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Derakhshan M, Kessler NJ, Hellenthal G, Silver MJ. Metastable epialleles in humans. Trends Genet 2024; 40:52-68. [PMID: 38000919 DOI: 10.1016/j.tig.2023.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Revised: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023]
Abstract
First identified in isogenic mice, metastable epialleles (MEs) are loci where the extent of DNA methylation (DNAm) is variable between individuals but correlates across tissues derived from different germ layers within a given individual. This property, termed systemic interindividual variation (SIV), is attributed to stochastic methylation establishment before germ layer differentiation. Evidence suggests that some putative human MEs are sensitive to environmental exposures in early development. In this review we introduce key concepts pertaining to human MEs, describe methods used to identify MEs in humans, and review their genomic features. We also highlight studies linking DNAm at putative human MEs to early environmental exposures and postnatal (including disease) phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Derakhshan
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London WC1E 7HT, UK
| | - Noah J Kessler
- Department of Genetics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EH, UK
| | | | - Matt J Silver
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London WC1E 7HT, UK; Medical Research Council (MRC) Unit The Gambia at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Fajara, Banjul, The Gambia.
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2
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Jin C, Zhang T, Li Y, Shi W. Early-Life Exposure to Malnutrition From the Chinese Famine on Risk of Asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease in Adulthood. Front Nutr 2022; 9:848108. [PMID: 35711537 PMCID: PMC9194571 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2022.848108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2022] [Accepted: 04/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives Intrauterine malnutrition has a long-term effect on respiratory and lung function. However, few studies have explored the association between early-life exposure to famine with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in adulthood. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the association of early-life exposure to the Chinese famine of 1959–1962 with asthma and COPD later in life. Methods This national population-based study included 6,771 participants from the baseline survey of the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) who were born around the time of the Chinese famine. The famine exposure groups were determined according to the participants' birth year as non-exposed (1964–1967), fetal-exposed (1959–1962), preschool-exposed (1954–1957), and school-age exposed (1950–1953). Information about the demographic characteristics, self-reported doctor-diagnosed asthma and COPD, behavior and lifestyles, and indoor pollution were collected using validated questionnaires. In addition, peak expiratory flow (PEF) was measured to assess pulmonary function. Multivariable logistic regression and generalized linear mixed models were performed to explore the risk of adult asthma and COPD, PEF changes during various famine exposure periods compared with the non-exposed group. Stratified and sensitivity analyses were conducted to examine the modification and robustness of the association. Results The prevalence of doctor-diagnosed asthma and COPD was 2.8 and 8.1%, respectively. Compared with the non-exposed group, the risk was significantly higher in the fetal-exposed group for asthma [adjusted odds ratio, (aOR) = 1.87, 95% confidence interval (CI):1.14–3.07] and the school-age exposed group [1.30 (1.00–1.69)] for COPD after controlling for confounders. Furthermore, we observed that fetal exposure to famine was significantly associated with a decrement of PEF in adulthood [β = −11.38 (−22.75 to −0.02)] compared with the non-exposed group. Stratified analyses showed that the association of asthma was stronger in men, who resided in severely famine-affected areas, smoked, and used solid fuels for cooking. No clearly consistent association was observed for subsequent COPD. Conclusions Our results suggest that fetal exposure to the Chinese famine is significantly associated with the increased risk of asthma in adulthood. Future prospective studies are warranted to examine the association and mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Changbo Jin
- Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Tiantian Zhang
- School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yongzhen Li
- Department of Nutrition and Food Science, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenming Shi
- School of Public Health, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China.,Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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Vaiserman A, Lushchak O. Prenatal famine exposure and adult health outcomes: an epigenetic link. ENVIRONMENTAL EPIGENETICS 2021; 7:dvab013. [PMID: 34881050 PMCID: PMC8648067 DOI: 10.1093/eep/dvab013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2021] [Revised: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 10/15/2021] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Numerous human chronic pathological conditions depend on epigenetic modifications induced by environmental triggers throughout sensitive stages early in development. Developmental malnutrition is regarded as one of the most important risk factors in these processes. We present an overview of studies that the initiation and progression of many diseases are largely dependent on persisting epigenetic dysregulation caused by environmental insults early in life. For particular disorders, candidate genes were identified that underlie these associations. The current study assessed the most convincing evidence for the epigenetic link between developmental malnutrition and adult-life disease in the human population. These findings were obtained from quasi-experimental studies (so-called 'natural experiments'), i.e. naturally occurring environmental conditions in which certain subsets of the population have differing levels of exposure to a supposed causal factor. Most of this evidence was derived on the DNA methylation level. We discussed DNA methylation as a key player in epigenetic modifications that can be inherited through multiple cell divisions. In this Perspective article, an overview of the quasi-experimental epidemiological evidence for the role of epigenetic mechanisms in the developmental programming by early-life undernutrition is provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Vaiserman
