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van Vliet MM, Schoenmakers S, Gribnau J, Steegers-Theunissen RP. The one-carbon metabolism as an underlying pathway for placental DNA methylation - a systematic review. Epigenetics 2024; 19:2318516. [PMID: 38484284 PMCID: PMC10950272 DOI: 10.1080/15592294.2024.2318516] [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: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic modifications, including DNA methylation, are proposed mechanisms explaining the impact of parental exposures to foetal development and lifelong health. Micronutrients including folate, choline, and vitamin B12 provide methyl groups for the one-carbon metabolism and subsequent DNA methylation processes. Placental DNA methylation changes in response to one-carbon moieties hold potential targets to improve obstetrical care. We conducted a systematic review on the associations between one-carbon metabolism and human placental DNA methylation. We included 22 studies. Findings from clinical studies with minimal ErasmusAGE quality score 5/10 (n = 15) and in vitro studies (n = 3) are summarized for different one-carbon moieties. Next, results are discussed per study approach: (1) global DNA methylation (n = 9), (2) genome-wide analyses (n = 4), and (3) gene specific (n = 14). Generally, one-carbon moieties were not associated with global methylation, although conflicting outcomes were reported specifically for choline. Using genome-wide approaches, few differentially methylated sites associated with S-adenosylmethionine (SAM), S-adenosylhomocysteine (SAH), or dietary patterns. Most studies taking a gene-specific approach indicated site-specific relationships depending on studied moiety and genomic region, specifically in genes involved in growth and development including LEP, NR3C1, CRH, and PlGF; however, overlap between studies was low. Therefore, we recommend to further investigate the impact of an optimized one-carbon metabolism on DNA methylation and lifelong health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marjolein M van Vliet
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
- Department of Developmental Biology, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Sam Schoenmakers
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Joost Gribnau
- Department of Developmental Biology, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
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Obeid R, Karlsson T. Choline - a scoping review for Nordic Nutrition Recommendations 2023. Food Nutr Res 2023; 67:10359. [PMID: 38187796 PMCID: PMC10770654 DOI: 10.29219/fnr.v67.10359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2021] [Revised: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Choline is an essential nutrient with metabolic roles as a methyl donor in one carbon metabolism and as a precursor for membrane phospholipids and the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. Choline content is particularly high in liver, eggs, and wheat germ, although it is present in a variety of foods. The main dietary sources of choline in the Nordic and Baltic countries are meat, dairy, eggs, and grain. A diet that is devoid of choline causes liver and muscle dysfunction within 3 weeks. Choline requirements are higher during pregnancy and lactation than in non-pregnant women. Although no randomized controlled trials are available, observational studies in human, supported by coherence from interventional studies with neurodevelopmental outcomes and experimental studies in animals, strongly suggest that sufficient intake of choline during pregnancy is necessary for normal brain development and function in the child. Observational studies suggested that adequate intake of choline could have positive effects on cognitive function in older people. However, prospective data are lacking, and no intervention studies are available in the elderly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rima Obeid
- Department of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, University Hospital of the Saarland, Homburg, Germany
| | - Therese Karlsson
- Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Nutrition, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
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Steane SE, Cuffe JSM, Moritz KM. The role of maternal choline, folate and one-carbon metabolism in mediating the impact of prenatal alcohol exposure on placental and fetal development. J Physiol 2023; 601:1061-1075. [PMID: 36755527 PMCID: PMC10952912 DOI: 10.1113/jp283556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2022] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Prenatal alcohol consumption (PAE) may be associated with a broad spectrum of impacts, ranging from no overt effects, to miscarriage, fetal growth restriction and fetal alcohol spectrum disorder. A major mechanism underlying the effects of PAE is considered to be altered DNA methylation and gene expression. Maternal nutritional status may be an important factor in determining the extent