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Tao Y, Wang H, Luo J, Zhang H, Zhang W, Yu M, Ji S, Peng S, Zhang X. The Association Between Adverse Childhood Experiences and Frailty: A Systematic Review. J Am Med Dir Assoc 2024:105042. [PMID: 38796164 DOI: 10.1016/j.jamda.2024.105042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2024] [Revised: 04/10/2024] [Accepted: 04/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/28/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Based on life-course theory, adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) have emerged as risk factors for health in later life. This study aimed to explore the association between ACEs and frailty. DESIGN Systematic review. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS Frail older adults who have experienced ACEs. METHODS We searched 7 databases: PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus, PsycINFO, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI). The last searched date was October 27, 2023. Included studies should have investigated the association between exposure to at least 1 ACE and frailty. Two researchers independently assessed the risk of bias in the included studies using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) and an adapted version of the NOS scale and also extracted relevant characteristics and outcomes of the included studies. RESULTS A total of 14 studies were finally included. Consistent associations with increased risk of frailty were only shown in studies that assessed family members with mental illness, low neighborhood quality, emotional abuse, sexual abuse, and combinations of ACEs. In addition, women exposed to ACEs were more likely to be at risk for frailty than men, and greater numbers or types of exposure to ACEs were associated with higher odds of frailty. The results of the quality assessment showed a moderate risk of bias in half of the studies. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS This study summarizes for the first time the evidence for an association between ACEs and frailty. Considered collectively, increased attention to ACEs may be one way to prevent frailty, and unhealthy lifestyles resulting from ACEs may serve as a breakthrough in developing interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanmin Tao
- School of Nursing, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Hongyan Wang
- Sichuan Nursing Vocational College, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Jingsong Luo
- Jockey Club School of Public Health and Primary Care School, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Hong Zhang
- School of Nursing, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Wen Zhang
- Sichuan Nursing Vocational College, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Meng Yu
- School of Nursing, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Shuyang Ji
- School of Nursing, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Sihan Peng
- Affiliated hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.
| | - Xiangeng Zhang
- Sichuan Nursing Vocational College, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.
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2
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Cánepa ET, Berardino BG. Epigenetic mechanisms linking early-life adversities and mental health. Biochem J 2024; 481:615-642. [PMID: 38722301 DOI: 10.1042/bcj20230306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2024] [Revised: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/15/2024]
Abstract
Early-life adversities, whether prenatal or postnatal exposure, have been linked to adverse mental health outcomes later in life increasing the risk of several psychiatric disorders. Research on its neurobiological consequences demonstrated an association between exposure to adversities and persistent alterations in the structure, function, and connectivity of the brain. Consistent evidence supports the idea that regulation of gene expression through epigenetic mechanisms are involved in embedding the impact of early-life experiences in the genome and mediate between social environments and later behavioral phenotypes. In addition, studies from rodent models and humans suggest that these experiences and the acquired risk factors can be transmitted through epigenetic mechanisms to offspring and the following generations potentially contributing to a cycle of disease or disease risk. However, one of the important aspects of epigenetic mechanisms, unlike genetic sequences that are fixed and unchangeable, is that although the epigenetic markings are long-lasting, they are nevertheless potentially reversible. In this review, we summarize our current understanding of the epigenetic mechanisms involved in the mental health consequences derived from early-life exposure to malnutrition, maltreatment and poverty, adversities with huge and pervasive impact on mental health. We also discuss the evidence about transgenerational epigenetic inheritance in mammals and experimental data suggesting that suitable social and pharmacological interventions could reverse adverse epigenetic modifications induced by early-life negative social experiences. In this regard, these studies must be accompanied by efforts to determine the causes that promote these adversities and that result in health inequity in the population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eduardo T Cánepa
- Laboratorio de Neuroepigenética y Adversidades Tempranas, Departamento de Química Biológica, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires and IQUIBICEN, CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Bruno G Berardino
- Laboratorio de Neuroepigenética y Adversidades Tempranas, Departamento de Química Biológica, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires and IQUIBICEN, CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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3
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King DE, Lalwani PD, Mercado GP, Dolan EL, Frierson JM, Meyer JN, Murphy SK. The use of race terms in epigenetics research: considerations moving forward. Front Genet 2024; 15:1348855. [PMID: 38356697 PMCID: PMC10864599 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2024.1348855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
The field of environmental epigenetics is uniquely suited to investigate biologic mechanisms that have the potential to link stressors to health disparities. However, it is common practice in basic epigenetic research to treat race as a covariable in large data analyses in a way that can perpetuate harmful biases without providing any biologic insight. In this article, we i) propose that epigenetic researchers open a dialogue about how and why race is employed in study designs and think critically about how this might perpetuate harmful biases; ii) call for interdisciplinary conversation and collaboration between epigeneticists and social scientists to promote the collection of more detailed social metrics, particularly institutional and structural metrics such as levels of discrimination that could improve our understanding of individual health outcomes; iii) encourage the development of standards and practices that promote full transparency about data collection methods, particularly with regard to race; and iv) encourage the field of epigenetics to continue to investigate how social structures contribute to biological health disparities, with a particular focus on the influence that structural racism may have in driving these health disparities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dillon E. King
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Pooja D. Lalwani
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Gilberto Padilla Mercado
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Emma L. Dolan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, United States
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Johnna M. Frierson
- IDEALS Office, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Joel N. Meyer
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Susan K. Murphy
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, United States
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4
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McDade TW. Three common assumptions about inflammation, aging, and health that are probably wrong. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2317232120. [PMID: 38064531 PMCID: PMC10740363 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2317232120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic inflammation contributes to the onset and progression of cardiovascular disease and other degenerative diseases of aging. But does it have to? This article considers the associations among inflammation, aging, and health through the lens of human population biology and suggests that chronic inflammation is not a normal nor inevitable component of aging. It is commonly assumed that conclusions drawn from research in affluent, industrialized countries can be applied globally; that aging processes leading to morbidity and mortality begin in middle age; and that inflammation is pathological. These foundational assumptions have shifted focus away from inflammation as a beneficial response to infection or injury and toward an understanding of inflammation as chronic, dysregulated, and dangerous. Findings from community-based studies around the world-many conducted in areas with relatively high burdens of infectious disease-challenge these assumptions by documenting substantial variation in levels of inflammation and patterns of association with disease. They also indicate that nutritional, microbial, and psychosocial environments in infancy and childhood play important roles in shaping inflammatory phenotypes and their contributions to diseases of aging. A comparative, developmental, and ecological approach has the potential to generate novel insights into the regulation of inflammation and how it relates to human health over the life course.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas W. McDade
- Department of Anthropology, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL60208
- Institute for Policy Research, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL60208
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5
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Glinin TS, Petrova MV, Shcherbinina V, Shubina AN, Dukelskaya AV, Starshova PV, Mamontova V, Burnusuz A, Godunova AO, Romashchenko AV, Moshkin MP, Khaitovich P, Daev EV. Pheromone of grouped female mice impairs genome stability in male mice through stress-mediated pathways. Sci Rep 2023; 13:17622. [PMID: 37848549 PMCID: PMC10582102 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-44647-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Population density is known to affect the health and survival of many species, and is especially important for social animals. In mice, living in crowded conditions results in the disruption of social interactions, chronic stress, and immune and reproductive suppression; however, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Here, we investigated the role of chemosignals in the regulation of mouse physiology and behavior in response to social crowding. The pheromone 2,5-dimethylpyrazine (2,5-DMP), which is released by female mice in crowded conditions, induced aversion, glucocorticoid elevation and, when chronic, resulted in reproductive and immune suppression. 2,5-DMP olfaction induced genome destabilization in bone marrow cells in a stress-dependent manner, providing a plausible mechanism for crowding-induced immune dysfunction. Interestingly, the genome-destabilizing effect of 2,5-DMP was comparable to a potent mouse stressor (immobilization), and both stressors led to correlated expression changes in genes regulating cellular stress response. Thus, our findings demonstrate that, in mice, the health effects of crowding may be explained at least in part by chemosignals and also propose a significant role of stress and genome destabilization in the emergence of crowding effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timofey S Glinin
- Department of Genetics and Biotechnology, Saint-Petersburg State University, Universitetskaya Emb., 7-9, Saint Petersburg, Russia, 199034.
- Open Longevity, 15260 Ventura Blvd, STE 2230, Sherman Oaks, CA, 91403, USA.
- Endocrine Neoplasia Laboratory, Department of Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA.
| | - Marina V Petrova
- Department of Genetics and Biotechnology, Saint-Petersburg State University, Universitetskaya Emb., 7-9, Saint Petersburg, Russia, 199034
- Center of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology, Bolshoy Blv. 30, Moscow, Russia, 121205
| | - Veronika Shcherbinina
- Department of Genetics and Biotechnology, Saint-Petersburg State University, Universitetskaya Emb., 7-9, Saint Petersburg, Russia, 199034
- Laboratory of Higher Nervous Activity Genetics, Pavlov Institute of Physiology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Makarova Emb. 6, Saint Petersburg, Russia, 199034
| | - Anastasia N Shubina
- Department of Genetics and Biotechnology, Saint-Petersburg State University, Universitetskaya Emb., 7-9, Saint Petersburg, Russia, 199034
- Open Longevity, 15260 Ventura Blvd, STE 2230, Sherman Oaks, CA, 91403, USA
| | - Anna V Dukelskaya
- Department of Genetics and Biotechnology, Saint-Petersburg State University, Universitetskaya Emb., 7-9, Saint Petersburg, Russia, 199034
| | - Polina V Starshova
- Department of Genetics and Biotechnology, Saint-Petersburg State University, Universitetskaya Emb., 7-9, Saint Petersburg, Russia, 199034
| | - Victoria Mamontova
- Department of Genetics and Biotechnology, Saint-Petersburg State University, Universitetskaya Emb., 7-9, Saint Petersburg, Russia, 199034
- Mildred Scheel Early Career Center for Cancer Research (Mildred-Scheel-Nachwuchszentrum, MSNZ), University Hospital Würzburg, Josef-Schneider Str. 2, 97080, Würzburg, Germany
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biocenter of the University of Würzburg, Am Hubland, 97074, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Alexandra Burnusuz
- Department of Genetics and Biotechnology, Saint-Petersburg State University, Universitetskaya Emb., 7-9, Saint Petersburg, Russia, 199034
| | - Alena O Godunova
- The Federal Research Center Institute of Cytology and Genetics, SB RAS, Academician Lavrentiev Avenue, 10, Novosibirsk, Russia, 630090
| | - Alexander V Romashchenko
- The Federal Research Center Institute of Cytology and Genetics, SB RAS, Academician Lavrentiev Avenue, 10, Novosibirsk, Russia, 630090
- International Tomography Center, Institutskaya St., 3A, Novosibirsk, Russia, 630090
- Federal Research Centre of Biological Systems and Agrotechnologies, RAS, St. January 9, 29, Orenburg, Russia, 460000
| | - Mikhail P Moshkin
- The Federal Research Center Institute of Cytology and Genetics, SB RAS, Academician Lavrentiev Avenue, 10, Novosibirsk, Russia, 630090
| | - Philipp Khaitovich
- Center for Neurobiology and Brain Restoration, Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology, 3 Nobelya St., Moscow, Russia, 121205
| | - Eugene V Daev
- Department of Genetics and Biotechnology, Saint-Petersburg State University, Universitetskaya Emb., 7-9, Saint Petersburg, Russia, 199034
- Laboratory of Higher Nervous Activity Genetics, Pavlov Institute of Physiology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Makarova Emb. 6, Saint Petersburg, Russia, 199034
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Chen J, Long MD, Sribenja S, Ma SJ, Yan L, Hu Q, Liu S, Khoury T, Hong CC, Bandera E, Singh AK, Repasky EA, Bouchard EG, Higgins M, Ambrosone CB, Yao S. An epigenome-wide analysis of socioeconomic position and tumor DNA methylation in breast cancer patients. Clin Epigenetics 2023; 15:68. [PMID: 37101222 PMCID: PMC10131486 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-023-01470-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 04/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Disadvantaged socioeconomic position (SEP), including lower educational attainment and household income, may influence cancer risk and outcomes. We hypothesized that DNA methylation could function as an intermediary epigenetic mechanism that internalizes and reflects the biological impact of SEP. METHODS Based on tumor DNA methylation data from the Illumina 450 K array from 694 breast cancer patients in the Women's Circle of Health Study, we conducted an epigenome-wide analysis in relation to educational attainment and household income. Functional impact of the identified CpG sites was explored in silico using data from publicly available databases. RESULTS We identified 25 CpG sites associated with household income at an array-wide significance level, but none with educational attainment. Two of the top CpG sites, cg00452016 and cg01667837, were in promoter regions of NNT and GPR37, respectively, with multiple epigenetic regulatory features identified in each region. NNT is involved in β-adrenergic stress signaling and inflammatory responses, whereas GPR37 is involved in neurological and immune responses. For both loci, gene expression was inversely correlated to the levels of DNA methylation. The associations were consistent between Black and White women and did not differ by tumor estrogen receptor (ER) status. CONCLUSIONS In a large breast cancer patient population, we discovered evidence of the significant biological impact of household income on the tumor DNA methylome, including genes in the β-adrenergic stress and immune response pathways. Our findings support biological effects of socioeconomic status on tumor tissues, which might be relevant to cancer development and progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianhong Chen
- Department of Cancer Prevention and Control, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, 14263, USA
| | - Mark D Long
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Sirinapa Sribenja
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Sung Jun Ma
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Li Yan
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Qiang Hu
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Song Liu
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Thaer Khoury
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Chi-Chen Hong
- Department of Cancer Prevention and Control, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, 14263, USA
| | - Elisa Bandera
- Cancer Prevention and Control Program, Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - Anurag K Singh
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Elizabeth A Repasky
- Department of Immunology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Elizabeth G Bouchard
- Department of Cancer Prevention and Control, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, 14263, USA
| | - Michael Higgins
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Christine B Ambrosone
- Department of Cancer Prevention and Control, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, 14263, USA
| | - Song Yao
- Department of Cancer Prevention and Control, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, 14263, USA.