- Laboratory of Epigenetics, D.F. Chebotarev Institute of Gerontology, NAMS, 67 Vyshgorodska St., Kyiv 04114, Ukraine
| | - Oleh Lushchak
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Vasyl Stefanyk Precarpathian National University, 57 Shevchenka St., Ivano-Frankivsk 76018, Ukraine
- Research and Development University, 13A Shota Rustaveli St., Ivano-Frankivsk 76000, Ukraine
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Wang Z, Dong Y, Xu R, Wang X, Li Y, Zou Z. Early-Life Exposure to the Chinese Great Famine and Later Cardiovascular Diseases. Int J Public Health 2021; 66:603859. [PMID: 34744570 PMCID: PMC8565276 DOI: 10.3389/ijph.2021.603859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2020] [Accepted: 01/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives: This study aimed to examine the association between early life famine exposure and adulthood cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) risk. Methods: A total of 5,504 subjects were selected using their birthdate from national baseline data of the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Survey to analyze the association between famine exposure in early life and CVDs risk in adulthood. CVDs was defined based on the self-reported doctor's diagnosis. Results: The prevalence of CVDs in the unexposed group, fetal-exposed, infant-exposed, and preschool-exposed groups was 15.0%, 18.0%, 21.0%, and 18.3%, respectively. Compared with the unexposed group, fetal-exposed, infant-exposed and preschool-exposed groups had higher CVDs risk in adulthood (p < 0.05). Compared with the age-matched control group, infancy exposed to famine had a significantly higher adulthood CVDs risk (OR = 1.52, 95% CI: 1.15, 2.01; p = 0.006). The association seems to be stronger among population with higher education level (P interaction = 0.043). Sensitivity analysis revealed consistent association between early-life famine exposure and adult CVDs risk. Conclusion: Early life exposed to the China great famine may elevate the risk of CVDs in adulthood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenghe Wang
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yanhui Dong
- School of Public Health and Institute of Child and Adolescent Health, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Rongbin Xu
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Vic, Australia
| | - Xijie Wang
- School of Public Health and Institute of Child and Adolescent Health, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Yanhui Li
- School of Public Health and Institute of Child and Adolescent Health, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhiyong Zou
- School of Public Health and Institute of Child and Adolescent Health, Peking University, Beijing, China
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Li S, Wang W, Zhang D, Li W, Lund J, Kruse T, Mengel-From J, Christensen K, Tan Q. Differential regulation of the DNA methylome in adults born during the Great Chinese Famine in 1959-1961. Genomics 2021; 113:3907-3918. [PMID: 34600028 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygeno.2021.09.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2021] [Revised: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 09/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Extensive epidemiological studies have established the association between exposure to early-life adversity and health status and diseases in adults. Epigenetic regulation is considered as a key mediator for this phenomenon but analysis on humans is sparse. The Great Chinese Famine lasting from 1958 to 1961 is a natural string of disasters offering a precious opportunity for elucidating the underlying epigenetic mechanism of the long-term effect of early adversity. METHODS Using a high-throughput array platform for DNA methylome profiling, we conducted a case-control epigenome-wide association study on early-life exposure to Chinese famine in 79 adults born during 1959-1961 and compared to 105 unexposed subjects born 1963-1964. RESULTS The single CpG site analysis of whole epigenome revealed a predominant pattern of decreased DNA methylation levels associated with fetal exposure to famine. Four CpG sites were detected with p < 1e-06 (linked to EHMT1, CNR1, UBXN7 and ESM1 genes), 16 CpGs detected with 1e-06 < p < 1e-05 and 157 CpGs with 1e-05 < p < 1e-04, with a predominant pattern of hypomethylation. Functional annotation to genes and their enriched biological pathways mainly involved neurodevelopment, neuropsychological disorders and metabolism. Multiple sites analysis detected two top-rank differentially methylated regions harboring RNF39 on chromosome 6 and PTPRN2 on chromosome 7, both showing epigenetic association with stress-related conditions. CONCLUSION Early-life exposure to famine could mediate DNA methylation regulations that persist into adulthood with broad impacts in the activities of genes and biological pathways. Results from this study provide new clues to the epigenetic embedding of early-life adversity and its impacts on adult health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuxia Li
- Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Department of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark.
