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Liu L, Wen Y, Ni Q, Chen L, Wang H. Prenatal ethanol exposure and changes in fetal neuroendocrine metabolic programming. Biol Res 2023; 56:61. [PMID: 37978540 PMCID: PMC10656939 DOI: 10.1186/s40659-023-00473-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Prenatal ethanol exposure (PEE) (mainly through maternal alcohol consumption) has become widespread. However, studies suggest that it can cause intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) and multi-organ developmental toxicity in offspring, and susceptibility to various chronic diseases (such as neuropsychiatric diseases, metabolic syndrome, and related diseases) in adults. Through ethanol's direct effects and its indirect effects mediated by maternal-derived glucocorticoids, PEE alters epigenetic modifications and organ developmental programming during fetal development, which damages the offspring health and increases susceptibility to various chronic diseases after birth. Ethanol directly leads to the developmental toxicity of multiple tissues and organs in many ways. Regarding maternal-derived glucocorticoid-mediated IUGR, developmental programming, and susceptibility to multiple conditions after birth, ethanol induces programmed changes in the neuroendocrine axes of offspring, such as the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) and glucocorticoid-insulin-like growth factor 1 (GC-IGF1) axes. In addition, the differences in ethanol metabolic enzymes, placental glucocorticoid barrier function, and the sensitivity to glucocorticoids in various tissues and organs mediate the severity and sex differences in the developmental toxicity of ethanol exposure during pregnancy. Offspring exposed to ethanol during pregnancy have a "thrifty phenotype" in the fetal period, and show "catch-up growth" in the case of abundant nutrition after birth; when encountering adverse environments, these offspring are more likely to develop diseases. Here, we review the developmental toxicity, functional alterations in multiple organs, and neuroendocrine metabolic programming mechanisms induced by PEE based on our research and that of other investigators. This should provide new perspectives for the effective prevention and treatment of ethanol developmental toxicity and the early prevention of related fetal-originated diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang Liu
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Joint Disease Research Center of Wuhan University, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
- Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disease, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Yinxian Wen
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Joint Disease Research Center of Wuhan University, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
- Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disease, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Qubo Ni
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Joint Disease Research Center of Wuhan University, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
- Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disease, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Liaobin Chen
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Joint Disease Research Center of Wuhan University, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China.
- Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disease, Wuhan, 430071, China.
| | - Hui Wang
- Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disease, Wuhan, 430071, China.
- Department of Pharmacology, Wuhan University School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan, 430071, China.
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2
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Lichtiger L, Jezioro J, Rivera J, McDonald JD, Terry MB, Sahay D, Miller RL. Prenatal airborne polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon exposure, altered regulation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (Ppar)γ, and links with mammary cancer. Environ Res 2023; 231:116213. [PMID: 37224940 PMCID: PMC10330651 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.116213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Revised: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Environmental exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) has been shown to be associated with chronic disease outcomes through multiple mechanisms including altered regulation of the transcription factor peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (Ppar) γ. Because PAH exposure and Pparγ each have been associated with mammary cancer, we asked whether PAH would induce altered regulation of Pparγ in mammary tissue, and whether this association may underlie the association between PAH and mammary cancer. Pregnant mice were exposed to aerosolized PAH at proportions that mimic equivalent human exposures in New York City air. We hypothesized that prenatal PAH exposure would alter Pparγ DNA methylation and gene expression and induce the epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) in mammary tissue of offspring (F1) and grandoffspring (F2) mice. We also hypothesized that altered regulation of Pparγ in mammary tissue would associate with biomarkers of EMT, and examined associations with whole body weight. We found that prenatal PAH exposure lowered Pparγ mammary tissue methylation among grandoffspring mice at postnatal day (PND) 28. However, PAH exposure did not associate with altered Pparγ gene expression or consistently with biomarkers of EMT. Finally, lower Pparγ methylation, but not gene expression, was associated with higher body weight among offspring and grandoffspring mice at PND28 and PND60. Findings suggest additional evidence of multi-generational adverse epigenetic effects of prenatal PAH exposure among grandoffspring mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lydia Lichtiger
- Division of Clinical Immunology, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine, Mount Sinai, New York City, NY, United States
| | - Jacqueline Jezioro
- Division of Clinical Immunology, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine, Mount Sinai, New York City, NY, United States
| | - Janelle Rivera
- Division of Clinical Immunology, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine, Mount Sinai, New York City, NY, United States
| | - Jacob D McDonald
- Department of Toxicology, Lovelace Respiratory Research Institute, Albuquerque, NM, United States
| | - Mary Beth Terry
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York City, NY, United States; Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York City, NY, United States
| | - Debashish Sahay
- Division of Clinical Immunology, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine, Mount Sinai, New York City, NY, United States
| | - Rachel L Miller
- Division of Clinical Immunology, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine, Mount Sinai, New York City, NY, United States.
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3
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Breton-Larrivée M, Elder E, Legault LM, Langford-Avelar A, MacFarlane AJ, McGraw S. Mitigating the detrimental developmental impact of early fetal alcohol exposure using a maternal methyl donor-enriched diet. FASEB J 2023; 37:e22829. [PMID: 36856720 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202201564r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Revised: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2023]
Abstract
Fetal alcohol exposure at any stage of pregnancy can lead to fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD), a group of life-long conditions characterized by congenital malformations, as well as cognitive, behavioral, and emotional impairments. The teratogenic effects of alcohol have long been publicized; yet fetal alcohol exposure is one of the most common preventable causes of birth defects. Currently, alcohol abstinence during pregnancy is the best and only way to prevent FASD. However, alcohol consumption remains astoundingly prevalent among pregnant women; therefore, additional measures need to be made available to help protect the developing embryo before irreparable damage is done. Maternal nutritional interventions using methyl donors have been investigated as potential preventative measures to mitigate the adverse effects of fetal alcohol exposure. Here, we show that a single acute preimplantation (E2.5; 8-cell stage) fetal alcohol exposure (2 × 2.5 g/kg ethanol with a 2h interval) in mice leads to long-term FASD-like morphological phenotypes (e.g. growth restriction, brain malformations, skeletal delays) in late-gestation embryos (E18.5) and demonstrate that supplementing the maternal diet with a combination of four methyl donor nutrients, folic acid, choline, betaine, and vitamin B12, prior to conception and throughout gestation effectively reduces the incidence and severity of alcohol-induced morphological defects without altering DNA methylation status of imprinting control regions and regulation of associated imprinted genes. This study clearly supports that preimplantation embryos are vulnerable to the teratogenic effects of alcohol, emphasizes the dangers of maternal alcohol consumption during early gestation, and provides a potential proactive maternal nutritional intervention to minimize FASD progression, reinforcing the importance of adequate preconception and prenatal nutrition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mélanie Breton-Larrivée
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Sainte-Justine Research Center, Montreal, Canada.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada
| | - Elizabeth Elder
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Sainte-Justine Research Center, Montreal, Canada.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada
| | - Lisa-Marie Legault
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Sainte-Justine Research Center, Montreal, Canada.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada
| | - Alexandra Langford-Avelar
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Sainte-Justine Research Center, Montreal, Canada.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada
| | - Amanda J MacFarlane
- Agriculture, Food, and Nutrition Evidence Center, Texas A&M University, Texas, Fort Worth, USA.,Department of Nutrition, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Serge McGraw
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Sainte-Justine Research Center, Montreal, Canada.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada
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4
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Yin G, Xia L, Hou Y, Li Y, Cao D, Liu Y, Chen J, Liu J, Zhang L, Yang Q, Zhang Q, Tang N. Transgenerational male reproductive effect of prenatal arsenic exposure: abnormal spermatogenesis with Igf2/H19 epigenetic alteration in CD1 mouse. Int J Environ Health Res 2022; 32:1248-1260. [PMID: 33406855 DOI: 10.1080/09603123.2020.1870668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2020] [Accepted: 12/27/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Developmental exposure to environmental toxicants can induce transgenerational reproductive disease phenotypes through epigenetic mechanisms. We treated pregnant CD-1 (F0) mice with drinking water containing sodium arsenite (85 ppm) from days 8 to 18 of gestation. Male offspring were bred with untreated female mice until the F3 generation was produced. Our results revealed that F0 transient exposure to arsenic can cause decreased sperm quality and histological abnormalities in the F1 and F3. The overall methylation status of Igf2 DMR2 and H19 DMR was significantly lower in the arsenic-exposed group than that of the control group in both F1 and F3. The relative mRNA expression levels of Igf2 and H19 in arsenic-exposed males were significantly increased in both F1 and F3. This study indicates that ancestral exposure to arsenic may result in transgenerational inheritance of an impaired spermatogenesis phenotyping involving both epigenetic alterations and the abnormal expression of Igf2 and H19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guoying Yin
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Liting Xia
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Yaxing Hou
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Yaoyan Li
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Deqing Cao
- Central Laboratory of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Yanan Liu
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Jingshan Chen
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Juan Liu
- Department of Biomedical Information and Library, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Liwen Zhang
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environment, Nutrition and Public Health, Center for International Collaborative Research on Environment, Nutrition and Public Health, School of Public Health, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Qiaoyun Yang
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environment, Nutrition and Public Health, Center for International Collaborative Research on Environment, Nutrition and Public Health, School of Public Health, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Qiang Zhang
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environment, Nutrition and Public Health, Center for International Collaborative Research on Environment, Nutrition and Public Health, School of Public Health, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Naijun Tang
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environment, Nutrition and Public Health, Center for International Collaborative Research on Environment, Nutrition and Public Health, School of Public Health, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
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5
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Bestry M, Symons M, Larcombe A, Muggli E, Craig JM, Hutchinson D, Halliday J, Martino D. Association of prenatal alcohol exposure with offspring DNA methylation in mammals: a systematic review of the evidence. Clin Epigenetics 2022; 14. [PMID: 35073992 PMCID: PMC8785586 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-022-01231-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 01/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) is associated with a range of adverse offspring neurodevelopmental outcomes. Several studies suggest that PAE modifies DNA methylation in offspring cells and tissues, providing evidence for a potential mechanistic link to Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). We systematically reviewed existing evidence on the extent to which maternal alcohol use during pregnancy is associated with offspring DNA methylation.
Methods
A systematic literature search was conducted across five online databases according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, Google Scholar and CINAHL Databases were searched for articles relating to PAE in placental mammals. Data were extracted from each study and the Risk of Bias in Non-Randomized Studies of Interventions (ROBINS-I) was used to assess the potential for bias in human studies.
Results
Forty-three articles were identified for inclusion. Twenty-six animal studies and 16 human studies measured offspring DNA methylation in various tissues using candidate gene analysis, methylome-wide association studies (MWAS), or total nuclear DNA methylation content. PAE dose and timing varied between studies. Risk of bias was deemed high in nearly all human studies. There was insufficient evidence in human and animal studies to support global disruption of DNA methylation from PAE. Inconclusive evidence was found for hypomethylation at IGF2/H19 regions within somatic tissues. MWAS assessing PAE effects on offspring DNA methylation showed inconsistent evidence. There was some consistency in the relatively small number of MWAS conducted in populations with FASD. Meta-analyses could not be conducted due to significant heterogeneity between studies.
Conclusion
Considering heterogeneity in study design and potential for bias, evidence for an association between PAE and offspring DNA methylation was inconclusive. Some reproducible associations were observed in populations with FASD although the limited number of these studies warrants further research.
Trail Registration: This review is registered with PROSPERO (registration number: CRD42020167686).
