Repetitive element DNA methylation and circulating endothelial and inflammation markers in the VA normative aging study

Epigenetic regulation of the inflammatory response in stroke

Stroke is classified as ischemic or hemorrhagic, and there are few effective treatments for either type. Immunologic mechanisms play a critical role in secondary brain injury following a stroke, which manifests as cytokine release, blood-brain barrier disruption, neuronal cell death, and ultimately behavioral impairment. Suppressing the inflammatory response has been shown to mitigate this cascade of events in experimental stroke models. However, in clinical trials of anti-inflammatory agents, long-term immunosuppression has not demonstrated significant clinical benefits for patients. This may be attributable to the dichotomous roles of inflammation in both tissue injury and repair, as well as the complex pathophysiologic inflammatory processes in stroke. Inhibiting acute harmful inflammatory responses or inducing a phenotypic shift from a pro-inflammatory to an anti-inflammatory state at specific time points after a stroke are alternative and promising therapeutic strategies. Identifying agents that can modulate inflammation requires a detailed understanding of the inflammatory processes of stroke. Furthermore, epigenetic reprogramming plays a crucial role in modulating post-stroke inflammation and can potentially be exploited for stroke management. In this review, we summarize current findings on the epigenetic regulation of the inflammatory response in stroke, focusing on key signaling pathways including nuclear factor-kappa B, Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription, and mitogen-activated protein kinase as well as inflammasome activation. We also discuss promising molecular targets for stroke treatment. The evidence to date indicates that therapeutic targeting of the epigenetic regulation of inflammation can shift the balance from inflammation-induced tissue injury to repair following stroke, leading to improved post-stroke outcomes.

DNA methylation of transposons pattern aging differences across a diverse cohort of dogs from the Dog Aging Project

Within a species, larger individuals often have shorter lives and higher rates of age-related disease. Despite this well-known link, we still know little about underlying age-related epigenetic differences, which could help us better understand inter-individual variation in aging and the etiology, onset, and progression of age-associated disease. Dogs exhibit this negative correlation between size, health, and longevity and thus represent an excellent system in which to test the underlying mechanisms. Here, we quantified genome-wide DNA methylation in a cohort of 864 dogs in the Dog Aging Project. Age strongly patterned the dog epigenome, with the majority (66% of age-associated loci) of regions associating age-related loss of methylation. These age effects were non-randomly distributed in the genome and differed depending on genomic context. We found the LINE1 (long interspersed elements) class of TEs (transposable elements) were the most frequently hypomethylated with age (FDR < 0.05, 40% of all LINE1 regions). This LINE1 pattern differed in magnitude across breeds of different sizes- the largest dogs lost 0.26% more LINE1 methylation per year than the smallest dogs. This suggests that epigenetic regulation of TEs, particularly LINE1s, may contribute to accelerated age and disease phenotypes within a species. Since our study focused on the methylome of immune cells, we looked at LINE1 methylation changes in golden retrievers, a breed highly susceptible to hematopoietic cancers, and found they have accelerated age-related LINE1 hypomethylation compared to other breeds. We also found many of the LINE1s hypomethylated with age are located on the X chromosome and are, when considering X chromosome inactivation, counter-intuitively more methylated in males. These results have revealed the demethylation of LINE1 transposons as a potential driver of intra-species, demographic-dependent aging variation.

Factors influencing brain recovery from stroke via possible epigenetic changes

Aim: To examine epigenetic changes leading to functional repair after damage to the central motor system.Data sources: A literature search was conducted using medical and health science electronic databases (PubMed, MEDLINE, Scopus) up to July 2023.Study selection: Data were summarized for type of intervention, study design, findings including human and animal studies.Data extraction: Data were extracted and double-checked independently for methodological quality. By means of the influence of environmental (calorie restriction or physical exercise) and other factors, epigenetic instructions were found to increase levels of BDNF and enhance synaptic neurotransmission, possibly leading to larger scale changes in structural and functional assets, which may end up to cognitive and motor repair after stroke.

Role of transcription factors, noncoding RNAs, epitranscriptomics, and epigenetics in post-ischemic neuroinflammation

Post-stroke neuroinflammation is pivotal in brain repair, yet persistent inflammation can aggravate ischemic brain damage and hamper recovery. Following stroke, specific molecules released from brain cells attract and activate central and peripheral immune cells. These immune cells subsequently release diverse inflammatory molecules within the ischemic brain, initiating a sequence of events, including activation of transcription factors in different brain cell types that modulate gene expression and influence outcomes; the interactive action of various noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) to regulate multiple biological processes including inflammation, epitranscriptomic RNA modification that controls RNA processing, stability, and translation; and epigenetic changes including DNA methylation, hydroxymethylation, and histone modifications crucial in managing the genic response to stroke. Interactions among these events further affect post-stroke inflammation and shape the depth of ischemic brain damage and functional outcomes. We highlighted these aspects of neuroinflammation in this review and postulate that deciphering these mechanisms is pivotal for identifying therapeutic targets to alleviate post-stroke dysfunction and enhance recovery.

Neighborhood-level deprivation and survival in lung cancer

BACKGROUND

Despite recent advances in lung cancer therapeutics and improving overall survival, disparities persist among socially disadvantaged populations. This study aims to determine the effects of neighborhood deprivation indices (NDI) on lung cancer mortality. This is a multicenter retrospective cohort study assessing the relationship between NDI and overall survival adjusted for age, disease stage, and DNA methylation among biopsy-proven lung cancer patients. State-specific NDI for each year of sample collection were computed at the U.S. census tract level and dichotomized into low- and high-deprivation.

RESULTS

A total of 173 non small lung cancer patients were included, with n = 85 (49%) and n = 88 (51%) in the low and high-deprivation groups, respectively. NDI was significantly higher among Black patients when compared with White patients (p = 0.003). There was a significant correlation between DNA methylation and stage for HOXA7, SOX17, ZFP42, HOXA9, CDO1 and TAC1. Only HOXA7 DNA methylation was positively correlated with NDI. The high-deprivation group had a statistically significant shorter survival than the low-deprivation group (p = 0.02). After adjusting for age, race, stage, and DNA methylation status, belonging to the high-deprivation group was associated with higher mortality with a hazard ratio of 1.81 (95%CI: 1.03-3.19).

CONCLUSIONS

Increased neighborhood-level deprivation may be associated with liquid biopsy DNA methylation, shorter survival, and increased mortality. Changes in health care policies that consider neighborhood-level indices of socioeconomic deprivation may enable a more equitable increase in lung cancer survival.

A framework of biomarkers for vascular aging: a consensus statement by the Aging Biomarker Consortium

Aging of the vasculature, which is integral to the functioning of literally all human organs, serves as a fundamental physiological basis for age-related alterations as well as a shared etiological mechanism for various chronic diseases prevalent in the elderly population. China, home to the world's largest aging population, faces an escalating challenge in addressing the prevention and management of these age-related conditions. To meet this challenge, the Aging Biomarker Consortium of China has developed an expert consensus on biomarkers of vascular aging (VA) by synthesizing literature and insights from scientists and clinicians. This consensus provides a comprehensive assessment of biomarkers associated with VA and presents a systemic framework to classify them into three dimensions: functional, structural, and humoral. Within each dimension, the expert panel recommends the most clinically relevant VA biomarkers. For the functional domain, biomarkers reflecting vascular stiffness and endothelial function are highlighted. The structural dimension encompasses metrics for vascular structure, microvascular structure, and distribution. Additionally, proinflammatory factors are emphasized as biomarkers with the humoral dimension. The aim of this expert consensus is to establish a foundation for assessing the extent of VA and conducting research related to VA, with the ultimate goal of improving the vascular health of the elderly in China and globally.

