Epigenetic Transgenerational Inheritance of Obesity Susceptibility

Evolutionary feedback from the environment shapes mechanisms that generate genome variation

Darwin recognized that 'a grand and almost untrodden field of inquiry will be opened, on the causes and laws of variation.' However, because the Modern Synthesis assumes that the intrinsic probability of any individual mutation is unrelated to that mutation's potential adaptive value, attention has been focused on selection rather than on the intrinsic generation of variation. Yet many examples illustrate that the term 'random' mutation, as widely understood, is inaccurate. The probabilities of distinct classes of variation are neither evenly distributed across a genome nor invariant over time, nor unrelated to their potential adaptive value. Because selection acts upon variation, multiple biochemical mechanisms can and have evolved that increase the relative probability of adaptive mutations. In effect, the generation of heritable variation is in a feedback loop with selection, such that those mechanisms that tend to generate variants that survive recurring challenges in the environment would be captured by this survival and thus inherited and accumulated within lineages of genomes. Moreover, because genome variation is affected by a wide range of biochemical processes, genome variation can be regulated. Biochemical mechanisms that sense stress, from lack of nutrients to DNA damage, can increase the probability of specific classes of variation. A deeper understanding of evolution involves attention to the evolution of, and environmental influences upon, the intrinsic variation generated in gametes, in other words upon the biochemical mechanisms that generate variation across generations. These concepts have profound implications for the types of questions that can and should be asked, as omics databases become more comprehensive, detection methods more sensitive, and computation and experimental analyses even more high throughput and thus capable of revealing the intrinsic generation of variation in individual gametes. These concepts also have profound implications for evolutionary theory, which, upon reflection it will be argued, predicts that selection would increase the probability of generating adaptive mutations, in other words, predicts that the ability to evolve itself evolves.

Transgenerational impact of maternal zinc deficiency on offspring metabolic outcomes in Drosophila melanogaster

Maternal zinc deficiency significantly influences fetal development and long-term health outcomes, yet its transgenerational effects remain poorly understood. This study aims to investigate the transgenerational effects of maternal zinc deficiency on metabolic outcomes in Drosophila melanogaster. Zinc deficiency was induced in Drosophila by incorporating TPEN (N,N,N',N'-tetrakis(2-pyridylmethyl)ethylenediamine) into their diet. Offspring (F1 to F3) were maintained on a standard diet for subsequent analyses. Various metabolic markers, including glucose, trehalose, glycogen, and triglyceride levels, were assessed, and gene expression analyses were conducted to examine the molecular responses across generations. Significant reductions in locomotor performance in female F1 flies and increased body weight in the F2 generation were observed. Maternal zinc deficiency exhibited gender- and generation-specific impacts on metabolic markers. Notably, an adaptive response in the F3 generation included increased catalase activity and total antioxidant capacity, along with decreased malondialdehyde levels. Gene expression analyses revealed upregulation of DILP2 mRNA across generations and significant variations in PEPCK, SOD1, CAT, EGR, and UPD2 mRNA levels, demonstrating intricate responses to maternal zinc deficiency. This study provides a holistic understanding of the consequences of maternal zinc deficiency, emphasizing the complex interplay between zinc status and metabolic outcomes across generations in Drosophila. These findings lay the foundation for future research elucidating the underlying molecular mechanisms, with potential implications for humans. The insights gained contribute to informing targeted interventions aimed at optimizing offspring health in the context of maternal zinc deficiency.

Male-transmitted transgenerational effects of the herbicide linuron on DNA methylation profiles in Xenopus tropicalis brain and testis

The herbicide linuron can cause endocrine disrupting effects in Xenopus tropicalis frogs, including offspring that were never exposed to the contaminant. The mechanisms by which these effects are transmitted across generations need to be further investigated. Here, we examined transgenerational alterations of brain and testis DNA methylation profiles paternally inherited from grandfathers developmentally exposed to an environmentally relevant concentration of linuron. Reduced representation bisulfite sequencing (RRBS) revealed numerous differentially methylated regions (DMRs) in brain (3060 DMRs) and testis (2551 DMRs) of the adult male F2 generation. Key genes in the brain involved in somatotropic (igfbp4) and thyrotropic signaling (dio1 and tg) were differentially methylated and correlated with phenotypical alterations in body size, weight, hind limb length and plasma glucose levels, indicating that these methylation changes could be potential mediators of the transgenerational effects of linuron. Testis DMRs were found in genes essential for spermatogenesis, meiosis and germ cell development (piwil1, spo11 and tdrd9) and their methylation levels were correlated with the number of germ cells nests per seminiferous tubule, an endpoint of disrupted spermatogenesis. DMRs were also identified in several genes central for the machinery that regulates the epigenetic landscape including DNA methylation (dnmt3a and mbd2) and histone acetylation (hdac8, ep300, elp3, kat5 and kat14), which may at least partly drive the linuron-induced transgenerational effects. The results from this genome-wide DNA methylation profiling contribute to better understanding of potential transgenerational epigenetic inheritance mechanisms in amphibians.

The microbiota and T cells non-genetically modulate inherited phenotypes transgenerationally

The host-microbiota relationship has evolved to shape mammalian physiology, including immunity, metabolism, and development. Germ-free models are widely used to study microbial effects on host processes such as immunity. Here, we find that both germ-free and T cell-deficient mice exhibit a robust sebum secretion defect persisting across multiple generations despite microbial colonization and T cell repletion. These phenotypes are inherited by progeny conceived during in vitro fertilization using germ-free sperm and eggs, demonstrating that non-genetic information in the gametes is required for microbial-dependent phenotypic transmission. Accordingly, gene expression in early embryos derived from gametes from germ-free or T cell-deficient mice is strikingly and similarly altered. Our findings demonstrate that microbial- and immune-dependent regulation of non-genetic information in the gametes can transmit inherited phenotypes transgenerationally in mice. This mechanism could rapidly generate phenotypic diversity to enhance host adaptation to environmental perturbations.

Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome from current evidence to new diagnostic perspectives through skeletal muscle and metabolic disturbances

Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is a demanding medical condition for patients and society. It has raised much more public awareness after the COVID-19 pandemic since ME/CFS and long-COVID patients share many clinical symptoms such as debilitating chronic fatigue. However, unlike long COVID, the etiopathology of ME/CFS remains a mystery despite several decades' research. This review moves from pathophysiology of ME/CFS through the compelling evidence and most interesting hypotheses. It focuses on the pathophysiology of skeletal muscle by proposing the hypothesis that skeletal muscle tissue offers novel opportunities for diagnosis and treatment of this syndrome and that new evidence can help resolve the long-standing debate on terminology.

Developmental validation of an mRNA kit: A 5-dye multiplex assay designed for body-fluid identification

Identifying the sources of biosamples found at crime scenes is crucial for forensic investigations. Among the markers used for body fluid identification (BFI), mRNA has emerged as a well-studied marker because of its high specificity and remarkable stability. Despite this potential, commercially available mRNA kits specifically designed for BFI are lacking. Therefore, we developed an mRNA kit that includes 21 specific mRNA markers of body fluids, along with three housekeeping genes for BFI, to identify four forensic-relevant fluids (blood, semen, saliva, and vaginal fluids). In this study, we tested 451 single-body-fluid samples, validated the universality of the mRNA kit, and obtained a gene expression profile. We performed the validation studies in triplicates and determined the sensitivity, specificity, stability, precision, and repeatability of the mRNA kit. The sensitivity of the kit was found to be 0.1 ng. Our validation process involved the examination of 59 RNA mixtures, 60 body fluids mixtures, and 20 casework samples, which further established the reliability of the kit. Furthermore, we constructed five classifiers that can handle single-body fluids and mixtures using this kit. The classifiers output possibility values and identify the specific body fluids of interest. Our results showed the reliability and suitability of the BFI kit, and the Random Forest classifier performed the best, with 94% precision. In conclusion, we developed an mRNA kit for BFI which can be a promising tool for forensic practice.

