugs could become a key parameter to optimize a tailored therapy for young patients with asthma, especially if drug-resistance occurs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Scaparrotta
- 1 Department of Medicine and Aging, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, "G. d'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Marica Franzago
- 1 Department of Medicine and Aging, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, "G. d'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | | | - Sabrina Di Pillo
- 1 Department of Medicine and Aging, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, "G. d'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Francesco Chiarelli
- 1 Department of Medicine and Aging, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, "G. d'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Angelika Mohn
- 1 Department of Medicine and Aging, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, "G. d'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Liborio Stuppia
- 3 Laboratory of Molecular Genetics, Department of Psychological, Health and Territorial Sciences, "G. d'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy.,4 Center for Aging Sciences and Translational Medicine (CESI-Met), "G, d'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
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Fantinelli S, Marchetti D, Verrocchio MC, Franzago M, Fulcheri M, Vitacolonna E. Assessment of Psychological Dimensions in Telemedicine Care for Gestational Diabetes Mellitus: A Systematic Review of Qualitative and Quantitative Studies. Front Psychol 2019; 10:153. [PMID: 30804842 PMCID: PMC6370698 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2019.00153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2018] [Accepted: 01/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Objective: Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) is a complex and wide spread problem and is considered one of the most frequent chronic metabolic conditions during pregnancy. According to a recent consensus conference held in Italy, new technologies can play a role in the so-called process of fertilization of the individual's ecosystem engagement, representing support for systemic collaboration among the main actors. The current systematic review aimed at providing an update of the literature about telemedicine for GDM, considering the role of psychological dimensions such as empowerment/self-efficacy, engagement and satisfaction. Methods: The review was performed following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) framework. The data sources were PubMed, ScienceDirect, Cochrane, and Scopus databases. Results: Thirteen articles were identified as eligible and relevant for the final qualitative synthesis, but none was specific for the topic of engagement. The quality or research bias of the studies presents methodological limits. Most studies had clinical outcomes as a primary object. Concerning empowerment and self-efficacy, there were only preliminary findings reporting any improvements derived from using telemedicine approaches. Conversely, there were more consistent and positive results concerning the satisfaction of patients and clinicians. Conclusions: These results are not sufficient to state a conclusive evaluation of positive effects of telemedicine use for GDM care. A more in-depth investigation of engagement and empowerment dimensions is necessary, as some benefits for the management of chronic conditions were already detected. Further investigations will also be necessary concerning the acceptability and feasibility of telemedicine systems by clinicians.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefania Fantinelli
- Department of Psychological, Health, and Territorial Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, "G. d'Annunzio" University, Chieti, Italy
| | - Daniela Marchetti
- Department of Psychological, Health, and Territorial Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, "G. d'Annunzio" University, Chieti, Italy
| | - Maria Cristina Verrocchio
- Department of Psychological, Health, and Territorial Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, "G. d'Annunzio" University, Chieti, Italy
| | - Marica Franzago
- Department of Medicine and Aging, "G. d'Annunzio" University, Chieti, Italy
| | - Mario Fulcheri
- Department of Psychological, Health, and Territorial Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, "G. d'Annunzio" University, Chieti, Italy
| | - Ester Vitacolonna
- Department of Medicine and Aging, "G. d'Annunzio" University, Chieti, Italy
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Fraticelli F, Celentano C, Zecca IA, Di Vieste G, Pintaudi B, Liberati M, Franzago M, Di Nicola M, Vitacolonna E. Effect of inositol stereoisomers at different dosages in gestational diabetes: an open-label, parallel, randomized controlled trial. Acta Diabetol 2018; 55:805-812. [PMID: 29774465 DOI: 10.1007/s00592-018-1157-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2018] [Accepted: 05/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is the most common metabolic disorder of pregnancy. The aim of the study is to compare the effect of different dosages of inositol stereoisomers supplementation on insulin resistance levels and several maternal-fetal outcomes in GDM women. METHODS Participants were randomly allocated to receive daily: 400 mcg folic acid (control treatment), 4000 mg myo-inositol plus 400 mcg folic acid (MI treatment), 500 mg D-chiro-inositol plus 400 mcg folic acid (DCI treatment) or 1100/27.6 mg myo/D-chiro-inositol plus 400 mcg folic acid (MI plus DCI treatment). The homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) was measured at the diagnosis of GDM and after 8 weeks of treatment. Secondary outcomes, obstetric outcomes and any maternal or fetal complication at delivery were also collected. RESULTS Eighty GDM women were assigned to one of the four arms of study (20 per arm). A significant delta decrease in HOMA-IR index was found in subjects of MI group without insulin therapy compared to control group (p < 0.001). A lower variation in average weight gain (at delivery vs pre-pregnancy and OGTT period) was detected in MI group vs control group (p = 0.001 and p = 0.019, respectively). Moreover, women exposed to MI and MI plus DCI required a significantly lower necessity of an intensified insulin treatment. Women of the control group had newborns with higher birth weight compared with women treated with inositol (p = 0.032). CONCLUSIONS Our study provides interesting but preliminary results about the potential role of inositol stereoisomers supplementation in the treatment of GDM on insulin resistance levels and several maternal-fetal outcomes. Further studies are required to examine the optimal and effective dosages of different inositol supplements. CLINICAL TRIAL REG. NO.: NCT02097069, ClinicalTrial.gov.