Epigenetics and stroke: role of DNA methylation and effect of aging on blood-brain barrier recovery

Incomplete recovery of blood-brain barrier (BBB) function contributes to stroke outcomes. How the BBB recovers after stroke remains largely unknown. Emerging evidence suggests that epigenetic factors play a significant role in regulating post-stroke BBB recovery. This study aimed to evaluate the epigenetic and transcriptional profile of cerebral microvessels after thromboembolic (TE) stroke to define potential causes of limited BBB recovery. RNA-sequencing and reduced representation bisulfite sequencing (RRBS) analyses were performed using microvessels isolated from young (6 months) and old (18 months) mice seven days poststroke compared to age-matched sham controls. DNA methylation profiling of poststroke brain microvessels revealed 11,287 differentially methylated regions (DMR) in old and 9818 DMR in young mice, corresponding to annotated genes. These DMR were enriched in genes encoding cell structural proteins (e.g., cell junction, and cell polarity, actin cytoskeleton, extracellular matrix), transporters and channels (e.g., potassium transmembrane transporter, organic anion and inorganic cation transporters, calcium ion transport), and proteins involved in endothelial cell processes (e.g., angiogenesis/vasculogenesis, cell signaling and transcription regulation). Integrated analysis of methylation and RNA sequencing identified changes in cell junctions (occludin), actin remodeling (ezrin) as well as signaling pathways like Rho GTPase (RhoA and Cdc42ep4). Aging as a hub of aberrant methylation affected BBB recovery processes by profound alterations (hypermethylation and repression) in structural protein expression (e.g., claudin-5) as well as activation of a set of genes involved in endothelial to mesenchymal transformation (e.g., Sox9, Snai1), repression of angiogenesis and epigenetic regulation. These findings revealed that DNA methylation plays an important role in regulating BBB repair after stroke, through regulating processes associated with BBB restoration and prevalently with processes enhancing BBB injury.

Epigenetics and stroke: role of DNA methylation and effect of aging on blood-brain barrier recovery

Incomplete recovery of blood-brain barrier (BBB) function contributes to stroke outcomes. How the BBB recovers after stroke remains largely unknown. Emerging evidence suggests that epigenetic factors play a significant role in regulating post-stroke BBB recovery. This study aimed to evaluate the epigenetic and transcriptional profile of cerebral microvessels after thromboembolic (TE) stroke to define potential causes of limited BBB recovery. RNA-sequencing and reduced representation bisulfite sequencing (RRBS) analyses were performed using microvessels isolated from young (6 months) and old (18 months) mice seven days poststroke compared to age-matched sham controls. DNA methylation profiling of poststroke brain microvessels revealed 11287 differentially methylated regions (DMR) in old and 9818 DMR in young mice, corresponding to annotated genes. These DMR were enriched in genes encoding cell structural proteins (e.g., cell junction, and cell polarity, actin cytoskeleton, extracellular matrix), transporters and channels (e.g., potassium transmembrane transporter, organic anion and inorganic cation transporters, calcium ion transport), and proteins involved in endothelial cell processes (e.g., angiogenesis/vasculogenesis, cell signaling and transcription regulation). Integrated analysis of methylation and RNA sequencing identified changes in cell junctions (occludin), actin remodeling (ezrin) as well as signaling pathways like Rho GTPase (RhoA and Cdc42ep4). Aging as a hub of aberrant methylation affected BBB recovery processes by profound alterations (hypermethylation and repression) in structural protein expression (e.g., claudin-5) as well as activation of a set of genes involved in endothelial to mesenchymal transformation (e.g., Sox17 , Snail1 ), repression of angiogenesis and epigenetic regulation. These findings revealed that DNA methylation plays an important role in regulating BBB repair after stroke, through regulating processes associated with BBB restoration and prevalently with processes enhancing BBB injury.

[New data on the pathophysiology of ischemic stroke: epigenetic mechanisms in focus]

Epigenetics is a branch of molecular biology that studies modifications able to change gene expression without changing the DNA sequence. Epigenetic modulations include DNA methylation, histone modifications, and noncoding RNAs. These heritable and modifiable gene changes can be caused by lifestyle and dietary factors. In recent years, epigenetic changes have been associated with the pathogenesis of a number of diseases, such as diabetes mellitus, obesity, renal pathology and various types of cancer. They were also associated with the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases, including ischemic stroke. In this regard, it is important to note that since epigenetic modifications are reversible processes, they can help in the development of new therapeutic approaches to treat human diseases. This mini-review presents the latest data on the influence of epigenetic modifications on the pathogenesis of ischemic stroke obtained both in animal models and in patients.

Epigenetic Mechanisms Involved in Inflammaging-Associated Hypertension

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This review summarizes the involvement of inflammaging in vascular damage with focus on the epigenetic mechanisms by which inflammaging-induced hypertension is triggered.

RECENT FINDINGS

Inflammaging in hypertension is a complex condition associated with the production of inflammatory mediators by the immune cells, enhancement of oxidative stress, and tissue remodeling in vascular smooth muscle cells and endothelial cells. Cellular processes are numerous, including inflammasome assembly and cell senescence which may involve mitochondrial dysfunction, autophagy, DNA damage response, dysbiosis, and many others. More recently, a series of noncoding RNAs, mainly microRNAs, have been described as possessing epigenetic actions on the regulation of inflammasome-related hypertension, emerging as a promising therapeutic strategy. Although there are a variety of pharmacological agents that effectively regulate inflammaging-related hypertension, a deeper understanding of the epigenetic events behind the control of vessel deterioration is needed for the treatment or even to prevent the disease onset.

Minor Changes for a Major Impact: A Review of Epigenetic Modifications in Cell-Based Therapies for Stroke

Epigenetic changes in stroke may revolutionize cell-based therapies aimed at reducing ischemic stroke risk and damage. Epigenetic changes are a novel therapeutic target due to their specificity and potential for reversal. Possible targets for epigenetic modification include DNA methylation and demethylation, post-translational histone modification, and the actions of non-coding RNAs such as microRNAs. Many of these epigenetic modifications have been reported to modulate atherosclerosis development and progression, ultimately contributing to stroke pathogenesis. Furthermore, epigenetics may play a major role in inflammatory responses following stroke. Stem cells for stroke have demonstrated safety in clinical trials for stroke and show therapeutic benefit in pre-clinical studies. The efficacy of these cell-based interventions may be amplified with adjunctive epigenetic modifications. This review advances the role of epigenetics in atherosclerosis and inflammation in the context of stroke, followed by a discussion on current stem cell studies modulating epigenetics to ameliorate stroke damage.