Signatures of metabolic diseases on spermatogenesis and testicular metabolism

Diets leading to caloric overload are linked to metabolic disorders and reproductive function impairment. Metabolic and hormonal abnormalities stand out as defining features of metabolic disorders, and substantially affect the functionality of the testis. Metabolic disorders induce testicular metabolic dysfunction, chronic inflammation and oxidative stress. The disruption of gastrointestinal, pancreatic, adipose tissue and testicular hormonal regulation induced by metabolic disorders can also contribute to a state of compromised fertility. In this Review, we will delve into the effects of high-fat diets and metabolic disorders on testicular metabolism and spermatogenesis, which are crucial elements for male reproductive function. Moreover, metabolic disorders have been shown to influence the epigenome of male gametes and might have a potential role in transmitting phenotype traits across generations. However, the existing evidence strongly underscores the unmet need to understand the mechanisms responsible for transgenerational paternal inheritance of male reproductive function impairment related to metabolic disorders. This knowledge could be useful for developing targeted interventions to prevent, counteract, and most of all break the perpetuation chain of male reproductive dysfunction associated with metabolic disorders across generations.

Neurodevelopmental Programming of Adiposity: Contributions to Obesity Risk

This review analyzes the published evidence regarding maternal factors that influence the developmental programming of long-term adiposity in humans and animals via the central nervous system (CNS). We describe the physiological outcomes of perinatal underfeeding and overfeeding and explore potential mechanisms that may mediate the impact of such exposures on the development of feeding circuits within the CNS-including the influences of metabolic hormones and epigenetic changes. The perinatal environment, reflective of maternal nutritional status, contributes to the programming of offspring adiposity. The in utero and early postnatal periods represent critically sensitive developmental windows during which the hormonal and metabolic milieu affects the maturation of the hypothalamus. Maternal hyperglycemia is associated with increased transfer of glucose to the fetus driving fetal hyperinsulinemia. Elevated fetal insulin causes increased adiposity and consequently higher fetal circulating leptin concentration. Mechanistic studies in animal models indicate important roles of leptin and insulin in central and peripheral programming of adiposity, and suggest that optimal concentrations of these hormones are critical during early life. Additionally, the environmental milieu during development may be conveyed to progeny through epigenetic marks and these can potentially be vertically transmitted to subsequent generations. Thus, nutritional and metabolic/endocrine signals during perinatal development can have lifelong (and possibly multigenerational) impacts on offspring body weight regulation.

Could the sperm epigenome become a diagnostic tool for evaluation of the infertile man?

Although male infertility is currently diagnosed when abnormal sperm parameters are found, the poor predictive ability of sperm parameters on natural fecundity and medically assisted reproduction outcome poses the need for improved diagnostic techniques for male infertility. The accumulating evidence about the role played by the sperm epigenome in modulation of the early phases of embryonic development has led researchers to focus on the epigenetic mechanisms within the sperm epigenome to find new molecular markers of male infertility. Indeed, sperm epigenome abnormalities could explain some cases of unexplained male infertility in men showing normal sperm parameters and were found to be associated with poor embryo development in IVF cycles. The present mini-review summarizes the current knowledge about this interesting topic, starting from a description of the epigenetic mechanisms of gene expression regulation (i.e. DNA methylation, histone modifications, and non-coding RNAs' activity). We also discuss possible mechanisms by which environmental factors might cause epigenetic changes in the human germline and affect embryonic development, as well as subsequent generations' phenotypes. Studies demonstrating sperm epigenome abnormalities in men with male infertility are reviewed, with particular emphasis on those with the more severe form of spermatogenic dysfunction. Observations demonstrate that the diagnostic and prognostic efficacy of sperm epigenome evaluation will help facilitate the management of men with male factor infertility.

Epigenetic biomarkers for disease susceptibility and preventative medicine

The development of molecular biomarkers for disease makes it possible for preventative medicine approaches to be considered. Therefore, therapeutics, treatments, or clinical management can be used to delay or prevent disease development. The problem with genetic mutations as biomarkers is the low frequency with genome-wide association studies (GWASs), generally at best a 1% association of the patients with the disease. In contrast, epigenetic alterations have a high-frequency association of greater than 90%-95% of individuals with pathology in epigenome-wide association studies (EWASs). A wide variety of human diseases have been shown to have epigenetic biomarkers that are disease specific and that detect pathology susceptibility. This review is focused on the epigenetic biomarkers for disease susceptibility, and it distinct from the large literature on epigenetics of disease etiology or progression. The development of efficient epigenetic biomarkers for disease susceptibility will facilitate a paradigm shift from reactionary medicine to preventative medicine.

Epigenetics in obesity: Mechanisms and advances in therapies based on natural products

Obesity is a major risk factor for morbidity and mortality because it has a close relationship to metabolic illnesses, such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and some types of cancer. With no drugs available, the mainstay of obesity management remains lifestyle changes with exercise and dietary modifications. In light of the tremendous disease burden and unmet therapeutics, fresh perspectives on pathophysiology and drug discovery are needed. The development of epigenetics provides a compelling justification for how environmental, lifestyle, and other risk factors contribute to the pathogenesis of obesity. Furthermore, epigenetic dysregulations can be restored, and it has been reported that certain natural products obtained from plants, such as tea polyphenols, ellagic acid, urolithins, curcumin, genistein, isothiocyanates, and citrus isoflavonoids, were shown to inhibit weight gain. These substances have great antioxidant potential and are of great interest because they can also modify epigenetic mechanisms. Therefore, understanding epigenetic modifications to target the primary cause of obesity and the epigenetic mechanisms of anti-obesity effects with certain phytochemicals can prove rational strategies to prevent the disease and develop novel therapeutic interventions. Thus, the current review aimed to summarize the epigenetic mechanisms and advances in therapies for obesity based on natural products to provide evidence for the development of several potential anti-obesity drug targets.

Paternal high-fat diet altered H3K36me3 pattern of pre-implantation embryos

The global transition towards diets high in calories has contributed to 2.1 billion people becoming overweight, or obese, which damages male reproduction and harms offspring. Recently, more and more studies have shown that paternal exposure to stress closely affects the health of offspring in an intergenerational and transgenerational way. SET Domain Containing 2 (SETD2), a key epigenetic gene, is highly conserved among species, is a crucial methyltransferase for converting histone 3 lysine 36 dimethylation (H3K36me2) into histone 3 lysine 36 trimethylation (H3K36me3), and plays an important regulator in the response to stress. In this study, we compared patterns of SETD2 expression and the H3K36me3 pattern in pre-implantation embryos derived from normal or obese mice induced by high diet. The results showed that SETD2 mRNA was significantly higher in the high-fat diet (HFD) group than the control diet (CD) group at the 2-cell, 4-cell, 8-cell, and 16-cell stages, and at the morula and blastocyst stages. The relative levels of H3K36me3 in the HFD group at the 2-cell, 4-cell, 8-cell, 16-cell, morula stage, and blastocyst stage were significantly higher than in the CD group. These results indicated that dietary changes in parental generation (F0) male mice fed a HFD were traceable in SETD2/H3K36me3 in embryos, and that a paternal high-fat diet brings about adverse effects for offspring that might be related to SETD2/H3K36me3, which throws new light on the effect of paternal obesity on offspring from an epigenetic perspective.