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7
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Rohr JC, Bourassa KA, Thompson DS, Fowler JC, Frueh BC, Weinstein BL, Petrosino J, Madan A. History of childhood physical abuse is associated with gut microbiota diversity among adult psychiatric inpatients. J Affect Disord 2023; 331:50-56. [PMID: 36933668 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2023.03.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Revised: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/11/2023] [Indexed: 03/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Traumatic life events are associated with the development of psychiatric and chronic medical illnesses. This exploratory study examined the relationship between traumatic life events and the gut microbiota among adult psychiatric inpatients. METHODS 105 adult psychiatric inpatients provided clinical data and a single fecal sample shortly after admission. A modified version of the Stressful Life Events Screening Questionnaire was used to quantify history of traumatic life events. 16S rRNA gene sequencing was used to analyze the gut microbial community. RESULTS Gut microbiota diversity was not associated with overall trauma score or any of the three trauma factor scores. Upon item-level analysis, history of childhood physical abuse was uniquely associated with beta diversity. Linear Discriminant Analysis Effect Size (LefSe) analyses revealed that childhood physical abuse was associated with abundance of distinct bacterial taxa associated with inflammation. LIMITATIONS This study did not account for dietary differences, though diet was highly restricted as all participants were psychiatric inpatients. Absolute variance accounted for by the taxa was small though practically meaningful. The study was not powered for full subgroup analysis based on race and ethnicity. CONCLUSIONS This study is among the first to demonstrate a relationship between childhood physical abuse and gut microbiota composition among adult psychiatric patients. These findings suggest that early childhood adverse events may have long-conferred systemic consequences. Future efforts may target the gut microbiota for the prevention and/or treatment of psychiatric and medical risk associated with traumatic life events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica C Rohr
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Health, Houston Methodist, Houston, TX, USA.
| | - Katelynn A Bourassa
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Health, Houston Methodist, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Dominique S Thompson
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Health, Houston Methodist, Houston, TX, USA; Department of Molecular Virology & Microbiology, Alkek Center for Metagenomics and Microbiome Research, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - J Christopher Fowler
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Health, Houston Methodist, Houston, TX, USA; Houston Methodist Academic Institute, Houston, TX, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Benjamin L Weinstein
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Health, Houston Methodist, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Joseph Petrosino
- Department of Molecular Virology & Microbiology, Alkek Center for Metagenomics and Microbiome Research, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Alok Madan
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Health, Houston Methodist, Houston, TX, USA; Houston Methodist Academic Institute, Houston, TX, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA
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8
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Rajaprakash M, Dean LT, Palmore M, Johnson SB, Kaufman J, Fallin DM, Ladd-Acosta C. DNA methylation signatures as biomarkers of socioeconomic position. ENVIRONMENTAL EPIGENETICS 2022; 9:dvac027. [PMID: 36694711 PMCID: PMC9869656 DOI: 10.1093/eep/dvac027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2022] [Revised: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
This review article provides a framework for the use of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) methylation (DNAm) biomarkers to study the biological embedding of socioeconomic position (SEP) and summarizes the latest developments in the area. It presents the emerging literature showing associations between individual- and neighborhood-level SEP exposures and DNAm across the life course. In contrast to questionnaire-based methods of assessing SEP, we suggest that DNAm biomarkers may offer an accessible metric to study questions about SEP and health outcomes, acting as a personal dosimeter of exposure. However, further work remains in standardizing SEP measures across studies and evaluating consistency across domains, tissue types, and time periods. Meta-analyses of epigenetic associations with SEP are offered as one approach to confirm the replication of DNAm loci across studies. The development of DNAm biomarkers of SEP would provide a method for examining its impact on health outcomes in a more robust way, increasing the rigor of epidemiological studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meghna Rajaprakash
- Department of Neurology and Developmental Medicine, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Lorraine T Dean
- Department of Psychiatry, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Meredith Palmore
- Department of Psychiatry, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Sara B Johnson
- Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Department of Population, Family and Reproductive Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Joan Kaufman
- Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Daniele M Fallin
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Wendy Klag Center for Autism and Developmental Disabilities, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Christine Ladd-Acosta
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Wendy Klag Center for Autism and Developmental Disabilities, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
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9
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Urlacher SS, Kim EY, Luan T, Young LJ, Adjetey B. Minimally invasive biomarkers in human and non-human primate evolutionary biology: Tools for understanding variation and adaptation. Am J Hum Biol 2022; 34:e23811. [PMID: 36205445 PMCID: PMC9787651 DOI: 10.1002/ajhb.23811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Revised: 08/21/2022] [Accepted: 09/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The use of minimally invasive biomarkers (MIBs - physiological biomarkers obtained from minimally invasive sample types) has expanded rapidly in science and medicine over the past several decades. The MIB approach is a methodological strength in the field of human and non-human primate evolutionary biology (HEB). Among humans and our closest relatives, MIBs provide unique opportunities to document phenotypic variation and to operationalize evolutionary hypotheses. AIMS This paper overviews the use of MIBs in HEB. Our objectives are to (1) highlight key research topics which successfully implement MIBs, (2) identify promising yet under-investigated areas of MIB application, and (3) discuss current challenges in MIB research, with suggestions for advancing the field. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS A range of MIBs are used to investigate focal topics in HEB, including energetics and life history variation/evolution, developmental plasticity, and social status and dominance relationships. Nonetheless, we identify gaps in existing MIB research on traits such as physical growth and gut function that are central to the field. Several challenges remain for HEB research using MIBs, including the need for additional biomarkers and methods of assessment, robust validations, and approaches that are standardized across labs and research groups. Importantly, researchers must provide better support for adaptation and fitness effects in hypothesis testing (e.g., by obtaining complementary measures of energy expenditure, demonstrating redundancy of function, and performing lifetime/longitudinal analyses). We point to continued progress in the use of MIBs in HEB to better understand the past, present, and future of humans and our closest primate relatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel S. Urlacher
- Department of AnthropologyBaylor UniversityWacoTexasUSA
- Human Evolutionary Biology and Health LabBaylor UniversityWacoTexasUSA
- Child and Brain Development ProgramCIFARTorontoOntarioCanada
| | - Elizabeth Y. Kim
- Human Evolutionary Biology and Health LabBaylor UniversityWacoTexasUSA
- Department of BiologyBaylor UniversityWacoTexasUSA
| | - Tiffany Luan
- Human Evolutionary Biology and Health LabBaylor UniversityWacoTexasUSA
| | - Lauren J. Young
- Human Evolutionary Biology and Health LabBaylor UniversityWacoTexasUSA
| | - Brian Adjetey
- Human Evolutionary Biology and Health LabBaylor UniversityWacoTexasUSA
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10
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The Mutagenic Consequences of DNA Methylation within and across Generations. EPIGENOMES 2022; 6:epigenomes6040033. [PMID: 36278679 PMCID: PMC9624357 DOI: 10.3390/epigenomes6040033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2022] [Revised: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
DNA methylation is an epigenetic modification with wide-ranging consequences across the life of an organism. This modification can be stable, persisting through development despite changing environmental conditions. However, in other contexts, DNA methylation can also be flexible, underlying organismal phenotypic plasticity. One underappreciated aspect of DNA methylation is that it is a potent mutagen; methylated cytosines mutate at a much faster rate than other genetic motifs. This mutagenic property of DNA methylation has been largely ignored in eco-evolutionary literature, despite its prevalence. Here, we explore how DNA methylation induced by environmental and other factors could promote mutation and lead to evolutionary change at a more rapid rate and in a more directed manner than through stochastic genetic mutations alone. We argue for future research on the evolutionary implications of DNA methylation driven mutations both within the lifetime of organisms, as well as across timescales.
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11
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Cao X, Ma C, Zheng Z, He L, Hao M, Chen X, Crimmins EM, Gill TM, Levine ME, Liu Z. Contribution of life course circumstances to the acceleration of phenotypic and functional aging: A retrospective study. EClinicalMedicine 2022; 51:101548. [PMID: 35844770 PMCID: PMC9284373 DOI: 10.1016/j.eclinm.2022.101548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Revised: 05/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 10/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Accelerated aging leads to increasing burdens of chronic diseases in late life, posing a huge challenge to the society. With two well-developed aging measures (i.e., physiological dysregulation [PD] and frailty index [FI]), this study aimed to evaluate the relative contributions of life course circumstances (e.g., childhood and adulthood socioeconomic status) to variance in aging. METHODS We assembled data for 6224 middle-aged and older adults in China from the 2014 life course survey (June to December 2014), the 2015 biomarker collection (July 2015 to January 2016), and the 2015 main survey (July 2015 to January 2016) of the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study. Two aging measures (PD and FI) were calculated, with a higher value indicating more accelerated aging. Life course circumstances included childhood (i.e., socioeconomic status, war, health, trauma, relationship, and parents' health) and adulthood circumstances (i.e., socioeconomic status, adversity, and social support), demographics, and behaviours. The Shapley value decomposition, hierarchical clustering, and general linear regression models were performed. FINDINGS The Shapley value decomposition revealed that all included life course circumstances accounted for about 6·3% and 29·7% of variance in PD and FI, respectively. We identified six subpopulations who shared similar patterns in terms of childhood and adulthood circumstances. The most disadvantaged subpopulation (i.e., subpopulation 6 [more childhood trauma and adulthood adversity]) consistently exhibited accelerated aging indicated by the two aging measures. Relative to the most advantaged subpopulation (i.e., subpopulation 1 [less childhood trauma and adulthood adversity]), PD and FI in the most disadvantaged subpopulation were increased by an average of 0·14 (i.e., coefficient, by one-standard deviation, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0·06-0·21; p < 0·0001) and 0·10 (by one-point, 95% CI 0·09-0·11; p < 0·0001), respectively. INTERPRETATION Our findings highlight the different contributions of life course circumstances to phenotypic and functional aging. Special attention should be given to promoting health for the disadvantaged subpopulation and narrowing their health gap with advantaged counterparts. FUNDING National Natural Science Foundation of China, Milstein Medical Asian American Partnership Foundation, Natural Science Foundation of Zhejiang Province, Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities, National Institute on Aging, National Centre for Advancing Translational Sciences, and Yale Alzheimer's Disease Research Centre.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingqi Cao
- School of Public Health and the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, The Key Laboratory of Intelligent Preventive Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou 310058, Zhejiang, China
| | - Chao Ma
- School of Economics and Management, Southeast University, Nanjing 211189, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zhoutao Zheng
- School of Public Health and the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, The Key Laboratory of Intelligent Preventive Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou 310058, Zhejiang, China
| | - Liu He
- School of Public Health and the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, The Key Laboratory of Intelligent Preventive Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou 310058, Zhejiang, China
| | - Meng Hao
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Contemporary Anthropology, Department of Anthropology and Human Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Xi Chen
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
- Department of Economics, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Eileen M. Crimmins
- Davis School of Gerontology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | - Thomas M. Gill
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Morgan E. Levine
- Department of Pathology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Zuyun Liu
- School of Public Health and the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, The Key Laboratory of Intelligent Preventive Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou 310058, Zhejiang, China
- Corresponding author at: School of Public Health and the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, The Key Laboratory of Intelligent Preventive Medicine of Zhejiang Province, 866 Yuhangtang Rd, Hangzhou, 310058, Zhejiang, China.