| | - Weijing Wang
- Qingdao University School of Public Health, Qingdao, China
| | - Dongfeng Zhang
- Qingdao University School of Public Health, Qingdao, China
| | - Weilong Li
- Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Department of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark; Population Research Unit, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Helsinki, Finland.
| | - Jesper Lund
- Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Department of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark; Digital Health & Machine Learning Research Group, Hasso Plattner Institute for Digital Engineering, Potsdam, Germany.
| | - Torben Kruse
- Unit of Human Genetics, Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark.
| | - Jonas Mengel-From
- Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Department of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark.
| | - Kaare Christensen
- Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Department of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark.
| | - Qihua Tan
- Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Department of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark; Unit of Human Genetics, Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark.
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Gomez-Verjan JC, Esparza-Aguilar M, Martín-Martín V, Salazar-Perez C, Cadena-Trejo C, Gutierrez-Robledo LM, Martínez-Magaña JJ, Nicolini H, Arroyo P. Years of Schooling Could Reduce Epigenetic Aging: A Study of a Mexican Cohort. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:1408. [PMID: 34573390 PMCID: PMC8469534 DOI: 10.3390/genes12091408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2021] [Revised: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 09/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Adverse conditions in early life, including environmental, biological and social influences, are risk factors for ill-health during aging and the onset of age-related disorders. In this context, the recent field of social epigenetics offers a valuable method for establishing the relationships among them However, current clinical studies on environmental changes and lifespan disorders are limited. In this sense, the Tlaltizapan (Mexico) cohort, who 52 years ago was exposed to infant malnutrition, low income and poor hygiene conditions, represents a vital source for exploring such factors. Therefore, in the present study, 52 years later, we aimed to explore differences in clinical/biochemical/anthropometric and epigenetic (DNA methylation) variables between individuals from such a cohort, in comparison with an urban-raised sample. Interestingly, only cholesterol levels showed significant differences between the cohorts. On the other hand, individuals from the Tlaltizapan cohort with more years of schooling had a lower epigenetic age in the Horvath (p-value = 0.0225) and PhenoAge (p-value = 0.0353) clocks, compared to those with lower-level schooling. Our analysis indicates 12 differentially methylated sites associated with the PI3-Akt signaling pathway and galactose metabolism in individuals with different durations of schooling. In conclusion, our results suggest that longer durations of schooling could promote DNA methylation changes that may reduce epigenetic age; nevertheless, further studies are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Carlos Gomez-Verjan
- Dirección de Investigación, Instituto Nacional de Geriatría, Mexico City 10200, Mexico; (C.C.-T.); (P.A.)
| | - Marcelino Esparza-Aguilar
- Departamento de Investigación en Epidemiología, Instituto Nacional de Pediatría, Mexico City 04530, Mexico; (M.E.-A.); (C.S.-P.)
| | - Verónica Martín-Martín
- Subdirección de Investigación Médica, Instituto Nacional de Pediatría, Mexico City 04530, Mexico;
| | - Cecilia Salazar-Perez
- Departamento de Investigación en Epidemiología, Instituto Nacional de Pediatría, Mexico City 04530, Mexico; (M.E.-A.); (C.S.-P.)
| | - Cinthya Cadena-Trejo
- Dirección de Investigación, Instituto Nacional de Geriatría, Mexico City 10200, Mexico; (C.C.-T.); (P.A.)
| | | | - José Jaime Martínez-Magaña
- Laboratorio de Genómica de Enfermedades Psiquiátricas y Neurodegenerativas, Instituto Nacional de Medicina Genómica, Mexico City 04809, Mexico; (J.J.M.-M.); (H.N.)
| | - Humberto Nicolini
- Laboratorio de Genómica de Enfermedades Psiquiátricas y Neurodegenerativas, Instituto Nacional de Medicina Genómica, Mexico City 04809, Mexico; (J.J.M.-M.); (H.N.)
| | - Pedro Arroyo
- Dirección de Investigación, Instituto Nacional de Geriatría, Mexico City 10200, Mexico; (C.C.-T.); (P.A.)