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Gutherz OR, Deyssenroth M, Li Q, Hao K, Jacobson JL, Chen J, Jacobson SW, Carter RC. Potential roles of imprinted genes in the teratogenic effects of alcohol on the placenta, somatic growth, and the developing brain. Exp Neurol 2021; 347:113919. [PMID: 34752786 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2021.113919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2021] [Revised: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Despite several decades of research and prevention efforts, fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) remain the most common preventable cause of neurodevelopmental disabilities worldwide. Animal and human studies have implicated fetal alcohol-induced alterations in epigenetic programming as a chief mechanism in FASD. Several studies have demonstrated fetal alcohol-related alterations in methylation and expression of imprinted genes in placental, brain, and embryonic tissue. Imprinted genes are epigenetically regulated in a parent-of-origin-specific manner, in which only the maternal or paternal allele is expressed, and the other allele is silenced. The chief functions of imprinted genes are in placental development, somatic growth, and neurobehavior-three domains characteristically affected in FASD. In this review, we summarize the growing body of literature characterizing prenatal alcohol-related alterations in imprinted gene methylation and/or expression and discuss potential mechanistic roles for these alterations in the teratogenic effects of prenatal alcohol exposure. Future research is needed to examine potential physiologic mechanisms by which alterations in imprinted genes disrupt development in FASD, which may, in turn, elucidate novel targets for intervention. Furthermore, mechanistic alterations in imprinted gene expression and/or methylation in FASD may inform screening assays that identify individuals with FASD neurobehavioral deficits who may benefit from early interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivia R Gutherz
- Institute of Human Nutrition, Columbia University Medical Center, United States of America
| | - Maya Deyssenroth
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, United States of America
| | - Qian Li
- Department of Environmental Medicine & Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, United States of America
| | - Ke Hao
- Department of Environmental Medicine & Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, United States of America
| | - Joseph L Jacobson
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, Wayne State University School of Medicine, United States of America; Department of Human Biology, University of Cape Town Faculty of Health Sciences, South Africa
| | - Jia Chen
- Department of Environmental Medicine & Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, United States of America
| | - Sandra W Jacobson
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, Wayne State University School of Medicine, United States of America; Department of Human Biology, University of Cape Town Faculty of Health Sciences, South Africa
| | - R Colin Carter
- Institute of Human Nutrition, Columbia University Medical Center, United States of America; Departments of Emergency Medicine and Pediatrics, Columbia University Medical Center, United States of America.
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Pabarja A, Ganjalikhan Hakemi S, Musanejad E, Ezzatabadipour M, Nematollahi-Mahani SN, Afgar A, Afarinesh MR, Haghpanah T. Genetic and epigenetic modifications of F1 offspring's sperm cells following in utero and lactational combined exposure to nicotine and ethanol. Sci Rep 2021; 11:12311. [PMID: 34112894 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-91739-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2020] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
It is well established that maternal lifestyle during pregnancy and lactation affects the intrauterine programming of F1 offspring. However, despite the co-use of alcohol and nicotine is a common habit, the effects of exposure to both substances on the reproductive system of F1 male offspring and the underlying mechanisms of developmental programming have not been investigated. The present study aimed to examine pre- and postnatal concurrent exposure to these substances on genetic and epigenetic alterations of sperm cells as well as testis properties of F1 offspring compared with exposure to each substance alone. Pregnant dams in the F0 generation randomly received normal saline, nicotine, ethanol, and combinations throughout full gestation and lactation periods. Sperm cells and testes of F1 male offspring were collected at postnatal day 90 for further experiments. High levels of sperm DNA fragmentation were observed in all exposed offspring. Regarding epigenetic alterations, there was a significant increase in the relative transcript abundance of histone deacetylase 1 and 2 in all exposed sperm cells. Moreover, despite a decrease in the expression level of DNA methyltransferase (DNMT) 3A, no marked differences were found in the expression levels of DNMT1 and 3B in any of the exposed sperm cells compared to non-exposed ones. Interestingly, combined exposure had less prominent effects relative to exposure to each substance alone. The changes in the testicular and sperm parameters were compatible with genetic and epigenetic alterations. However, MDA level as an oxidative stress indicator increased in all exposed pups, which may be responsible for such outputs. In conclusion, maternal co-exposure to these substances exhibited epigenotoxicity effects on germline cells of F1 male offspring, although these effects were less marked relative to exposure to each substance alone. These counteracting effects may be explained by cross-tolerance and probably less impairment of the antioxidant defense system.
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8
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Saintilnord WN, Tenlep SYN, Preston JD, Duregon E, DeRouchey JE, Unrine JM, de Cabo R, Pearson KJ, Fondufe-Mittendorf YN. Chronic Exposure to Cadmium Induces Differential Methylation in Mice Spermatozoa. Toxicol Sci 2021; 180:262-276. [PMID: 33483743 PMCID: PMC8041459 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfab002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Cadmium exposure is ubiquitous and has been linked to diseases including cancers and reproductive defects. Since cadmium is nonmutagenic, it is thought to exert its gene dysregulatory effects through epigenetic reprogramming. Several studies have implicated germline exposure to cadmium in developmental reprogramming. However, most of these studies have focused on maternal exposure, while the impact on sperm fertility and disease susceptibility has received less attention. In this study, we used reduced representation bisulfite sequencing to comprehensively investigate the impact of chronic cadmium exposure on mouse spermatozoa DNA methylation. Adult male C57BL/J6 mice were provided water with or without cadmium chloride for 9 weeks. Sperm, testes, liver, and kidney tissues were collected at the end of the treatment period. Cadmium exposure was confirmed through gene expression analysis of metallothionein-1 and 2, 2 well-known cadmium-induced genes. Analysis of sperm DNA methylation changes revealed 1788 differentially methylated sites present at regulatory regions in sperm of mice exposed to cadmium compared with vehicle (control) mice. Furthermore, most of these differential methylation changes positively correlated with changes in gene expression at both the transcription initiation stage as well as the splicing levels. Interestingly, the genes targeted by cadmium exposure are involved in several critical developmental processes. Our results present a comprehensive analysis of the sperm methylome in response to chronic cadmium exposure. These data, therefore, highlight a foundational framework to study gene expression patterns that may affect fertility in the exposed individual as well as their offspring, through paternal inheritance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wesley N Saintilnord
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40536-0509, USA
| | - Sara Y N Tenlep
- Department of Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40536-0509, USA
| | - Joshua D Preston
- Department of Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40536-0509, USA,Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, USA
| | - Eleonora Duregon
- Translational Gerontology Branch, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, Maryland 20892, USA
| | - Jason E DeRouchey
- Department of Chemistry, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40536-0509, USA
| | - Jason M Unrine
- Department of Plant and Soil Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40536-0509, USA
| | - Rafael de Cabo
- Translational Gerontology Branch, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, Maryland 20892, USA
| | - Kevin J Pearson
- Department of Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40536-0509, USA,To whom correspondence should be addressed at Department of Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536-0509, USA. E-mail: ; Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, University of Kentucky, 800 Rose Street, 273 BBSRB, Lexington, KY 40536-0509, USA. E-mail:
| | - Yvonne N Fondufe-Mittendorf
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40536-0509, USA,To whom correspondence should be addressed at Department of Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536-0509, USA. E-mail: ; Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, University of Kentucky, 800 Rose Street, 273 BBSRB, Lexington, KY 40536-0509, USA. E-mail:
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9
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Al-Qazzaz HK, Al-Awadi SJ. Epigenetic Alteration in DNA methylation pattern and gene expression level using H19 on oligospermia patients in Iraqi Men. Gene Reports 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.genrep.2020.100780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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10
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Gomez-Verjan JC, Barrera-Vázquez OS, García-Velázquez L, Samper-Ternent R, Arroyo P. Epigenetic variations due to nutritional status in early-life and its later impact on aging and disease. Clin Genet 2020; 98:313-321. [PMID: 32246454 DOI: 10.1111/cge.13748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2020] [Revised: 03/11/2020] [Accepted: 03/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Epigenetics refers to changes in gene function, not resulting from the primary DNA sequence, influenced by the environment. It provides a link between the molecular regulation of the genome and the environmental signals exposed during the life of individuals (including lifestyle, social behavior, development, and nutrition). Notably, early development (intrauterine or postnatal) is highly influenced by the adverse socioeconomic status that leads to malnutrition or obesity; these conditions induce changes over the fetal epigenetic programming and can be transferred by transgenerational inheritance, inducing alterations of the transcription of genes related to several metabolic and neurological processes. Moreover, obesity during pregnancy, and excessive gestational weight gain are associated with an increased risk of fatal pregnancy complications, and adverse cardio-metabolic, respiratory and cognitive-related outcomes of the future child. However, most of our knowledge in this field comes from experimental animal models, that partially resemble the nutritional effects of humans. In this context, nutritional effects implicated in historical famines represent valuable information about the transgenerational effects of undernutrition and stress. In the present review, we attempt to describe the most outstanding results from the most studied famines about the impact of malnutrition on the epigenome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan C Gomez-Verjan
- División de Ciencias Básicas, Instituto Nacional de Geriatría (INGER), Mexico City, Mexico
| | | | - Lizbeth García-Velázquez
- Departamento de Medicina Genómica y Toxicología Ambiental, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Rafael Samper-Ternent
- Geriatric/Sealy Center on Aging, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Pedro Arroyo
- División de Epidemiología, Instituto Nacional de Geriatría (INGER), Mexico City, Mexico
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11
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Zhang W, Li M, Sun F, Xu X, Zhang Z, Liu J, Sun X, Zhang A, Shen Y, Xu J, Miao M, Wu B, Yuan Y, Huang X, Shi H, Du J. Association of Sperm Methylation at LINE-1, Four Candidate Genes, and Nicotine/Alcohol Exposure With the Risk of Infertility. Front Genet 2019; 10:1001. [PMID: 31681430 PMCID: PMC6813923 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2019.01001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2019] [Accepted: 09/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
In this study, we examined whether smoking and drinking affect sperm quality and the DNA methylation of the repetitive element LINE-1, MEST, P16, H19, and GNAS in sperm. Semen samples were obtained from 143 male residents in a minority-inhabited district of Guizhou province in southwest China. Quantitative DNA methylation analysis of the samples was performed using MassARRAY EpiTYPER assays. Sperm motility was significantly lower in both the nicotine-exposed (P = 0.0064) and the nicotine- and alcohol-exposed (P = 0.0008) groups. Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels were higher in the nicotine-exposed group (P = 0.0026). The repetitive element LINE-1 was hypermethylated in the three exposed groups, while P16 was hypomethylated in the alcohol and both the alcohol and nicotine exposure groups. Our results also show that alcohol and nicotine exposure altered sperm cell quality, which may be related to the methylation levels of MEST and GNAS. In addition, MEST, GNAS, and the repetitive element LINE1 methylation was significantly associated with the concentration of sperm as well as FSH and luteinizing hormone levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjing Zhang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Reproductive Medical Center, Changhai Hospital of Shanghai, Shanghai, China
| | - Min Li
- NHC Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Feng Sun
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xuting Xu
- Huzhou Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Huzhou Central Hospital, Zhejiang, China
| | - Zhaofeng Zhang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Junwei Liu
- NHC Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaowei Sun
- NHC Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Aiping Zhang
- Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yupei Shen
- NHC Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jianhua Xu
- NHC Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Maohua Miao
- NHC Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Bin Wu
- NHC Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yao Yuan
- NHC Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xianliang Huang
- Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Huijuan Shi
- NHC Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jing Du
- NHC Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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12
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Zhang W, Yang J, Lv Y, Li S, Qiang M. Paternal benzo[a]pyrene exposure alters the sperm DNA methylation levels of imprinting genes in F0 generation mice and their unexposed F1-2 male offspring. Chemosphere 2019; 228:586-594. [PMID: 31059956 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2019.04.092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2018] [Revised: 04/10/2019] [Accepted: 04/12/2019] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) is an environmental pollutant known to cause teratogenesis. However, the mechanism underlying this teratogenic effect is not fully understood. Recently, the alteration of DNA methylation of imprinting genes has emerged as a specific epigenetic mechanism linking the impact of environmental pollutants on embryonic development to paternal exposures. The aim of this study was to investigate the transgenerational effects of paternal BaP exposure on the imprinting genes in mouse sperm DNA. METHODS Male C57BL/6J mice received BaP (1.0 or 2.5 mg/kg) or olive oil twice a week for 12 weeks. The methylation status of 6 imprinting genes (H19, Meg3, Peg1, Peg3, Igf2 and Snrpn) was examined by bisulfite pyrosequencing of the sperm DNA of BaP-exposed F0 generation and their offspring. RESULTS BaP exposure reduced the methylation levels in the imprinting genes H19 and Meg3 and increased the methylation levels of Peg1 and Peg3; however, no significant differences was observed for the methylation levels of Igf2 or Snrpn in the sperm DNA. Furthermore, BaP-exposed male mice were mated with unexposed female mice to generate F1-2 generations. The methylation levels of the 6 genes in the sperm DNA from F1-2 offspring showed a similar pattern as that of the F0 male. The effects were attenuated in F1-2 generations. CONCLUSIONS Paternal BaP exposure altered the methylation levels of imprinting genes, implicating that imprinting genes are susceptible to environmental toxicants. Furthermore, a similar alteration was observed in the F1-2 generations although the attenuated in methylation in F2 generation, revealing a potential transgenerational effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenping Zhang
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Shanxi Medical University, Shanxi, Taiyuan 030001, China
| | - Jia Yang
- Department of Children and Adolescences Health, School of Public Health, Shanxi Medical University, Shanxi, Taiyuan 030001, China
| | - Yi Lv
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Shanxi Medical University, Shanxi, Taiyuan 030001, China
| | - Senlin Li
- Department of Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA
| | - Mei Qiang
- Department of Children and Adolescences Health, School of Public Health, Shanxi Medical University, Shanxi, Taiyuan 030001, China.