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Simanek AM, Manansala R, Woo JMP, Meier HCS, Needham BL, Auer PL. Prenatal Socioeconomic Disadvantage and Epigenetic Alterations at Birth Among Children Born to White British and Pakistani Mothers in the Born in Bradford Study. Epigenetics 2022; 17:1976-1990. [PMID: 35837690 DOI: 10.1080/15592294.2022.2098569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Prenatal socioeconomic disadvantage (SD) has been linked to DNA methylation (DNAm) in adulthood, but whether such epigenetic alterations are present at birth remains unclear. We carried out an epigenome-wide analysis of the association between several measures of individual- and area-level prenatal SD and DNAm assessed in neonatal cord blood via the Infinium EpicBeadChip among offspring born to mothers of White British (N = 455) and Pakistani (N = 493) origin in the Born in Bradford Study. Models were adjusted for mother's age, ethnicity, and education level as well as cell-type fractions and then for maternal health behaviours and neonate characteristics, and last, stratified by mother's ethnicity. P-values were corrected for multiple testing and a permutation-based approach was used to account for small cell sizes. Among all children, housing tenure (owning versus renting) as well as father's occupation (manual versus non-manual) were each associated with DNAm of one CpG site and index of multiple deprivation (IMD) was associated with DNAm of 11 CpG sites. Among children born to White British mothers, father's occupation (student or unemployed versus non-manual) was associated with DNAm of 1 CpG site and IMD with DNAm of 3 CpG sites. Among children born to Pakistani mothers, IMD was associated with DNAm of 1 CpG site. Associations were largely unchanged after further adjustment for maternal health behaviours or neonate characteristics and remained statistically significant. Our findings suggest that individual- and area-level prenatal SD may shape alterations to the neonatal epigenome, but associations vary across ethnic groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda M Simanek
- University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Joseph J. Zilber School of Public Health, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Regina Manansala
- Centre for Health Economics Research & Modelling Infectious Diseases (CHERMID), Vaccine & Infectious Disease Institute (VAXINFECTIO) WHO Collaborating Centre, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Jennifer M P Woo
- University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Joseph J. Zilber School of Public Health, Milwaukee, WI, USA.,Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Helen C S Meier
- Survey Research Center, Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Belinda L Needham
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Michigan-School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Paul L Auer
- Division of Biostatistics and Cancer Center, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
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13
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Mrug S, Barker-Kamps M, Orihuela CA, Patki A, Tiwari HK. Childhood Neighborhood Disadvantage, Parenting, and Adult Health. Am J Prev Med 2022; 63:S28-S36. [PMID: 35725138 PMCID: PMC9219037 DOI: 10.1016/j.amepre.2022.01.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2021] [Revised: 01/04/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Growing up in disadvantaged neighborhoods is associated with poor adult health indicators. Consistent and supportive parenting plays a key role in life-long health, but it is not known whether positive parenting can mitigate the relationship between neighborhood adversity and poor health. This study examines parenting as a moderator of the links between childhood neighborhood characteristics and adult health indicators. METHODS A sample of 305 individuals (61% female; 82% African American, 18% Caucasian) were assessed in childhood (T1; age 11 years; 2003‒2004) and adulthood (T2; age 27 years; 2018‒2021). At T1, neighborhood poverty was derived from census data; neighborhood disorder was reported by parents. Children reported on parental harsh discipline, inconsistent discipline, and parental nurturance. At T2, health outcomes included BMI, serum cortisol and C-reactive protein (CRP), and salivary DNA methylation index related to CRP. Regression models predicted T2 health outcomes from T1 neighborhood and parenting variables and their interactions, adjusting for clustering and confounders. Data were analyzed in 2021. RESULTS Neighborhood poverty was associated with lower cortisol, whereas neighborhood disorder was linked with CRP‒related DNA methylation. Multiple interactions between neighborhood and parenting variables emerged, indicating that adverse neighborhood conditions were only related to poor adult health when combined with inconsistent discipline and low parental nurturance. By contrast, warm and supportive parenting, consistent discipline, and to a lesser extent harsh discipline buffered children from poor health outcomes associated with neighborhood disadvantage. CONCLUSIONS Interventions enhancing consistent and nurturing parenting may help to reduce the long-term associations of neighborhood disadvantage with poor health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylvie Mrug
- Department of Psychology, College of Arts and Sciences, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama.
| | - Malcolm Barker-Kamps
- Department of Psychology, College of Arts and Sciences, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Catheryn A Orihuela
- Department of Psychology, College of Arts and Sciences, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Amit Patki
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Hemant K Tiwari
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
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14
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Martin CL, Ghastine L, Lodge EK, Dhingra R, Ward-Caviness CK. Understanding Health Inequalities Through the Lens of Social Epigenetics. Annu Rev Public Health 2022; 43:235-254. [PMID: 35380065 PMCID: PMC9584166 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-publhealth-052020-105613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
Longstanding racial/ethnic inequalities in morbidity and mortality persist in the United States. Although the determinants of health inequalities are complex, social and structural factors produced by inequitable and racialized systems are recognized as contributing sources. Social epigenetics is an emerging area of research that aims to uncover biological pathways through which social experiences affect health outcomes. A growing body of literature links adverse social exposures to epigenetic mechanisms, namely DNA methylation, offering a plausible pathway through which health inequalities may arise. This review provides an overview of social epigenetics and highlights existing literature linking social exposures—i.e., psychosocial stressors, racism, discrimination, socioeconomic position, and neighborhood social environment—to DNA methylation in humans.We conclude with a discussion of social epigenetics as a mechanistic link to health inequalities and provide suggestions for future social epigenetics research on health inequalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chantel L Martin
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; .,Carolina Population Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Lea Ghastine
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA;
| | - Evans K Lodge
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; .,Carolina Population Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA.,School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Radhika Dhingra
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA.,Institute of Environmental Health Solutions, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Cavin K Ward-Caviness
- Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment, US Environmental Protection Agency, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
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15
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Zhang Y, Liu C. Evaluating the challenges and reproducibility of studies investigating DNA methylation signatures of psychological stress. Epigenomics 2022; 14:405-421. [PMID: 35170363 PMCID: PMC8978984 DOI: 10.2217/epi-2021-0190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Psychological stress can increase the risk of a wide range of negative health outcomes. Studies have been completed to determine if DNA methylation changes occur in the human brain because of stress and are associated with long-term effects and disease, but results have been inconsistent. Human candidate gene studies (150) and epigenome-wide association studies (67) were systematically evaluated to assess how DNA methylation is impacted by stress during the prenatal period, early childhood and adulthood. The association between DNA methylation of NR3C1 exon 1F and child maltreatment and early life adversity was well demonstrated, but other genes did not exhibit a clear association. The reproducibility of individual CpG sites in epigenome-wide association studies was also poor. However, biological pathways, including stress response, brain development and immunity, have been consistently identified across different stressors throughout the life span. Future studies would benefit from the increased sample size, longitudinal design, standardized methodology, optimal quality control, and improved statistical procedures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Zhang
- Medical Department, Northwest Minzu University, Lanzhou, Gansu, 730000, China
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Ecology and Population Health in Northwest Minority Areas, Northwest Minzu University, Lanzhou, Gansu, 730000, China
| | - Chunyu Liu
- Center for Medical Genetics and Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410078, China
- Department of Psychiatry, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY 13210, USA
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16
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Işik M, Kirli U. The mediating effect of attachment insecurity on circadian consequences of childhood trauma. Chronobiol Int 2022; 39:936-947. [PMID: 35300548 DOI: 10.1080/07420528.2022.2050385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Circadian preferences have been associated with mental health as well as social and physical health in recent years. However, factors associated with circadian preferences have not been fully elucidated. The main aim of this study is to investigate the associations of childhood trauma and attachment styles with circadian preferences. A total of 673 participants were evaluated using the Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire (MEQ), the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire 28 (CTQ-28), and the Experiences in Close Relationships-Revised (ECR-R) questionnaire. The results indicated that 14.9% (n = 100) of the participants were morning type, 20.6% (n = 139) were evening type, and 64.5% (n = 434) were intermediate type. Both childhood trauma and attachment-related anxiety/avoidance scores were associated with being evening type (p < .01). Moreover, attachment-related anxiety and avoidance fully mediated the association between childhood trauma and circadian preferences. The present study showed that attachment styles might be associated with circadian preferences. Further studies are needed to replicate these results and to infer explanatory mechanisms for these cross-sectional associations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mesut Işik
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, Van Yuzuncu Yil University, Van, Turkey
| | - Umut Kirli
- Department of Drug Abuse, Ege University, Institute on Drug Abuse, Toxicology and Pharmaceutical Science, Izmir, Turkey
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17
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Ryan CP, Jones MJ, Edgar RD, Lee NR, Kobor MS, McDade TW, Kuzawa CW. Immune cell type and DNA methylation vary with reproductive status in women: possible pathways for costs of reproduction. Evol Med Public Health 2022; 10:47-58. [PMID: 35169479 PMCID: PMC8841013 DOI: 10.1093/emph/eoac003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Consistent with evolutionarily theorized costs of reproduction (CoR), reproductive history in women is associated with life expectancy and susceptibility to certain cancers, autoimmune disorders and metabolic disease. Immunological changes originating during reproduction may help explain some of these relationships. Methodology To explore the potential role of the immune system in female CoR, we characterized leukocyte composition and regulatory processes using DNA methylation (DNAm) in a cross-sectional cohort of young (20–22 years old) women differing in reproductive status. Results Compared to nulliparity, pregnancy was characterized by differential methylation at 828 sites, 96% of which were hypomethylated and enriched for genes associated with T-cell activation, innate immunity, pre-eclampsia and neoplasia. Breastfeeding was associated with differential methylation at 1107 sites (71% hypermethylated), enriched for genes involved in metabolism, immune self-recognition and neurogenesis. There were no significant differences in DNAm between nulliparous and parous women. However, compared to nullipara, pregnant women had lower proportions of B, CD4T, CD8T and natural killer (NK) cells, and higher proportions of granulocytes and monocytes. Monocyte counts were lower and NK counts higher among breastfeeding women, and remained so among parous women. Implications Our findings point to widespread differences in DNAm during pregnancy and lactation. These effects appear largely transient, but may accumulate with gravidity become detectable as women age. Nulliparous and parous women differed in leukocyte composition, consistent with more persistent effects of reproduction on cell type. These findings support transient (leukocyte DNAm) and persistent (cell composition) changes associated with reproduction in women, illuminating potential pathways contributing to CoR. Lay Summary: Evolutionary theory and epidemiology support costs of reproduction (CoR) to women’s health that may involve changes in immune function. We report differences in immune cell composition and gene regulation during pregnancy and breastfeeding. While many of these differences appear transient, immune cell composition may remain, suggesting mechanisms for female CoR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Calen P Ryan