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Early-life nutrition and metabolic disorders in later life: a new perspective on energy metabolism. Chin Med J (Engl) 2021; 133:1961-1970. [PMID: 32826460 PMCID: PMC7462214 DOI: 10.1097/cm9.0000000000000976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Type 2 diabetes mellitus and metabolic disorders have become an epidemic globally. However, the pathogenesis remains largely unclear and the prevention and treatment are still limited. In addition to environmental factors during adulthood, early life is the critical developmental window with high tissue plasticity, which might be modified by external environmental cues. Substantial evidence has demonstrated the vital role of early-life nutrition in programming the metabolic disorders in later life. In this review, we aim to overview the concepts of fetal programming and investigate the effects of early-life nutrition on energy metabolism in later life and the potential epigenetic mechanism. The related studies published on PubMed database up to March 2020 were included. The results showed that both maternal overnutrition and undernutrition increased the riskes of metabolic disorders in offspring and epigenetic modifications, including DNA methylation, miRNAs, and histone modification, might be the vital mediators. The beneficial effects of early-life lifestyle modifications as well as dietary and nutritional interventions on these deleterious metabolic remolding were initially observed. Overall, characterizing the early-life malnutrition that reshapes metabolic disease trajectories may yield novel targets for early prevention and intervention and provide a new point of view to the energy metabolism.
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8
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The regulation mechanisms and the Lamarckian inheritance property of DNA methylation in animals. Mamm Genome 2021; 32:135-152. [PMID: 33860357 DOI: 10.1007/s00335-021-09870-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2020] [Accepted: 04/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
DNA methylation is a stable and heritable epigenetic mechanism, of which the main functions are stabilizing the transcription of genes and promoting genetic conservation. In animals, the direct molecular inducers of DNA methylation mainly include histone covalent modification and non-coding RNA, whereas the fundamental regulators of DNA methylation are genetic and environmental factors. As is well known, competition is present everywhere in life systems, and will finally strike a balance that is optimal for the animal's survival and reproduction. The same goes for the regulation of DNA methylation. Genetic and environmental factors, respectively, are responsible for the programmed and plasticity changes of DNA methylation, and keen competition exists between genetically influenced procedural remodeling and environmentally influenced plastic alteration. In this process, genetic and environmental factors collaboratively decide the methylation patterns of corresponding loci. DNA methylation alterations induced by environmental factors can be transgenerationally inherited, and exhibit the characteristic of Lamarckian inheritance. Further research on regulatory mechanisms and the environmental plasticity of DNA methylation will provide strong support for understanding the biological function and evolutionary effects of DNA methylation.
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Wang Z, Song J, Li C, Li Y, Shen L, Dong B, Zou Z, Ma J. DNA methylation of the INSR gene as a mediator of the association between prenatal exposure to famine and adulthood waist circumference. Sci Rep 2020; 10:12212. [PMID: 32699300 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-69120-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2020] [Accepted: 07/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The aims of this study were to explore whether DNA methylation at INSR and IGF2 mediated the association of prenatal exposure to the Chinese great famine with adulthood waist circumference (WC) and BMI. A total of 235 subjects were selected into the present study from severely affected province and a neighbor province with less severely affected famine in China through multi-stage clustered random sampling. DNA methylation at the INSR and IGF2 gene promoter regions was detected by the Sequenom's MassARRAY system. The "mediation" package of R was used to evaluate the mediation effect of DNA methylation on the association between prenatal exposure to the famine and adult WC and BMI. The results showed that prenatal famine exposure was significantly associated with higher overall methylation level of the INSR gene (d = 3.6%; 95% CI 1.2-6.0; P = 0.027) and larger adulthood WC (d = 2.72 cm; 95% CI 0.20-5.24; P = 0.034). Furthermore, famine significantly increased methylation levels at four CpG sites. Methylation of the CpG7 site mediated 32.0% (95% CI 5.0-100.0%, P = 0.029) of the association between prenatal exposure to the Chinese great famine and adulthood WC. In conclusion, Epigenetic changes to the INSR might mediate the adverse effect of prenatal famine exposure on WC in adulthood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenghe Wang
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jieyun Song
- Institute of Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Changwei Li
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Georgia College of Public Health, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Yanhui Li
- Institute of Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Luqi Shen
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Georgia College of Public Health, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Bin Dong
- Institute of Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Zhiyong Zou
- Institute of Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China. .,National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, 100191, China.