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Fraticelli
- Department of Medicine and Aging, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, "G. d'Annunzio" University Chieti-Pescara, Via dei Vestini, 66100, Chieti, Italy
| | - Claudio Celentano
- Department of Medicine and Aging, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, "G. d'Annunzio" University Chieti-Pescara, Via dei Vestini, 66100, Chieti, Italy
| | - Isaia Al Zecca
- Department of Medicine and Science of Ageing, School of Hygiene and Preventive Medicine, "G. D'Annunzio" University Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | | | | | - Marco Liberati
- Department of Medicine and Aging, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, "G. d'Annunzio" University Chieti-Pescara, Via dei Vestini, 66100, Chieti, Italy
| | - Marica Franzago
- Department of Medicine and Aging, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, "G. d'Annunzio" University Chieti-Pescara, Via dei Vestini, 66100, Chieti, Italy
| | - Marta Di Nicola
- Laboratory of Biostatistics, Department of Medical, Oral and Biotechnological Sciences, "G. D'Annunzio" University Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Ester Vitacolonna
- Department of Medicine and Aging, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, "G. d'Annunzio" University Chieti-Pescara, Via dei Vestini, 66100, Chieti, Italy.
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Franzago M, Fraticelli F, Marchetti D, Celentano C, Liberati M, Stuppia L, Vitacolonna E. Nutrigenetic variants and cardio-metabolic risk in women with or without gestational diabetes. Diabetes Res Clin Pract 2018; 137:64-71. [PMID: 29325775 DOI: 10.1016/j.diabres.2018.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2017] [Revised: 12/07/2017] [Accepted: 01/02/2018] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
AIM Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is the most frequent metabolic disorder in pregnancy and it can be considered a silent risk associated to T2DM and CVD later in life. The aim of this study was to investigate the association of clinical parameters with nine single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) involved with nutrients and metabolism in women with or without GDM in order to identify potential routine clinical markers for early prevention. METHODS Nine gene variants associated with nutrients and metabolism, namely PPARG2 rs1801282 (C > G); PPARGC1A rs8192678 (C > T); TCF7L2 rs7903146 (C > T); LDLR rs2228671 (C > T); MTHFR rs1801133 (C > T); APOA5 rs662799 (T > C); GCKR rs1260326 (C > T); FTO rs9939609 (T > A); MC4R rs17782313 (T > C) were genotyped in 104 GDM cases and 124 controls using High Resolution Melting (HRM) analysis. RESULTS The genetic variant rs7903146 (C > T) in TCF7L2 gene showed a strong association with GDM risk (OR: 2.56; 95% CI: [1.24-5.29]). Moreover, a significant correlation was observed between lipid parameters and polymorphisms in other genes, namely PPARG2 [p = 0,03], APOA5 [p = 0,02], MC4R [p = 0,03], LDLR [p = 0,04] and FTO [p = 0,03]. In addition, rs17782313 variant, mapped close to MC4R gene, was associated to BMI in pre-pregnancy [p = 0,02] and at the end of pregnancy [p = 0,03] in GDM group. CONCLUSION In our study, we found significant associations between routine clinical parameters and some gene variants connected with nutrients and metabolism in women with GDM. These results can provide useful information to develop effective tools and possible personalized intervention strategies in a timely manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marica Franzago
- Department of Psychological, Health and Territorial Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, "G. d'Annunzio" University, Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Federica Fraticelli
- Department of Medicine and Aging, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, "G. d'Annunzio" University, Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Daniela Marchetti
- Department of Psychological, Health and Territorial Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, "G. d'Annunzio" University, Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy; Department of Medicine and Aging, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, "G. d'Annunzio" University, Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Claudio Celentano
- Department of Medicine and Aging, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, "G. d'Annunzio" University, Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Marco Liberati
- Department of Medicine and Aging, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, "G. d'Annunzio" University, Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Liborio Stuppia
- Department of Psychological, Health and Territorial Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, "G. d'Annunzio" University, Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Ester Vitacolonna
- Department of Medicine and Aging, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, "G. d'Annunzio" University, Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy.