- Department of Anthropology, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
| | - Meaghan J Jones
- Department of Biochemistry and Medical Genetics, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0J9, Canada.,Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0J9, Canada
| | | | - Nanette R Lee
- University of San Carlos Office of Population Studies Foundation Inc., Cebu City 6000, Philippines
| | - Michael S Kobor
- BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V5Z 4H4, Canada.,Child and Brain Development Program, Canadian Institute for Advanced Research, Toronto, ON M5G 1Z8, Canada
| | - Thomas W McDade
- Department of Anthropology, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA.,Child and Brain Development Program, Canadian Institute for Advanced Research, Toronto, ON M5G 1Z8, Canada.,Institute for Policy Research, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
| | - Christopher W Kuzawa
- Department of Anthropology, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA.,Institute for Policy Research, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
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18
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Li L, Zhang H, Holloway JW, Ewart S, Relton CL, Arshad SH, Karmaus W. Does DNA methylation mediate the association of age at puberty with FVC or FEV1? ERJ Open Res 2022; 8:00476-2021. [PMID: 35237685 PMCID: PMC8883177 DOI: 10.1183/23120541.00476-2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2021] [Accepted: 12/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Age of pubertal onset is associated with lung function in adulthood. However, the underlying role of epigenetics as a mediator of this association remains unknown. Methods DNA methylation (DNAm) in peripheral blood was measured at age 18 years in the Isle of Wight birth cohort (IOWBC) along with data on age of pubertal events, forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) at 26 years. Structural equation models were applied to examine mediation effects of DNAm on the association of age at pubertal events with FVC and FEV1. Findings were further tested in the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC) cohort. Results In the IOWBC, for females, 21 cytosine-phosphate-guanine sites (CpGs) were shown to mediate the association of age at puberty with FVC or FEV1 at 26 years (p<0.05). In males, DNAm at 20 CpGs was found to mediate the association of age at puberty with FVC (p<0.05). At almost all these CpGs, indirect effects (effects of age at pubertal events on FVC or FEV1via DNAm) contributed a smaller portion to the total effects compared to direct effects (e.g. at cg08680129, ∼22% of the estimated total effect of age at menarche on FVC at age 26 was contributed by an indirect effect). Among the IOWBC-discovered CpGs available in ALSPAC, none of them was replicated in ALSPAC (p>0.05). Conclusions Our findings suggest that post-adolescence DNAm in peripheral blood is likely not to mediate the association of age at pubertal onset with young adulthood FVC or FEV1. The association between age at pubertal onset and lung function parameters FVC or FEV1 in young adulthood is not likely to be mediated by DNA methylation in peripheral bloodhttps://bit.ly/31G8hDi
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19
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Begum K, Cooper GD, Akhter N, Nahar P, Kasim A, Bentley GR. Early life, life course and gender influences on levels of C-reactive protein among migrant Bangladeshis in the UK. Evol Med Public Health 2022; 10:21-35. [PMID: 35035976 PMCID: PMC8754477 DOI: 10.1093/emph/eoab041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and objectives Humans co-evolved with pathogens, especially helminths, that educate the immune system during development and lower inflammatory responses. The absence of such stimuli in industrialized countries is associated with higher baseline levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) among adults who appear at greater risk for inflammatory disorders. This cross-sectional study examined effects of early life development on salivary CRP levels in 452 British-Bangladeshis who spent varying periods growing up in Bangladesh or UK. We also analyzed how gender and central obesity modulate effects on CRP. We hypothesized that: (i) first-generation Bangladeshis with higher childhood exposure to pathogens would have chronically lower CRP levels than second-generation British-Bangladeshis; (ii) effects would be greater with early childhoods in Bangladesh; (iii) effects by gender would differ; and (iv) increasing obesity would mitigate early life effects. Methodology Saliva samples were assayed for CRP using ELISAs, and anthropometric data collected. Participants completed questionnaires about demographic, socioeconomic, lifestyle and health histories. Data were analyzed using multiple linear regression. Results First-generation migrants who spent early childhoods in mostly rural, unhygienic areas, and moved to UK after age 8, had lower salivary CRP compared to the second-generation. Effects differed by gender, while waist circumference predicted higher CRP levels. CRP increased with years in UK, alongside growing obesity. Conclusions and implications Our study supports the hypothesis that pathogen exposure in early life lowers inflammatory responses in adults. However, protective effects differed by gender and can be eroded by growing obesity across the life course which elevates risks for other inflammatory disorders. Lay Summary: Migrants to the UK who spent early childhoods in less hygienic environments in Bangladesh that help to educate their immune systems had lower levels of the inflammatory marker, C-reactive protein (CRP) compared to migrants who grew up in UK. Both gender and increasing obesity were associated with increased levels of CRP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khurshida Begum
- Department of Anthropology, Durham University, Dawson Building, South Road, Durham DH1 3LE, UK
| | - Gillian D Cooper
- Department of Anthropology, Durham University, Dawson Building, South Road, Durham DH1 3LE, UK
| | - Nasima Akhter
- Department of Anthropology, Durham University, Dawson Building, South Road, Durham DH1 3LE, UK
| | - Papreen Nahar
- Department of Anthropology, Durham University, Dawson Building, South Road, Durham DH1 3LE, UK
- Department of Global Health and Infection, University of Sussex, BSMS Teaching Building, Brighton BN1 9PX, East Sussex, UK
| | - Adetayo Kasim
- Department of Anthropology, Durham University, Dawson Building, South Road, Durham DH1 3LE, UK
- Durham Research Methods Centre, Faculty of Social Sciences & Health, Durham University, Arthur Holmes Building, Durham DH1 3LE, UK
- UCB Pharmaceuticals, 216 Bath Road, Slough SL1 3WE, UK
| | - Gillian R Bentley
- Department of Anthropology, Durham University, Dawson Building, South Road, Durham DH1 3LE, UK
- Corresponding author. Department of Anthropology, Durham University, Dawson Building, South Road, Durham DH1 3LE, UK. Tel: 011 44 191 334 1114; E-mail:
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20
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Anisman H, Kusnecov AW. Stress, immunity, and cancer. Cancer 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-323-91904-3.00017-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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21
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Schrempft S, Belsky DW, Draganski B, Kliegel M, Vollenweider P, Marques-Vidal P, Preisig M, Stringhini S. Associations between life course socioeconomic conditions and the Pace of Aging. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci 2021; 77:2257-2264. [PMID: 34951641 DOI: 10.1093/gerona/glab383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Socioeconomic disadvantage is a well-established predictor of morbidity and mortality, and is thought to accelerate the aging process. This study examined associations between life course socioeconomic conditions and the Pace of Aging, a longitudinal measure of age-related physiological decline. METHODS Data were drawn from a Swiss population-based cohort of individuals originally recruited between 2003 and 2006, and followed up for 11 years (2834 women, 2475 men aged 35 - 75 years (mean 52)). Pace of Aging was measured using three repeated assessments of 12 biomarkers reflecting multiple body systems. Analysis tested associations of socioeconomic conditions with physiological status at baseline and with the Pace of Aging. RESULTS Participants with more life course socioeconomic disadvantage were physiologically older at baseline and experienced faster Pace of Aging. Effect-sizes (β) for associations of childhood socioeconomic disadvantage with baseline physiological status ranged from 0.1-0.2; for adulthood socioeconomic disadvantage, effect-sizes ranged from 0.2-0.3. Effect-sizes were smaller for associations with the Pace of Aging (< 0.05 for childhood disadvantage, 0.05-0.1 for adulthood disadvantage). Those who experienced disadvantaged socioeconomic conditions from childhood to adulthood aged 10% faster over the 11 years of follow-up as compared with those who experienced consistently advantaged socioeconomic conditions. Covariate adjustment for health behaviors attenuated associations, but most remained statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS Socioeconomic inequalities contribute to a faster Pace of Aging, partly through differences in health behaviors. Intervention to slow aging in at risk individuals is needed by midlife, before aetiology of aging-related diseases become established.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Schrempft
- Division of Primary Care, Unit of Population Epidemiology, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Daniel W Belsky
- Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health.,Robert N. Butler Columbia Aging Center, Columbia University, New York
| | - Bogdan Draganski
- Laboratory for Research in Neuroimaging LREN, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland.,Neurology Department, Max-Planck-Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Matthias Kliegel
- Swiss National Centre of Competences in Research, "LIVES - Overcoming Vulnerability: Life Course Perspectives," University of Geneva, Switzerland.,Center for the Interdisciplinary Study of Gerontology and Vulnerability, University of Geneva, Switzerland.,Department of Psychology, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Peter Vollenweider
- Department of Medicine, Internal Medicine, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Pedro Marques-Vidal
- Department of Medicine, Internal Medicine, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Martin Preisig
- Department of Psychiatry, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Silvia Stringhini
- Division of Primary Care, Unit of Population Epidemiology, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland.,Department of Health and Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.,University Centre for General Medicine and Public Health, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
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22
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Cerutti J, Lussier AA, Zhu Y, Liu J, Dunn EC. Associations between indicators of socioeconomic position and DNA methylation: a scoping review. Clin Epigenetics 2021; 13:221. [PMID: 34906220 PMCID: PMC8672601 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-021-01189-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2021] [Accepted: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Socioeconomic position (SEP) is a major determinant of health across the life course. Yet, little is known about the biological mechanisms explaining this relationship. One possibility widely pursued in the scientific literature is that SEP becomes biologically embedded through epigenetic processes such as DNA methylation (DNAm), wherein the socioeconomic environment causes no alteration in the DNA sequence but modifies gene activity in ways that shape health. METHODS To understand the evidence supporting a potential SEP-DNAm link, we performed a scoping review of published empirical findings on the association between SEP assessed from prenatal development to adulthood and DNAm measured across the life course, with an emphasis on exploring how the developmental timing, duration, and type of SEP exposure influenced DNAm. RESULTS Across the 37 identified studies, we found that: (1) SEP-related DNAm signatures varied across the timing, duration, and type of SEP indicator; (2) however, longitudinal studies examining repeated SEP and DNAm measures are generally lacking; and (3) prior studies are conceptually and methodologically diverse, limiting the interpretability of findings across studies with respect to these three SEP features. CONCLUSIONS Given the complex relationship between SEP and DNAm across the lifespan, these findings underscore the importance of analyzing SEP features, including timing, duration, and type. To guide future research, we highlight additional research gaps and propose four recommendations to further unravel the relationship between SEP and DNAm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janine Cerutti
- Department of Pscyhology, University of Vermont, 2 Colchester Ave, Burlington, VT, USA
- Psychiatric and Neurodevelopmental Genetics Unit, Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, 185 Cambridge Street, Simches Research Building 6th Floor, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Alexandre A Lussier
- Psychiatric and Neurodevelopmental Genetics Unit, Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, 185 Cambridge Street, Simches Research Building 6th Floor, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, The Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Yiwen Zhu
- Psychiatric and Neurodevelopmental Genetics Unit, Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, 185 Cambridge Street, Simches Research Building 6th Floor, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jiaxuan Liu
- Psychiatric and Neurodevelopmental Genetics Unit, Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, 185 Cambridge Street, Simches Research Building 6th Floor, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Erin C Dunn
- Psychiatric and Neurodevelopmental Genetics Unit, Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, 185 Cambridge Street, Simches Research Building 6th Floor, Boston, MA, 02114, USA.
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, The Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA.