Preconceptional and in utero exposure of sheep to a real-life environmental chemical mixture disrupts key markers of energy metabolism in male offspring

Over recent decades, an extensive array of anthropogenic chemicals have entered the environment and have been implicated in the increased incidence of an array of diseases, including metabolic syndrome. The ubiquitous presence of these environmental chemicals (ECs) necessitates the use of real-life exposure models to the assess cumulative risk burden to metabolic health. Sheep that graze on biosolids-treated pastures are exposed to a real-life mixture of ECs such as phthalates, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, heavy metals, pharmaceuticals, pesticides, and metabolites thereof, and this EC exposure can result in metabolic disorders in their offspring. Using this model, we evaluated the effects of gestational exposure to a complex EC mixture on plasma triglyceride (TG) concentrations and metabolic and epigenetic regulatory genes in tissues key to energy regulation and storage, including the hypothalamus, liver, and adipose depots of 11-month-old male offspring. Our results demonstrated a binary effect of EC exposure on gene expression particularly in the hypothalamus. Principal component analysis revealed two subsets (B-S1 [n = 6] and B-S2 [n = 4]) within the biosolids group (B, n = 10), relative to the controls (C, n = 11). Changes in body weight, TG levels, and in gene expression in the hypothalamus, and visceral and subcutaneous fat were apparent between biosolid and control and the two subgroups of biosolids animals. These findings demonstrate that gestational exposure to an EC mixture results in differential regulation of metabolic processes in adult male offspring. Binary effects on hypothalamic gene expression and altered expression of lipid metabolism genes in visceral and subcutaneous fat, coupled with phenotypic outcomes, point to differences in individual susceptibility to EC exposure that could predispose vulnerable individuals to later metabolic dysfunction.

Inheritance of Stress Responses via Small Non-Coding RNAs in Invertebrates and Mammals

While reports on the generational inheritance of a parental response to stress have been widely reported in animals, the molecular mechanisms behind this phenomenon have only recently emerged. The booming interest in epigenetic inheritance has been facilitated in part by the discovery that small non-coding RNAs are one of its principal conduits. Discovered 30 years ago in the Caenorhabditis elegans nematode, these small molecules have since cemented their critical roles in regulating virtually all aspects of eukaryotic development. Here, we provide an overview on the current understanding of epigenetic inheritance in animals, including mice and C. elegans, as it pertains to stresses such as temperature, nutritional, and pathogenic encounters. We focus on C. elegans to address the mechanistic complexity of how small RNAs target their cohort mRNAs to effect gene expression and how they govern the propagation or termination of generational perdurance in epigenetic inheritance. Presently, while a great amount has been learned regarding the heritability of gene expression states, many more questions remain unanswered and warrant further investigation.

Multiple generation distinct toxicant exposures induce epigenetic transgenerational inheritance of enhanced pathology and obesity

Three successive multiple generations of rats were exposed to different toxicants and then bred to the transgenerational F5 generation to assess the impacts of multiple generation different exposures. The current study examines the actions of the agricultural fungicide vinclozolin on the F0 generation, followed by jet fuel hydrocarbon mixture exposure of the F1 generation, and then pesticide dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane on the F2 generation gestating females. The subsequent F3 and F4 generations and F5 transgenerational generation were obtained and F1-F5 generations examined for male sperm epigenetic alterations and pathology in males and females. Significant impacts on the male sperm differential DNA methylation regions were observed. The F3-F5 generations were similar in ∼50% of the DNA methylation regions. The pathology of each generation was assessed in the testis, ovary, kidney, and prostate, as well as the presence of obesity and tumors. The pathology used a newly developed Deep Learning, artificial intelligence-based histopathology analysis. Observations demonstrated compounded disease impacts in obesity and metabolic parameters, but other pathologies plateaued with smaller increases at the F5 transgenerational generation. Observations demonstrate that multiple generational exposures, which occur in human populations, appear to increase epigenetic impacts and disease susceptibility.

Treatment of obesity by acupuncture combined with medicine based on pathophysiological mechanism: A review

Obesity is a complex, multifactorial disease. The incidence of overweight and obesity has doubled worldwide since 1980, and nearly one-third of the world population is now classified as overweight or obese. Obesity rates are increasing in all age groups and for both sexes, regardless of geographic region, race, or socioeconomic status, although they are generally higher in older adults and women. Although the absolute prevalence of overweight and obesity varies widely, this trend is similar across different regions and countries. In some developed countries, the prevalence of obesity has levelled off over the past few years. However, obesity has become a health problem that cannot be ignored in low- and middle-income countries. Although the drug treatment model of modern medicine has a significant therapeutic effect in the treatment of obesity, its adverse effects are also obvious. Acupuncture combined with Chinese medicine treatment of obesity has prominent advantages in terms of clinical efficacy, and its clinical safety is higher, with fewer adverse reactions. The combination of acupuncture and medicine in the treatment of obesity is worth exploring.

Epigenome-wide association study of systemic effects of obesity susceptibility in human twins

The current study was designed to use an epigenome-wide association approach (EWAS) to identify potential systemic DNA methylation alterations that are associated with obesity using 22 discordant twin pairs. Buccal cells (from a cheek swab) were used as a non-obesity relevant purified marker cell for the epigenetic analysis. Analysis of differential DNA methylation regions (DMRs) was used to identify epigenetic associations with metabolic and dietary measures related to obesity with discordant twins. An edgeR analysis provided a DMR signature with p < 1e-04, but statistical significance was reduced due to low sample size and known multiple origins of obesity. A weighted gene coexpression network analysis (WGCNA) was performed and identified modules (p < 0.005) of epigenetic sites that correlated with different metabolic and dietary measures. The DMR and WGCNA epigenetic sites were near genes (e.g., CIDEC, SPP1, ZFPG9, and POMC) with previously identified obesity associated pathways (e.g., metabolism, cholesterol, and fat digestion). Observations demonstrate the feasibility of identifying systemic epigenetic biomarkers for obesity, which can be further investigated for clinical relevance in future research with larger sample sizes. The availability of a systemic epigenetic biomarker for obesity susceptibility may facilitate preventative medicine and clinical management of the disease early in life.

Transgenerational Epigenetic DNA Methylation Editing and Human Disease

During gestation, maternal (F0), embryonic (F1), and migrating primordial germ cell (F2) genomes can be simultaneously exposed to environmental influences. Accumulating evidence suggests that operating epi- or above the genetic DNA sequence, covalent DNA methylation (DNAme) can be recorded onto DNA in response to environmental insults, some sites which escape normal germline erasure. These appear to intrinsically regulate future disease propensity, even transgenerationally. Thus, an organism's genome can undergo epigenetic adjustment based on environmental influences experienced by prior generations. During the earliest stages of mammalian development, the three-dimensional presentation of the genome is dramatically changed, and DNAme is removed genome wide. Why, then, do some pathological DNAme patterns appear to be heritable? Are these correctable? In the following sections, I review concepts of transgenerational epigenetics and recent work towards programming transgenerational DNAme. A framework for editing heritable DNAme and challenges are discussed, and ethics in human research is introduced.

Decoding the Influence of Obesity on Prostate Cancer and Its Transgenerational Impact

In recent decades, the escalating prevalence of metabolic disorders, notably obesity and being overweight, has emerged as a pressing concern in public health. Projections for the future indicate a continual upward trajectory in obesity rates, primarily attributable to unhealthy dietary patterns and sedentary lifestyles. The ramifications of obesity extend beyond its visible manifestations, intricately weaving a web of hormonal dysregulation, chronic inflammation, and oxidative stress. This nexus of factors holds particular significance in the context of carcinogenesis, notably in the case of prostate cancer (PCa), which is a pervasive malignancy and a leading cause of mortality among men. A compelling hypothesis arises from the perspective of transgenerational inheritance, wherein genetic and epigenetic imprints associated with obesity may wield influence over the development of PCa. This review proposes a comprehensive exploration of the nuanced mechanisms through which obesity disrupts prostate homeostasis and serves as a catalyst for PCa initiation. Additionally, it delves into the intriguing interplay between the transgenerational transmission of both obesity-related traits and the predisposition to PCa. Drawing insights from a spectrum of sources, ranging from in vitro and animal model research to human studies, this review endeavors to discuss the intricate connections between obesity and PCa. However, the landscape remains partially obscured as the current state of knowledge unveils only fragments of the complex mechanisms linking these phenomena. As research advances, unraveling the associated factors and underlying mechanisms promises to unveil novel avenues for understanding and potentially mitigating the nexus between obesity and the development of PCa.