Advancement of epigenetics in stroke

A wide plethora of intervention procedures, tissue plasminogen activators, mechanical thrombectomy, and several neuroprotective drugs were reported in stroke research over the last decennium. However, against this vivid background of newly emerging pieces of evidence, there is little to no advancement in the overall functional outcomes. With the advancement of epigenetic tools and technologies associated with intervention medicine, stroke research has entered a new fertile. The stroke involves an overabundance of inflammatory responses arising in part due to the body's immune response to brain injury. Neuroinflammation contributes to significant neuronal cell death and the development of functional impairment and even death in stroke patients. Recent studies have demonstrated that epigenetics plays a key role in post-stroke conditions, leading to inflammatory responses and alteration of the microenvironment within the injured tissue. In this review, we summarize the progress of epigenetics which provides an overview of recent advancements on the emerging key role of secondary brain injury in stroke. We also discuss potential epigenetic therapies related to clinical practice.

CAMTA1 gene affects the ischemia-reperfusion injury by regulating CCND1

Epigenetic modulations lead to changes in gene expression, including DNA methylation, histone modifications, and noncoding RNAs. In recent years, epigenetic modifications have been related to the pathogenesis of different types of cancer, cardiovascular disease, and other diseases. Emerging evidence indicates that DNA methylation could be associated with ischemic stroke (IS) and plays a role in pathological progression, but the underlying mechanism has not yet been fully understood. In this study, we used human methylation 850K BeadChip to analyze the differences in gene methylation status in the peripheral blood samples from two groups (3 IS patients vs. 3 healthy controls). According to their bioinformatics profiling, we found 278 genes with significantly different methylation levels. Seven genes with the most significant methylation modifications were validated in two expanded groups (100 IS patients vs. 100 healthy controls). The CAMTA1 gene had significantly different methylation changes in patients compared to the controls. To understand the CAMTA1 function in stroke, we generated CAMTA1 knockout in SH-SY5Y cells. RNA seq results in CAMTA1 knockout cells revealed the pathways and gene set enrichments involved in cellular proliferation and cell cycle. Furthermore, a series of experiments demonstrated that in the oxygen-glucose deprivation/re-oxygenation (OGD/R) model system, the expression of cyclin D1, an essential regulator of cell cycle progression, was increased in SH-SY5Y CAMTA1 KO cells. Increasing evidence demonstrated that ischemic stress could inappropriately raise cyclin D1 levels in mature neurons. However, the molecular signals leading to an increased cyclin D1 level are unclear. Our findings demonstrate for the first time that the CAMTA1 gene could regulate cyclin D1 expression and implicate their role in strokes.

The Role of DNA Methylation in Stroke Recovery

Epigenetic alterations affect the onset of ischemic stroke, brain injury after stroke, and mechanisms of poststroke recovery. In particular, DNA methylation can be dynamically altered by maintaining normal brain function or inducing abnormal brain damage. DNA methylation is regulated by DNA methyltransferase (DNMT), which promotes methylation, DNA demethylase, which removes methyl groups, and methyl-cytosine–phosphate–guanine-binding domain (MBD) protein, which binds methylated DNA and inhibits gene expression. Investigating the effects of modulating DNMT, TET, and MBD protein expression on neuronal cell death and neurorepair in ischemic stroke and elucidating the underlying mechanisms can facilitate the formulation of therapeutic strategies for neuroprotection and promotion of neuronal recovery after stroke. In this review, we summarize the role of DNA methylation in neuroprotection and neuronal recovery after stroke according to the current knowledge regarding the effects of DNA methylation on excitotoxicity, oxidative stress, apoptosis, neuroinflammation, and recovery after ischemic stroke. This review of the literature regarding the role of DNA methylation in neuroprotection and functional recovery after stroke may contribute to the development and application of novel therapeutic strategies for stroke.

Epigenetics, DNA damage, and aging

Over the course of a human lifespan, genome integrity erodes, leading to an increased abundance of several types of chromatin changes. The abundance of DNA lesions (chemical perturbations to nucleotides) increases with age, as does the number of genomic mutations and transcriptional disruptions caused by replication or transcription of those lesions, respectively. At the epigenetic level, precise DNA methylation patterns degrade, likely causing increasingly stochastic variations in gene expression. Similarly, the tight regulation of histone modifications begins to unravel. The genomic instability caused by these mechanisms allows transposon element reactivation and remobilization, further mutations, gene dysregulation, and cytoplasmic chromatin fragments. This cumulative genomic instability promotes cell signaling events that drive cell fate decisions and extracellular communications known to disrupt tissue homeostasis and regeneration. In this Review, we focus on age-related epigenetic changes and their interactions with age-related genomic changes that instigate these events.

Stroke and Etiopathogenesis: What Is Known?

Background: A substantial portion of stroke risk remains unexplained, and a contribution from genetic factors is supported by recent findings. In most cases, genetic risk factors contribute to stroke risk as part of a multifactorial predisposition. A major challenge in identifying the genetic determinants of stroke is fully understanding the complexity of the phenotype. Aims: Our narrative review is needed to improve our understanding of the biological pathways underlying the disease and, through this understanding, to accelerate the identification of new drug targets. Methods: We report, the research in the literature until February 2022 in this narrative review. The keywords are stroke, causes, etiopathogenesis, genetic, epigenetic, ischemic stroke. Results: While better risk prediction also remains a long-term goal, its implementation is still complex given the small effect-size of genetic risk variants. Some authors encourage the use of stroke genetic panels for stroke risk assessment and further stroke research. In addition, new biomarkers for the genetic causes of stroke and new targets for gene therapy are on the horizon. Conclusion: We summarize the latest evidence and perspectives of ischemic stroke genetics that may be of interest to the physician and useful for day-to-day clinical work in terms of both prevention and treatment of ischemic stroke.

Crosstalk Between Inflammatory Signaling and Methylation in Cancer

Inflammation is an intricate immune response against infection and tissue damage. While the initial immune response is important for preventing tumorigenesis, chronic inflammation is implicated in cancer pathogenesis. It has been linked to various stages of tumor development including transformation, proliferation, angiogenesis, and metastasis. Immune cells, through the production of inflammatory mediators such as cytokines, chemokines, transforming growth factors, and adhesion molecules contribute to the survival, growth, and progression of the tumor in its microenvironment. The aberrant expression and secretion of pro-inflammatory and growth factors by the tumor cells result in the recruitment of immune cells, thus creating a mutual crosstalk. The reciprocal signaling between the tumor cells and the immune cells creates and maintains a successful tumor niche. Many inflammatory factors are regulated by epigenetic mechanisms including DNA methylation and histone modifications. In particular, DNA and histone methylation are crucial forms of transcriptional regulation and aberrant methylation has been associated with deregulated gene expression in oncogenesis. Such deregulations have been reported in both solid tumors and hematological malignancies. With technological advancements to study genome-wide epigenetic landscapes, it is now possible to identify molecular mechanisms underlying altered inflammatory profiles in cancer. In this review, we discuss the role of DNA and histone methylation in regulation of inflammatory pathways in human cancers and review the merits and challenges of targeting inflammatory mediators as well as epigenetic regulators in cancer.