to which PAE impacts pregnancy outcomes, particularly the dietary micronutrients folate and choline because they provide methyl groups for DNA methylation via one carbon metabolism. This review summarises the roles of folate and choline in development of the blastocyst, the placenta and the fetal brain, and examines the evidence that maternal intake of these micronutrients can modify the effects of PAE on development. Studies of folate or choline deficiency have found reduced blastocyst development and implantation, reduced placental invasion, vascularisation and nutrient transport capability, impaired fetal brain development, and abnormal neurodevelopmental outcomes. PAE has been shown to reduce absorption and/or metabolism of folate and choline and to produce similar outcomes to maternal choline/folate deficiency. A few studies have demonstrated that the effects of PAE on brain development can be ameliorated by folate or choline supplementation; however, there is very limited evidence on the effects of supplementation in early pregnancy on the blastocyst and placenta. Further studies are required to support these findings and to determine optimal supplementation parameters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah E. Steane
- School of Biomedical SciencesThe University of QueenslandSt LuciaQLDAustralia
| | - James S. M. Cuffe
- School of Biomedical SciencesThe University of QueenslandSt LuciaQLDAustralia
| | - Karen M. Moritz
- School of Biomedical SciencesThe University of QueenslandSt LuciaQLDAustralia
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Chavira-Suárez E, Reyes-Castro LA, López-Tenorio II, Vargas-Hernández L, Rodríguez-González GL, Chavira R, Zárate-Segura P, Domínguez-López A, Vadillo-Ortega F, Zambrano E. Sex-differential RXRα gene methylation effects on mRNA and protein expression in umbilical cord of the offspring rat exposed to maternal obesity. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:892315. [PMID: 36072345 PMCID: PMC9442673 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.892315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Maternal obesity (MO) induces negative consequences in the offspring development. Adiposity phenotype is associated with maternal diet at early pregnancy and DNA methylation marks in the RXRα promotor at birth. Glucocorticoids play an important role in the regulation of metabolism through the activation of nuclear hormone receptors such as the RXRα protein. The aim of the study was to analyze steroid hormone changes at the end of pregnancy in the obese mother and RXRα gene methylation in the umbilical cord. For this purpose, in a well-established MO model, female Wistar rats were fed either standard chow (controls: C) or high-fat obesogenic diet (MO) before and during pregnancy to evaluate at 19 days of gestation (19 dG): 1) maternal concentration of circulating steroid hormones in MO and C groups, 2) maternal and fetal weights, 3) analysis of correlation between hormones concentration and maternal and fetal weights, 4) DNA methylation status of a single locus of RXRα gene near the early growth response (EGR-1) protein DNA binding site, and 5) RXRα mRNA and protein expressions in umbilical cords. Our results demonstrate that at 19 dG, MO body weight before and during pregnancy was higher than C; MO progesterone and corticosterone serum concentrations were higher and estradiol lower than C. There were not differences in fetal weight between male and female per group, therefore averaged data was used; MO fetal weight was lower than C. Positive correlations were found between progesterone and corticosterone with maternal weight, and estradiol with fetal weight, while negative correlation was observed between corticosterone and fetal weight. Additionally, male umbilical cords from MO were hypermethylated in RXRα gene compared to male C group, without differences in the female groups; mRNA and protein expression of RXRα were decreased in F1 male but not in female MO compared to C. In conclusion, MO results in dysregulation of circulating steroid hormones of the obese mothers and low fetal weight in the F1, modifying DNA methylation of RXRα gene as well as RXRα mRNA and protein expression in the umbilical cord in a sex-dependent manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erika Chavira-Suárez
- Unidad de Vinculación Científica de la Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México en el Instituto Nacional de Medicina Genómica, Mexico City, México
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Mexico, Mexico City, México
| | - Luis Antonio Reyes-Castro
- Departamento de Biología de la Reproducción, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Mexico City, México
| | - Itzel Ivonn López-Tenorio
- Unidad de Vinculación Científica de la Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México en el Instituto Nacional de Medicina Genómica, Mexico City, México
- Escuela Superior de Medicina, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Mexico City, México
| | - Lilia Vargas-Hernández