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Franzago M, Fraticelli F, Di Nicola M, Bianco F, Marchetti D, Celentano C, Liberati M, De Caterina R, Stuppia L, Vitacolonna E. Early Subclinical Atherosclerosis in Gestational Diabetes: The Predictive Role of Routine Biomarkers and Nutrigenetic Variants. J Diabetes Res 2018; 2018:9242579. [PMID: 30671483 PMCID: PMC6323479 DOI: 10.1155/2018/9242579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2018] [Revised: 10/17/2018] [Accepted: 10/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) can be considered a silent risk for out-of-pregnancy diabetes mellitus (DM) and cardiovascular disease (CVD) later in life. We aimed to assess the predictive role of 3rd trimester lipid profile during pregnancy for the susceptibility to markers of subclinical atherosclerosis (CVD susceptibility) at 3 years in a cohort of women with history of GDM. A secondary aim is to evaluate the usefulness of novel nutrigenetic markers, in addition to traditional parameters, for predicting early subclinical atherosclerosis in such women in order to plan adequate early prevention interventions. We assessed 28 consecutive GDM women in whom we collected socio-demographic characteristics and clinical and anthropometric parameters at the 3rd trimester of pregnancy. In a single blood sample, from each patient, we assessed 9 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) from 9 genes related to nutrients and metabolism, which were genotyped by High Resolution Melting analysis. All women then attended a 3-year-postpartum follow-up and on that occasion performed an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT, with 75 g oral glucose), the measurement of carotid artery intima-media thickness (cIMT), and analyses of metabolic parameters. In addition, we evaluated the physical activity level and the adherence to Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ-short version) and PREDIMED questionnaires. We found an association between 3rd trimester triglycerides and cIMT (p = 0.014). We also found significant associations between the APOA5 CC genotype and cIMT after adjustments for age and body mass index (p = 0.045) and between the interaction CC APOA5/CC LDLR and cIMT (p = 0.010). At the follow-up, the cohort also featured a mean BMI in the overweight range and a high mean waist circumference. We found no difference in the MedDiet adherence, physical activity, and smoking but an inverse correlation between the PREDIMED and the IPAQ scores with the IMT. In conclusion, this preliminary study provides insight into the predictive role of lipid profile during pregnancy and of some genetic variants on cIMT taken as a parameter of subclinical CVD susceptibility in GDM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marica Franzago
- Department of Medicine and Aging, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, “G. d'Annunzio” University, Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Federica Fraticelli
- Department of Medicine and Aging, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, “G. d'Annunzio” University, Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Marta Di Nicola
- Laboratory of Biostatistics, Department of Medical, Oral and Biotechnological Sciences, “G. d'Annunzio” University, Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Francesco Bianco
- Institute of Cardiology, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, “G. d'Annunzio” University, Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Daniela Marchetti
- Department of Psychological, Health and Territorial Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, “G. d'Annunzio” University, Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Claudio Celentano
- Department of Medicine and Aging, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, “G. d'Annunzio” University, Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Marco Liberati
- Department of Medicine and Aging, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, “G. d'Annunzio” University, Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Raffaele De Caterina
- Institute of Cardiology, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, “G. d'Annunzio” University, Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Liborio Stuppia
- Department of Psychological, Health and Territorial Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, “G. d'Annunzio” University, Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Ester Vitacolonna
- Department of Medicine and Aging, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, “G. d'Annunzio” University, Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