Epigenetic Regulations of Microglia/Macrophage Polarization in Ischemic Stroke

Ischemic stroke is one of the leading causes of death and disability worldwide. Microglia/macrophages (MMs)-mediated neuroinflammation contributes significantly to the pathological process of ischemic brain injury. Microglia, serving as resident innate immune cells in the central nervous system, undergo pro-inflammatory phenotype or anti-inflammatory phenotype in response to the microenvironmental changes after cerebral ischemia. Emerging evidence suggests that epigenetics modifications, reversible modifications of the phenotype without changing the DNA sequence, could play a pivotal role in regulation of MM polarization. However, the knowledge of the mechanism of epigenetic regulations of MM polarization after cerebral ischemia is still limited. In this review, we present the recent advances in the mechanisms of epigenetics involved in regulating MM polarization, including histone modification, non-coding RNA, and DNA methylation. In addition, we discuss the potential of epigenetic-mediated MM polarization as diagnostic and therapeutic targets for ischemic stroke. It is valuable to identify the underlying mechanisms between epigenetics and MM polarization, which may provide a promising treatment strategy for neuronal damage after cerebral ischemia.

Roles and Mechanisms of DNA Methylation in Vascular Aging and Related Diseases

Vascular aging is a pivotal risk factor promoting vascular dysfunction, the development and progression of vascular aging-related diseases. The structure and function of endothelial cells (ECs), vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), fibroblasts, and macrophages are disrupted during the aging process, causing vascular cell senescence as well as vascular dysfunction. DNA methylation, an epigenetic mechanism, involves the alteration of gene transcription without changing the DNA sequence. It is a dynamically reversible process modulated by methyltransferases and demethyltransferases. Emerging evidence reveals that DNA methylation is implicated in the vascular aging process and plays a central role in regulating vascular aging-related diseases. In this review, we seek to clarify the mechanisms of DNA methylation in modulating ECs, VSMCs, fibroblasts, and macrophages functions and primarily focus on the connection between DNA methylation and vascular aging-related diseases. Therefore, we represent many vascular aging-related genes which are modulated by DNA methylation. Besides, we concentrate on the potential clinical application of DNA methylation to serve as a reliable diagnostic tool and DNA methylation-based therapeutic drugs for vascular aging-related diseases.

Epigenetics Mechanisms in Ischemic Stroke: A Promising Avenue?

Stroke has emerged as the second most common cause of mortality worldwide and is a major public health problem. It is a multi-factorial disease and genetics plays an important role in its pathophysiology, however, mechanisms of genome involvement in the disease remain unclear. Both genetic and epigenetic mechanisms could play a role in the development of stroke disease. Although epigenetic characteristics may also be heritable, they can be modified during the lifetime under different environmental exposure in response to lifestyle. Recent studies provide clear evidence that epigenetic factors play an important role in the pathological mechanisms leading to an elevated risk of cardiovascular diseases and stroke. Epigenetic changes are reversible therefore; studying epigenetic factors may serve as a marker for disease progression, biomarker for disease diagnosis, and development of novel targets for therapeutic intervention. Identifying the factors which predispose the risk of stroke provides information for the mechanism of stroke and the design of new drug targets where epigenetic modifications play a significant role. Epigenetic modifications play an essential role in a large variety of multifactorial diseases. This review will focus on the evidence that epigenetic mechanisms play a crucial role in the pathophysiology of ischemic stroke.

Age and mitochondrial DNA copy number influence the association between outdoor temperature and cognitive function: Insights from the VA Normative Aging Study

BACKGROUND

General cognitive function deteriorates with aging, a change that has been linked to outdoor temperature. Older individuals have reduced ability to adapt to changes in outdoor temperature than younger people. However, to what extent short-term changes in outdoor temperature interact with mitochondria to affect cognition in older people has not yet been determined.

METHODS

Our study included 591 participants of the Normative Aging Study who underwent multiple examinations between 2000 and 2013. Cognitive function was evaluated via the Mini-Mental State Examination. Outdoor temperature was estimated at residential addresses 1 day before the examination using on a validated spatiotemporal temperature model. Mitochondrial DNA copy number (mtDNAcn) was determined using buffy coat samples.

RESULTS

We found an interaction between temperature, age, mtDNAcn, and cognition. In individuals 84 years of age or older, cooler temperature was associated with low cognition (odds ratio = 1.2; 95% confidence interval = 1.05, 1.35 for a 1°C decrease in temperature; P = 0.007). We found higher odds ratio per 1°C decrease in temperature among individuals with lower mtDNAcn (β3 = 0.12; 95% confidence interval = 0.01, 0.22; P interaction = 0.02).

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings, albeit potentially underpowered, suggest that older individuals may be more susceptible to the influence of short-term temperature exposure on cognition. Moreover, the level of mtDNAcn may also modify the association between temperature and cognitive function, indicating a possible role of these cellular elements in this relationship.

From air pollution to cardiovascular diseases: the emerging role of epigenetics

The association between air pollution and a wide-ranging spectrum of acute and chronic disorders-including cardiovascular diseases-is widely acknowledged. Exposure to airborne pollutants triggers harmful mechanisms such as oxidative stress and systemic inflammation, which lead to increased incidence of myocardial infarction, arterial hypertension, stroke, and heart failure. Sustained efforts have been made in recent years to discover how environmental exposures affect human health through epigenetic phenomena, such as DNA methylation, histone modifications and non-coding RNA-mediated gene regulation. This review summarizes the current evidences on the relationship between air pollution exposure, epigenetic alterations and cardiovascular impact, in view of present implications and future perspectives.

Relationship between urinary bisphenol a levels and cardiovascular diseases in the U.S. adult population, 2003-2014

BACKGROUND

Emerging evidence has identified cardiovascular system as a potential target of Bisphenol A (BPA). Although a few studies have revealed the relationship between BPA and the risk of several cardiovascular diseases (CVD) outcomes and CVD risk factors, no published studies have investigated the link between urinary BPA and the risk of stroke.

METHODS

Data were derived from the United States National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES), with a representative sample aged ≥20 years (n = 9139) from 2003 to 2014. We performed multivariable logistic regression model to estimate associations between quartiles and natural logarithm transformed urinary BPA concentrations and five specific CVD outcomes and total CVD.

RESULTS

In quartile analysis, highest level of urinary BPA was associated with increased prevalence of myocardial infarction (MI) (OR = 1.73, 95% CI = 1.11-2.69) and stroke (OR = 1.61, 95% CI = 1.09-2.36), when compared with those at the lowest quartile. Per unit (μg/g creatinine) increment in ln-transformed BPA concentration was shown to be significantly associated with 19%, 19%, 25%, 29%, 20%, and 16% increased odds ratios of prevalence of congestive heart failure, coronary heart disease (CHD), angina pectoris, MI, stroke and total CVD among total participants, respectively. Similar associations were found in males rather than in females.

CONCLUSION

We provided the premier evidence of positive relationship between urinary BPA concentration and stroke in U.S.

POPULATION

Urinary BPA levels were also positively correlated with congestive heart failure, CHD, angina pectoris, MI, as well as total CVD. These associations were more evident in males. Well-coordinated and prospective studies are warranted to gain the human effects of BPA on CVD.