Evaluation and Mechanistic Study of Transgenerational Neurotoxicity in Zebrafish upon Life Cycle Exposure to Decabromodiphenyl Ethane (DBDPE)

The novel brominated flame retardant decabromodiphenyl ethane (DBDPE) has become a ubiquitous emerging pollutant in the environment, which may evoke imperceptible effects in humans or wild animals. Hence in this study, zebrafish embryos were exposed to DBDPE (0, 0.1, 1, and 10 nM) until sexual maturity (F0), and F1 and F2 generations were cultured without further exposure to study the multi- and transgenerational toxicity and underlying mechanism. The growth showed sex-different changing profiles across three generations, and the social behavior confirmed transgenerational neurotoxicity in adult zebrafish upon life cycle exposure to DBDPE. Furthermore, maternal transfer of DBDPE was not detected, whereas parental transfer of neurotransmitters to zygotes was specifically disturbed in F1 and F2 offspring. A lack of changes in the F1 generation and opposite changing trends in the F0 and F2 generations were observed in a series of indicators for DNA damage, DNA methylation, and gene transcription. Taken together, life cycle exposure to DBDPE at environmentally relevant concentrations could induce transgenerational neurotoxicity in zebrafish. Our findings also highlighted potential impacts on wild gregarious fish, which would face higher risks from predators.

Dietary flavonoids prevent diabetes through epigenetic regulation: advance and challenge

The pathophysiology of diabetes has been studied extensively in various countries, but effective prevention and treatment methods are still insufficient. In recent years, epigenetics has received increasing attention from researchers in exploring the etiology and treatment of diabetes. DNA methylation, histone modifications, and non-coding RNAs play critical roles in the occurrence, maintenance, and progression of diabetes and its complications. Therefore, preventing or reversing the epigenetic alterations that occur during the development of diabetes may reduce the individual and societal burden of the disease. Dietary flavonoids serve as natural epigenetic modulators for the discovery of biomarkers for diabetes prevention and the development of alternative therapies. However, there is limited knowledge about the potential beneficial effects of flavonoids on the epigenetics of diabetes. In this review, the multidimensional epigenetic effects of different flavonoid subtypes in diabetes were summarized. Furthermore, it was discussed that parental flavonoid diets might reduce diabetes incidence in offspring, which represent a promising opportunity to prevent diabetes in the future. Future work will depend on exploring anti-diabetic effects of different flavonoids with different epigenetic regulation mechanisms and clinical trials.Highlights• "Epigenetic therapy" could reduce the burden of diabetic patients• "Epigenetic diet" ameliorates diabetes• Targeting epigenetic regulations by dietary flavonoids in the diabetes prevention• Dietary flavonoids prevent diabetes via transgenerational epigenetic inheritance.

Analyzing Active Compounds in Elateriospermum tapos Yogurt for Maternal Obesity: A Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking Study

Maternal obesity, characterized by an elevated body mass index (BMI) during pregnancy, is known to have adverse effects on the offspring. However, a recent study suggests that Elateriospermum tapos (E. tapos) yogurt may hold potential in mitigating excessive weight retention post-pregnancy. Thus, this study aims to employ network pharmacology to explore the pharmacological effects of the bioactive compounds present in E. tapos yogurt against maternal obesity. Initially, a screening process is conducted to identify the bioactive compounds in E. tapos yogurt, followed by the prediction of potential gene targets for these compounds using Swiss Target Prediction and the SuperPred databases. Maternal obesity-associated genes are sourced from the OMIM, DisGeNet, and GeneCards databases. The interaction between the identified compounds and maternal obesity genes is established via protein-protein interaction analysis, gene ontology examination, and KEGG pathway analysis. To validate the results, molecular docking studies are conducted using AutoDock Tools software. The findings reveal that out of the 64 compounds analyzed, three meet the screening criteria, resulting in a total of 380 potential gene targets. Among these targets, 240 are shared with maternal obesity-related genes. Further analysis demonstrates the favorable affinity of these active compounds with key targets, linking them to biological processes involving protein phosphorylation, inflammation, as well as the pathways related to lipid metabolism, atherosclerosis, and the other signaling pathways. In conclusion, this study provides valuable insights into the potential pharmacological effects of the bioactive compounds found in E. tapos yogurt against maternal obesity. These findings open avenues for further exploration and potential therapeutic interventions targeting maternal obesity.

The interaction between CRY1 Polymorphism and Alternative Healthy Eating Index (AHEI) on cardiovascular risk factors in overweight women and women with obesity: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

According to some studies, diet can be interaction with CRY1 polymorphism and may be related to obesity and the risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVD). So, this study examined the interaction between CRY1 polymorphism and AHEI on cardiovascular risk factors in overweight women and women with obesity.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study was performed on 377 Iranian women with overweight and obesity aged 18-48(BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2). Dietary intake was evaluated by the use of a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) with 147 items. The AHEI was calculated based on previous studies. Anthropometric and biochemical measurements were assessed and the bioelectrical impedance analysis method was used for body analysis. The rs2287161 was genotyped by the restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method. Objects were divided into three groups based on rs2287161 genotypes.

RESULTS

Our findings determined that the prevalence of the C allele was 51.9% and the G allele was 48.0%. The mean age and BMI were 36.6 ± 9.1years and 31 ± 4 kg/m2 respectively. After controlling for confounders (BMI, age, total energy intake, and physical activity), this study demonstrated that there was a significant interaction between CC genotype and adherence to AHEI on odds of hyper LDL (OR = 1.94, 95% CI = 1.24-3.05, P for interaction = 0.004), hypertension (OR = 1.80, 95% CI = 1.11-2.93, P for interaction = 0.01) and hyperglycemia (OR = 1.56, 95% CI = 0.98-2.47, P for interaction = 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

This study indicated that adherence to AHEI can reduce the odds of hyper LDL, hypertension, and hyperglycemia in the CC genotype of rs2287161.

Unraveling Obesity: Transgenerational Inheritance, Treatment Side Effects, Flavonoids, Mechanisms, Microbiota, Redox Balance, and Bioavailability-A Narrative Review

Obesity is known as a transgenerational vicious cycle and has become a global burden due to its unavoidable complications. Modern approaches to obesity management often involve the use of pharmaceutical drugs and surgeries that have been associated with negative side effects. In contrast, natural antioxidants, such as flavonoids, have emerged as a promising alternative due to their potential health benefits and minimal side effects. Thus, this narrative review explores the potential protective role of flavonoids as a natural antioxidant in managing obesity. To identify recent in vivo studies on the efficiency of flavonoids in managing obesity, a comprehensive search was conducted on Wiley Online Library, Scopus, Nature, and ScienceDirect. The search was limited to the past 10 years; from the search, we identified 31 articles to be further reviewed. Based on the reviewed articles, we concluded that flavonoids offer novel therapeutic strategies for preventing obesity and its associated co-morbidities. This is because the appropriate dosage of flavonoid compounds is able to reduce adipose tissue mass, the formation of intracellular free radicals, enhance endogenous antioxidant defences, modulate the redox balance, and reduce inflammatory signalling pathways. Thus, this review provides an insight into the domain of a natural product therapeutic approach for managing obesity and recapitulates the transgenerational inheritance of obesity, the current available treatments to manage obesity and its side effects, flavonoids and their sources, the molecular mechanism involved, the modulation of gut microbiota in obesity, redox balance, and the bioavailability of flavonoids. In toto, although flavonoids show promising positive outcome in managing obesity, a more comprehensive understanding of the molecular mechanisms responsible for the advantageous impacts of flavonoids-achieved through translation to clinical trials-would provide a novel approach to inculcating flavonoids in managing obesity in the future as this review is limited to animal studies.