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13
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Darbandi M, Darbandi S, Agarwal A, Baskaran S, Dutta S, Sengupta P, Khorram Khorshid HR, Esteves S, Gilany K, Hedayati M, Nobakht F, Akhondi MM, Lakpour N, Sadeghi MR. Reactive oxygen species-induced alterations in H19-Igf2 methylation patterns, seminal plasma metabolites, and semen quality. J Assist Reprod Genet 2019; 36:241-253. [PMID: 30382470 PMCID: PMC6420547 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-018-1350-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2018] [Accepted: 10/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE This study was conducted in order to investigate the effects of reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels on the seminal plasma (SP) metabolite milieu and sperm dysfunction. METHODS Semen specimens of 151 normozoospermic men were analyzed for ROS by chemiluminescence and classified according to seminal ROS levels [in relative light units (RLU)/s/106 sperm]: group 1 (n = 39): low (ROS < 20), group 2 (n = 38): mild (20 ≤ ROS < 40), group 3 (n = 31): moderate (40 ≤ ROS < 60), and group 4 (n = 43): high (ROS ≥ 60). A comprehensive analysis of SP and semen parameters, including conventional semen characteristics, measurement of total antioxidant capacity (TAC), sperm DNA fragmentation index (DFI), chromatin maturation index (CMI), H19-Igf2 methylation status, and untargeted seminal metabolic profiling using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-NMR), was carried out. RESULT(S) The methylation status of H19 and Igf2 was significantly different in specimens with high ROS (P < 0.005). Metabolic fingerprinting of these SP samples showed upregulation of trimethylamine N-oxide (P < 0.001) and downregulations of tryptophan (P < 0.05) and tyrosine/tyrosol (P < 0.01). High ROS significantly reduced total sperm motility (P < 0.05), sperm concentration (P < 0.001), and seminal TAC (P < 0.001) but increased CMI and DFI (P < 0.005). ROS levels have a positive correlation with Igf2 methylation (r = 0.19, P < 0.05), DFI (r = 0.40, P < 0.001), CMI (r = 0.39, P < 0.001), and trimethylamine N-oxide (r = 0.45, P < 0.05) and a negative correlation with H19 methylation (r = - 0.20, P < 0.05), tryptophan (r = - 0.45, P < 0.05), sperm motility (r = - 0.20, P < 0.05), sperm viability (r = - 0.23, P < 0.01), and sperm concentration (r = - 0.30, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION(S) Results showed significant correlation between ROS levels and H19-Igf2 gene methylation as well as semen parameters. These findings are critical to identify idiopathic male infertility and its management through assisted reproduction technology (ART).
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahsa Darbandi
- Department of Embryology and Andrology, Reproductive Biotechnology Research Center, Avicenna Research Institute, ACECR, Tehran, 1936773493, Iran
| | - Sara Darbandi
- Department of Embryology and Andrology, Reproductive Biotechnology Research Center, Avicenna Research Institute, ACECR, Tehran, 1936773493, Iran
| | - Ashok Agarwal
- American Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA
| | - Saradha Baskaran
- American Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA
| | - Sulagna Dutta
- Faculty of Dentistry, MAHSA University, 42610, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Pallav Sengupta
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, MAHSA University, 42610, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Hamid Reza Khorram Khorshid
- Genetics Research Center, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, 1985713834, Iran
| | - Sandro Esteves
- ANDROFERT, Andrology and Human Reproduction Clinic, Campinas, 13075-460, Brazil
| | - Kambiz Gilany
- Department of Embryology and Andrology, Reproductive Biotechnology Research Center, Avicenna Research Institute, ACECR, Tehran, 1936773493, Iran
| | - Mehdi Hedayati
- Molecular Research Center, Research Institute for Endocrine Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University for Medical Sciences, Tehran, 1985717413, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Nobakht
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neyshabur University of Medical Sciences, Nishabur, 9314634814, Iran
| | - Mohammad Mehdi Akhondi
- Monoclonal Antibody Research Center, Avicenna Research Institute (ARI), ACECR, Shahid Beheshti University, Evin, Tehran, 1936773493, Iran
| | - Niknam Lakpour
- Department of Embryology and Andrology, Reproductive Biotechnology Research Center, Avicenna Research Institute, ACECR, Tehran, 1936773493, Iran
| | - Mohammad Reza Sadeghi
- Monoclonal Antibody Research Center, Avicenna Research Institute (ARI), ACECR, Shahid Beheshti University, Evin, Tehran, 1936773493, Iran.
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14
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Ni W, Pan C, Pan Q, Fei Q, Huang X, Zhang C. Methylation levels of
IGF2
and
KCNQ1
in spermatozoa from infertile men are associated with sperm DNA damage. Andrologia 2019; 51:e13239. [PMID: 30680773 DOI: 10.1111/and.13239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2018] [Revised: 12/21/2018] [Accepted: 12/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Wuhua Ni
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing School of Clinical Medicine Southern Medical University (Nanjing General Hospital of Nanjing Military Region) Nanjing China
- Reproductive Medicine CenterThe First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University Wenzhou China
| | - Chengshuang Pan
- Reproductive Medicine CenterThe First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University Wenzhou China
| | - Qiongqiong Pan
- Reproductive Medicine CenterThe First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University Wenzhou China
| | - Qianjin Fei
- Reproductive Medicine CenterThe First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University Wenzhou China
| | - Xuefeng Huang
- Reproductive Medicine CenterThe First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University Wenzhou China
| | - Chunni Zhang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing School of Clinical Medicine Southern Medical University (Nanjing General Hospital of Nanjing Military Region) Nanjing China
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15
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Kosan C, Heidel FH, Godmann M, Bierhoff H. Epigenetic Erosion in Adult Stem Cells: Drivers and Passengers of Aging. Cells 2018; 7:E237. [PMID: 30501028 DOI: 10.3390/cells7120237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2018] [Revised: 11/22/2018] [Accepted: 11/26/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
In complex organisms, stem cells are key for tissue maintenance and regeneration. Adult stem cells replenish continuously dividing tissues of the epithelial and connective types, whereas in non-growing muscle and nervous tissues, they are mainly activated upon injury or stress. In addition to replacing deteriorated cells, adult stem cells have to prevent their exhaustion by self-renewal. There is mounting evidence that both differentiation and self-renewal are impaired upon aging, leading to tissue degeneration and functional decline. Understanding the molecular pathways that become deregulate in old stem cells is crucial to counteract aging-associated tissue impairment. In this review, we focus on the epigenetic mechanisms governing the transition between quiescent and active states, as well as the decision between self-renewal and differentiation in three different stem cell types, i.e., spermatogonial stem cells, hematopoietic stem cells, and muscle stem cells. We discuss the epigenetic events that channel stem cell fate decisions, how this epigenetic regulation is altered with age, and how this can lead to tissue dysfunction and disease. Finally, we provide short prospects of strategies to preserve stem cell function and thus promote healthy aging.