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Schrock JM, McDade TW, Carrico AW, D'Aquila RT, Mustanski B. Traumatic events and mental health: The amplifying effects of pre-trauma systemic inflammation. Brain Behav Immun 2021; 98:173-184. [PMID: 34391815 PMCID: PMC8588867 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2021.08.208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2021] [Revised: 08/04/2021] [Accepted: 08/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Traumatic experiences are strongly predictive of adverse mental health outcomes. Experimental studies have demonstrated that systemic inflammation can increase reactivity to threatening stimuli. It is not known whether naturally occurring inflammation amplifies the impact of traumatic experiences on mental health. Here we test whether incident traumatic events are more predictive of adverse mental health outcomes for individuals with greater pre-trauma systemic inflammation in a racially and ethnically diverse cohort study of youth assigned male at birth who identify as sexual or gender minorities (ages 16-29, n = 518), a group at high risk for trauma exposure. METHODS Measures of inflammation, depression symptom severity, and perceived stress were measured at baseline. One year later, depression symptom severity and perceived stress were measured again, and participants reported the traumatic events they had experienced in the intervening year. RESULTS In a model adjusted for baseline depression symptom severity and other key covariates, we found that higher baseline levels of interleukin-1β amplified the effect of incident trauma exposure on depression symptom severity at follow-up (β = 0.234, SE = 0.080, P = 0.004). In a model adjusted for baseline perceived stress and other key covariates, we found that higher baseline scores on a multi-marker inflammatory index amplified the effect of incident trauma exposure on perceived stress at follow-up (β = 0.243, SE = 0.083, P = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that greater pre-trauma inflammation may predict poorer mental health following trauma exposure. Understanding how inflammation interacts with trauma to shape mental health may generate novel insights for preventing and treating the debilitating psychological consequences of trauma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua M Schrock
- Institute for Sexual and Gender Minority Health and Wellbeing, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Thomas W McDade
- Department of Anthropology, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA; Institute for Policy Research, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
| | - Adam W Carrico
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Richard T D'Aquila
- Institute for Sexual and Gender Minority Health and Wellbeing, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA; Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Brian Mustanski
- Institute for Sexual and Gender Minority Health and Wellbeing, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA; Department of Medical Social Sciences, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA.
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24
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Salas LA, Peres LC, Thayer ZM, Smith RWA, Guo Y, Chung W, Si J, Liang L. A transdisciplinary approach to understand the epigenetic basis of race/ethnicity health disparities. Epigenomics 2021; 13:1761-1770. [PMID: 33719520 PMCID: PMC8579937 DOI: 10.2217/epi-2020-0080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2020] [Accepted: 04/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Health disparities correspond to differences in disease burden and mortality among socially defined population groups. Such disparities may emerge according to race/ethnicity, socioeconomic status and a variety of other social contexts, and are documented for a wide range of diseases. Here, we provide a transdisciplinary perspective on the contribution of epigenetics to the understanding of health disparities, with a special emphasis on disparities across socially defined racial/ethnic groups. Scientists in the fields of biological anthropology, bioinformatics and molecular epidemiology provide a summary of theoretical, statistical and practical considerations for conducting epigenetic health disparities research, and provide examples of successful applications from cancer research using this approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas A Salas
- Department of Epidemiology, Geisel School of Medicine, Dartmouth College, Lebanon, NH 03756, USA
| | - Lauren C Peres
- Department of Cancer Epidemiology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
| | - Zaneta M Thayer
- Department of Anthropology, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH 03755, USA
| | - Rick WA Smith
- Department of Anthropology, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH 03755, USA
- The William H. Neukom Institute for Computational Science, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH 03755, USA
| | | | - Wonil Chung
- Department of Statistics & Actuarial Science, Soongsil University, Seoul, 06478, Korea
- Program in Genetic Epidemiology & Statistical Genetics, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Jiahui Si
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Department of Biostatistics & Epidemiology, Peking University School of Public Health, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Liming Liang
- Program in Genetic Epidemiology & Statistical Genetics, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Department of Biostatistics, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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25
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Shields RK, Dudley-Javoroski S. Epigenetics and the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health Model: Bridging Nature, Nurture, and Patient-Centered Population Health. Phys Ther 2021; 102:6413906. [PMID: 34718813 PMCID: PMC9432474 DOI: 10.1093/ptj/pzab247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2021] [Revised: 08/10/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Epigenetic processes enable environmental inputs such as diet, exercise, and health behaviors to reversibly tag DNA with chemical "marks" that increase or decrease the expression of an individual's genetic template. Over time, epigenetic adaptations enable the effects of healthy or unhealthy stresses to become stably expressed in the tissue of an organism, with important consequences for health and disease. New research indicates that seemingly non-biological factors such as social stress, poverty, and childhood hardship initiate epigenetic adaptations in gene pathways that govern inflammation and immunity, two of the greatest contributors to chronic diseases such as diabetes and obesity. Epigenetic processes therefore provide a biological bridge between the genome-an individual's genetic inheritance-and the Social Determinants of Health-the conditions in which they are born, grow, live, work, and age. This Perspective paper argues that physical therapy clinicians, researchers, and educators can use the theoretical framework provided by the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF model) to harmonize new discoveries from both public health research and medically focused genomic research. The ICF model likewise captures the essential role played by physical activity and exercise, which initiate powerful and widespread epigenetic adaptations that promote health and functioning. In this proposed framework, epigenetic processes transduce the effects of the social determinants of health and behaviors such as exercise into stable biological adaptations that affect an individual's daily activities and their participation in social roles. By harmonizing "nature" and "nurture," physical therapists can approach patient care with a more integrated perspective, capitalizing on novel discoveries in precision medicine, rehabilitation science, and in population-level research. As the experts in physical activity and exercise, physical therapists are ideally positioned to drive progress in the new era of patient-centered population health care.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Shauna Dudley-Javoroski
- Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science, Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
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26
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Society to cell: How child poverty gets “Under the Skin” to influence child development and lifelong health. DEVELOPMENTAL REVIEW 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.dr.2021.100983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
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27
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Prescott SL. A world of inflammation: the need for ecological solutions that co-benefit people, place and planet. Vet Dermatol 2021; 32:539-e149. [PMID: 34415086 DOI: 10.1111/vde.13013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2020] [Revised: 05/11/2021] [Accepted: 06/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The ecology of the early environment - including microbial diversity, nutrition, nature, social interactions and the totality of exposures in the wider "exposome" - have life-long implications for all aspects of health and resilience. In particular, the emergence of "microbiome science" provides new evidence for vital relationships between biodiversity and health at every level. New perspectives of ecological interdependence connect personal and planetary health; the human health crisis cannot be separated from the social, political and economic "ecosystems" otherwise driving dysbiosis (from its etymological root, "life in distress") at every level. Adverse changes in macroscale ecology - of food systems, lifestyle behaviours, socioeconomic disadvantage and environmental degradation - all impact the microbial systems sitting at the foundations of all ecosystems. In particular, changes in the function and composition of the human-associated microbiome have been implicated in the mounting global burden of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), exacerbating inflammation and metabolic dysregulation through multiple pathways across the lifespan. This "dysbiotic drift" (adverse shifts in ecology at all scales) underscores the need for ecological approaches aimed at restoring symbiosis, balance and mutualism. While there is promise with supplement-based strategies (e.g. probiotics, prebiotics), it is essential to focus on upstream factors implicated in dysbiosis, including the health of wider environments, lifestyle, nature relatedness, and the social policies and practices which can facilitate or inhibit dysbiotic drift. This also calls for ambitious integrative approaches which not only define these interconnections, but also capitalize on them to create novel, collaborative and mutualistic solutions to our vast interdependent global challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan L Prescott
- The ORIGINS Project, Telethon Kids Institute, Perth Children's Hospital, University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA, 6009, Australia.,InVIVO Planetary Health of the Worldwide Universities Network (WUN), West New York, NJ, 10704, USA.,The NOVA Institute, 1407 Fleet Street, Baltimore, MD, 21231, USA.,Center for Integrative Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA
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28
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Hoskins KF, Calip GS. Racial/Ethnic Differences in the 21-Gene Recurrence Score Assay Among Women With Breast Cancer-Reply. JAMA Oncol 2021; 7:1248-1249. [PMID: 34165511 DOI: 10.1001/jamaoncol.2021.1959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Kent F Hoskins
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of Illinois at Chicago
| | - Gregory S Calip
- Center for Pharmacoepidemiology and Pharmacoeconomic Research, University of Illinois at Chicago
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29
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Potente C, Harris KM, Chumbley J, Cole SW, Gaydosh L, Xu W, Levitt B, Shanahan MJ. The Early Life Course of Body Weight and Gene Expression Signatures for Disease. Am J Epidemiol 2021; 190:1533-1540. [PMID: 33675221 PMCID: PMC8489427 DOI: 10.1093/aje/kwab049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2020] [Revised: 02/23/2021] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
We examined the way body-weight patterns through the first 4 decades of life relate to gene expression signatures of common forms of morbidity, including cardiovascular disease (CVD), type 2 diabetes (T2D), and inflammation. As part of wave V of the nationally representative National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health (1997–2018) in the United States, mRNA abundance data were collected from peripheral blood (n = 1,132). We used a Bayesian modeling strategy to examine the relative associations between body size at 5 life stages—birth, adolescence, early adulthood, young adulthood, and adulthood—and gene expression–based disease signatures. We compared life-course models that consider critical or sensitive periods, as well as accumulation over the entire period. Our results are consistent with a sensitive-period model when examining CVD and T2D gene expression signatures: Birth weight has a prominent role for the CVD and T2D signatures (explaining 33.1% and 22.1%, respectively, of the total association accounted for by body size), while the most recent adult obesity status (ages 33–39) is important for both of these gene expression signatures (24.3% and 35.1%, respectively). Body size in all life stages was associated with inflammation, consistent with the accumulation model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cecilia Potente
- Correspondence to Dr. Cecilia Potente, Jacobs Center for Productive Youth Development, University of Zürich, Andreasstrasse 15, 8050 Zürich, Switzerland (e-mail: ); or Prof. Dr. Michael J. Shanahan, Jacobs Center for Productive Youth Development, University of Zürich, Andreasstrasse 15, 8050 Zürich, Switzerland (e-mail: )
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Michael J Shanahan
- Correspondence to Dr. Cecilia Potente, Jacobs Center for Productive Youth Development, University of Zürich, Andreasstrasse 15, 8050 Zürich, Switzerland (e-mail: ); or Prof. Dr. Michael J. Shanahan, Jacobs Center for Productive Youth Development, University of Zürich, Andreasstrasse 15, 8050 Zürich, Switzerland (e-mail: )
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30
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Cho S, Bulger M. Social Support and Depressive Symptoms among Trauma-Impacted Older Adults. JOURNAL OF EVIDENCE-BASED SOCIAL WORK (2019) 2021; 18:371-378. [PMID: 33491588 DOI: 10.1080/26408066.2020.1866729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Purpose: The present study investigates the association between social support and depressive symptomatology among older adults who have been impacted by trauma. Previous studies have not sufficiently explored this topic to date.Method: The current study analyzed public-use data from the 2012 Health and Retirement Study (N = 4,195), focusing specifically on community-dwelling older adults (> 50). They had at least one traumatic event in their lifetime.Results: This study found that higher levels of social support were significantly associated with lower levels of depressive symptoms after controlling for life satisfaction, age, gender, race, ethnicity, and education..Discussion and Conclusion: The recent emergence of trauma-informed research has consistently emphasized the importance of social interaction for mental health. The current study shows that social support can reduce depressive symptoms of those who have experienced trauma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seungjong Cho
- Department of Sociology, Anthropology, and Social Work, Texas Tech University Lubbock, TX, USA
| | - Morgan Bulger
- Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, USA
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31
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Huang Y, Deng L, Su D, Huang X, Ren J. Highly sensitive detection of DNA methyltransferase activity and its inhibitor screening by coupling fluorescence correlation spectroscopy with polystyrene polymer dots. Analyst 2021; 146:3623-3632. [PMID: 33929479 DOI: 10.1039/d0an02362k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
DNA methylation is a critical part of epigenetics and plays a vital role in maintaining normal cell function, genetic imprinting, and human tumorigenesis. Thus, it is important to develop a sensitive method for the determination of DNA methyltransferase (MTase) activity. Here, we present a simple and sensitive method based on single molecule fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS) and polystyrene polymer dots (PS Pdots) for the quantitative detection of DNA adenine methylation (Dam) MTase activity and its inhibitor screening in homogeneous solution without separation. Its principle is based on the measurement of the characteristic diffusion time (τD) of unmethylated and methylated DNA-fluorescent probes by FCS. A hairpin DNA probe including the 5'-GATC-3' sequence is used by doubly labelling fluorophore Alexa Fluor 488 (Alexa 488) and biotin at the 5'- and 3'-terminus, respectively. Dam MTase catalyzed the methylation of the sequence of 5'-GATC-3', and DpnI cleaved the sequence of 5'-G-Am-TC-3'. Streptavidin conjugated PS Pdots were used to react with DNA probes without methylation to further increase the difference in τD values between methylated and unmethylated DNA-Alexa 488 probes. We used the FCS method to measure the τD values of DNA-Alexa 488 probes and further obtained the activity of Dam MTase. It is found that the τD value of the methylated DNA probe is negatively correlated with the logarithm of Dam MTase concentration in the range from 0.025 U mL-1 to 3 U mL-1. The detection limit is as low as 0.025 U mL-1. Furthermore, we evaluated the inhibition effect of drug-related DNA methylation and the half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) value is consistent with a previous study. The results demonstrated that our proposed method will become a promising platform for the determination of Dam MTase activity and inhibitor screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuyang Huang
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Metal Matrix Composites, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai, 200240, P. R. China.
| | - Liyun Deng
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Metal Matrix Composites, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai, 200240, P. R. China.
| | - Di Su
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Metal Matrix Composites, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai, 200240, P. R. China.
| | - Xiangyi Huang
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Metal Matrix Composites, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai, 200240, P. R. China.
| | - Jicun Ren
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Metal Matrix Composites, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai, 200240, P. R. China.