Pathogenesis of Ischemic Stroke: Role of Epigenetic Mechanisms

Epigenetics is the branch of molecular biology that studies modifications able to change gene expression without altering the DNA sequence. Epigenetic modulations include DNA methylation, histone modifications, and noncoding RNAs. These gene modifications are heritable and modifiable and can be triggered by lifestyle and nutritional factors. In recent years, epigenetic changes have been associated with the pathogenesis of several diseases such as diabetes, obesity, renal pathology, and different types of cancer. They have also been related with the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases including ischemic stroke. Importantly, since epigenetic modifications are reversible processes they could assist with the development of new therapeutic approaches for the treatment of human diseases. In the present review article, we aim to collect the most recent evidence concerning the impact of epigenetic modifications on the pathogenesis of ischemic stroke in both animal models and humans.

The role of environmental exposures and the epigenome in health and disease

The genetic material of every organism exists within the context of regulatory networks that govern gene expression, collectively called the epigenome. Epigenetics has taken center stage in the study of diseases such as cancer and diabetes, but its integration into the field of environmental health is still emerging. As the Environmental Mutagenesis and Genomics Society (EMGS) celebrates its 50th Anniversary this year, we have come together to review and summarize the seminal advances in the field of environmental epigenomics. Specifically, we focus on the role epigenetics may play in multigenerational and transgenerational transmission of environmentally induced health effects. We also summarize state of the art techniques for evaluating the epigenome, environmental epigenetic analysis, and the emerging field of epigenome editing. Finally, we evaluate transposon epigenetics as they relate to environmental exposures and explore the role of noncoding RNA as biomarkers of environmental exposures. Although the field has advanced over the past several decades, including being recognized by EMGS with its own Special Interest Group, recently renamed Epigenomics, we are excited about the opportunities for environmental epigenetic science in the next 50 years. Environ. Mol. Mutagen. 61:176-192, 2020. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Long-term ambient fine particulate matter and DNA methylation in inflammation pathways: results from the Sister Study

Although underlying mechanisms of long-term exposure to air pollution and cardiovascular disease remain obscure, effects might partially act through changes in DNA methylation. We examined the associations between long-term ambient fine particulate matter (PM_2.5) and methylation, considering both a global measure and methylation at several specific inflammation-related loci, in two random sub-cohorts selected from a nationwide prospective study of US women. In one sub-cohort we measured long interspersed nucleotide element (LINE-1); in the other, we measured methylation at three candidates CpG loci related to inflammatory pathways [tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and toll-like receptor-2 (TLR-2)]. Annual average contemporaneous ambient PM_2.5 concentrations were estimated for the current residence. We used both classical least-squares and quantile regression models to estimate the long-term effects. The women in sub-cohorts 1 (n = 491) and 2 (n = 882) had mean ages of 55.8 and 56.7, respectively. Neither modelling approach showed an association between long-term PM_2.5 and LINE-1 methylation or between PM_2.5 and either of the two CpG sites in TLR-2. Using linear regression, there was an estimated change of -6.5% (95% confidence interval CI: -13.34%, 0.35%) in mean methylation of TNF-α per 5 µg/m³ increase in PM_2.5. Quantile regression showed that the downward shift was mainly in the lower half of the distribution of DNA methylation. Long-term residence in regions with higher ambient PM_2.5 may be associated with increased TNF-α through a reduction in methylation, particularly in the lower tail. Epigenetic markers and quantile regression might provide insight into mechanisms underlying the relationship between air pollution and cardiovascular disease.

Genomic DNA methylation signatures in different tissues after ambient air particulate matter exposure

DNA methylation (5-mc) is one of the several epigenetic markers, and is generally associated with the inhibition of gene expression. Both hyper and hypo DNA methylation are associated with the diseases. Exposure to fine particles with a diameter of 2.5 μm or less (PM_2.5) is a pervasive risk factor for cardiopulmonary mortality, metabolic disorders, cognition damage, and etc.. Recent reports pointed toward that these diseases were associated with the altered DNA methylation level of some specific-gene, potentially suggesting that the DNA methylation alteration was involved in the health hazard derived from the PM_2.5 exposure. In this study, we systematically investigated the global DNA methylation level of most tissues, including lung, heart, testis, thymus, spleen, epididymal fat, hippocampus, kidney, live, after short and long term PM_2.5 exposure. After acute PM_2.5 exposure, the global hypo-methylation in DNA was observed in lung and heart. Notably, after chronic PM_2.5 exposure, level of global DNA methylation decreased in most organs which included lung, testis, thymus, spleen, epididymal fat, hippocampus and blood. The present study systematically demonstrated the global DNA methylation changes by PM_2.5 exposure, and put forward a possible orientation for further exploring the effects of ambient air particles exposure on the specific organs.

Epigenetic reprogramming of immune cells in injury, repair, and resolution

Immune cells are pivotal in the reaction to injury, whereupon, under ideal conditions, repair and resolution phases restore homeostasis following initial acute inflammation. Immune cell activation and reprogramming require transcriptional changes that can only be initiated if epigenetic alterations occur. Recently, accelerated deciphering of epigenetic mechanisms has extended knowledge of epigenetic regulation, including long-distance chromatin remodeling, DNA methylation, posttranslational histone modifications, and involvement of small and long noncoding RNAs. Epigenetic changes have been linked to aspects of immune cell development, activation, and differentiation. Furthermore, genome-wide epigenetic landscapes have been established for some immune cells, including tissue-resident macrophages, and blood-derived cells including T cells. The epigenetic mechanisms underlying developmental steps from hematopoietic stem cells to fully differentiated immune cells led to development of epigenetic technologies and insights into general rules of epigenetic regulation. Compared with more advanced research areas, epigenetic reprogramming of immune cells in injury remains in its infancy. While the early epigenetic mechanisms supporting activation of the immune response to injury have been studied, less is known about resolution and repair phases and cell type-specific changes. We review prominent recent findings concerning injury-mediated epigenetic reprogramming, particularly in stroke and myocardial infarction. Lastly, we illustrate how single-cell technologies will be crucial to understanding epigenetic reprogramming in the complex sequential processes following injury.

Wnt signalling mediates miR-133a nuclear re-localization for the transcriptional control of Dnmt3b in cardiac cells

MiR-133a is a muscle-enriched miRNA, which plays a key role for proper skeletal and cardiac muscle function via regulation of transduction cascades, including the Wnt signalling. MiR-133a modulates its targets via canonical mRNA repression, a process that has been largely demonstrated to occur within the cytoplasm. However, recent evidence has shown that miRNAs play additional roles in other sub-cellular compartments, such as nuclei. Here, we show that miR-133a translocates to the nucleus of cardiac cells following inactivation of the canonical Wnt pathway. The nuclear miR-133a/AGO2 complex binds to a complementary miR-133a target site within the promoter of the de novo DNA methyltransferase 3B (Dnmt3b) gene, leading to its transcriptional repression, which is mediated by DNMT3B itself. Altogether, these data show an unconventional role of miR-133a that upon its relocalization to the nucleus is responsible for epigenetic repression of its target gene Dnmt3b via a DNMT3B self-regulatory negative feedback loop.