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16
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Pathak R, Feil R. Environmental effects on chromatin repression at imprinted genes and endogenous retroviruses. Curr Opin Chem Biol 2018; 45:139-147. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2018.04.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2018] [Revised: 04/05/2018] [Accepted: 04/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
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17
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Carter RC, Chen J, Li Q, Deyssenroth M, Dodge NC, Wainwright HC, Molteno CD, Meintjes EM, Jacobson JL, Jacobson SW. Alcohol-Related Alterations in Placental Imprinted Gene Expression in Humans Mediate Effects of Prenatal Alcohol Exposure on Postnatal Growth. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2018; 42:1431-1443. [PMID: 29870072 DOI: 10.1111/acer.13808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2018] [Accepted: 05/30/2018] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A growing body of evidence in animal models has implicated alcohol-induced alterations in epigenetic programming as an important mechanism in fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD). Imprinted genes, a subset of epigenetically regulated genes that are sensitive to the prenatal environment, are chiefly involved in growth and neurobehavior. We tested the hypothesis that alterations in placental imprinted gene expression mediate fetal alcohol growth restriction. METHODS Placental expression of 109 genes previously shown to be imprinted and expressed in the placenta was assessed using the NanoString™ nCounter Analysis System in flash-frozen samples from 34 heavy drinkers and 31 control women in Cape Town, South Africa, from whom prospective pregnancy alcohol consumption data had been obtained. Length/height, weight, and head circumference were measured at 6.5 and 12 months and at an FASD diagnostic clinic (at ages 1.1 to 4.6 years) that we organized. Imprinted gene expression between exposed and control placentas was compared using the limma R package. The relation of alcohol exposure to World Health Organization length-for-age z-scores was examined before and after inclusion of expression for each alcohol-related imprinted gene, using hierarchical mixed regression models with repeated measures. RESULTS Heavy drinkers averaged 8 standard drinks on 2 to 3 days/wk (vs. 0 for controls). Prenatal alcohol exposure was associated with smaller length/height and weight during the postnatal period. Heavy exposure was related to alterations in expression of 11 of 93 expressed imprinted genes, including increased expression of 5 genes found to be negatively associated with growth and decreased expression of 3 genes positively associated with growth. Alcohol-related alterations in expression of 5 genes statistically mediated the effect of prenatal alcohol exposure on length. CONCLUSIONS These findings identify alcohol-related alterations in placental imprinted gene expression as potential biomarkers of adverse effect in FASD and suggest that these alterations may play a mechanistic role in fetal alcohol growth restriction. Future studies are needed to determine whether alterations in imprinted gene expression also mediate FASD neurobehavioral deficits and whether such alterations are amenable to intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Colin Carter
- Division of Pediatric Emergency Medicine and Institute for Human Nutrition, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York
| | - Jia Chen
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Qian Li
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Maya Deyssenroth
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Neil C Dodge
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan
| | - Helen C Wainwright
- National Health Laboratory Service, Groote Schuur Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Christopher D Molteno
- National Health Laboratory Service, Groote Schuur Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa
- the Departments of Human Biology and of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of Cape Town Faculty of Health Sciences, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Ernesta M Meintjes
- National Health Laboratory Service, Groote Schuur Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa
- the Departments of Human Biology and of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of Cape Town Faculty of Health Sciences, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Joseph L Jacobson
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan
- National Health Laboratory Service, Groote Schuur Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa
- the Departments of Human Biology and of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of Cape Town Faculty of Health Sciences, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Sandra W Jacobson
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan
- National Health Laboratory Service, Groote Schuur Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa
- the Departments of Human Biology and of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of Cape Town Faculty of Health Sciences, Cape Town, South Africa
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18
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Marjonen H, Toivonen M, Lahti L, Kaminen-Ahola N. Early prenatal alcohol exposure alters imprinted gene expression in placenta and embryo in a mouse model. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0197461. [PMID: 29763474 PMCID: PMC5953443 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0197461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2018] [Accepted: 05/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) can harm the embryonic development and cause life-long consequences in offspring’s health. To clarify the molecular mechanisms of PAE we have used a mouse model of early alcohol exposure, which is based on maternal ad libitum ingestion of 10% (v/v) ethanol for the first eight days of gestation (GD 0.5–8.5). Owing to the detected postnatal growth-restricted phenotype in the offspring of this mouse model and both prenatal and postnatal growth restriction in alcohol-exposed humans, we focused on imprinted genes Insulin-like growth factor 2 (Igf2), H19, Small Nuclear Ribonucleoprotein Polypeptide N (Snrpn) and Paternally expressed gene 3 (Peg3), which all are known to be involved in embryonic and placental growth and development. We studied the effects of alcohol on DNA methylation level at the Igf2/H19 imprinting control region (ICR), Igf2 differentially methylated region 1, Snrpn ICR and Peg3 ICR in 9.5 embryonic days old (E9.5) embryos and placentas by using MassARRAY EpiTYPER. To determine alcohol-induced alterations globally, we also examined methylation in long interspersed nuclear elements (Line-1) in E9.5 placentas. We did not observe any significant alcohol-induced changes in DNA methylation levels. We explored effects of PAE on gene expression of E9.5 embryos as well as E9.5 and E16.5 placentas by using quantitative PCR. The expression of growth promoter gene Igf2 was decreased in the alcohol-exposed E9.5 and E16.5 placentas. The expression of negative growth controller H19 was significantly increased in the alcohol-exposed E9.5 embryos compared to controls, and conversely, a trend of decreased expression in alcohol-exposed E9.5 and E16.5 placentas were observed. Furthermore, increased Snrpn expression in alcohol-exposed E9.5 embryos was also detected. Our study indicates that albeit no alterations in the DNA methylation levels of studied sequences were detected by EpiTYPER, early PAE can affect the expression of imprinted genes in both developing embryo and placenta.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heidi Marjonen
- Department of Medical and Clinical Genetics, Medicum, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Mia Toivonen
- Department of Medical and Clinical Genetics, Medicum, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Laura Lahti
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Division of Genetics, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Nina Kaminen-Ahola
- Department of Medical and Clinical Genetics, Medicum, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- * E-mail:
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19
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McSwiggin HM, O'Doherty AM. Epigenetic reprogramming during spermatogenesis and male factor infertility. Reproduction 2018; 156:R9-R21. [PMID: 29717022 DOI: 10.1530/rep-18-0009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2018] [Accepted: 05/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Infertility is an often devastating diagnosis encountered by around one in six couples who are trying to conceive. Moving away from the long-held belief that infertility is primarily a female issue, it is now recognised that half, if not more, of these cases may be due to male factors. Recent evidence has suggested that epigenetic abnormalities in chromatin dynamics, DNA methylation or sperm-borne RNAs may contribute to male infertility. In light of advances in deep sequencing technologies, researchers have been able to increase the coverage and depth of sequencing results, which in turn has allowed more comprehensive analyses of spermatozoa chromatin dynamics and methylomes and enabled the discovery of new subsets of sperm RNAs. This review examines the most current literature related to epigenetic processes in the male germline and the associations of aberrant modifications with fertility and development.
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Affiliation(s)
- H M McSwiggin
- Department of Physiology and Cell BiologyUniversity of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine, Center for Molecular Medicine, Reno, North Virginia, USA
| | - A M O'Doherty
- Animal Genomics LaboratoryUCD School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
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20
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Lu Z, Ma Y, Gao L, Li Y, Li Q, Qiang M. Urine mercury levels correlate with DNA methylation of imprinting gene H19 in the sperm of reproductive-aged men. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0196314. [PMID: 29698523 PMCID: PMC5919660 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0196314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2018] [Accepted: 04/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Mercury (Hg) is a well-recognized environmental pollutant known by its toxicity of development and neurotoxicity, which results in adverse health outcomes. However, the mechanisms underlying the teratogenic effects of Hg are not well understood. Imprinting genes are emerging regulators for fetal development subjecting to environmental pollutants impacts. In this study, we examined the association between preconceptional Hg exposure and the alteration of DNA methylation of imprinting genes H19, Meg3, and Peg3 in human sperm DNA. Methods A total of 616 men, aged from 22 to 59, were recruited from Reproductive Medicine Clinic of Maternal and Child Care Service Center and the Urologic Surgery Clinic of Shanxi Academy of Medical Sciences during April 2015 and March 2016. Demographic information was collected through questionnaires. Urine was collected and urinary Hg concentrations were measured using a fully-automatic double-channel hydride generation atomic fluorescence spectrometer. Methylation of imprinting genes H19, Meg3 and Peg3 of sperm DNA from 242 participants were examined by bisulfite pyrosequencing. Spearman’s rank and multivariate regression analysis were used for correlation analysis between sperm DNA methylation status of imprinting genes and urinary Hg levels. Results The median concentration of Hg for 616 participants was 9.14μg/l (IQR: 5.56–12.52 μg/l; ranging 0.16–71.35μg/l). A total of 42.7% of the participants are beyond normal level for non-occupational exposure according to the criterion of Hg poisoning (≥10 μg/L). Spearman’s rank analysis indicated a negative correlation between urinary Hg concentrations and average DNA methylation levels of imprinted genes H19 (rs = −0.346, p <0.05), but there was no such a correlation for Peg3 and Meg3. Further, we analyzed the correlation between methylation level at individual CpG site of H19 and urinary Hg level. The results showed a negative correlation between urinary Hg concentrations and three out of seven CpG sites on H19 DMR, namely CpG2 (rs = −0.137, p <0.05), CpG4 (rs = −0.380, p <0.05) and CpG6 (rs = −0.228, p <0.05). After adjusting age, smoking, drinking, intake of aquatic products and education by multivariate regression analysis, the results have confirmed the correlation as mentioned above. Conclusions Mercury non-occupational environmental exposure in reproductive-aged men was associated with altered DNA methylation outcomes at imprinting gene H19 in sperm, implicating the susceptibility of the developing sperm for environmental insults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaoxu Lu
- Department of Child and Adolescence Health, School of Public Health, Shanxi Medical University, Shanxi, Taiyuan, China
| | - Yufeng Ma
- Department of Child and Adolescence Health, School of Public Health, Shanxi Medical University, Shanxi, Taiyuan, China
| | - Linying Gao
- Department of Sanitary Inspection, School of Public Health, Shanxi Medical University, Shanxi, Taiyuan, China
| | - Yingjun Li
- Department of Child and Adolescence Health, School of Public Health, Shanxi Medical University, Shanxi, Taiyuan, China
| | - Qiang Li
- Department of Andrology, Children’s Hospital and Women Health Center of Shanxi, Shanxi, Taiyuan, China
| | - Mei Qiang
- Department of Child and Adolescence Health, School of Public Health, Shanxi Medical University, Shanxi, Taiyuan, China
- * E-mail:
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21
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Mahnke AH, Salem NA, Tseng AM, Chung DD, Miranda RC. Nonprotein-coding RNAs in Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders. Prog Mol Biol Transl Sci 2018; 157:299-342. [PMID: 29933954 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2017.11.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Early developmental exposure to ethanol, a known teratogen, can result in a range of neurodevelopmental disorders, collectively referred to as Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASDs). Changes in the environment, including exposure to teratogens, can result in long term alterations to the epigenetic landscape of a cell, thereby altering gene expression. Noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) can affect transcription and translation of networks of genes. ncRNAs are dynamically expressed during development and have been identified as a target of alcohol. ncRNAs therefore make for attractive targets for novel therapeutics to address the developmental deficits associated with FASDs.