Recent advancement of HDAC inhibitors against breast cancer

Recent studies highlight the great potential impact of HDAC inhibitors (HDACis) in suppressing TNBC, even though clinical trials including a single HDACis demonstrated unsatisfactory outcomes against TNBC. New compounds created to achieve isoform selectivity and/or a polypharmacological HDAC strategy have also produced interesting results. The current study discusses the HDACis pharmacophoric models and the structural alterations that produced drugs with strong inhibitory effects on TNBC progression. With more than 2 million new cases reported in 2018, breast cancer-the most common cancer among women worldwide-poses a significant financial burden on an already deteriorating public health system. Due to a lack of therapies being developed for triple-negative breast cancers and the development of resistance to the current treatment options, it is imperative to plan novel therapeutics in order to bring new medications to the pipeline. Additionally, HDACs deacetylate a large number of nonhistone cellular substrates that control a variety of biological processes, such as the beginning and development of cancer. The significance of HDACs in cancer and the therapeutic potential of HDAC inhibitor. Furthermore, we also reported molecular docking study with four HDAC inhibitors and performed molecular dynamic stimulation of the best dock score compound. Among the four ligands belinostat compound showed best binding affinity with histone deacetylase protein which was -8.7 kJ/mol. It also formed five conventional hydrogen bond with Gly 841, His 669, His 670, pro 809, and His 709 amino acid residues.

Molecular Mechanisms of Western Diet-Induced Obesity and Obesity-Related Carcinogenesis-A Narrative Review

The present study aims to provide a narrative review of the molecular mechanisms of Western diet-induced obesity and obesity-related carcinogenesis. A literature search of the Cochrane Library, Embase and Pubmed databases, Google Scholar and the grey literature was conducted. Most of the molecular mechanisms that induce obesity are also involved in the twelve Hallmarks of Cancer, with the fundamental process being the consumption of a highly processed, energy-dense diet and the deposition of fat in white adipose tissue and the liver. The generation of crown-like structures, with macrophages surrounding senescent or necrotic adipocytes or hepatocytes, leads to a perpetual state of chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, hyperinsulinaemia, aromatase activity, activation of oncogenic pathways and loss of normal homeostasis. Metabolic reprogramming, epithelial mesenchymal transition, HIF-1α signalling, angiogenesis and loss of normal host immune-surveillance are particularly important. Obesity-associated carcinogenesis is closely related to metabolic syndrome, hypoxia, visceral adipose tissue dysfunction, oestrogen synthesis and detrimental cytokine, adipokine and exosomal miRNA release. This is particularly important in the pathogenesis of oestrogen-sensitive cancers, including breast, endometrial, ovarian and thyroid cancer, but also 'non-hormonal' obesity-associated cancers such as cardio-oesophageal, colorectal, renal, pancreatic, gallbladder and hepatocellular adenocarcinoma. Effective weight loss interventions may improve the future incidence of overall and obesity-associated cancer.

Support Provided by Caregivers for Community-Dwelling Obesity Individuals: Focus on Elderly and Hispanics

Obesity is a chronic disease marked by the buildup of extra adipose tissue and a higher chance of developing concomitant illnesses such as heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, and some malignancies. Over the past few decades, there has been a global increase in the prevalence of obesity, which now affects around one-third of the world's population. According to recent studies, a variety of factors, including genetics and biology as well as environmental, physiological, and psychosocial factors, may have a role in the development of obesity. The prevalence of obesity is often higher among Hispanic American groups than among White people in the U.S. Obesity is a widespread condition with a high risk of morbidity and death, and it is well-recognized that the prevalence of comorbidities rises with rising levels of obesity or body mass index. To combat the rising prevalence of obesity in the USA, especially among Hispanics, one of the fastest-growing racial/ethnic groups in the country, there is an urgent need for obesity therapies. The exact cause of this disparity is unclear, but some responsible factors are a lack of education, high unemployment rates, high levels of food insecurity, an unhealthy diet, inadequate access to physical activity resources, a lack of health insurance, and constricted access to culturally adequate healthcare. Additionally, managing obesity and giving needed/timely support to obese people is a difficult responsibility for medical professionals and their loved ones. The need for caregivers is increasing with the increased number of individuals with obesity, particularly Hispanics. Our article summarizes the status of obesity, focusing on Hispanic populations, and we also highlight specific factors that contribute to obesity, including genetics, epigenetics, biological, physiological, and psychosocial factors, medication and disease, environment, and socio-demographics. This article also reviews caregiver duties and challenges associated with caring for people with obesity.

Elateriospermum tapos Yoghurt as a Therapeutic Intervention for Obesity-Associated Cognitive Impairments and Anxiety-like Behaviour in a High Fat Diet Maternal Obese Rat Model

Maternal obesity can be considered an intergenerational cycle and is also an important indicator of cognitive impairments. It is thought that using natural products is the best and safest way to combat maternal obesity and associated complications. Recent studies have shown that Elateriospermum tapos (E. tapos) contains bioactive compounds with anti-obesity effects, and yoghurt is a convenient medium for supplementing obese maternal rats with E. tapos extract. Thus, the aim of this study is to investigate the impact of E. tapos in yoghurt on maternally obese rats' cognitive function supplemented with a high-fat diet (HFD). In this study, 48 female Sprague-Dawley rats were used. The rats were fed HFD for a period of 16 weeks to induce obesity, after which they were allowed to mate. Upon confirmation of pregnancy, obese rats were given varying doses of E. tapos (5, 50, and 500 mg/kg) in yoghurt until postnatal (PND) day 21. On PND 21, the dams' body mass index (BMI), Lee index, abdominal circumference, oxidative status, and metabolic profile were measured. The behavioral tests (open field, place, and object recognition) were conducted on PND 21 to access memory. The results show that the 50 and 500 mg/kg E. tapos in yoghurt supplemented groups had similar BMI, Lee index, abdominal circumference, lipid profile, FBG, insulin, FRAP, and GSH levels, as well as a similar recognition index, in comparison with the control group supplemented with saline. In conclusion, the results of this study indicate that the newly formulated E. tapos in yogurt can act as an anti-obesity agent in maternal obesity, alleviate anxiety, and enhance hippocampal-dependent memory.

The microbiota and immune system non-genetically affect offspring phenotypes transgenerationally

The host-microbiota relationship has evolved to shape mammalian processes, including immunity, metabolism, and development 1-3 . Host phenotypes change in direct response to microbial exposures by the individual. Here we show that the microbiota induces phenotypic change not only in the individual but also in their succeeding generations of progeny. We found that germ-free mice exhibit a robust sebum secretion defect and transcriptional changes in various organs, persisting across multiple generations despite microbial colonization and breeding with conventional mice. Host-microbe interactions could be involved in this process, since T cell-deficient mice, which display defective sebum secretion 4 , also transgenerationally transmit their phenotype to progeny. These phenotypes are inherited by progeny conceived during in vitro fertilization using germ-free sperm and eggs, demonstrating that epigenetic information in the gametes is required for phenotypic transmission. Accordingly, small non-coding RNAs that can regulate embryonic gene expression 5 were strikingly and similarly altered in gametes of germ-free and T cell-deficient mice. Thus, we have uncovered a novel mechanism whereby the microbiota and immune system induce phenotypic changes in successive generations of offspring. This epigenetic form of inheritance could be advantageous for host adaptation to environmental perturbation, where phenotypic diversity can be introduced more rapidly than by genetic mutation.

Diet and Fertility Status: Relevance in Health and Disease

The prevalence of obesity and other metabolic disorders is increasing worldwide [...].

