Improvements in lung function following vitamin C supplementation to pregnant smokers are associated with buccal DNA methylation at 5 years of age

DNA methylation signatures of severe RSV infection in infants: evidence from non-invasive saliva samples

BACKGROUND

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) poses significant morbidity and mortality risks in childhood, particularly for previously healthy infants admitted to hospitals lacking predisposing risk factors for severe disease. This study aimed to investigate the role of the host epigenome in RSV infection severity using non-invasive buccal swabs from sixteen hospitalized infants admitted to the hospital for RSV infection. Eight patients had severe symptoms, and eight had mild to moderate symptoms. For DNA methylation analyses, the Illumina EPIC BeadChip was used with DNA isolated from saliva samples. To evaluate the basal DNA methylation level of the identified biomarkers a cohort of healthy control children was used. Furthermore, DNA methylation levels of candidate genes were confirmed by pyrosequencing in both the discovery and validation cohorts of patients with mild to moderate symptoms.

RESULTS

A panel of differentially methylated positions (DMPs) distinguishing severe from mild to moderate symptoms in infants was identified. DMPs were determined using a threshold of an adjusted P-value (false discovery rate, FDR) < 0.01 and an absolute difference in DNA methylation (delta beta) > 0.10. Differentially methylated regions (DMRs) were identified in the ZBTB38 (implicated in asthma and pulmonary disease) and the TRIM6-TRM34 gene region (associated with viral infections). The differential DNA methylation of these genes was validated in an independent replication cohort. A weighted correlation network analysis emphasized the pivotal role of a module with RAB11FIP5 as the hub gene, known for its critical function in regulating viral infections.

CONCLUSIONS

Oral mucosa methylation may play a role in determining the severity of RSV disease in infants.

Vitamin C-Dependent Intergenerational Inheritance of Enhanced Endurance Performance Following Maternal Exercise

Declining levels of physical activity and fitness in children and youth are linked to negative health outcomes. This study investigates whether maternal exercise can enhance offspring's physical fitness. Our results demonstrate that maternal exercise improves offspring's endurance by changing muscle fiber composition and promoting mitochondrial biogenesis, with benefits lasting across generations. This improvement is associated with changes in DNA methylation, specifically the demethylation of the Slc23a2 gene, which codes for SVCT2, crucial for vitamin C (VC) transport, in F1 and F2 generations. Importantly, VC administration during pregnancy mimics the transgenerational benefits of exercise on offspring fitness, but these benefits are absent in genetic VC deficiency mice. VC supplementation increases TET2 expression in murine and human myogenic cells, regulating DNA methylation, promoting the development of oxidative fibers, and enhancing mitochondrial biogenesis. This study highlights the VC-TET2-SVCT2 pathway as a key mechanism for the transgenerational endurance benefits of maternal exercise, suggesting potential strategies to enhance maternal and child health.

Vitamin C supplementation in nicotine use during pregnancy: A narrative review

Nicotine use during pregnancy remains a widespread problem in obstetrics, leading to complications such as intrauterine growth restriction, preterm birth, stillbirth, and sudden infant death syndrome. Consistent education by medical personnel is essential, as no medication or supplement has been found to prevent the dangers of nicotine use during pregnancy. If a pregnant woman is unable to quit nicotine despite intensive efforts, vitamin C, with its antioxidant properties, may help mitigate these risks, as suggested by some studies. This review summarizes current knowledge based on publications related to vitamin C, nicotine, and pregnancy. Research was conducted on the medical literature platforms PubMed and Cochrane Library, using all relevant studies to provide a comprehensive overview of the topic. The identified studies primarily examined the impact of maternal smoking and nicotine on placental function, as well as the respiratory, cardiac, neuronal, and bone systems of the offspring. They suggest that vitamin C has a generally positive preventive or protective effect, though no study has shown complete compensation for the damage caused by nicotine. Nicotine abstinence remains the most crucial preventive measure. If this is not achievable despite intensive efforts by medical personnel, vitamin C supplementation during pregnancy may be considered. With a very low side effect profile, a daily dose of up to 500 mg can be recommended. However, further studies are necessary to provide reliable data on the effectiveness and appropriate dosage, given an ethically justifiable study approach.