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32
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Mulligan CJ. Systemic racism can get under our skin and into our genes. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL ANTHROPOLOGY 2021; 175:399-405. [PMID: 33905118 DOI: 10.1002/ajpa.24290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2020] [Revised: 03/24/2021] [Accepted: 04/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Special Issue - Race reconciled II: Interpreting and communicating biological variation and race in 2021 Many sociocultural factors, like poverty and trauma, or homelessness versus a safe neighborhood, can get "under our skin" and affect our lives. These factors may also get "into our genes" through epigenetic changes that influence how genes are expressed. Changes in gene expression can further influence how we respond to sociocultural factors and how those factors impact our physical and mental health, creating a feedback loop between our sociocultural environment and our genome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Connie J Mulligan
- Department of Anthropology, Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
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33
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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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Shantz E, Elliott SJ. From social determinants to social epigenetics: Health geographies of chronic disease. Health Place 2021; 69:102561. [PMID: 33761408 DOI: 10.1016/j.healthplace.2021.102561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2020] [Revised: 01/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Social epigenetics explores relationships between social factors and health inequities embodied at the molecular level. Through modulating gene expression, epigenetic changes resulting from human-environment interactions may play a role in shaping health trajectories. This paper applies a health geography lens to explore the potential and support for conducting social epigenetic studies of chronic diseases with complex and dynamic etiologies. In so doing, we argue that social epigenetics presents a novel space for investigations of health and disease that is transdisciplinary and builds upon new understandings of bodies and place-based experiences. Given gender disparities in chronic diseases, we adopt a feminist perspective that cogitates the transactive relationships between gender and health/ill-health as mediated by biosocial processes at a variety of scales. Looking forward to the practical undertaking of social epigenetic studies, we assess existing theoretical and methodological support as well as insights to be gained. Reflecting upon the central tenets of health geography, we propose a unique positionality for health geographers to drive this field forward.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Shantz
- Department of Geography & Environmental Management, Faculty of Environment, University of Waterloo, 200 University Ave W, Waterloo, ON, N2L 3G1, Canada.
| | - Susan J Elliott
- Department of Geography & Environmental Management, Faculty of Environment, University of Waterloo, 200 University Ave W, Waterloo, ON, N2L 3G1, Canada
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Cheng KJG, Rivera AS, Miguel RTDP, Lam HY. A cross-sectional study on the determinants of health-related quality of life in the Philippines using the EQ-5D-5L. Qual Life Res 2021; 30:2137-2147. [PMID: 33677770 DOI: 10.1007/s11136-021-02799-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/13/2021] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to identify the determinants of Filipinos' health-related quality of life (HRQoL). METHODS Data were collected from 1000 Filipinos across the nation who reported that they did not have known active disease or disability. HRQoL was measured through EuroQoL's (EQ) 5-level tool (EQ-5D-5L) and the EQ Visual Analog Scale (EQ-VAS). Both were implemented via the EQ Valuation Technology software. HRQoL was regressed on socioeconomic characteristics (age, sex, marital status, educational attainment, employment, poverty status, and availability of savings), social support factors (religion, religious attendance, and caregiving status), community- or societal-level factors (type and major island group of residence), and disease status. RESULTS Majority of respondents reported that they did not have any problems across all EQ-5D-5L dimensions, namely mobility, self-care, usual activity, pain or discomfort, and anxiety or depression. Pain or discomfort had the highest rate of respondents reporting slight to extreme problems followed by anxiety or depression. Having savings was positively associated with HRQoL, while religious attendance, caregiver status, living in an urban area, living in Visayas or Mindanao, and having a diagnosed disease were negatively associated with HRQoL. CONCLUSION This current study confirms that HRQoL varied across socioeconomic statuses and communities in the Philippines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kent Jason G Cheng
- Social Science Department, Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY, USA
| | - Adovich S Rivera
- Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA.
| | | | - Hilton Y Lam
- Institute of Health Policy and Development Studies, National Institutes of Health, University of the Philippines, Manila, Philippines
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Evans L, Engelman M, Mikulas A, Malecki K. How are social determinants of health integrated into epigenetic research? A systematic review. Soc Sci Med 2021; 273:113738. [PMID: 33610974 PMCID: PMC8034414 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2021.113738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Revised: 12/26/2020] [Accepted: 01/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We systematically review the literature on social epigenetics, examining how empirical research to date has conceptualized and operationalized social determinants of health (SDOH). METHODS Using comprehensive search procedures, we identified studies that consider the impact of SDOH on DNA methylation (DNAm), the most common measure of epigenetic change in research on human adult populations. We analyzed the studies to determine: 1) which populations and environments have been investigated in the literature; 2) how SDOH are defined and operationalized; 3) which SDOH have been linked to DNAm; and 4) what lessons from the SDOH literature can be better integrated into future studies exploring the social determinants of health and epigenetic outcomes. RESULTS We identified 67 studies, with 39 to 8397 participants. The SDOH most commonly considered were early life socioeconomic exposures and early life trauma or mental health. Our review highlights four broad challenges: a) high dependence on convenience sampling, b) limited racial/ethnic, and geographic diversity in sampling frames, c) overreliance on individual sociodemographic characteristics as proxies for broader stratification processes, and d) a focus on downstream social determinants of health and individualized experiences with social stressors. CONCLUSIONS Future social epigenetics research should prioritize larger, more diverse and representative population-based samples and employ the SDOH framework to better inform the conceptualization of research questions and interpretation of findings. In particular, the simplified depiction of race/ethnicity, gender, and socioeconomic status as individual-level characteristics should be updated with an explicit acknowledgement that these characteristics are more accurately interpreted as cues used by society to differentiate subpopulations. Social epigenetics research can then more clearly elucidate the biological consequences of these social exposures for patterns of gene expression, subsequent disease etiology, and health inequities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linnea Evans
- Center for Health Equity Research, Northern Arizona University, USA.
| | - Michal Engelman
- Department of Sociology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, USA
| | - Alex Mikulas
- Department of Sociology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, USA
| | - Kristen Malecki
- Department of Population Health Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, USA
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Wortman ES, Lewis JP. Gerotranscendence and Alaska Native Successful Aging in the Aleutian Pribilof Islands, Alaska. J Cross Cult Gerontol 2021; 36:43-67. [PMID: 33566251 PMCID: PMC7921061 DOI: 10.1007/s10823-020-09421-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
The population of the United States is aging and by 2045 it is projected that approximately 1 in every 6 Alaskans will be 65+. Delivering healthcare and meeting the needs of older Alaskans in their community is critical to supporting healthy aging and community sustainability. Alaska Native (AN) Elders are underserved with very few studies providing an emic perspective on their experience aging. This research opens the door and allows us a glimpse of the AN Elder experience of aging: the values, beliefs, and behaviors that allow them to age well. This study highlights the characteristics and activities of AN Elders in the Aleutian and Pribilof Islands to further develop the model of AN successful aging. There are many theories of aging and this study explores a cross-cultural understanding of gerotranscendence - the personal and interpersonal changes that result from successful aging or achieving Eldership. This study interviewed Elders in two communities of the Aleutian and Pribilof Islands region. Using 22 standardized questions based on the explanatory model, researchers facilitated discussion of what it means to be an Elder and age successfully. Employing thematic analysis, interview transcripts were analyzed for themes to organize the data. Themes were organized into 5 core elements of successful aging with specific emphasis on values, beliefs, and behaviors that were protective and helped them adapt to aging-related changes. Interview content, meaning, and themes support the four elements of the AN model of successful aging developed by Lewis (The Gerontologist, 51(4), 540-549, 2011): Mental and Emotional Wellbeing, Spirituality, Purposefulness and Engagement, and Physical Health. Elders' stories highlight the importance of reflection, personal growth, and psychosocial development. Elders who more strongly identified with their role in the community described how their perspective had changed and they shared stories that emphasized culture, connection to the land, and enjoyment of daily activities that resulted in increased life satisfaction. Elders provided clear evidence that they experienced aspects of gerotranscendence, which Tornstam (Journal of Aging Studies, 11(2), 143-154, 1997) categorized as the cosmic dimension, the self, and social and personal relationships. Elders adapting to aging-related changes and embracing their role as an Elder provided the greatest evidence of gerotranscendence - they developed new perspectives on life, took on new roles within the community, and experienced a shift in mindset that reinforced the importance of culture, tradition, and the Native Way of Life. This research allowed AN Elders to share their experiences, define successful aging, and expand the concept of Eldership to include changes in mindset, values, and relationships with themselves and others. The study is a framework to help us better understand the experiences of AN Elders aging successfully and the wisdom they wish to impart to others to help them learn to live healthy and meaningful lives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erik S. Wortman
- University of Washington School of Medicine, 1959 NE Pacific St, Seattle, WA 98195 USA
| | - Jordan P. Lewis
- University of Minnesota Medical School, 624 E. 1st. Street, Suite 201, Duluth, MN 55805 USA
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38
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Boyce WT, Levitt P, Martinez FD, McEwen BS, Shonkoff JP. Genes, Environments, and Time: The Biology of Adversity and Resilience. Pediatrics 2021; 147:peds.2020-1651. [PMID: 33495368 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2020-1651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Exposures to adverse environments, both psychosocial and physicochemical, are prevalent and consequential across a broad range of childhood populations. Such adversity, especially early in life, conveys measurable risk to learning and behavior and to the foundations of both mental and physical health. Using an interactive gene-environment-time (GET) framework, we survey the independent and interactive roles of genetic variation, environmental context, and developmental timing in light of advances in the biology of adversity and resilience, as well as new discoveries in biomedical research. Drawing on this rich evidence base, we identify 4 core concepts that provide a powerful catalyst for fresh thinking about primary health care for young children: (1) all biological systems are inextricably integrated, continuously "reading" and adapting to the environment and "talking back" to the brain and each other through highly regulated channels of cross-system communication; (2) adverse environmental exposures induce alterations in developmental trajectories that can lead to persistent disruptions of organ function and structure; (3) children vary in their sensitivity to context, and this variation is influenced by interactions among genetic factors, family and community environments, and developmental timing; and (4) critical or sensitive periods provide unmatched windows of opportunity for both positive and negative influences on multiple biological systems. These rapidly moving frontiers of investigation provide a powerful framework for new, science-informed thinking about health promotion and disease prevention in the early childhood period.