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Fairfield B, Mammarella N, Franzago M, Di Domenico A, Stuppia L, Gatta V. A variant on promoter of the cannabinoid receptor 1 gene (CNR1) moderates the effect of valence on working memory. Memory 2017; 26:260-268. [PMID: 28685667 DOI: 10.1080/09658211.2017.1347685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Cannabinoid receptor 1 gene (CNR1) variants have been related to affective information processing and, in particular, to stress release. Here, we aimed to examine whether the endocannabinoid system via CNR1 signaling modulates affective working memory, the memory system that transiently maintains and manipulates emotionally charged material. We focused on rs2180619 (A > G) polymorphism and examined genotype data collected from 231 healthy females. Analyses showed how a general positivity bias in working memory (i.e., better memory for positive words) emerged as task strings lengthened only in carriers of the major allele (AA/AG). Differently, GG carriers showed better memory for affective items in general (i.e., positive and negative words). These findings are some of the first to directly highlight the role of variant on promoter of the CNR1 gene in affective working memory and to evidence a differentiation among CNR1 genotypes in terms of larger difficulties in disengaging from negative stimuli in GG carriers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beth Fairfield
- a Department of Psychological, Health and Territorial Sciences , University of Chieti , Chieti , Italy.,b Center of Excellence on Aging and Translational Medicine (CeSI-MeT) "G. d'Annunzio" , University of Chieti , Chieti , Italy
| | - Nicola Mammarella
- a Department of Psychological, Health and Territorial Sciences , University of Chieti , Chieti , Italy.,b Center of Excellence on Aging and Translational Medicine (CeSI-MeT) "G. d'Annunzio" , University of Chieti , Chieti , Italy
| | - Marica Franzago
- a Department of Psychological, Health and Territorial Sciences , University of Chieti , Chieti , Italy.,b Center of Excellence on Aging and Translational Medicine (CeSI-MeT) "G. d'Annunzio" , University of Chieti , Chieti , Italy
| | - Alberto Di Domenico
- a Department of Psychological, Health and Territorial Sciences , University of Chieti , Chieti , Italy.,b Center of Excellence on Aging and Translational Medicine (CeSI-MeT) "G. d'Annunzio" , University of Chieti , Chieti , Italy
| | - Liborio Stuppia
- a Department of Psychological, Health and Territorial Sciences , University of Chieti , Chieti , Italy.,b Center of Excellence on Aging and Translational Medicine (CeSI-MeT) "G. d'Annunzio" , University of Chieti , Chieti , Italy
| | - Valentina Gatta
- a Department of Psychological, Health and Territorial Sciences , University of Chieti , Chieti , Italy.,b Center of Excellence on Aging and Translational Medicine (CeSI-MeT) "G. d'Annunzio" , University of Chieti , Chieti , Italy
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Franzago M, Fraticelli F, Nicolucci A, Celentano C, Liberati M, Stuppia L, Vitacolonna E. Molecular Analysis of a Genetic Variants Panel Related to Nutrients and Metabolism: Association with Susceptibility to Gestational Diabetes and Cardiometabolic Risk in Affected Women. J Diabetes Res 2017; 2017:4612623. [PMID: 28133617 PMCID: PMC5241477 DOI: 10.1155/2017/4612623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2016] [Revised: 11/22/2016] [Accepted: 12/15/2016] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is the most frequent metabolic disorder in pregnancy. Women with a GDM history are at increased risk of developing diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Studies have demonstrated a significant correlation between several genes involved in the metabolic pathway of insulin and environmental factors. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between clinical parameters in GDM and variants in genes involved with nutrients and metabolism. Several variants PPARG2 rs1801282 (C>G); PPARGC1A rs8192678 (C>T); TCF7L2 rs7903146 (C>T); LDLR rs2228671 (C>T); MTHFR rs1801133 (C>T); APOA5 rs662799 (T>C); GCKR rs1260326 (C>T); FTO rs9939609 (T>A); MC4R rs17782313 (T>C) were genotyped in 168 pregnant Caucasian women with or without GDM by High Resolution Melting (HRM) analysis. A significant correlation was observed between TT genotype of TCF7L2 gene and increased risk of GDM (OR 5.4 [95% CI 1.5-19.3]). Moreover, a significant correlation was observed between lipid parameters and genetic variations in additional genes, namely, PPARG2 [p = 0,02], APOA5 [p = 0,02], MC4R [p = 0,03], LDLR [p = 0,01], and FTO [p = 0,02]. Our findings support the association between TCF7L2 rs7903146 variant and an increased GDM risk. Results about the investigated genetic variants provide important information about cardiometabolic risk in GDM and help to plan future prevention studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marica Franzago
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics, Department of Psychological, Health and Territorial Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, “G. d'Annunzio” University, Chieti-Pescara, Via dei Vestini 31, 66013 Chieti, Italy