| | - Jun Ma
- Institute of Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China
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Hidayat K, Du X, Shi BM, Qin LQ. Foetal and childhood exposure to famine and the risks of cardiometabolic conditions in adulthood: A systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies. Obes Rev 2020; 21:e12981. [PMID: 32048436 DOI: 10.1111/obr.12981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2019] [Accepted: 11/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
A systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies was performed to provide a deeper understanding of the associations between foetal and childhood exposure to famine and the risks of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), metabolic syndrome, hypertension, hyperglycaemia, dyslipidaemia, obesity, overweight, coronary heart disease, stroke, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in adulthood. Both foetal and childhood exposure to famine were positively associated with the risks of T2DM (foetal exposure: RR 1.37, 95% CI, 1.23-1.52; childhood exposure: RR 1.33, 95% CI, 1.08-1.64), metabolic syndrome (RR 1.26, 95% CI, 1.07-1.50; RR 1.24, 95% CI, 1.13-1.35), hypertension (RR 1.30, 95% CI, 1.07-1.57; RR 1.33, 95% CI, 1.02-1.74), hyperglycaemia (RR 1.27, 95% CI, 1.11-1.45; RR 1.25, 95% CI, 1.10-1.42), dyslipidaemia (RR 1.48, 95% CI, 1.33-1.66; RR 1.27, 95% CI, 1.12-1.45), obesity (RR 1.19, 95% CI, 1.02-1.39; RR 1.13, 95% CI, 1.00-1.28), overweight (RR 1.17, 95% CI, 1.07-1.29; RR 1.07, 95% CI, 1.00-1.14), coronary heart disease (RR 1.22, 95% CI, 1.00-1.51; RR 1.21, 95% CI, 1.09-1.35), and moderate-to-severe NAFLD (RR 1.66, 95% CI, 1.07-2.57; RR 1.68, 95% CI, 1.41-1.99) in adulthood. No association was observed for the risks of stroke or mild NAFLD. Adjustments for age, alcohol, smoking, body mass index, and physical activity nullified some associations. The associations were generally stronger in women than in men. In summary, foetal and childhood exposure to famine may confer greater risks of developing certain cardiometabolic conditions in adulthood, particularly in women. The extent to which risks for cardiometabolic conditions are associated with early-life famine appears to be determined by certain factors in adulthood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khemayanto Hidayat
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China.,Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Xuan Du
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Bi-Min Shi
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Li-Qiang Qin
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
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Gomez-Verjan JC, Barrera-Vázquez OS, García-Velázquez L, Samper-Ternent R, Arroyo P. Epigenetic variations due to nutritional status in early-life and its later impact on aging and disease. Clin Genet 2020; 98:313-321. [PMID: 32246454 DOI: 10.1111/cge.13748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2020] [Revised: 03/11/2020] [Accepted: 03/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Epigenetics refers to changes in gene function, not resulting from the primary DNA sequence, influenced by the environment. It provides a link between the molecular regulation of the genome and the environmental signals exposed during the life of individuals (including lifestyle, social behavior, development, and nutrition). Notably, early development (intrauterine or postnatal) is highly influenced by the adverse socioeconomic status that leads to malnutrition or obesity; these conditions induce changes over the fetal epigenetic programming and can be transferred by transgenerational inheritance, inducing alterations of the transcription of genes related to several metabolic and neurological processes. Moreover, obesity during pregnancy, and excessive gestational weight gain are associated with an increased risk of fatal pregnancy complications, and adverse cardio-metabolic, respiratory and cognitive-related outcomes of the future child. However, most of our knowledge in this field comes from experimental animal models, that partially resemble the nutritional effects of humans. In this context, nutritional effects implicated in historical famines represent valuable information about the transgenerational effects of undernutrition and stress. In the present review, we attempt to describe the most outstanding results from the most studied famines about the impact of malnutrition on the epigenome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan C Gomez-Verjan
- División de Ciencias Básicas, Instituto Nacional de Geriatría (INGER), Mexico City, Mexico
| | | | - Lizbeth García-Velázquez
- Departamento de Medicina Genómica y Toxicología Ambiental, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Rafael Samper-Ternent
- Geriatric/Sealy Center on Aging, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Pedro Arroyo
- División de Epidemiología, Instituto Nacional de Geriatría (INGER), Mexico City, Mexico
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12
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Epigenetic Biomarkers for Environmental Exposures and Personalized Breast Cancer Prevention. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17041181. [PMID: 32069786 PMCID: PMC7068429 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17041181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2019] [Revised: 02/07/2020] [Accepted: 02/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Environmental and lifestyle factors are believed to account for >80% of breast cancers; however, it is not well understood how and when these factors affect risk and which exposed individuals will actually develop the disease. While alcohol consumption, obesity, and hormone therapy are some known risk factors for breast cancer, other exposures associated with breast cancer risk have not yet been identified or well characterized. In this paper, it is proposed that the identification of blood epigenetic markers for personal, in utero, and ancestral environmental exposures can help researchers better understand known and potential relationships between exposures and breast cancer risk and may enable personalized prevention strategies.
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