Welding Fume Exposure and Epigenetic Alterations: A Systematic Review

Epigenetics are heritable changes in gene expression not coded in the DNA sequence, which stand at the interface between the genome, environmental exposure and development. From an occupational health perspective, epigenetic variants may link workplace exposures and health effects. Therefore, this review aimed to overview possible epigenetic effects induced by welding fumes on exposed workers and health implications. A systematic search was performed on Pubmed, Scopus, and ISI Web of Knowledge databases. DNA methylation changes have been reported in genes responsible for the cardiac autonomic function and coagulation, i.e., LINE-1, GPR133 and F2RL3, in mitochondrial-DNA-sequences involved in the regulation of energy-generation/redox-signaling, as well as in inflammatory activated genes, i.e., iNOS. However, the limited number of retrieved articles, their cross-sectional nature, the lack of a suitable qualitative-quantitative exposure assessment, and the heterogeneity of biological-outcomes investigated, prevent the extrapolation of a definite causal relationship between welding fumes and epigenetic phenomena. Future studies should clarify the function of such epigenetic alterations as possible markers of occupational exposure and early effect, dose-response relationships, and underlying molecular mechanisms. Overall, this may be helpful to guide suitable risk assessment and management strategies to protect the health of workers exposed to welding fumes.

Epigenetics and Inflammatory Markers: A Systematic Review of the Current Evidence

Epigenetic mechanisms have been suggested to play a role in the genetic regulation of pathways related to inflammation. Therefore, we aimed to systematically review studies investigating the association between DNA methylation and histone modifications with circulatory inflammation markers in blood. Five bibliographic databases were screened until 21 November of 2017. We included studies conducted on humans that examined the association between epigenetic marks (DNA methylation and/or histone modifications) and a comprehensive list of inflammatory markers. Of the 3,759 identified references, 24 articles were included, involving, 17,399 individuals. There was suggestive evidence for global hypomethylation but better-quality studies in the future have to confirm this. Epigenome-wide association studies (EWAS) (n=7) reported most of the identified differentially methylated genes to be hypomethylated in inflammatory processes. Candidate genes studies reported 18 differentially methylated genes related to several circulatory inflammation markers. There was no overlap in the methylated sites investigated in candidate gene studies and EWAS, except for TMEM49, which was found to be hypomethylated with higher inflammatory markers in both types of studies. The relation between histone modifications and inflammatory markers was assessed by one study only. This review supports an association between epigenetic marks and inflammation, suggesting hypomethylation of the genome. Important gaps in the quality of studies were reported such as inadequate sample size, lack of adjustment for relevant confounders, and failure to replicate the findings. While most of the studies have been focused on C-reactive protein, further efforts should investigate other inflammatory markers.

The role of DNA methylation and hydroxymethylation in immunosenescence

A healthy functioning immune system is critical to stave off infectious diseases, but as humans and other organisms age, their immune systems decline. As a result, diseases that were readily thwarted in early life pose nontrivial harm and can even be deadly in late life. Immunosenescence is defined as the general deterioration of the immune system with age, and it is characterized by functional changes in hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) and specific blood cell types as well as changes in levels of numerous factors, particularly those involved in inflammation. Potential mechanisms underlying immunosenescence include epigenetic changes such as changes in DNA methylation (DNAm) and DNA hydroxymethylation (DNAhm) that occur with age. The purpose of this review is to describe what is currently known about the relationship between immunosenescence and the age-related changes to DNAm and DNAhm, and to discuss experimental approaches best suited to fill gaps in our understanding.

LINE-1 in Obesity and Cardiometabolic Diseases: A Systematic Review

Epigenetic mechanisms may play an important role in the etiology of obesity and cardiometabolic diseases, by activating or silencing the related-genes. Scientific evidence has suggested that LINE-1 methylation is associated with body composition and obesity-related diseases, including insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and cardiovascular disease (CVD). It also has been evaluated as predictor of weight loss. The studies' results are still conflicting, and positive and negative associations have been found to LINE-1 methylation regarding adiposity and cardiometabolic markers. Overall, this review presents observational (cross-sectional and longitudinal) studies and interventions (diet, exercises, and bariatric surgery) that evaluated the relationship of the LINE-1 methylation with obesity, weight loss, dyslipidemias, hypertension, insulin resistance, CVD, and metabolic syndrome. TEACHING POINTS Epigenetic mechanisms may play an important role in the etiology of obesity and cardiometabolic diseases. Many studies have related methylation of LINE-1 with cardiometabolic diseases; however, the results are still controversial. The relationship between the etiology of chronic diseases and the methylation of LINE-1 is not fully elucidated. With advances in epigenetic studies, related mechanisms may be early biomarkers in weight change and cardiometabolic risk.

The epigenetics of inflammaging: The contribution of age-related heterochromatin loss and locus-specific remodelling and the modulation by environmental stimuli

A growing amount of evidences indicates that inflammaging - the chronic, low grade inflammation state characteristic of the elderly - is the result of genetic as well as environmental or stochastic factors. Some of these, such as the accumulation of senescent cells that are persistent during aging or accompany its progression, seem to be sufficient to initiate the aging process and to fuel it. Others, like exposure to environmental compounds or infections, are temporary and resolve within a (relatively) short time. In both cases, however, a cellular memory of the event can be established by means of epigenetic modulation of the genome. In this review we will specifically discuss the relationship between epigenetics and inflammaging. In particular, we will show how age-associated epigenetic modifications concerned with heterochromatin loss and gene-specific remodelling, can promote inflammaging. Furthermore, we will recall how the exposure to specific nutritional, environmental and microbial stimuli can affect the rate of inflammaging through epigenetic mechanisms, touching also on the recent insight given by the concept of trained immunity.

Endothelial cell senescence in aging-related vascular dysfunction

Increased cardiovascular disease in aging is partly a consequence of the vascular endothelial cell (EC) senescence and associated vascular dysfunction. In this contest, EC senescence is a pathophysiological process of structural and functional changes including dysregulation of vascular tone, increased endothelium permeability, arterial stiffness, impairment of angiogenesis and vascular repair, and a reduction of EC mitochondrial biogenesis. Dysregulation of cell cycle, oxidative stress, altered calcium signaling, hyperuricemia, and vascular inflammation have been implicated in the development and progression of EC senescence and vascular disease in aging. A number of abnormal molecular pathways are associated with these underlying pathophysiological changes including Sirtuin 1, Klotho, fibroblast growth factor 21, and activation of the renin angiotensin-aldosterone system. However, the molecular mechanisms of EC senescence and associated vascular impairment in aging are not completely understood. This review provides a contemporary update on molecular mechanisms, pathophysiological events, as well functional changes in EC senescence and age-associated cardiovascular disease. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Genetic and epigenetic regulation of aging and longevity edited by Jun Ren & Megan Yingmei Zhang.

Epigenetic regulation of inflammation in stroke

Despite extensive research, treatments for clinical stroke are still limited only to the administration of tissue plasminogen activator and the recent introduction of mechanical thrombectomy, which can be used in only a limited proportion of patients due to time constraints. A plethora of inflammatory events occur during stroke, arising in part due to the body's immune response to brain injury. Neuroinflammation contributes significantly to neuronal cell death and the development of functional impairment and death in stroke patients. Therefore, elucidating the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying inflammatory damage following stroke injury will be essential for the development of useful therapies. Research findings increasingly point to the likelihood that epigenetic mechanisms play a role in the pathophysiology of stroke. Epigenetics involves the differential regulation of gene expression, including those involved in brain inflammation and remodelling after stroke. Hence, it is conceivable that epigenetic mechanisms may contribute to differential interindividual vulnerability and injury responses to cerebral ischaemia. In this review, we summarize recent findings on the emerging role of epigenetics in the regulation of neuroinflammation in stroke. We also discuss potential epigenetic targets that may be assessed for the development of stroke therapies.