- Ce.S.I-Met, “G. d'Annunzio” University, Chieti-Pescara, Via Colle dell'Ara No. 1, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Federica Fraticelli
- Ce.S.I-Met, “G. d'Annunzio” University, Chieti-Pescara, Via Colle dell'Ara No. 1, 66100 Chieti, Italy
- Department of Medicine and Aging, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, “G. d'Annunzio” University, Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Antonio Nicolucci
- Center for Outcomes Research and Clinical Epidemiology (CORE), Pescara, Italy
| | - Claudio Celentano
- Department of Medicine and Aging, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, “G. d'Annunzio” University, Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Marco Liberati
- Department of Medicine and Aging, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, “G. d'Annunzio” University, Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Liborio Stuppia
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics, Department of Psychological, Health and Territorial Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, “G. d'Annunzio” University, Chieti-Pescara, Via dei Vestini 31, 66013 Chieti, Italy
- Ce.S.I-Met, “G. d'Annunzio” University, Chieti-Pescara, Via Colle dell'Ara No. 1, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Ester Vitacolonna
- Ce.S.I-Met, “G. d'Annunzio” University, Chieti-Pescara, Via Colle dell'Ara No. 1, 66100 Chieti, Italy
- Department of Medicine and Aging, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, “G. d'Annunzio” University, Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
- *Ester Vitacolonna:
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Stuppia L, Franzago M, Ballerini P, Gatta V, Antonucci I. Epigenetics and male reproduction: the consequences of paternal lifestyle on fertility, embryo development, and children lifetime health. Clin Epigenetics 2015; 7:120. [PMID: 26566402 PMCID: PMC4642754 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-015-0155-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 119] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2015] [Accepted: 11/05/2015] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The correlation between epigenetics and human reproduction represents a very interesting field of study, mainly due to the possible transgenerational effects related to epigenetic modifications of male and female gametes. In the present review, we focused our attention to the role played by epigenetics on male reproduction, evidencing at least four different levels at which sperm epigenetic modifications could affect reproduction: (1) spermatogenesis failure; (2) embryo development; (3) outcome of assisted reproduction technique (ART) protocols, mainly as concerning genomic imprinting; and (4) long-term effects during the offspring lifetime. The environmental agents responsible for epigenetic modifications are also examined, suggesting that the control of paternal lifestyle prior to conception could represent in the next future a novel hot topic in the management of human reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liborio Stuppia
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics, Department of Psychological, Health and Territorial Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, "G. d'Annunzio University" Chieti-Pescara, Via dei Vestini 31, 66013 Chieti, Italy ; Ce.S.I.-MeT, "G. d'Annunzio" University, Chieti-Pescara, Via dei Vestini 31, 66013 Chieti, Italy
| | - Marica Franzago
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics, Department of Psychological, Health and Territorial Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, "G. d'Annunzio University" Chieti-Pescara, Via dei Vestini 31, 66013 Chieti, Italy
| | - Patrizia Ballerini
- Laboratory of Pharmacogenetics, Department of Psychological, Health and Territorial Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, "G. d'Annunzio University" Chieti-Pescara, Via dei Vestini 31, 66013 Chieti, Italy
| | - Valentina Gatta
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics, Department of Psychological, Health and Territorial Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, "G. d'Annunzio University" Chieti-Pescara, Via dei Vestini 31, 66013 Chieti, Italy ; Ce.S.I.-MeT, "G. d'Annunzio" University, Chieti-Pescara, Via dei Vestini 31, 66013 Chieti, Italy
| | - Ivana Antonucci
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics, Department of Psychological, Health and Territorial Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, "G. d'Annunzio University" Chieti-Pescara, Via dei Vestini 31, 66013 Chieti, Italy ; Ce.S.I.-MeT, "G. d'Annunzio" University, Chieti-Pescara, Via dei Vestini 31, 66013 Chieti, Italy
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