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22
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Sharp GC, Arathimos R, Reese SE, Page CM, Felix J, Küpers LK, Rifas-Shiman SL, Liu C, Burrows K, Zhao S, Magnus MC, Duijts L, Corpeleijn E, DeMeo DL, Litonjua A, Baccarelli A, Hivert MF, Oken E, Snieder H, Jaddoe V, Nystad W, London SJ, Relton CL, Zuccolo L. Maternal alcohol consumption and offspring DNA methylation: findings from six general population-based birth cohorts. Epigenomics 2017; 10:27-42. [PMID: 29172695 PMCID: PMC5753623 DOI: 10.2217/epi-2017-0095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Aim: Alcohol consumption during pregnancy is sometimes associated with adverse outcomes in offspring, potentially mediated by epigenetic modifications. We aimed to investigate genome-wide DNA methylation in cord blood of newborns exposed to alcohol in utero. Materials & methods: We meta-analyzed information from six population-based birth cohorts within the Pregnancy and Childhood Epigenetics consortium. Results: We found no strong evidence of association at either individual CpGs or across larger regions of the genome. Conclusion: Our findings suggest no association between maternal alcohol consumption and offspring cord blood DNA methylation. This is in stark contrast to the multiple strong associations previous studies have found for maternal smoking, which is similarly socially patterned. However, it is possible that a combination of a larger sample size, higher doses, different timings of exposure, exploration of a different tissue and a more global assessment of genomic DNA methylation might show evidence of association.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gemma C Sharp
- MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit, University of Bristol, Bristol, BS8 2BN, UK.,School of Social & Community Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, BS8 2BN, UK.,School of Oral & Dental Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Ryan Arathimos
- MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit, University of Bristol, Bristol, BS8 2BN, UK.,School of Social & Community Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, BS8 2BN, UK
| | - Sarah E Reese
- Division of Intramural Research, Department of Health & Human Services, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Christian M Page
- Division for Mental & Physical Health, Department of Non-Communicable Diseases, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway.,Oslo Centre for Biostatistics & Epidemiology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Janine Felix
- The Generation R Study Group, Erasmus MC, University Medical Centre Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Centre Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Pediatrics, Erasmus MC, University Medical Centre Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Leanne K Küpers
- MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit, University of Bristol, Bristol, BS8 2BN, UK.,School of Social & Community Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, BS8 2BN, UK.,Department of Epidemiology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Sheryl L Rifas-Shiman
- Department of Population Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Chunyu Liu
- The Framingham Heart Study, Framingham, MA, USA.,The Population Sciences Branch, Division of Intramural Research, National Heart, Lung, & Blood Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA.,Department of Biostatistics, Boston University School of Public Health, 715 Albany St, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Kimberley Burrows
- MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit, University of Bristol, Bristol, BS8 2BN, UK.,School of Social & Community Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, BS8 2BN, UK
| | - Shanshan Zhao
- Division of Intramural Research, Department of Health & Human Services, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Maria C Magnus
- MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit, University of Bristol, Bristol, BS8 2BN, UK.,School of Social & Community Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, BS8 2BN, UK.,Division for Mental & Physical Health, Department of Non-Communicable Diseases, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Liesbeth Duijts
- The Generation R Study Group, Erasmus MC, University Medical Centre Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Pediatrics, Division of Respiratory Medicine & Allergology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Centre Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Centre Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Eva Corpeleijn
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Dawn L DeMeo
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Brigham & Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Augusto Litonjua
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Brigham & Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Andrea Baccarelli
- Laboratory of Precision Environmental Biosciences, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Marie-France Hivert
- Department of Population Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute, Boston, MA, USA.,Diabetes Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Emily Oken
- Department of Population Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Harold Snieder
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Vincent Jaddoe
- The Generation R Study Group, Erasmus MC, University Medical Centre Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Centre Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Pediatrics, Erasmus MC, University Medical Centre Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Wenche Nystad
- Division for Mental & Physical Health, Department of Non-Communicable Diseases, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Stephanie J London
- Division of Intramural Research, Department of Health & Human Services, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Caroline L Relton
- MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit, University of Bristol, Bristol, BS8 2BN, UK.,School of Social & Community Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, BS8 2BN, UK
| | - Luisa Zuccolo
- MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit, University of Bristol, Bristol, BS8 2BN, UK.,School of Social & Community Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, BS8 2BN, UK
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23
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Soubry A. Epigenetics as a Driver of Developmental Origins of Health and Disease: Did We Forget the Fathers? Bioessays 2017; 40. [PMID: 29168895 DOI: 10.1002/bies.201700113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2017] [Revised: 10/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
What are the effects of our environment on human development and the next generation? Numerous studies have provided ample evidence that a healthy environment and lifestyle of the mother is important for her offspring. Biological mechanisms underlying these environmental influences have been proposed to involve alterations in the epigenome. Is there enough evidence to suggest a similar contribution from the part of the father? Animal models provide proof of a transgenerational epigenetic effect through the paternal germ line, but can this be translated to humans? To date, literature on fathers is scarce. Human studies do not always incorporate appropriate tools to evaluate paternal influences or epigenetic effects. In reviewing the literature, I stress the need to explore and recognize paternal contributions to offspring's health within the Developmental Origins of Health and Disease hypothesis, and coin this new concept the Paternal Origins of Health and Disease paradigm (POHaD). A better understanding of preconceptional origins of disease through the totality of paternal exposures, or the paternal exposome, will provide evidence-based public health recommendations for future fathers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adelheid Soubry
- Epidemiology Research Group, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine, KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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24
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Carré J, Gatimel N, Moreau J, Parinaud J, Léandri R. Does air pollution play a role in infertility?: a systematic review. Environ Health 2017; 16:82. [PMID: 28754128 PMCID: PMC5534122 DOI: 10.1186/s12940-017-0291-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 202] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2017] [Accepted: 07/20/2017] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Air pollution is involved in many pathologies. These pollutants act through several mechanisms that can affect numerous physiological functions, including reproduction: as endocrine disruptors or reactive oxygen species inducers, and through the formation of DNA adducts and/or epigenetic modifications. We conducted a systematic review of the published literature on the impact of air pollution on reproductive function. Eligible studies were selected from an electronic literature search from the PUBMED database from January 2000 to February 2016 and associated references in published studies. Search terms included (1) ovary or follicle or oocyte or testis or testicular or sperm or spermatozoa or fertility or infertility and (2) air quality or O3 or NO2 or PM2.5 or diesel or SO2 or traffic or PM10 or air pollution or air pollutants. The literature search was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. We have included the human and animal studies corresponding to the search terms and published in English. We have excluded articles whose results did not concern fertility or gamete function and those focused on cancer or allergy. We have also excluded genetic, auto-immune or iatrogenic causes of reduced reproduction function from our analysis. Finally, we have excluded animal data that does not concern mammals and studies based on results from in vitro culture. Data have been grouped according to the studied pollutants in order to synthetize their impact on fertility and the molecular pathways involved. CONCLUSION Both animal and human epidemiological studies support the idea that air pollutants cause defects during gametogenesis leading to a drop in reproductive capacities in exposed populations. Air quality has an impact on overall health as well as on the reproductive function, so increased awareness of environmental protection issues is needed among the general public and the authorities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Carré
- Médecine de la Reproduction, CHU Toulouse, 31059 Toulouse, France
| | - Nicolas Gatimel
- Médecine de la Reproduction, CHU Toulouse, 31059 Toulouse, France
- Groupe de Recherche en Fertilité Humaine EA 3694, Université Paul Sabatier, 31059 Toulouse, France
| | - Jessika Moreau
- Médecine de la Reproduction, CHU Toulouse, 31059 Toulouse, France
- Groupe de Recherche en Fertilité Humaine EA 3694, Université Paul Sabatier, 31059 Toulouse, France
| | - Jean Parinaud
- Médecine de la Reproduction, CHU Toulouse, 31059 Toulouse, France
- Groupe de Recherche en Fertilité Humaine EA 3694, Université Paul Sabatier, 31059 Toulouse, France
- Médecine de la Reproduction, CHU Paule de Viguier, 330 avenue de Grande Bretagne, 31059 Toulouse, France
| | - Roger Léandri
- Médecine de la Reproduction, CHU Toulouse, 31059 Toulouse, France
- Groupe de Recherche en Fertilité Humaine EA 3694, Université Paul Sabatier, 31059 Toulouse, France
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25
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Chastain LG, Sarkar DK. Alcohol effects on the epigenome in the germline: Role in the inheritance of alcohol-related pathology. Alcohol 2017; 60:53-66. [PMID: 28431793 DOI: 10.1016/j.alcohol.2016.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2016] [Revised: 12/04/2016] [Accepted: 12/30/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Excessive alcohol exposure has severe health consequences, and clinical and animal studies have demonstrated that disruptions in the epigenome of somatic cells, such as those in brain, are an important factor in the development of alcohol-related pathologies, such as alcohol-use disorders (AUDs) and fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs). It is also well known that alcohol-related health problems are passed down across generations in human populations, but the complete mechanisms for this phenomenon are currently unknown. Recent studies in animal models have suggested that epigenetic factors are also responsible for the transmission of alcohol-related pathologies across generations. Alcohol exposure has been shown to induce changes in the epigenome of sperm of exposed male animals, and these epimutations are inherited in the offspring. This paper reviews evidence for multigenerational and transgenerational epigenetic inheritance of alcohol-related pathology through the germline. We also review the literature on the epigenetic effects of alcohol exposure on somatic cells in brain, and its contribution to AUDs and FASDs. We note gaps in knowledge in this field, such as the lack of clinical studies in human populations and the lack of data on epigenetic inheritance via the female germline, and we suggest future research directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucy G Chastain
- The Endocrine Program, Department of Animal Sciences, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 67 Poultry Lane, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA
| | - Dipak K Sarkar
- The Endocrine Program, Department of Animal Sciences, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 67 Poultry Lane, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA.
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26
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Soubry A, Hoyo C, Butt CM, Fieuws S, Price TM, Murphy SK, Stapleton HM. Human exposure to flame-retardants is associated with aberrant DNA methylation at imprinted genes in sperm. Environ Epigenet 2017; 3:dvx003. [PMID: 29492305 PMCID: PMC5804543 DOI: 10.1093/eep/dvx003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2016] [Revised: 02/15/2017] [Accepted: 02/27/2017] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Emerging evidence suggests that early exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals has long-term consequences that can influence disease risk in offspring. During gametogenesis, imprinted genes are reasonable epigenetic targets with the ability to retain and transfer environmental messages. We hypothesized that exposures to organophosphate (OP) flame-retardants can alter DNA methylation in human sperm cells affecting offspring's health. Sperm and urine samples were collected from 67 men in North Carolina, USA. Urinary metabolites of a chlorinated OP, tris(1,3-dichloro-2-propyl) phosphate, and two non-chlorinated OPs, triphenyl phosphate and mono-isopropylphenyl diphenyl phosphate, were measured using liquid-chromatography tandem mass-spectrometry. Sperm DNA methylation at multiple CpG sites of the regulatory differentially methylated regions (DMRs) of imprinted genes GRB10, H19, IGF2, MEG3, NDN, NNAT, PEG1/MEST, PEG3, PLAGL1, SNRPN, and SGCE/PEG10 was quantified using bisulfite pyrosequencing. Regression models were used to determine potential associations between OP concentrations and DNA methylation. We found that men with higher concentrations of urinary OP metabolites, known to originate from flame-retardants, have a slightly higher fraction of sperm cells that are aberrantly methylated. After adjusting for age, obesity-status and multiple testing, exposure to mono-isopropylphenyl diphenyl phosphate was significantly related to hypermethylation at the MEG3, NDN, SNRPN DMRs. Exposure to triphenyl phosphate was associated with hypermethylation at the GRB10 DMR; and tris(1,3-dichloro-2-propyl) phosphate exposure was associated with altered methylation at the MEG3 and H19 DMRs. Although measured methylation differences were small, implications for public health can be substantial. Interestingly, our data indicated that a multiplicity of OPs in the human body is associated with increased DNA methylation aberrancies in sperm, compared to exposure to few OPs. Further research is required in larger study populations to determine if our findings can be generalized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adelheid Soubry
- Epidemiology Research Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, Kapucijnenvoer 35, Blok D, Box 7001, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Cathrine Hoyo
- Department of Biological Sciences, Center for Human Health and the Environment, North Carolina State University, Campus Box 7633, Raleigh, NC 27633, USA
| | - Craig M. Butt
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Box 90328, 450 Research Drive, Durham, NC 27708, USA
| | - Steffen Fieuws
- L-Biostat, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Kapucijnenvoer 35, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Thomas M. Price
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Duke University Medical Center, Box 3143, Durham, NC 27713, USA
| | - Susan K. Murphy
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Duke University Medical Center, Box 91012, B223 LSRC, 450 Research Drive, Durham, NC 27708, USA
| | - Heather M. Stapleton
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Box 90328, 450 Research Drive, Durham, NC 27708, USA
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27
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Vecoli C, Montano L, Andreassi MG. Environmental pollutants: genetic damage and epigenetic changes in male germ cells. Environ Sci Pollut Res Int 2016; 23:23339-23348. [PMID: 27672044 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-016-7728-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2016] [Accepted: 09/15/2016] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
About a quarter of the human diseases occurs for exposure to air pollution. The male reproductive system, and especially spermatogenesis, seems to be particularly sensitive. As result, male infertility is increasing in industrial countries becoming a top priority for public health. In addition to psychological distress and economic constraints, poorer semen quality may have trans-generational effects including congenital malformations in the offspring and predispose to later onset adult diseases. Genetic and epigenetic alterations are involved in the failure of spermatogenesis. In this paper, we reviewed the major evidences of the effects of air pollutants on male infertility as well as the role of sperm DNA damage and epigenetic changes in affecting spermatogenesis. A better knowledge on the effects of air contaminants on the molecular mechanisms leading to infertility is of huge importance to help clinicians in identifying the cause of infertility but above all, in defining preventive and therapeutic protocols.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cecilia Vecoli
- Institute of Clinical Physiology-CNR, via G.Moruzzi 1, 56124, Pisa, Italy.