Oxidative stress and inflammation mediate the effect of air pollution on cardio- and cerebrovascular disease: A prospective study in nonsmokers

Air pollution is associated with a broad range of adverse health effects, including mortality and morbidity due to cardio- and cerebrovascular diseases (CCVD), but the molecular mechanisms involved are not entirely understood. This study aims to investigate the involvement of oxidative stress and inflammation in the causal chain, and to identify intermediate biomarkers that are associated retrospectively with the exposure and prospectively with the disease. We designed a case-control study on CCVD nested in a cohort of 18,982 individuals from the EPIC-Italy study. We measured air pollution, inflammatory biomarkers, and whole-genome DNA methylation in blood collected up to 17 years before the diagnosis. The study sample includes all the incident CCVD cases among former- and never-smokers, with available stored blood sample, that arose in the cohort during the follow-up. We identified enrichment of altered DNA methylation in "ROS/Glutathione/Cytotoxic granules" and "Cytokine signaling" pathways related genes, associated with both air pollution (multiple comparisons adjusted p for enrichment ranging from 0.01 to 0.03 depending on pollutant) and with CCVD risk (P = 0.04 and P = 0.03, respectively). Also, Interleukin-17 was associated with higher exposure to NO2 (P = 0.0004), NOx (P = 0.0005), and CCVD risk (OR = 1.79; CI 1.04-3.11; P = 0.04 comparing extreme tertiles). Our findings indicate that chronic exposure to air pollution can lead to oxidative stress, which in turn activates a cascade of inflammatory responses mainly involving the "Cytokine signaling" pathway, leading to increased risk of CCVD. Inflammatory proteins and DNA methylation alterations can be detected several years before CCVD diagnosis in blood samples, being promising preclinical biomarkers. Environ. Mol. Mutagen. 59:234-246, 2018. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

The epigenetic alterations of endogenous retroelements in aging

Endogenous retroelements, transposons that mobilize through RNA intermediates, include some of the most abundant repetitive sequences of the human genome, such as Alu and LINE-1 sequences, and human endogenous retroviruses. Recent discoveries demonstrate that these mobile genetic elements not only act as intragenomic parasites, but also exert regulatory roles in living cells. The risk of genomic instability represented by endogenous retroelements is normally counteracted by a series of epigenetic control mechanisms which include, among the most important, CpG DNA methylation. Indeed, most of the genomic CpG sites subjected to DNA methylation in the nuclear DNA are carried by these repetitive elements. As other parts of the genome, endogenous retroelements and other transposable elements are subjected to deep epigenetic alterations during aging, repeatedly observed in the context of organismal and cellular senescence, in human and other species. This review summarizes the current status of knowledge about the epigenetic alterations occurring in this large, non-genic portion of the genome in aging and age-related conditions, with a focus on the causes and the possible functional consequences of these alterations.

Pathophysiology of cardiovascular disease in diabetes mellitus

Diabetes mellitus elicits cellular, epigenetic, and post-translational changes that directly or indirectly affect the biology of the vasculature and other metabolic systems resulting in the apparition of cardiovascular disease. In this review, we provide a current perspective on the most recent discoveries in this field, with particular focus on hyperglycemia- induced pathology in the cardiovascular system. We also provide perspective on the clinical importance of molecular targeting of cardiovascular and diabetes mellitus therapies to treat hyperglycemia, inflammation, thrombosis, dyslipidemia, atherosclerosis, and hypertension.

Correlation between global methylation level of peripheral blood leukocytes and serum C reactive protein level modified by MTHFR polymorphism: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Chronic inflammatory conditions are associated with higher tumor incidence through epigenetic and genetic alterations. Here, we focused on an association between an inflammation marker, C-reactive-protein (CRP), and global DNA methylation levels of peripheral blood leukocytes.

METHODS

The subjects were 384 healthy Japanese women enrolled as the control group of a case-control study for breast cancer conducted from 2001 to 2005. Global DNA methylation was quantified by Luminometric Methylation Assay (LUMA).

RESULTS

With adjustment for lifestyle-related factors, including folate intake, the global DNA methylation level of peripheral blood leukocytes was significantly but weakly increased by 0.43% per quartile category for CRP (P for trend = 0.010). Estimated methylation levels stratified by CRP quartile were 70.0%, 70.8%, 71.4%, and 71.3%, respectively. In addition, interaction between polymorphism of MTHFR (rs1801133, known as C677T) and CRP was significant (P for interaction = 0.046); the global methylation level was significantly increased by 0.61% per quartile category for CRP in the CT/TT group (those with the minor allele T, P for trend = 0.001), whereas no association was observed in the CC group (wild type).

CONCLUSIONS

Our study suggests that CRP concentration is weakly associated with global DNA methylation level. However, this association was observed more clearly in individuals with the minor allele of the MTHFR missense SNP rs1801133. By elucidating the complex mechanism of the regulation of DNA methylation by both acquired and genetic factors, our results may be important for cancer prevention.

The role of DNA methylation in the association between childhood adversity and cardiometabolic disease

Growing evidence suggests that adverse environmental stimuli, especially during sensitive periods in early life, may lead to cardiometabolic disease in later life. However, the underlying biological mechanisms remain a mystery. Recent studies inferred that epigenetic modifications are likely involved. We review recent studies, primarily focused on the findings from human studies, to indicate the role of DNA methylation in the associations between childhood adversity and cardiometabolic disease in adulthood. In particular, we focused on DNA methylation modifications in genes regulating the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis as well as the immune system.

MGMT promoter methylation status in Merkel cell carcinoma: in vitro versus invivo

PURPOSE

Expression of O6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) in Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is very variable; thus, we tested whether this may be due to differential methylation of the MGMT gene promoter.

METHODS

Quantitative analysis of MGMT mRNA and protein expression, as well as MGMT promoter methylation status, was performed in a series of tissue samples of MCC tumors, representing both primary and metastatic lesions, as well as in six MCC cell lines.

RESULTS

These analyses revealed a very heterogeneous MGMT mRNA and protein expression in MCC both in vivo and in vitro. However, neither the MGMT mRNA nor protein expression correlated with the sensitivity of MCC cell lines toward the alkylating agent dacarbazine in vitro. Notably, increased methylation at the promoter of the MGMT gene was observed in 2/6 (33%) of the MCC cell lines; however, MGMT promoter methylation was absent in all MCC tissue samples. According to our results, albeit aberrant methylation of MGMT gene promoter can be observed in in vitro propagated MCC cell lines, it seems to be absent or very rare in MCC lesions in situ.

CONCLUSION

Thus, the evaluation of this marker has no or only little significance for predicting response to therapy or for improving efficacy of demethylating agents in the treatment of MCC. Microenvironmental factors may play a role in explaining the different results between MCC cell lines and MCC samples.