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Affiliation(s)
- W Thomas Boyce
- Departments of Pediatrics and Psychiatry, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Pat Levitt
- The Saban Research Institute, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California.,Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Fernando D Martinez
- Asthma and Airway Disease Research Center, The University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona
| | - Bruce S McEwen
- The Rockefeller University, New York, New York.,Deceased
| | - Jack P Shonkoff
- Center on the Developing Child and .,Harvard Graduate School of Education, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts.,Department of Social & Behavioral Sciences, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and.,Harvard Medical School and Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts.,Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts; and.,Department of Pediatrics, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
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Saarinen A, Keltikangas-Järvinen L, Dobewall H, Ahola-Olli A, Salmi M, Lehtimäki T, Raitakari O, Jalkanen S, Hintsanen M. Risky emotional family environment in childhood and depression-related cytokines in adulthood: The protective role of compassion. Dev Psychobiol 2021; 63:1190-1201. [PMID: 33421111 DOI: 10.1002/dev.22070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2020] [Revised: 10/16/2020] [Accepted: 11/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previously, compassion has been found to protect against depressive symptoms, while emotional adversities in childhood are suggested to increase inflammatory responses. The current study investigated (a) whether emotional family environment in childhood predicts levels of such cytokines in adulthood that are previously found to be elevated in depression (interleukin [IL]-2, IL-6, IL-1b, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, interferon-gamma [IFN-γ], and tumor necrosis factor alpha [TNF-α]) and (b) whether these associations are modified by compassion in adulthood. METHODS The participants (N = 1,198-1,523) came from the prospective population-based Young Finns data. Emotional family environment and parental socioeconomic factors were evaluated in 1980; participants' compassion in 2001; and participants' cytokine levels and adulthood covariates in 2007. RESULTS Risky emotional family environment in childhood predicted higher levels of IL-2, IL-6, IFN-γ, and TNF-α in adulthood. Additionally, there were significant interaction effects between compassion and emotional risk in childhood, when predicting IL-2, IL-6, and TNF-α. Specifically, individuals who grew up in a risky emotional family environment had on average higher levels of IL-2, IL-6, and TNF-α in adulthood when combined with low compassion. CONCLUSIONS In individuals coming from risky emotional family environments, high compassion for others may protect against elevated levels of cytokines previously linked with depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aino Saarinen
- Research Unit of Psychology, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland.,Department of Psychology and Logopedics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | | | - Henrik Dobewall
- Research Unit of Psychology, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - Ari Ahola-Olli
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA.,Psychiatric and Neurodevelopmental Genetics Unit, Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland (FIMM), University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Marko Salmi
- MediCity Research Laboratory and Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Terho Lehtimäki
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, Fimlab Laboratories and Finnish Cardiovascular Research Center-Tampere, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
| | - Olli Raitakari
- Centre for Population Health Research, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland.,Research Centre of Applied and Preventive Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland.,Department of Clinical Physiology and Nuclear Medicine, Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
| | - Sirpa Jalkanen
- MediCity Research Laboratory and Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Mirka Hintsanen
- Research Unit of Psychology, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
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40
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Determining effects of adolescent stress exposure on risk for posttraumatic stress disorder in adulthood. Curr Opin Behav Sci 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cobeha.2020.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
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41
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Kuzawa CW. Pregnancy as an intergenerational conduit of adversity: how nutritional and psychosocial stressors reflect different historical timescales of maternal experience. Curr Opin Behav Sci 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cobeha.2020.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
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42
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Ramos-Lopez O, Milagro FI, Riezu-Boj JI, Martinez JA. Epigenetic signatures underlying inflammation: an interplay of nutrition, physical activity, metabolic diseases, and environmental factors for personalized nutrition. Inflamm Res 2020; 70:29-49. [PMID: 33231704 PMCID: PMC7684853 DOI: 10.1007/s00011-020-01425-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2020] [Revised: 10/26/2020] [Accepted: 11/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim and objective Emerging translational evidence suggests that epigenetic alterations (DNA methylation, miRNA expression, and histone modifications) occur after external stimuli and may contribute to exacerbated inflammation and the risk of suffering several diseases including diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and neurological disorders. This review summarizes the current knowledge about the harmful effects of high-fat/high-sugar diets, micronutrient deficiencies (folate, manganese, and carotenoids), obesity and associated complications, bacterial/viral infections, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, sleep deprivation, chronic stress, air pollution, and chemical exposure on inflammation through epigenetic mechanisms. Additionally, the epigenetic phenomena underlying the anti-inflammatory potential of caloric restriction, n-3 PUFA, Mediterranean diet, vitamin D, zinc, polyphenols (i.e., resveratrol, gallic acid, epicatechin, luteolin, curcumin), and the role of systematic exercise are discussed. Methods Original and review articles encompassing epigenetics and inflammation were screened from major databases (including PubMed, Medline, Science Direct, Scopus, etc.) and analyzed for the writing of the review paper. Conclusion Although caution should be exercised, research on epigenetic mechanisms is contributing to understand pathological processes involving inflammatory responses, the prediction of disease risk based on the epigenotype, as well as the putative design of therapeutic interventions targeting the epigenome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omar Ramos-Lopez
- Medicine and Psychology School, Autonomous University of Baja California, Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico
| | - Fermin I Milagro
- Department of Nutrition, Food Science and Physiology, Center for Nutrition Research, University of Navarra, 1 Irunlarrea Street, 31008, Pamplona, Spain.
- Navarra Institute for Health Research (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Spain.
- CIBERobn, Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y la Nutrición, Carlos III Health Institute, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Jose I Riezu-Boj
- Department of Nutrition, Food Science and Physiology, Center for Nutrition Research, University of Navarra, 1 Irunlarrea Street, 31008, Pamplona, Spain
- Navarra Institute for Health Research (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - J Alfredo Martinez
- Department of Nutrition, Food Science and Physiology, Center for Nutrition Research, University of Navarra, 1 Irunlarrea Street, 31008, Pamplona, Spain
- Navarra Institute for Health Research (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Spain
- CIBERobn, Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y la Nutrición, Carlos III Health Institute, Madrid, Spain
- Precision Nutrition and Cardiometabolic Health, IMDEA-Food Institute (Madrid Institute for Advanced Studies), Madrid, Spain
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43
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Straight B, Fisher G, Needham BL, Naugle A, Olungah C, Wanitjirattikal P, Root C, Farman J, Barkman T, Lalancette C. Lifetime stress and war exposure timing may predict methylation changes at NR3C1 based on a pilot study in a warrior cohort in a small-scale society in Kenya. Am J Hum Biol 2020; 33:e23515. [PMID: 33058324 DOI: 10.1002/ajhb.23515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2020] [Revised: 09/23/2020] [Accepted: 09/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Candidate gene methylation studies of NR3C1 have identified associations with psychosocial adversity, including war trauma. This pilot study (sample sizes from 22 to 45 for primary analyses) examined NR3C1 methylation in a group of Kenyan pastoralist young men in relation to culturally relevant traumatic experiences, including participation in coalitional lethal gun violence. METHODS Adolescent and young adult Samburu men ("warriors") were recruited for participation. DNA was obtained from whole saliva and methylation analyses performed using mass spectrometry. We performed a data reduction of variables from a standardized instrument of lifetime stress using a factor analysis and we assessed the association between the extracted factors with culturally relevant and cross-culturally comparative experiences. RESULTS Cumulative lifetime trauma exposure and forms of violence to which warriors are particularly susceptible were associated with DNA methylation changes in the NR3C1 1F promoter region but not in the NR3C1 1D promoter region. However, sensitivity analyses revealed significant associations between individual CpG sites in both regions and cumulative stress exposures, war exposure timing, and war fatalities. CONCLUSIONS This study supports the importance of NR3C1 methylation changes in response to challenging life circumstances, including in a global south cultural context that contrasts in notable ways from global north contexts and from the starkly tragic examples of the Rwandan genocide and war-associated rape explored in recent studies. Timing of traumatic exposure and culturally salient means to measure enduring symptoms of trauma remain important considerations for DNA methylation studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bilinda Straight
- Department of Anthropology, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, Michigan, USA
| | - Georgiana Fisher
- Department of Statistics, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, Michigan, USA
| | - Belinda L Needham
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Amy Naugle
- Department of Psychology, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, Michigan, USA
| | - Charles Olungah
- University of Nairobi Institute of Anthropology, Gender & African Studies, Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | | | - Cecilia Root
- Unaffiliated (Western Michigan University Department of Anthropology Alum), Kalamazoo, Michigan, USA
| | - Jen Farman
- Unaffiliated (Western Michigan University Department of Anthropology Alum), Kalamazoo, Michigan, USA
| | - Todd Barkman
- Department of Biological Sciences, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, Michigan, USA
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Castagné R, Kelly-Irving M, Krogh V, Palli D, Panico S, Sacerdote C, Tumino R, Hebels DG, Kleinjans JC, de Kok TM, Georgiadis P, Kyrtopoulos SA, Vermeulen R, Stringhini S, Vineis P, Chadeau-Hyam M, Delpierre C. A multi-omics approach to investigate the inflammatory response to life course socioeconomic position. Epigenomics 2020; 12:1287-1302. [PMID: 32875816 DOI: 10.2217/epi-2019-0261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Aim: Inflammation represents a potential pathway through which socioeconomic position (SEP) is biologically embedded. Materials & methods: We analyzed inflammatory biomarkers in response to life course SEP by integrating multi-omics DNA-methylation, gene expression and protein level in 178 European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition-Italy participants. Results & conclusion: We identified 61 potential cis acting CpG loci whose methylation levels were associated with gene expression at a Bonferroni correction. We examined the relationships between life course SEP and these 61 cis-acting regulatory methylation sites individually and jointly using several scores. Less-advantaged SEP participants exhibit, later in life, a lower inflammatory methylome score, suggesting an overall increased expression of the corresponding inflammatory genes or proteins, supporting the hypothesis that SEP impacts adult physiology through inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raphaële Castagné
- LEASP, UMR 1027, Inserm-Université Toulouse III Paul Sabatier, Toulouse, France
| | | | - Vittorio Krogh
- Epidemiology & Prevention Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan 20133, Italy
| | - Domenico Palli
- Cancer Risk Factors & Lifestyle Epidemiology Unit, Institute for Cancer Research Prevention & Clinical Network-ISPRO, Florence 50141, Italy
| | - Salvatore Panico
- Department of Clinical Medicine & Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Naples 80131, Italy
| | - Carlotta Sacerdote
- Unit of Cancer Epidemiology, Città della Salute e della Scienza University-Hospital & Center for Cancer Prevention (CPO), Turin 10133, Italy
| | - Rosario Tumino
- Cancer Registry & Department of Histopathology, Provicial Health Authority (ASP) Ragusa 97100, Italy
| | - Dennie Gaj Hebels
- MERLN Institute, Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel 40, 6229ER Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Jos Cs Kleinjans
- Department of Toxicogenomics, GROW Institute & Developmental Biology, Maastricht University, Maastricht 6211LK, The Netherlands
| | - Theo McM de Kok
- Department of Toxicogenomics, GROW Institute & Developmental Biology, Maastricht University, Maastricht 6211LK, The Netherlands
| | - Panagiotis Georgiadis
- National Hellenic Research Foundation, Institute of Chemical Biology, Vas. Constantinou 48, 11635 Athens, Greece
| | - Soterios A Kyrtopoulos
- National Hellenic Research Foundation, Institute of Chemical Biology, Vas. Constantinou 48, 11635 Athens, Greece
| | - Roel Vermeulen
- Division of Environmental Epidemiology, Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS), Utrecht University, PO Box 80178, 3508 TD, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Silvia Stringhini
- Institute of Social & Preventive Medicine, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne 1010, Switzerland
| | - Paolo Vineis
- MRC-PHE Centre for Environment & Health, School of Public Health, Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, Imperial College London, SW7 2BU, London, UK.,Molecular & Genetic Epidemiology Unit, Italian Institute for Genomic Medicine (IIGM), Torino 10126, Italy
| | - Marc Chadeau-Hyam
- MRC-PHE Centre for Environment & Health, School of Public Health, Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, Imperial College London, SW7 2BU, London, UK
| | - Cyrille Delpierre
- LEASP, UMR 1027, Inserm-Université Toulouse III Paul Sabatier, Toulouse, France
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Wood NM, Trebilco T, Cohen-Woods S. Scars of childhood socioeconomic stress: A systematic review. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2020; 118:397-410. [PMID: 32795493 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2020.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2020] [Revised: 07/29/2020] [Accepted: 08/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Childhood socioeconomic position (SEP) is associated with the development of adult psychological outcomes, with DNA methylation (DNAm) as a mechanism to potentially explain these changes. We present the first systematic review synthesising the literature investigating childhood SEP and DNAm. Thirty-two publications were included. Seventeen studies focused on candidate genes, typically focusing on genes implicated with the stress response and/or development of psychiatric conditions. These studies typically investigated different regions of the genes, which revealed inconsistent results. Six studies calculated epigenetic age, with a small number revealing an elevated significant association with childhood SEP. Epigenome-wide studies revealed altered patterns of DNAm which varied between the nine studies. This research area is emerging and demonstrated great variance in findings with no clear patterns identified across studies. Multiple methodological shortcomings are identified, including at the phenotypic level where construct validity of childhood SEP is highly inconsistent, with studies using a wide range of measures. Larger cohorts will be required with international collaborations to strengthen this research area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natasha M Wood
- Discipline of Psychology, College of Education, Psychology, and Social Work, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Thomas Trebilco
- Discipline of Psychology, College of Education, Psychology, and Social Work, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Sarah Cohen-Woods
- Discipline of Psychology, College of Education, Psychology, and Social Work, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia; Órama Institute, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia; Flinders Centre for Innovation in Cancer, Adelaide, SA, Australia.