| | - Luigi Montano
- Andrology Unit of the "San Francesco d'Assisi" Hospital - ASL Salerno, EcoFoodFertility Project Coordination Unit, via M. Clemente, 84020, Oliveto Citra, SA, Italy
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28
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Portales-Casamar E, Lussier AA, Jones MJ, MacIsaac JL, Edgar RD, Mah SM, Barhdadi A, Provost S, Lemieux-Perreault LP, Cynader MS, Chudley AE, Dubé MP, Reynolds JN, Pavlidis P, Kobor MS. DNA methylation signature of human fetal alcohol spectrum disorder. Epigenetics Chromatin 2016; 9:25. [PMID: 27358653 PMCID: PMC4926300 DOI: 10.1186/s13072-016-0074-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2016] [Accepted: 06/17/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Prenatal alcohol exposure is the leading preventable cause of behavioral and cognitive deficits, which may affect between 2 and 5 % of children in North America. While the underlying mechanisms of alcohol’s effects on development remain relatively unknown, emerging evidence implicates epigenetic mechanisms in mediating the range of symptoms observed in children with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD). Thus, we investigated the effects of prenatal alcohol exposure on genome-wide DNA methylation in the NeuroDevNet FASD cohort, the largest cohort of human FASD samples to date. Methods Genome-wide DNA methylation patterns of buccal epithelial cells (BECs) were analyzed using the Illumina HumanMethylation450 array in a Canadian cohort of 206 children (110 FASD and 96 controls). Genotyping was performed in parallel using the Infinium HumanOmni2.5-Quad v1.0 BeadChip. Results After correcting for the effects of genetic background, we found 658 significantly differentially methylated sites between FASD cases and controls, with 41 displaying differences in percent methylation change >5 %. Furthermore, 101 differentially methylated regions containing two or more CpGs were also identified, overlapping with 95 different genes. The majority of differentially methylated genes were highly expressed at the level of mRNA in brain samples from the Allen Brain Atlas, and independent DNA methylation data from cortical brain samples showed high correlations with BEC DNA methylation patterns. Finally, overrepresentation analysis of genes with up-methylated CpGs revealed a significant enrichment for neurodevelopmental processes and diseases, such as anxiety, epilepsy, and autism spectrum disorders. Conclusions These findings suggested that prenatal alcohol exposure is associated with distinct DNA methylation patterns in children and adolescents, raising the possibility of an epigenetic biomarker of FASD. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13072-016-0074-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alexandre A Lussier
- Department of Medical Genetics, Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics, Child and Family Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC Canada
| | - Meaghan J Jones
- Department of Medical Genetics, Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics, Child and Family Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC Canada
| | - Julia L MacIsaac
- Department of Medical Genetics, Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics, Child and Family Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC Canada
| | - Rachel D Edgar
- Department of Medical Genetics, Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics, Child and Family Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC Canada
| | - Sarah M Mah
- Department of Medical Genetics, Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics, Child and Family Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC Canada
| | - Amina Barhdadi
- Beaulieu-Saucier Pharmacogenomics Centre, Montreal Heart Institute, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC Canada
| | - Sylvie Provost
- Beaulieu-Saucier Pharmacogenomics Centre, Montreal Heart Institute, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC Canada
| | | | - Max S Cynader
- Brain Research Centre, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC Canada
| | - Albert E Chudley
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB Canada.,Department of Biochemistry and Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB Canada
| | - Marie-Pierre Dubé
- Beaulieu-Saucier Pharmacogenomics Centre, Montreal Heart Institute, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC Canada.,Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC Canada
| | - James N Reynolds
- Centre for Neuroscience Studies, Queen's University, Kingston, ON Canada
| | - Paul Pavlidis
- Centre for High-Throughput Biology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC Canada
| | - Michael S Kobor
- Department of Medical Genetics, Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics, Child and Family Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC Canada.,Human Early Learning Partnership, School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia Canada
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29
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Kappil MA, Li Q, Li A, Dassanayake PS, Xia Y, Nanes JA, Landrigan PJ, Stodgell CJ, Aagaard KM, Schadt EE, Dole N, Varner M, Moye J, Kasten C, Miller RK, Ma Y, Chen J, Lambertini L. In utero exposures to environmental organic pollutants disrupt epigenetic marks linked to fetoplacental development. Environ Epigenet 2016; 2:dvv013. [PMID: 27308065 PMCID: PMC4905724 DOI: 10.1093/eep/dvv013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2015] [Revised: 11/05/2015] [Accepted: 12/08/2015] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
While the developing fetus is largely shielded from the external environment through the protective barrier provided by the placenta, it is increasingly appreciated that environmental agents are able to cross and even accumulate in this vital organ for fetal development. To examine the potential influence of environmental pollutants on the placenta, we assessed the relationship between polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), 1,1-dichloro-2,2-bis(p-chlorophenyl) ethylene (DDE) and several epigenetic marks linked to fetoplacental development. We measured IGF2/H19 imprint control region methylation, IGF2 and H19 expression, IGF2 loss of imprinting (LOI) and global DNA methylation levels in placenta (n = 116) collected in a formative research project of the National Children's Study to explore the relationship between these epigenetic marks and the selected organic environmental pollutants. A positive association was observed between global DNA methylation and total PBDE levels (P <0.01) and between H19 expression and total PCB levels (P = 0.04). These findings suggest that differences in specific epigenetic marks linked to fetoplacental development occur in association with some, but not all, measured environmental exposures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maya A. Kappil
- Departments of Preventive Medicine, Pediatrics, Oncological Sciences, Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY
| | - Qian Li
- Departments of Preventive Medicine, Pediatrics, Oncological Sciences, Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY
| | - An Li
- School of Public Health, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL
| | | | - Yulin Xia
- School of Public Health, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL
| | - Jessica A. Nanes
- School of Public Health, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL
| | - Philip J. Landrigan
- Departments of Preventive Medicine, Pediatrics, Oncological Sciences, Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY
| | - Christopher J. Stodgell
- Departments of Obs/Gyn, and Environmental Medicine, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY
| | | | - Eric E. Schadt
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences and Multiscale Biology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York City, NY
| | - Nancy Dole
- Carolina Population Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Michael Varner
- Department of Pediatrics and Obs/Gyn, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT
| | - John Moye
- Eunice Kennedy Shriver
National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
| | - Carol Kasten
- Division of Pediatric and Maternal Health, US Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD, USA
| | - Richard K. Miller
- Departments of Obs/Gyn, and Environmental Medicine, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY
| | - Yula Ma
- Departments of Preventive Medicine, Pediatrics, Oncological Sciences, Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY
| | - Jia Chen
- Departments of Preventive Medicine, Pediatrics, Oncological Sciences, Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY
| | - Luca Lambertini
- Departments of Preventive Medicine, Pediatrics, Oncological Sciences, Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY
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30
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Abstract
Genomic imprinting refers to the epigenetic mechanism that results in the mono-allelic expression of a subset of genes in a parent-of-origin manner. These haploid genes are highly active in the placenta and are functionally implicated in the appropriate development of the fetus. Furthermore, the epigenetic marks regulating imprinted expression patterns are established early in development. These characteristics make genomic imprinting a potentially useful biomarker for environmental insults, especially during the in utero or early development stages, and for health outcomes later in life. Herein, we critically review the current literature regarding environmental influences on imprinted genes and summarize findings that suggest that imprinted loci are sensitive to known teratogenic agents, such as alcohol and tobacco, as well as less established factors with the potential to manipulate the in utero environment, including assisted reproductive technology. Finally, we discuss the potential of genomic imprinting to serve as an environmental sensor during early development.
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31
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Shin HS, Seo JH, Jeong SH, Park SW, Park YI, Son SW, Kang HG, Kim JS. Effect on the H19 gene methylation of sperm and organs of offspring after chlorpyrifos-methyl exposure during organogenesis period. Environ Toxicol 2015; 30:1355-1363. [PMID: 25782373 DOI: 10.1002/tox.21923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2013] [Revised: 10/30/2013] [Accepted: 11/03/2013] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
To elucidate the effect on the H19 gene methylation of sperm and organs in offspring by chlorpyrifos-methyl (CPM) exposure during organogenesis period, CPM was administered at doses of 4 (CPM4), 20 (CPM20), and 100 (CPM100) mg/kg bw/day from 7 days post coitum (d.p.c.) to 17 d.p.c. after mating CAST/Ei (♂) and B6 (♀). Anogenital distance (AGD) was measured at postnatal day (PND) 21. Clinical signs, body weights, feed and water consumption, organs weights, serum hormone values, and H19 methylation level of organ and sperm were measured at PND63. Body weights were significantly lower than control until PND6. AGD was significantly decreased in the CPM100 group in males and increased in the CPM20 group in females. The absolute weights of the thymus and epididymis were significantly increased for males in all of CPM treatment groups. In the CPM20 group, absolute weights of liver, kidney, heart, lung, spleen, prostate gland, and testes were significantly increased. Testosterone concentrations in serum were significantly increased by CPM treatment in males. H19 methylation level of liver and thymus showed decreased pattern in a dose-dependent manner in males. The levels of H19 methylation in sperm were 73.76 ± 7.16% (Control), 57.84 ± 12.94% (CPM4), 64.24 ± 3.79% (CPM20), and 64.24 ± 3.79% (CPM100). Conclusively, CPM exposure during organogenesis period can disrupt H19 methylation in sperm, liver, and thymus and disturb the early development of offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyo-Sook Shin
- Toxicology & Residue Chemistry Division, Animal, Plant and Fisheries Quarantine and Inspection Agency, 175 Anyangro, Manan-gu, Anyang-si, Gyeonggi-do 430-757, Republic of Korea
| | - Jong-Hun Seo
- Toxicology & Residue Chemistry Division, Animal, Plant and Fisheries Quarantine and Inspection Agency, 175 Anyangro, Manan-gu, Anyang-si, Gyeonggi-do 430-757, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang-Hee Jeong
- GLP Research Center, College of Natural Science, Hoseo University, 79 Hoseoro, Baebangup, Asan-si, Chungnam, 336-795, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung-Won Park
- Toxicology & Residue Chemistry Division, Animal, Plant and Fisheries Quarantine and Inspection Agency, 175 Anyangro, Manan-gu, Anyang-si, Gyeonggi-do 430-757, Republic of Korea
| | - Young-Il Park
- Toxicology & Residue Chemistry Division, Animal, Plant and Fisheries Quarantine and Inspection Agency, 175 Anyangro, Manan-gu, Anyang-si, Gyeonggi-do 430-757, Republic of Korea
| | - Seong-Wan Son
- Toxicology & Residue Chemistry Division, Animal, Plant and Fisheries Quarantine and Inspection Agency, 175 Anyangro, Manan-gu, Anyang-si, Gyeonggi-do 430-757, Republic of Korea
| | - Hwan-Goo Kang
- Toxicology & Residue Chemistry Division, Animal, Plant and Fisheries Quarantine and Inspection Agency, 175 Anyangro, Manan-gu, Anyang-si, Gyeonggi-do 430-757, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin Suk Kim
- Pharmacology & Toxicology Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, Konkuk University, 120 Neungdongro, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul, 143-701, Republic of Korea
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Lee HS. Impact of Maternal Diet on the Epigenome during In Utero Life and the Developmental Programming of Diseases in Childhood and Adulthood. Nutrients 2015; 7:9492-507. [PMID: 26593940 PMCID: PMC4663595 DOI: 10.3390/nu7115467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 137] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2015] [Revised: 10/18/2015] [Accepted: 10/26/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Exposure to environmental factors in early life can influence developmental processes and long-term health in humans. Early life nutrition and maternal diet are well-known examples of conditions shown to influence the risk of developing metabolic diseases, including type 2 diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular diseases, in adulthood. It is increasingly accepted that environmental compounds, including nutrients, can produce changes in the genome activity that, in spite of not altering the DNA sequence, can produce important, stable and, in some instances, transgenerational alterations in the phenotype. Epigenetics refers to changes in gene function that cannot be explained by changes in the DNA sequence, with DNA methylation patterns/histone modifications that can make important contributions to epigenetic memory. The epigenome can be considered as an interface between the genome and the environment that is central to the generation of phenotypes and their stability throughout the life course. To better understand the role of maternal health and nutrition in the initiation and progression of diseases in childhood and adulthood, it is necessary to identify the physiological and/or pathological roles of specific nutrients on the epigenome and how dietary interventions in utero and early life could modulate disease risk through epigenomic alteration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ho-Sun Lee
- Epigenetics Group, International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), 150 Cours Albert-Thomas, 69372 Cedex 08, France.