Genome-Wide Analysis of DNA Methylation and Acute Coronary Syndrome

Rationale:

Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is a leading cause of death worldwide. Immune functions play a vital role in ACS development; however, whether epigenetic modulation contributes to the regulation of blood immune cells in this disease has not been investigated.

Objective:

We conducted an epigenome-wide analysis with circulating immune cells to identify differentially methylated genes in ACS.

Methods and Results:

We examined genome-wide methylation of whole blood in 102 ACS patients and 101 controls using HumanMethylation450 array, and externally replicated significant discoveries in 100 patients and 102 controls. For the replicated loci, we further analyzed their association with ACS in 6 purified leukocyte subsets, their correlation with the expressions of annotated genes, and their association with cardiovascular traits/risk factors. We found novel and reproducible association of ACS with blood methylation at 47 cytosine-phosphoguanine sites (discovery: false discovery rate <0.005; replication: Bonferroni corrected P <0.05). The association of methylation levels at these cytosine-phosphoguanine sites with ACS was further validated in at least 1 of the 6 leukocyte subsets, with predominant contributions from CD8 + T cells, CD4 + T cells, and B cells. Blood methylation of 26 replicated cytosine-phosphoguanine sites showed significant correlation with expressions of annotated genes (including IL6R , FASLG , and CCL18 ; P <5.9×10 −4 ), and differential gene expression in case versus controls corroborated the observed differential methylation. The replicated loci suggested a role in ACS-relevant functions including chemotaxis, coronary thrombosis, and T-cell–mediated cytotoxicity. Functional analysis using the top ACS-associated methylation loci in purified T and B cells revealed vital pathways related to atherogenic signaling and adaptive immune response. Furthermore, we observed a significant enrichment of the replicated cytosine-phosphoguanine sites associated with smoking and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol ( P enrichment ≤1×10 −5 ).

Conclusions:

Our study identified novel blood methylation alterations associated with ACS and provided potential clinical biomarkers and therapeutic targets. Our results may suggest that immune signaling and cellular functions might be regulated at an epigenetic level in ACS.

Epigenetic changes in blood leukocytes following an omega-3 fatty acid supplementation

Background

Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 FAs) have several beneficial effects on cardiovascular (CV) disease risk factors. These effects on CV risk profile may be mediated by several factors, including epigenetic modifications. Our objective is to investigate, using genome-wide DNA methylation analyses, methylation changes following an n-3 FA supplementation in overweight and obese subjects and to identify specific biological pathways potentially altered by the supplementation.

Results

Blood leukocytes genome-wide DNA methylation profiles of 36 overweight and obese subjects before and after a 6-week supplementation with 3 g of n-3 FAs were compared using GenomeStudio software. After supplementation, 308 CpG sites, assigned to 231 genes, were differentially methylated (FDR-corrected Diffscore ≥│13│~ P ≤ 0.05). Using Ingenuity Pathway Analysis system, a total of 55 pathways were significantly overrepresented following supplementation. Among these pathways, 16 were related to inflammatory and immune response, lipid metabolism, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular signaling. Changes in methylation levels of CpG sites within AKT3, ATF1, HDAC4, and IGFBP5 were correlated with changes in plasma triglyceride and glucose levels as well as with changes in the ratio of total cholesterol/HDL-cholesterol following the supplementation.

Conclusions

These data provide key differences in blood leukocytes DNA methylation profiles of subjects following an n-3 FA supplementation, which brings new, potential insights on metabolic pathways underlying the effects of n-3 FAs on CV health.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13148-017-0345-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Telomere Length, Long-Term Black Carbon Exposure, and Cognitive Function in a Cohort of Older Men: The VA Normative Aging Study

BACKGROUND

Long-term air pollution exposure has been associated with age-related cognitive impairment, possibly because of enhanced inflammation. Leukocytes with longer telomere length (TL) are more responsive to inflammatory stimuli, yet TL has not been evaluated in relation to air pollution and cognition.

OBJECTIVES

We assessed whether TL modifies the association of 1-year exposure to black carbon (BC), a marker of traffic-related air pollution, with cognitive function in older men, and we examined whether this modification is independent of age and of C-reactive protein (CRP), a marker of inflammation.

METHODS

Between 1999 and 2007, we conducted 1-3 cognitive examinations of 428 older men in the Veterans Affairs (VA) Normative Aging Study. We used covariate-adjusted repeated-measure logistic regression to estimate associations of 1-year BC exposure with relative odds of being a low scorer (≤ 25) on the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), which is a proxy of poor cognition. Confounders included age, CRP, and lifestyle and sociodemographic factors.

RESULTS

Each doubling in BC level was associated with 1.57 (95% CI: 1.20, 2.05) times higher odds of low MMSE scores. The BC-MMSE association was greater only among individuals with longer blood TL (5th quintile) (OR = 3.23; 95% CI: 1.37, 7.59; p = 0.04 for BC-by-TL-interaction). TL and CRP were associated neither with each other nor with MMSE. However, CRP modified the BC-MMSE relationship, with stronger associations only at higher CRP (5th quintile) and reference TL level (1st quintile) (OR = 2.68; 95% CI: 1.06, 6.79; p = 0.04 for BC-by-CRP-interaction).

CONCLUSIONS

TL and CRP levels may help predict the impact of BC exposure on cognitive function in older men. Citation: Colicino E, Wilson A, Frisardi MC, Prada D, Power MC, Hoxha M, Dioni L, Spiro A III, Vokonas PS, Weisskopf MG, Schwartz JD, Baccarelli AA. 2017. Telomere length, long-term black carbon exposure, and cognitive function in a cohort of older men: the VA Normative Aging Study. Environ Health Perspect 125:76-81; http://dx.doi.org/10.1289/EHP241.

Differential DNA methylation and PM2.5 species in a 450K epigenome-wide association study

Although there is growing evidence that exposure to ambient particulate matter is associated with global DNA methylation and gene-specific methylation, little is known regarding epigenome-wide changes in DNA methylation in relation to particles and, especially, particle components. Using the Illumina Infinium HumanMethylation450 BeadChip, we examined the relationship between one-year moving averages of PM_2.5 species (Al, Ca, Cu, Fe, K, Na, Ni, S, Si, V, and Zn) and DNA methylation at 484,613 CpG probes in a longitudinal cohort that included 646 subjects. Bonferroni correction was applied to adjust for multiple comparisons. Bioinformatics analysis of the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment was also performed. We observed 20 Bonferroni significant (P-value < 9.4× 10^-9) CpGs for Fe, 8 for Ni, and 1 for V. Particularly, methylation at Schlafen Family Member 11 (SLFN11) cg10911913 was positively associated with measured levels of all 3 species. The SLFN11 gene codes for an interferon-induced protein that inhibits retroviruses and sensitizes cancer cells to DNA-damaging agents. Bioinformatics analysis suggests that gene targets may be relevant to pathways including cancers, signal transduction, and cell growth and death. Ours is the first study to examine the epigenome-wide association between ambient particles species and DNA methylation. We found that long-term exposures to specific components of ambient particle pollution, especially particles emitted during oil combustion, were associated with methylation changes in genes relevant to immune responses. Our findings provide insight into potential biologic mechanisms on an epigenetic level.