- Departamento de Biología de la Reproducción, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Mexico City, México
- Escuela Superior de Medicina, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Mexico City, México
- Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Hospital de Ginecología y Obstetricia No. 4 Luis Castelazo Ayala, Mexico City, México
| | - Guadalupe L. Rodríguez-González
- Departamento de Biología de la Reproducción, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Mexico City, México
| | - Roberto Chavira
- Departamento de Biología de la Reproducción, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Mexico City, México
| | - Paola Zárate-Segura
- Escuela Superior de Medicina, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Mexico City, México
| | | | - Felipe Vadillo-Ortega
- Unidad de Vinculación Científica de la Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México en el Instituto Nacional de Medicina Genómica, Mexico City, México
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Mexico, Mexico City, México
| | - Elena Zambrano
- Departamento de Biología de la Reproducción, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Mexico City, México
- *Correspondence: Elena Zambrano,
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Rubini E, Baijens IMM, Horánszky A, Schoenmakers S, Sinclair KD, Zana M, Dinnyés A, Steegers-Theunissen RPM, Rousian M. Maternal One-Carbon Metabolism during the Periconceptional Period and Human Foetal Brain Growth: A Systematic Review. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:1634. [PMID: 34681028 PMCID: PMC8535925 DOI: 10.3390/genes12101634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2021] [Revised: 10/01/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The maternal environment during the periconceptional period influences foetal growth and development, in part, via epigenetic mechanisms moderated by one-carbon metabolic pathways. During embryonic development, one-carbon metabolism is involved in brain development and neural programming. Derangements in one-carbon metabolism increase (i) the short-term risk of embryonic neural tube-related defects and (ii) long-term childhood behaviour, cognition, and autism spectrum disorders. Here we investigate the association between maternal one-carbon metabolism and foetal and neonatal brain growth and development. Database searching resulted in 26 articles eligible for inclusion. Maternal vitamin B6, vitamin B12, homocysteine, and choline were not associated with foetal and/or neonatal head growth. First-trimester maternal plasma folate within the normal range (>17 nmol/L) associated with increased foetal head size and head growth, and high erythrocyte folate (1538-1813 nmol/L) with increased cerebellar growth, whereas folate deficiency (<7 nmol/L) associated with a reduced foetal brain volume. Preconceptional folic acid supplement use and specific dietary patterns (associated with increased B vitamins and low homocysteine) increased foetal head size. Although early pregnancy maternal folate appears to be the most independent predictor of foetal brain growth, there is insufficient data to confirm the link between maternal folate and offspring risks for neurodevelopmental diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleonora Rubini
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, 3000 CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands; (E.R.); (I.M.M.B.); (S.S.); (M.R.)
| | - Inge M. M. Baijens
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, 3000 CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands; (E.R.); (I.M.M.B.); (S.S.); (M.R.)
| | - Alex Horánszky
- Department of Physiology and Animal Health, Institute of Physiology and Animal Health, Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences, H-2100 Gödöllő, Hungary; (A.H.); (A.D.)
- BioTalentum Ltd., H-2100 Gödöllő, Hungary;
| | - Sam Schoenmakers
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, 3000 CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands; (E.R.); (I.M.M.B.); (S.S.); (M.R.)
| | - Kevin D. Sinclair
- School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham LE12 5RD, UK;
| | | | - András Dinnyés
- Department of Physiology and Animal Health, Institute of Physiology and Animal Health, Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences, H-2100 Gödöllő, Hungary; (A.H.); (A.D.)
- BioTalentum Ltd., H-2100 Gödöllő, Hungary;
- HCEMM-USZ Stem Cell Research Group, Hungarian Centre of Excellence for Molecular Medicine, H-6723 Szeged, Hungary
- Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Medicine, University of Szeged, H-6720 Szeged, Hungary
| | - Régine P. M. Steegers-Theunissen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, 3000 CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands; (E.R.); (I.M.M.B.); (S.S.); (M.R.)
| | - Melek Rousian
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, 3000 CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands; (E.R.); (I.M.M.B.); (S.S.); (M.R.)
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