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Abstract
Environmental toxicants can alter epigenetic regulatory features such as DNA methylation and microRNA expression. As the sensitivity of epigenomic regulatory features may be greatest during the in utero period, when critical windows are narrow, and when epigenomic profiles are being set, this review will highlight research focused on that period. I will focus on work in human populations, where the impact of environmental toxicants in utero, including cigarette smoke and toxic trace metals such as arsenic, mercury and manganese, on genome-wide, gene-specific DNA methylation has been assessed. In particular, arsenic is highlighted, as this metalloid has been the focus of a number of studies and its detoxification mechanisms are well understood. Importantly, the tissues and cells being examined must be considered in context in order to interpret the findings of these studies. For example, by studying the placenta, it is possible to identify potential epigenetic adaptations of key genes and pathways that may alter the developmental course in line with the developmental origins of health and disease paradigm. Alternatively, studies of newborn cord blood can be used to examine how environmental exposure in utero can impact the composition of cells within the peripheral blood, leading to immunological effects of exposure. The results suggest that in humans, like other vertebrates, there is a susceptibility for epigenomic alteration by the environment during intrauterine development, and this may represent a mechanism of plasticity of the organism in response to its environment as well as a mechanism through which long-term health consequences can be shaped.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen J Marsit
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology and Section of Epidemiology and Biostatistics in the Department of Community and Family Medicine, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, NH 03755, USA
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Pacchierotti F, Spanò M. Environmental Impact on DNA Methylation in the Germline: State of the Art and Gaps of Knowledge. Biomed Res Int 2015; 2015:123484. [PMID: 26339587 DOI: 10.1155/2015/123484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2015] [Accepted: 05/03/2015] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The epigenome consists of chemical changes in DNA and chromatin that without modifying the DNA sequence modulate gene expression and cellular phenotype. The epigenome is highly plastic and reacts to changing external conditions with modifications that can be inherited to daughter cells and across generations. Whereas this innate plasticity allows for adaptation to a changing environment, it also implies the potential of epigenetic derailment leading to so-called epimutations. DNA methylation is the most studied epigenetic mark. DNA methylation changes have been associated with cancer, infertility, cardiovascular, respiratory, metabolic, immunologic, and neurodegenerative pathologies. Experiments in rodents demonstrate that exposure to a variety of chemical stressors, occurring during the prenatal or the adult life, may induce DNA methylation changes in germ cells, which may be transmitted across generations with phenotypic consequences. An increasing number of human biomonitoring studies show environmentally related DNA methylation changes mainly in blood leukocytes, whereas very few data have been so far collected on possible epigenetic changes induced in the germline, even by the analysis of easily accessible sperm. In this paper, we review the state of the art on factors impinging on DNA methylation in the germline, highlight gaps of knowledge, and propose priorities for future studies.
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Yohn NL, Bartolomei MS, Blendy JA. Multigenerational and transgenerational inheritance of drug exposure: The effects of alcohol, opiates, cocaine, marijuana, and nicotine. Prog Biophys Mol Biol 2015; 118:21-33. [PMID: 25839742 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbiomolbio.2015.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2014] [Revised: 03/02/2015] [Accepted: 03/06/2015] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Familial inheritance of drug abuse is composed of both genetic and environmental factors. Additionally, epigenetic transgenerational inheritance may provide a means by which parental drug use can influence several generations of offspring. Recent evidence suggests that parental drug exposure produces behavioral, biochemical, and neuroanatomical changes in future generations. The focus of this review is to discuss these multigenerational and transgenerational phenotypes in the offspring of animals exposed to drugs of abuse. Specifically, changes found following the administration of alcohol, opioids, cocaine, marijuana, and nicotine will be discussed. In addition, epigenetic modifications to the genome following administration of these drugs will be detailed as well as their potential for transmission to the next generation.
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Masemola ML, van der Merwe L, Lombard Z, Viljoen D, Ramsay M. Reduced DNA methylation at the PEG3 DMR and KvDMR1 loci in children exposed to alcohol in utero: a South African Fetal Alcohol Syndrome cohort study. Front Genet 2015; 6:85. [PMID: 25806045 PMCID: PMC4354390 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2015.00085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2014] [Accepted: 02/17/2015] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) is a devastating developmental disorder resulting from alcohol exposure during fetal development. It is a considerable public health problem worldwide and is characterized by central nervous system abnormalities, dysmorphic facial features, and growth retardation. Imprinted genes are known to play an important role in growth and development and therefore four imprinting control regions (ICRs), H19 ICR, IG-DMR, KvDMR1 and PEG3 DMR were examined. It is proposed that DNA methylation changes may contribute to developmental abnormalities seen in FAS and which persist into adulthood. The participants included FAS children and controls from the Western and Northern Cape Provinces. DNA samples extracted from blood and buccal cells were bisulfite modified, the ICRs were amplified by PCR and pyrosequencing was used to derive a quantitative estimate of methylation at selected CpG dinucleotides: H19 ICR (six CpG sites; 50 controls and 73 cases); KvDMR1 (7, 55, and 86); IG-DMR (10, 56, and 84); and PEG3 DMR (7, 50, and 79). The most profound effects of alcohol exposure are on neuronal development. In this study we report on epigenetic effects observed in blood which may not directly reflect tissue-specific alterations in the developing brain. After adjusting for age and sex (known confounders for DNA methylation), there was a significant difference at KvDMR1 and PEG3 DMR, but not the H19 ICR, with only a small effect (0.84% lower in cases; p = 0.035) at IG-DMR. The two maternally imprinted loci, KvDMR1 and PEG3 DMR, showed lower average locus-wide methylation in the FAS cases (1.49%; p < 0.001 and 7.09%; p < 0.001, respectively). The largest effect was at the PEG3 DMR though the functional impact is uncertain. This study supports the role of epigenetic modulation as a mechanism for the teratogenic effects of alcohol by altering the methylation profiles of imprinted loci in a locus-specific manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matshane L Masemola
- Division of Human Genetics, National Health Laboratory Service, School of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand , Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Lize van der Merwe
- Department of Statistics, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of the Western Cape , Cape Town, South Africa ; Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University , Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Zané Lombard
- Division of Human Genetics, National Health Laboratory Service, School of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand , Johannesburg, South Africa ; Sydney Brenner Institute for Molecular Bioscience, University of the Witwatersrand , Johannesburg, South Africa ; School of Molecular and Cell Biology, Faculty of Science, University of the Witwatersrand , Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Denis Viljoen
- Foundation for Alcohol Related Research , Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Michèle Ramsay
- Division of Human Genetics, National Health Laboratory Service, School of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand , Johannesburg, South Africa ; Sydney Brenner Institute for Molecular Bioscience, University of the Witwatersrand , Johannesburg, South Africa
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Liyanage VRB, Jarmasz JS, Murugeshan N, Del Bigio MR, Rastegar M, Davie JR. DNA modifications: function and applications in normal and disease States. Biology (Basel) 2014; 3:670-723. [PMID: 25340699 PMCID: PMC4280507 DOI: 10.3390/biology3040670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2014] [Revised: 09/22/2014] [Accepted: 09/24/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Epigenetics refers to a variety of processes that have heritable effects on gene expression programs without changes in DNA sequence. Key players in epigenetic control are chemical modifications to DNA, histone, and non-histone chromosomal proteins, which establish a complex regulatory network that controls genome function. Methylation of DNA at the fifth position of cytosine in CpG dinucleotides (5-methylcytosine, 5mC), which is carried out by DNA methyltransferases, is commonly associated with gene silencing. However, high resolution mapping of DNA methylation has revealed that 5mC is enriched in exonic nucleosomes and at intron-exon junctions, suggesting a role of DNA methylation in the relationship between elongation and RNA splicing. Recent studies have increased our knowledge of another modification of DNA, 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC), which is a product of the ten-eleven translocation (TET) proteins converting 5mC to 5hmC. In this review, we will highlight current studies on the role of 5mC and 5hmC in regulating gene expression (using some aspects of brain development as examples). Further the roles of these modifications in detection of pathological states (type 2 diabetes, Rett syndrome, fetal alcohol spectrum disorders and teratogen exposure) will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vichithra R B Liyanage
- Department of Biochemistry and Medical Genetics, Manitoba Institute of Cell Biology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0J9, Canada.
| | - Jessica S Jarmasz
- Department of Human Anatomy and Cell Science, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0J9, Canada.
| | - Nanditha Murugeshan
- Department of Biochemistry and Medical Genetics, Manitoba Institute of Cell Biology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0J9, Canada.
| | - Marc R Del Bigio
- Department of Human Anatomy and Cell Science, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0J9, Canada.
| | - Mojgan Rastegar
- Department of Biochemistry and Medical Genetics, Manitoba Institute of Cell Biology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0J9, Canada.
| | - James R Davie
- Department of Biochemistry and Medical Genetics, Manitoba Institute of Cell Biology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0J9, Canada.