Prenatal exposure to corn oil, CMC-Na or DMSO affects physical development and multi-organ functions in fetal mice

Corn oil, sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC-Na), and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) are widely used as solvents or suspensions in animal experiments, but the effects of prenatal exposure to them on fetal development have not been reported. In this study, Kunming mice were given a conventional dose of corn oil (9.2g/kg·d), CMC-Na (0.05g/kg·d) or DMSO (0.088g/kg·d) during gestation days 10-18, and the pregnancy outcome, fetal physical development, serum phenotype, and multi-organ function changes were observed. The results showed that corn oil decreased serum triglyceride level in males but increased their serum testosterone and CORT levels, and affected female placenta and female/male multi-organ functions (mainly bone, liver, kidney). CMC-Na increased female/male body lengths and tail lengths, decreased serum glucose and total cholesterol levels in males as well as increased their serum LDL-C/HDL-C ratio and testosterone level, decreased female serum bile acid level, and affected male/female placenta and multi-organ functions (mainly bone, liver, hippocampus). DMSO decreased male body weight and serum glucose level, decreased male/female serum bile acid levels, and affected male/female placenta and multi-organs functions (mainly bone, hippocampus, adrenal gland). In conclusion, prenatal exposure to a conventional dose of corn oil, CMC-Na or DMSO could affect fetal physical development and multi-organ functions, and has the characteristics of "multi-pathway, multi-organ and multi-target". This study provides the experimental basis for the rational selection of solvents or suspensions in pharmacology and toxicology studies. DATA AVAILABILITY: Data will be made available on request.

Effects of obesity on the rat incisor enamel and dentine thickness, as well as on the hemimandible shape over generations

Obesity has several effects on the general body metabolism. However, little is known about the impact of obesity on the growth and shape of mineralized tissues like mandibles and teeth, as well as if it effects are passed down from generation to next. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to evaluate, over nine generations using the consanguineous mating (inbreeding), the effect of the obesity condition produced by the reduction in the number of rats per litter during the lactation period on the hemimandible shape, dentine, and enamel of the rat incisor. Litters were reduced to two males and two females after birth, and were consanguinity mated in adulthood for nine generations. For all evaluations performed in this investigation, only males were used. The control group was formed by a non-consanguineous litter containing eight males. The parameters evaluated were food consumption, body weight, Lee Index, and bone density of the hemimandible bone. Incisor enamel and dentine thickness were also evaluated. The hemimandible shape was evaluated using geometric morphometry. The results show a significant and progressive increase in food intake, Lee Index, body weight, hemimandible weight, and enamel thickness, and a decrease in dentine thickness. The linear measurements of the length of the ramus ascending hemimandibular segment were found to be shorter, while its height was increased. In contrast, the geometric morphometry shows that the general hemimandible shape changed over the consanguineous obesity generations. We conclude that over generations, obesity increases and maintains the parameters evaluated with significant changes in hemimandible shape as well as in the dimensions of enamel and dentine of incisors, suggesting that enamel and dentine could be used as phenotype biomarkers to detect changes in tooth and craniofacial development related to obesity effects.

Ontogeny, phylogeny and cellular energy flows for evolution

The case has previously been made for the 'Singularity of Nature" based on homologies between the inorganic and the organic. But a causal explanation for those homologies was not provided. The following is a hypothetical way to understand how and why physiology emerged from physics, providing a predictive model for cell-molecular evolution.

Intergenerational Inheritance of Hepatic Steatosis in a Mouse Model of Childhood Obesity: Potential Involvement of Germ-Line microRNAs

Childhood obesity increases the risk of developing metabolic syndrome later in life. Moreover, metabolic dysfunction may be inherited into the following generation through non-genomic mechanisms, with epigenetics as a plausible candidate. The pathways involved in the development of metabolic dysfunction across generations in the context of childhood obesity remain largely unexplored. We have developed a mouse model of early adiposity by reducing litter size at birth (small litter group, SL: 4 pups/dam; control group, C: 8 pups/dam). Mice raised in small litters (SL) developed obesity, insulin resistance and hepatic steatosis with aging. Strikingly, the offspring of SL males (SL-F1) also developed hepatic steatosis. Paternal transmission of an environmentally induced phenotype strongly suggests epigenetic inheritance. We analyzed the hepatic transcriptome in C-F1 and SL-F1 mice to identify pathways involved in the development of hepatic steatosis. We found that the circadian rhythm and lipid metabolic process were the ontologies with highest significance in the liver of SL-F1 mice. We explored whether DNA methylation and small non-coding RNAs might be involved in mediating intergenerational effects. Sperm DNA methylation was largely altered in SL mice. However, these changes did not correlate with the hepatic transcriptome. Next, we analyzed small non-coding RNA content in the testes of mice from the parental generation. Two miRNAs (miR-457 and miR-201) appeared differentially expressed in the testes of SL-F0 mice. They are known to be expressed in mature spermatozoa, but not in oocytes nor early embryos, and they may regulate the transcription of lipogenic genes, but not clock genes, in hepatocytes. Hence, they are strong candidates to mediate the inheritance of adult hepatic steatosis in our murine model. In conclusion, litter size reduction leads to intergenerational effects through non-genomic mechanisms. In our model, DNA methylation does not seem to play a role on the circadian rhythm nor lipid genes. However, at least two paternal miRNAs might influence the expression of a few lipid-related genes in the first-generation offspring, F1.

Multi- and Transgenerational Developmental Impairments Are Induced by Decabromodiphenyl Ethane (DBDPE) in Zebrafish Larvae

A novel brominated flame retardant decabromodiphenyl ethane (DBDPE) has become a ubiquitous emerging pollutant; hence, the knowledge of its long-term toxic effects and underlying mechanism would be critical for further health risk assessment. In the present study, the multi- and transgenerational toxicity of DBDPE was investigated in zebrafish upon a life cycle exposure at environmentally relevant concentrations. The significantly increased malformation rate and declined survival rate specifically occurred in unexposed F2 larvae suggested transgenerational development toxicity by DBDPE. The changing profiles revealed by transcriptome and DNA methylome confirmed an increased susceptibility in F2 larvae and figured out potential disruptions of glycolipid metabolism, mitochondrial energy metabolism, and neurodevelopment. The changes of biochemical indicators such as ATP production confirmed a disturbance in the energy metabolism, whereas the alterations of neurotransmitter contents and light-dark stimulated behavior provided further evidence for multi- and transgenerational neurotoxicity in zebrafish. Our findings also highlighted the necessity for considering the long-term impacts when evaluating the health of wild animals as well as human beings by emerging pollutants.

Transgenerational inheritance of acquired epigenetic signatures at CpG islands in mice

Transgenerational epigenetic inheritance in mammals remains a debated subject. Here, we demonstrate that DNA methylation of promoter-associated CpG islands (CGIs) can be transmitted from parents to their offspring in mice. We generated DNA methylation-edited mouse embryonic stem cells (ESCs), in which CGIs of two metabolism-related genes, the Ankyrin repeat domain 26 and the low-density lipoprotein receptor, were specifically methylated and silenced. DNA methylation-edited mice generated by microinjection of the methylated ESCs exhibited abnormal metabolic phenotypes. Acquired methylation of the targeted CGI and the phenotypic traits were maintained and transmitted across multiple generations. The heritable CGI methylation was subjected to reprogramming in parental PGCs and subsequently reestablished in the next generation at post-implantation stages. These observations provide a concrete step toward demonstrating transgenerational epigenetic inheritance in mammals, which may have implications in our understanding of evolutionary biology as well as the etiology, diagnosis, and prevention of non-genetically inherited human diseases.