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Ziker JP, Snopkowski K. Life-History Factors Influence Teenagers' Suicidal Ideation: A Model Selection Analysis of the Canadian National Longitudinal Survey of Children and Youth. EVOLUTIONARY PSYCHOLOGY 2020; 18:1474704920939521. [PMID: 32808535 PMCID: PMC10303566 DOI: 10.1177/1474704920939521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2019] [Accepted: 06/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Suicidality is an important contributor to disease burden worldwide. We examine the developmental and environmental correlates of reported suicidal ideation at age 15 and develop a new evolutionary model of suicidality based on life history trade-offs and hypothesized accompanying modulations of cognition. Data were derived from the National Longitudinal Survey of Children and Youth (Statistics Canada) which collected information on children's social, emotional, and behavioral development in eight cycles between 1994 and 2009. We take a model selection approach to understand thoughts of suicide at age 15 (N ≈ 1,700). The most highly ranked models include social support, early life psychosocial stressors, prenatal stress, and mortality cues. Those reporting consistent early life stress had 2.66 greater odds of reporting thoughts of suicide at age 15 than those who reported no childhood stress. Social support of the primary caregiver, neighborhood cohesion, nonkin social support of the adolescent, and the number of social support sources are all associated with suicidal thoughts, where greater neighborhood cohesion and social support sources are associated with a reduction in experiencing suicidal thoughts. Mother's prenatal smoking throughout pregnancy is associated with a 1.5 greater odds of suicidal thoughts for adolescents compared to children whose mother's reported not smoking during pregnancy. We discuss these findings in light of evolutionary models of suicidality. This study identifies both positive and negative associations on suicidal thoughts at age 15 and considers these in light of adaptive response models of human development. Findings are relevant for mental health policy.
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Affiliation(s)
- John P. Ziker
- Department of Anthropology, Boise State University, ID, USA
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47
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Randolph GW. One Virus, Undivided … Equity, And The Corona Virus. Laryngoscope Investig Otolaryngol 2020; 5:586-589. [PMID: 32587891 PMCID: PMC7283719 DOI: 10.1002/lio2.398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2020] [Accepted: 04/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Gregory W Randolph
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Harvard Medical School Boston MA USA
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48
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Reuben A, Sugden K, Arseneault L, Corcoran DL, Danese A, Fisher HL, Moffitt TE, Newbury JB, Odgers C, Prinz J, Rasmussen LJH, Williams B, Mill J, Caspi A. Association of Neighborhood Disadvantage in Childhood With DNA Methylation in Young Adulthood. JAMA Netw Open 2020; 3:e206095. [PMID: 32478847 PMCID: PMC7265095 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2020.6095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE DNA methylation has been proposed as an epigenetic mechanism by which the childhood neighborhood environment may have implications for the genome that compromise adult health. OBJECTIVE To ascertain whether childhood neighborhood socioeconomic disadvantage is associated with differences in DNA methylation by age 18 years. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS This longitudinal cohort study analyzed data from the Environmental Risk (E-Risk) Longitudinal Twin Study, a nationally representative birth cohort of children born between 1994 and 1995 in England and Wales and followed up from age 5 to 18 years. Data analysis was performed from March 15, 2019, to June 30, 2019. EXPOSURES High-resolution neighborhood data (indexing deprivation, dilapidation, disconnection, and dangerousness) collected across childhood. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES DNA methylation in whole blood was drawn at age 18 years. Associations between neighborhood socioeconomic disadvantage and methylation were tested using 3 prespecified approaches: (1) testing probes annotated to candidate genes involved in biological responses to growing up in socioeconomically disadvantaged neighborhoods and investigated in previous epigenetic research (stress reactivity-related and inflammation-related genes), (2) polyepigenetic scores indexing differential methylation in phenotypes associated with growing up in disadvantaged neighborhoods (obesity, inflammation, and smoking), and (3) a theory-free epigenome-wide association study. RESULTS A total of 1619 participants (806 female individuals [50%]) had complete neighborhood and DNA methylation data. Children raised in socioeconomically disadvantaged neighborhoods exhibited differential DNA methylation in genes involved in inflammation (β = 0.12; 95% CI, 0.06-0.19; P < .001) and smoking (β = 0.18; 95% CI, 0.11-0.25; P < .001) but not obesity (β = 0.05; 95% CI, -0.01 to 0.11; P = .12). An epigenome-wide association study identified multiple CpG sites at an arraywide significance level of P < 1.16 × 10-7 in genes involved in the metabolism of hydrocarbons. Associations between neighborhood disadvantage and methylation were small but robust to family-level socioeconomic factors and to individual-level tobacco smoking. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Children raised in more socioeconomically disadvantaged neighborhoods appeared to enter young adulthood epigenetically distinct from their less disadvantaged peers. This finding suggests that epigenetic regulation may be a mechanism by which the childhood neighborhood environment alters adult health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron Reuben
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Karen Sugden
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Louise Arseneault
- Social, Genetic, and Developmental Psychiatry Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - David L. Corcoran
- Center for Genomic and Computational Biology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Andrea Danese
- Social, Genetic, and Developmental Psychiatry Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, Department of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
- National and Specialist Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service Clinic for Trauma, Anxiety, and Depression, South London and Maudsley National Health Service Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Helen L. Fisher
- Social, Genetic, and Developmental Psychiatry Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Terrie E. Moffitt
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
- Social, Genetic, and Developmental Psychiatry Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
- Center for Genomic and Computational Biology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Joanne B. Newbury
- Social, Genetic, and Developmental Psychiatry Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Candice Odgers
- Sanford School of Public Policy, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
- Department of Psychological Science, University of California, Irvine, Irvine
| | - Joey Prinz
- Center for Genomic and Computational Biology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Line J. H. Rasmussen
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
- Clinical Research Centre, Copenhagen University Hospital Amager and Hvidovre, Hvidovre, Denmark
| | - Ben Williams
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Jonathan Mill
- University of Exeter Medical School, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - Avshalom Caspi
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
- Social, Genetic, and Developmental Psychiatry Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
- Center for Genomic and Computational Biology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
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49
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Born this way? A review of neurobiological and environmental evidence for the etiology of psychopathy. PERSONALITY NEUROSCIENCE 2020; 2:e8. [PMID: 32435743 PMCID: PMC7219694 DOI: 10.1017/pen.2019.7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2018] [Revised: 08/21/2019] [Accepted: 08/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Across a significant body of research, psychopathy has often been conceptualized as a biologically based malady. In this research, genetic and neurobiological differences have been conceptualized to underlie psychopathy, while affected individuals' life experiences only influence expressed psychopathic features and their severity. Psychopathy research has largely ignored developmental evidence demonstrating significant influences of environment on both biological and behavioral processes, resulting in several prominent criticisms (Edens & Vincent, 2008; Loeber, Byrd, & Farrington, 2015). The current review was conducted with two main aims: (a) to collect and consider etiological evidence from the extant body of research on genetic and neurobiological factors in psychopathy; and (b) to evaluate findings from genetic, neurotransmitter, brain structure, and brain function studies in the context of relevant evidence from developmental research. Examples from research on adversity and traumatic stress, a common correlate of psychopathy, were used to highlight current research gaps and future directions to aid in the integration of developmental and neurobiological research agendas. While some promising evidence exists regarding possible underlying neurobiological processes of psychopathic traits, this evidence is insufficient to suggest a largely biological etiology for the disorder. Further, information from developmental and epigenetic research may suggest complex, multidimensional trajectories for individuals experiencing psychopathy. Based on these observations, the authors make several recommendations for future research, as well as for current clinical application and practice.
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50
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Kuzawa CW, Adair L, Bechayda SA, Borja JRB, Carba DB, Duazo PL, Eisenberg DTA, Georgiev AV, Gettler LT, Lee NR, Quinn EA, Rosenbaum S, Rutherford JN, Ryan CP, McDade TW. Evolutionary life history theory as an organising framework for cohort studies: insights from the Cebu Longitudinal Health and Nutrition Survey. Ann Hum Biol 2020; 47:94-105. [PMID: 32429766 DOI: 10.1080/03014460.2020.1742787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
By tracking a group of individuals through time, cohort studies provide fundamental insights into the developmental time course and causes of health and disease. Evolutionary life history theory seeks to explain patterns of growth, development, reproduction and senescence, and inspires a range of hypotheses that are testable using the longitudinal data from cohort studies. Here we review two decades of life history theory-motivated work conducted in collaboration with the Cebu Longitudinal Health and Nutrition Survey (CLHNS), a birth cohort study that enrolled more than 3000 pregnant women in the Philippines in 1983 and has since followed these women, their offspring and grandoffspring. This work has provided evidence that reproduction carries "costs" to cellular maintenance functions, potentially speeding senescence, and revealed an unusual form of genetic plasticity in which the length of telomeres inherited across generations is influenced by reproductive timing in paternal ancestors. Men in Cebu experience hormonal and behavioural changes in conjunction with changes in relationship and fatherhood status that are consistent with predictions based upon other species that practice bi-parental care. The theoretical expectation that early life cues of mortality or environmental unpredictability will motivate a "fast" life history strategy are confirmed for behavioural components of reproductive decision making, but not for maturational tempo, while our work points to a broader capacity for early life developmental calibration of systems like immunity, reproductive biology and metabolism. Our CLHNS findings illustrate the power of life history theory as an integrative, lifecourse framework to guide longitudinal studies of human populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher W Kuzawa
- Department of Anthropology, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA.,Institute for Policy Research, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
| | - Linda Adair
- Department of Nutrition and Carolina Population Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Sonny A Bechayda
- USC-Office of Population Studies Foundation, University of San Carlos, Cebu, Philippines
| | | | - Delia B Carba
- USC-Office of Population Studies Foundation, University of San Carlos, Cebu, Philippines
| | - Paulita L Duazo
- USC-Office of Population Studies Foundation, University of San Carlos, Cebu, Philippines
| | - Dan T A Eisenberg
- Department of Anthropology and Center for Studies in Demography and Ecology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | | | - Lee T Gettler
- Department of Anthropology and Eck Institute for Global Health, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, USA
| | - Nanette R Lee
- USC-Office of Population Studies Foundation, University of San Carlos, Cebu, Philippines
| | - Elizabeth A Quinn
- Department of Anthropology, Washington University, in St Louis, MO, USA
| | - Stacy Rosenbaum
- Department of Anthropology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Julienne N Rutherford
- Department of Women, Children, and Family Health Science, College of Nursing, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Calen P Ryan
- Department of Anthropology, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
| | - Thomas W McDade
- Department of Anthropology, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA.,Institute for Policy Research, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
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