Methyl Donor Micronutrients: A Potential Dietary Epigenetic Target in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Patients

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by an aberrant immune response and persistent inflammation. Its pathogenesis remains unknown; however, a complex interaction between environmental, genetic, and epigenetic factors has been suggested to cause disease onset. Several studies have demonstrated that epigenetic alterations, such as DNA hypomethylation, miRNA overexpression, and altered histone acetylation, may contribute to SLE onset and the disease's clinical manifestations. Epigenetic changes, especially methylation patterns, are modifiable and susceptible to environmental factors such as diet. It is well known that methyl donor nutrients, such as folate, methionine, choline, and some B vitamins, play a relevant role in DNA methylation by participating as methyl donors or coenzymes in one-carbon metabolism. Based on this knowledge, this critical literature review aimed to integrate the evidence in animal models and humans regarding the role of nutrients in epigenetic homeostasis and their impact on immune system regulation to suggest a potential epigenetic diet that could serve as adjuvant therapy in SLE.

Effectiveness and safety of different academic schools of traditional Chinese medicine in the treatment of obesity: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Obesity is a global epidemic. Since 1975, the global obesity rate has almost tripled. Although many systematic reviews and clinical trials have shown that traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) can effectively treat obesity, the effectiveness and safety of different academic schools of TCM in treating obesity have not been systematically evaluated.

METHODS

The retrieval language of this study was Chinese and English. From the date of creation of the following data to June 2023, the data of Medline, PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Science Network, China Biomedical Literature Database, Central Controlled Trial Registration Center, and China Science Journal Database were retrieved, respectively. This study included clinical randomized controlled trials related to the treatment of obesity by different academic schools of TCM. The main outcome measures were body mass index, waist circumference, hip circumference, waist hip ratio, body fat content, fasting blood glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin, and blood lipid level. In addition, we manually searched other resources, including reference lists of identified publications, conference articles, and gray literature.

RESULTS

This study will provide a more diverse choice of treatment options.

CONCLUSION

The purpose of this study is to summarize and evaluate the effectiveness and safety of different academic schools of TCM in improving and treating obese patients from clinical trials, so as to provide more options for obesity treatment.

Deconstructing a Syndrome: Genomic Insights Into PCOS Causal Mechanisms and Classification

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is among the most common disorders in women of reproductive age, affecting up to 15% worldwide, depending on the diagnostic criteria. PCOS is characterized by a constellation of interrelated reproductive abnormalities, including disordered gonadotropin secretion, increased androgen production, chronic anovulation, and polycystic ovarian morphology. It is frequently associated with insulin resistance and obesity. These reproductive and metabolic derangements cause major morbidities across the lifespan, including anovulatory infertility and type 2 diabetes (T2D). Despite decades of investigative effort, the etiology of PCOS remains unknown. Familial clustering of PCOS cases has indicated a genetic contribution to PCOS. There are rare Mendelian forms of PCOS associated with extreme phenotypes, but PCOS typically follows a non-Mendelian pattern of inheritance consistent with a complex genetic architecture, analogous to T2D and obesity, that reflects the interaction of susceptibility genes and environmental factors. Genomic studies of PCOS have provided important insights into disease pathways and have indicated that current diagnostic criteria do not capture underlying differences in biology associated with different forms of PCOS. We provide a state-of-the-science review of genetic analyses of PCOS, including an overview of genomic methodologies aimed at a general audience of non-geneticists and clinicians. Applications in PCOS will be discussed, including strengths and limitations of each study. The contributions of environmental factors, including developmental origins, will be reviewed. Insights into the pathogenesis and genetic architecture of PCOS will be summarized. Future directions for PCOS genetic studies will be outlined.

Epigenetics and Pregnancy: Conditional Snapshot or Rolling Event

Epigenetics modification such as DNA methylation can affect maternal health during the gestation period. Furthermore, pregnancy can drive a range of physiological and molecular changes that have the potential to contribute to pathological conditions. Pregnancy-related risk factors include multiple environmental, behavioral, and hereditary factors that can impact maternal DNA methylation with long-lasting consequences. Identification of the epigenetic patterns linked to poor pregnancy outcomes is crucial since changes in DNA methylation patterns can have long-term effects. In this review, we provide an overview of the epigenetic changes that influence pregnancy-related molecular programming such as gestational diabetes, immune response, and pre-eclampsia, in an effort to close the gap in current understanding regarding interactions between the environment, the genetics of the fetus, and the pregnant woman.

The metabolic conditioning of obesity: A review of the pathogenesis of obesity and the epigenetic pathways that "program" obesity from conception

Understanding the developmental origins of health and disease is integral to overcome the global tide of obesity and its metabolic consequences, including atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. The rising prevalence of obesity has been attributed, in part, to environmental factors including the globalization of the western diet and unhealthy lifestyle choices. In this review we argue that how and when such exposures come into play from conception significantly impact overall risk of obesity and later health outcomes. While the laws of thermodynamics dictate that obesity is caused by an imbalance between caloric intake and energy expenditure, the drivers of each of these may be laid down before the manifestation of the phenotype. We present evidence over the last half-century that suggests that the temporospatial evolution of obesity from intrauterine life and beyond is, in part, due to the conditioning of physiological processes at critical developmental periods that results in maladaptive responses to obesogenic exposures later in life. We begin the review by introducing studies that describe an association between perinatal factors and later risk of obesity. After a brief discussion of the pathogenesis of obesity, including the systemic regulation of appetite, adiposity, and basal metabolic rate, we delve into the mechanics of how intrauterine, postnatal and early childhood metabolic environments may contribute to adult obesity risk through the process of metabolic conditioning. Finally, we detail the specific epigenetic pathways identified both in preclinical and clinical studies that synergistically "program" obesity.

Transgenerational effects of alcohol on behavioral sensitivity to alcohol in Caenorhabditis elegans

Alcohol abuse and dependence have a substantial heritable component. Although the genome has been considered the sole vehicle of heritable phenotypes, recent studies suggest that drug or alcohol exposure may induce alterations in gene expression that are transmitted across generations. Still, the transgenerational impact of alcohol use (and abuse) remains largely unexplored in part because multigenerational studies using rodent models present challenges for time, sample size, and genetic heterogeneity. Here, we took advantage of the extremely short generation time, large broods, and clonal form of reproduction of the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. We developed a model of pre-fertilization parental alcohol exposure to test alterations in behavioral responses to acute alcohol treatment (referred to in short as intoxication) in subsequent F1, F2 and F3 generations. We found that chronic and intermittent alcohol-treatment paradigms resulted in opposite changes to intoxication sensitivity of F3 progeny that were only apparent when controlling for yoked trials. Chronic alcohol-treatment paradigm in the parental generation resulted in alcohol-naïve F3 progeny displaying moderate resistance to intoxication. Intermittent treatment resulted in alcohol-naïve F3 progeny displaying moderate hypersensitivity to intoxication. Further study of these phenomena using this new C. elegans model may yield mechanistic insights into how transgenerational effects may occur in other animals.

High-Fat Diet and Female Fertility across Lifespan: A Comparative Lesson from Mammal Models

Female reproduction focuses mainly on achieving fully grown follicles and competent oocytes to be successfully fertilized, as well as on nourishing the developing offspring once pregnancy occurs. Current evidence demonstrates that obesity and/or high-fat diet regimes can perturbate these processes, leading to female infertility and transgenerational disorders. Since the mechanisms and reproductive processes involved are not yet fully clarified, the present review is designed as a systematic and comparative survey of the available literature. The available data demonstrate the adverse influences of obesity on diverse reproductive processes, such as folliculogenesis, oogenesis, and embryo development/implant. The negative reproductive impact may be attributed to a direct action on reproductive somatic and germinal compartments and/or to an indirect influence mediated by the endocrine, metabolic, and immune axis control systems. Overall, the present review highlights the fragmentation of the current information limiting the comprehension of the reproductive impact of a high-fat diet. Based on the incidence and prevalence of obesity in the Western countries, this topic becomes a research challenge to increase self-awareness of dietary reproductive risk to propose solid and rigorous preventive dietary regimes, as well as to develop targeted pharmacological interventions.

DNA hydroxymethylation reprogramming of β-oxidation genes mediates early-life arsenic-evoked hepatic lipid accumulation in adult mice

The metabolic disorders are becoming an epidemic disease endangering public health in countries. Environmental factors are mainly reason for the growth of metabolic disorders. Previous research suggests that DNA methylation is a potential mechanism. Recently, it has been reported that DNA hydroxymethylation is also a stable marker of epigenetic reprogramming. Hence, the study aims to investigate whether DNA hydroxymehylation mediates early-life environmental stress-evoked metabolic disorder in adulthood. Mice were orally administered with arsenic (As), an environmental stressor, throughout pregnancy. We show that early-life As exposure induces glucose intolerance and hepatic lipid accumulation in adulthood. Early-life As exposure alters epigenetic reprogramming and expression of lipid metabolism-related genes including β-oxidation-specific genes in adulthood. Of interest, early-life As exposure alters epigenetic reprogramming of hepatic lipid metabolism partially through reducing DNA hydroxymethylation modification of β-oxidation-related genes in developing liver. Mechanistically, early-life As exposure suppresses ten-eleven translocation (TET) activity through downregulating isocitrate dehydrogenases (Idh) and reducing alpha-ketoglutarate (α-KG) content in the developing liver. In addition, early-life As exposure inhibits TET1 binding to CpG-rich fragments of β-oxidation-related genes in developing liver. This study provide novel evidence that early-life environmental stress leads to later life metabolic disorders by altering hepatic DNA hydroxymethylation reprogramming.

How to Mitigate Risk of Premature Cardiovascular Disease Among Children and Adolescents with Mental Health Conditions

Purpose of Review

The goal of this article is to characterize the myriad of ways that children with mental health conditions can be at risk for premature cardiovascular disease (CVD) and various modalities to ameliorate this risk in childhood in order to improve the life course of these children.

Review Findings

Child and adolescent mental health conditions are a common yet underrecognized risk factor for premature CVD. The American Heart Association has recently included psychiatric conditions as a CVD risk factor (CVDRF) and the evidence linking childhood adversity to cardiometabolic disease. There are bidirectional and additive effects from the intrinsic emotional dysregulation and inflammatory changes from the mental health condition, the associations with risky health behaviors, and in some cases, metabolic side effects from pharmacotherapy. These pathways can be potentiated by toxic stress, a physiologic response to stressors from childhood adversity. Toxic stress is also associated with development of mental health conditions with epigenetic effects that can result in transgenerational inheritance of cardiometabolic risk. Exposure to toxic stress and mental health conditions in isolation sometimes compounded by pharmacotherapies used in treatment increase the risk of cardiometabolic diseases in childhood. The multiple pathways, which adversely influence cardiometabolic outcomes, encourage clinicians to consider strategies to mitigate these factors and justify the importance of early screening and treatment for CVDRFs.

Summary

Mental health, health behaviors, and environmental factors co-occur and intersect in complex pathways that can increase CVD risk over the lifespan. Early detection and response can mitigate the risks associated with premature development of CVD.

Elevated RIF1 participates in the epigenetic abnormalities of zygotes by regulating histone modifications on MuERV-L in obese mice

BACKGROUND

Maternal obesity impairs embryonic developmental potential and significantly increases the risks of metabolic disorders in offspring. However, the epigenetic transmission mechanism of maternal metabolic abnormalities is still poorly understood.

METHODS

We established an obesity model in female mice by high-fat diet (HFD) feeding. The effects of the HFD on the developmental potential of oocytes and embryos, the metabolic phenotype, and epigenetic modifications were investigated. The efficacy of metformin administration was assessed. Finally, the regulatory pathway of epigenetic remodeling during zygotic genome activation (ZGA) was explored.

RESULTS

Maternal HFD consumption significantly impaired glucose tolerance and increased the risk of metabolic disorders in F0 and F1 mice. Maternal HFD consumption also decreased embryonic developmental potential, increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) and γH2AX levels, and reduced the mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) within oocytes, causing high levels of oxidative stress damage and DNA damage. Starting with this clue, we observed significantly increased RIF1 levels and shortened telomeres in obese mice. Moreover, significant abnormal DNA methylation and histone modification remodeling were observed during ZGA in obese mice, which may be coregulated by RIF1 and the ZGA marker gene MuERV-L. Metformin treatment reduced RIF1 levels, and partially improved ZGA activation status by rescuing epigenetic modification remodeling in oocytes and preimplantation embryos of obese mice. RIF1 knockdown experiments employing Trim-Away methods showed that RIF1 degradation altered the H3K4me3 and H3K9me3 enrichment and then triggered the MuERV-L transcriptional activation. Moreover, ChIP-seq data analysis of RIF1 knockouts also showed that RIF1 mediates the transcriptional regulation of MuERV-L by changing the enrichment of H3K4me3 and H3K9me3 rather than by altered DNA methylation.

CONCLUSION

Elevated RIF1 in oocytes caused by maternal obesity may mediate abnormal embryonic epigenetic remodeling and increase metabolic risk in offspring by regulating histone modifications on MuERV-L, which can be partially rescued by metformin treatment.

Human transgenerational observations of regular smoking before puberty on fat mass in grandchildren and great-grandchildren

Previously, using data from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC) we showed that sons of fathers who had started smoking regularly before puberty (< 13 years) had increased fat mass during childhood, adolescence, and early adulthood. We now show that if the paternal grandfather had started smoking pre-puberty, compared with later in childhood (13–16 years), his granddaughters, but not grandsons, had evidence of excess fat mass at two ages: mean difference + 3.54 kg; (P with 1-tailed test) = 0.043 at 17 years, and + 5.49 kg; (P₁ = 0.016) at age 24. When fathers of maternal grandfathers had started smoking pre-puberty, their great-granddaughters, but not great-grandsons, had excess body fat: + 5.35 kg (P₁ = 0.050) at 17, and + 6.10 kg (P₁ = 0.053) at 24 years. Similar associations were not found with lean mass, in a sensitivity analysis. To determine whether these results were due to the later generations starting to smoke pre-puberty, further analyses omitted those in subsequent generations who had smoked regularly from < 13 years. The results were similar. If these associations are confirmed in another dataset or using biomarkers, this will be one of the first human demonstrations of transgenerational effects of an environmental exposure across four generations.

Transgenerational Transcriptomic and DNA Methylome Profiling of Mouse Fetal Testicular Germline and Somatic Cells after Exposure of Pregnant Mothers to Tributyltin, a Potent Obesogen

Obesogens such as tributyltin (TBT) are xenobiotic compounds that promote obesity, in part by distorting the normal balance of lipid metabolism. The obesogenic effects of TBT can be observed in directly exposed (F1 and F2 generations) and also subsequent generations (F3 and beyond) that were never exposed. To address the effects of TBT exposure on germ cells, we exposed pregnant transgenic OG2 mouse dams (F0), which specifically express EGFP in germline cells, to an environmentally relevant dose of TBT or DMSO throughout gestation through drinking water. When fed with a high-fat diet, F3 male offspring of TBT-exposed F0 dams (TBT-F3) accumulated much more body fat than did DMSO-F3 males. TBT-F3 males also lost more body fluid and lean compositions than did DMSO-F3 males. Expression of genes involved in transcriptional regulation or mesenchymal differentiation was up-regulated in somatic cells of TBT-F1 (but not TBT-F3) E18.5 fetal testes, and promoter-associated CpG islands were hyper-methylated in TBT-F1 somatic cells. Global mRNA expression of protein-coding genes in F1 or F3 fetal testicular cells was unaffected by F0 exposure to TBT; however, expression of a subset of endogenous retroviruses was significantly affected in F1 and F3. We infer that TBT may directly target testicular somatic cells in F1 testes to irreversibly affect epigenetic suppression of endogenous retroviruses in both germline and somatic cells.