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Abstract
CCCTC-binding factor (CTCF) is the major protein involved in insulator activity in vertebrates, with widespread DNA binding sites in the genome. CTCF participates in many processes related to global chromatin organization and remodeling, contributing to the repression or activation of gene transcription. It is also involved in epigenetic reprogramming and is essential during gametogenesis and embryo development. Abnormal DNA methylation patterns at CTCF motifs may impair CTCF binding to DNA, and are related to fertility disorders in mammals. Therefore, CTCF and its binding sites are important candidate regions to be investigated as molecular markers for gamete and embryo quality. This article reviews the role of CTCF in genomic imprinting, gametogenesis, and early embryo development and, moreover, highlights potential opportunities for environmental influences associated with assisted reproductive techniques (ARTs) to affect CTCF-mediated processes. We discuss the potential use of CTCF as a molecular marker for assessing gamete and embryo quality in the context of improving the efficiency and safety of ARTs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maurício M Franco
- Embrapa Genetic Resources & Biotechnology, Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Parque Estação Biológica, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Adam R Prickett
- Department of Medical & Molecular Genetics, King's College London, Guy's Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Rebecca J Oakey
- Department of Medical & Molecular Genetics, King's College London, Guy's Hospital, London, United Kingdom
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39
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Tunc-Ozcan E, Sittig LJ, Harper KM, Graf EN, Redei EE. Hypothesis: genetic and epigenetic risk factors interact to modulate vulnerability and resilience to FASD. Front Genet 2014; 5:261. [PMID: 25140173 PMCID: PMC4122175 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2014.00261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2014] [Accepted: 07/15/2014] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) presents a collection of symptoms representing physiological and behavioral phenotypes caused by maternal alcohol consumption. Symptom severity is modified by genetic differences in fetal susceptibility and resistance as well as maternal genetic factors such as maternal alcohol sensitivity. Animal models demonstrate that both maternal and paternal genetics contribute to the variation in the fetus' vulnerability to alcohol exposure. Maternal and paternal genetics define the variations in these phenotypes even without the effect of alcohol in utero, as most of these traits are polygenic, non-Mendelian, in their inheritance. In addition, the epigenetic alterations that instigate the alcohol induced neurodevelopmental deficits can interact with the polygenic inheritance of respective traits. Here, based on specific examples, we present the hypothesis that the principles of non-Mendelian inheritance, or "exceptions" to Mendelian genetics, can be the driving force behind the severity of the prenatal alcohol-exposed individual's symptomology. One such exception is when maternal alleles lead to an altered intrauterine hormonal environment and, therefore, produce variations in the long-term consequences on the development of the alcohol-exposed fetus. Another exception is when epigenetic regulation of allele-specific gene expression generates disequilibrium between the maternal vs. paternal genetic contributions, and thereby, modifies the effect of prenatal alcohol exposure on the fetus. We propose that these situations in which one parent has an exaggerated influence over the offspring's vulnerability to prenatal alcohol are major contributing mechanisms responsible for the variations in the symptomology of FASD in the exposed generation and beyond.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elif Tunc-Ozcan
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Northwestern University Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Laura J Sittig
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Northwestern University Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Kathryn M Harper
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Northwestern University Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Evan N Graf
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Northwestern University Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Eva E Redei
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Northwestern University Chicago, IL, USA
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40
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Shin HS, Seo JH, Jeong SH, Park SW, Park Y, Son SW, Kim JS, Kang HG. Exposure of pregnant mice to chlorpyrifos-methyl alters embryonic H19 gene methylation patterns. Environ Toxicol 2014; 29:926-935. [PMID: 23125134 DOI: 10.1002/tox.21820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2012] [Revised: 09/11/2012] [Accepted: 09/23/2012] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to identify whether chlorpyrifos methyl (CPM) exposure during pregnancy leads to changes in the methylation patterns of H19 gene. CPM 4, 20, 100 mg/kg bw/day was administered to 4 pregnant mice per group between 7 and 12 days post coitum (d.p.c.). Pregnant mice were killed at 13 d.p.c. The genomic methylation in primordial germ cells (PGCs) and fetal organs (the liver, intestine, and placenta) was examined. Four polymorphism sites in the H19 alleles of maternal (C57BL/6J) and paternal (CAST/Ei) alleles were identified at nucleotide position 1407, 1485, 1566, and 1654. The methylation patterns of 17 CpG sites were analyzed. The methylation level in male and female PGCs was not altered by CPM treatment in the maternal allele H19. The methylation level of the paternal H19 allele was altered in only male PGCs in response to the CPM treatment. The methylation level at a binding site for the transcriptional regulator CTCF2 was higher than that at the CTCF1 binding site in all CPM-treated groups. In the placenta, the aggregate methylation level of H19 was 56.89%in control group. But, those levels were ranged from 47.7% to 49.89% after treatment with increasing doses of CPM. H19 gene from the liver and intestine of 13 d.p.c. fetuses treated with CPM was hypomethylated as compared with controls, although H19 mRNA expression was unaltered. In the placenta, H19 expression was slightly increased in the CPM-treated group, although not significantly. IGF2 expression levels were not significantly changed in the placenta. In conclusion, CPM exposure during pregnancy alters the methylation status of the H19 gene in PGCs and embryonic tissues. We infer that these alterations are likely related to changes in DNA demethylase activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyo-Sook Shin
- Toxicology & Residue Chemistry Division, Animal, Plant and Fisheries Quarantine and Inspection Agency, 175 Anyangro, Anyang-si, Gyeonggi-do 430-757, Republic of Korea
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Harper KM, Tunc-Ozcan E, Graf EN, Herzing LBK, Redei EE. Intergenerational and parent of origin effects of maternal calorie restriction on Igf2 expression in the adult rat hippocampus. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2014; 45:187-91. [PMID: 24845189 PMCID: PMC4076822 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2014.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2014] [Revised: 03/31/2014] [Accepted: 04/01/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Insulin-like growth factor 2 (Igf2) regulates development, memory and adult neurogenesis in the hippocampus. Calorie restriction (CR) is known to modulate non-neuronal Igf2 expression intergenerationally, but its effect has not been evaluated on brain Igf2. Here, Sprague-Dawley (S) dams underwent moderate CR between gestational days 8-21. To identify parent of origin expression pattern of the imprinted Igf2 gene, their offspring (SS F1) were mated with naïve male or female Brown Norway (B) rats to obtain the second generation (BS and SB F2) progeny. CR did not affect adult hippocampal Igf2 transcript levels in SS F1 males or their BS F2 progeny, but increased it in SS F1 females and their SB F2 offspring. The preferentially maternal Igf2 expression in the SB F2 control male hippocampus relaxed to biallelic with CR, with no effect of grandmaternal diet in any other groups. Thus, allele-specific and total expression of hippocampal Igf2 is affected by maternal, grandmaternal CR in a strain and sex-specific manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn M Harper
- The Asher Center, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, United States
| | - Elif Tunc-Ozcan
- The Asher Center, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, United States
| | - Evan N Graf
- The Asher Center, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, United States
| | - Laura B K Herzing
- Lurie's Children Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, United States
| | - Eva E Redei
- The Asher Center, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, United States.
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42
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Guerrero-Bosagna C, Skinner MK. Environmentally induced epigenetic transgenerational inheritance of male infertility. Curr Opin Genet Dev 2014; 26:79-88. [PMID: 25104619 PMCID: PMC4252707 DOI: 10.1016/j.gde.2014.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2013] [Revised: 06/05/2014] [Accepted: 06/17/2014] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Decreasing male fertility has been observed for the past fifty years. Examples of affected reproductive parameters include decreases in sperm count and sperm quality and increases in testicular cancer, cryptorchidism and hypospadias. Exposures to environmental toxicants during fetal development and early postnatal life have been shown to promote infertility. Environmental exposures inducing epigenetic changes related to male infertility range from life style, occupational exposures, environmental toxicants and nutrition. Exposures during fetal gonadal sex determination have been shown to alter the epigenetic programming of the germline that then can transmit this altered epigenetic information to subsequent generations in the absence of any exposures. This environmentally induced epigenetic transgenerational inheritance of disease will be a component of the etiology of male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Guerrero-Bosagna
- Avian Behaviourial Genomics and Physiology Group, IFM Biology, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Michael K Skinner
- Center for Reproductive Biology, School of Biological Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, United States.
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Condorelli RA, Calogero AE, Vicari E, La Vignera S. Chronic consumption of alcohol and sperm parameters: our experience and the main evidences. Andrologia 2014; 47:368-79. [DOI: 10.1111/and.12284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/04/2014] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- R. A. Condorelli
- Section of Endocrinology, Andrology and Internal Medicine; Department of Medical and Pediatric Sciences; University of Catania; Catania Italy
| | - A. E. Calogero
- Section of Endocrinology, Andrology and Internal Medicine; Department of Medical and Pediatric Sciences; University of Catania; Catania Italy
| | - E. Vicari
- Section of Endocrinology, Andrology and Internal Medicine; Department of Medical and Pediatric Sciences; University of Catania; Catania Italy
| | - S. La Vignera
- Section of Endocrinology, Andrology and Internal Medicine; Department of Medical and Pediatric Sciences; University of Catania; Catania Italy
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44
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Kruman II, Fowler AK. Impaired one carbon metabolism and DNA methylation in alcohol toxicity. J Neurochem 2014; 129:770-80. [PMID: 24521073 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.12677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2013] [Revised: 01/30/2014] [Accepted: 02/03/2014] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Excessive alcohol consumption is a prominent problem and one of the major causes of mortality and morbidity around the world. Long-term, heavy alcohol consumption is associated with a number of deleterious health consequences, such as cancer, heart and liver disease, a variety of neurological, cognitive, and behavioral deficits. Alcohol consumption is also associated with developmental defects. The causes of alcohol-induced toxicity are presently unclear. One of the mechanisms underlying alcohol toxicity has to do with its interaction with folic acid/homocysteine or one-carbon metabolism (OCM). OCM is a major donor of methyl groups for methylation, particularly DNA methylation critical for epigenetic regulation of gene expression, and its disturbance may compromise DNA methylation, thereby affecting gene expression. OCM disturbance mediated by nutrient deficits is a well-known risk factor for various disorders and developmental defects (e.g., neural tube defects). In this review, we summarize the role of OCM disturbance and associated epigenetic aberrations in chronic alcohol-induced toxicity. In this review, we summarize the role of one-carbon metabolism (OCM) aberrations in chronic alcohol-induced toxicity. OCM is a major donor of methyl groups for methylation reactions, particularly DNA methylation critical for epigenetic regulation of gene expression. Alcohol interference with OCM and consequent reduced availability of methyl groups, improper DNA methylation, and aberrant gene expression can play a causative role in alcohol toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inna I Kruman
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, Texas, USA
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45
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Abstract
Environmental exposures to factors such as toxicants or nutrition can have impacts on testis biology and male fertility. The ability of these factors to influence epigenetic mechanisms in early life exposures or from ancestral exposures will be reviewed. A growing number of examples suggest environmental epigenetics will be a critical factor to consider in male reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Guerrero-Bosagna
- Center for Reproductive Biology, School of Biological Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, 99164-4236, USA
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46
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Abstract
Literature on maternal exposures and the risk of epigenetic changes or diseases in the offspring is growing. Paternal contributions are often not considered. However, some animal and epidemiologic studies on various contaminants, nutrition, and lifestyle-related conditions suggest a paternal influence on the offspring's future health. The phenotypic outcomes may have been attributed to DNA damage or mutations, but increasing evidence shows that the inheritance of environmentally induced functional changes of the genome, and related disorders, are (also) driven by epigenetic components. In this essay we suggest the existence of epigenetic windows of susceptibility to environmental insults during sperm development. Changes in DNA methylation, histone modification, and non-coding RNAs are viable mechanistic candidates for a non-genetic transfer of paternal environmental information, from maturing germ cell to zygote. Inclusion of paternal factors in future research will ultimately improve the understanding of transgenerational epigenetic plasticity and health-related effects in future generations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adelheid Soubry
- Epidemiology Research Group, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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47
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Abstract
Epigenetic marks in mammals are essential to properly control the activity of the genome. They are dynamically regulated during development and adulthood, and can be modulated by environmental factors throughout life. Changes in the epigenetic profile of a cell can be positive and favor the expression of advantageous genes such as those linked to cell signaling and tumor suppression. However, they can also be detrimental and alter the functions of important genes, thereby leading to disease. Recent evidence has further highlighted that some epigenetic marks can be maintained across meiosis and be transmitted to the subsequent generation to reprogram developmental and cellular features. This short review describes current knowledge on the potential impact of epigenetic processes activated by environmental factors on the inheritance of neurobiological disease risk. In addition, the potential adaptive value of epigenetic inheritance, and relevant current and future questions are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bechara J. Saab
- Brain Research Institute, University of Zurich/ETH Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Isabelle M. Mansuy
- Brain Research Institute, University of Zurich/ETH Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
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48
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Abstract
Neurobehavioral and psychiatric disorders are complex diseases with a strong heritable component; however, to date, genome-wide association studies failed to identify the genetic loci involved in the etiology of these brain disorders. Recently, transgenerational epigenetic inheritance has emerged as an important factor playing a pivotal role in the inheritance of brain disorders. This field of research provides evidence that environmentally induced epigenetic changes in the germline during embryonic development can be transmitted for multiple generations and may contribute to the etiology of brain disease heritability. In this review, we discuss some of the most recent findings on transgenerational epigenetic inheritance. We particularly discuss the findings on the epigenetic mechanisms involved in the heritability of alcohol-induced neurobehavioral disorders such as fetal alcohol spectrum disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadia Rachdaoui
- Rutgers Endocrine Research Program, Department of Animal Sciences, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, New Jersey, USA
| | - Dipak K Sarkar
- Rutgers Endocrine Research Program, Department of Animal Sciences, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, New Jersey, USA.
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Fernández AF, Toraño EG, Urdinguio RG, Lana AG, Fernández IA, Fraga MF. The Epigenetic Basis of Adaptation and Responses to Environmental Change: Perspective on Human Reproduction. Reproductive Sciences in Animal Conservation 2014; 753:97-117. [DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-0820-2_6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
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Loke YJ, Galati JC, Morley R, Joo EJH, Novakovic B, Li X, Weinrich B, Carson N, Ollikainen M, Ng HK, Andronikos R, Aziz NKA, Saffery R, Craig JM. Association of maternal and nutrient supply line factors with DNA methylation at the imprinted IGF2/H19 locus in multiple tissues of newborn twins. Epigenetics 2013; 8:1069-79. [PMID: 23917818 DOI: 10.4161/epi.25908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic events are crucial for early development, but can be influenced by environmental factors, potentially programming the genome for later adverse health outcomes. The insulin-like growth factor 2 (IGF2)/H19 locus is crucial for prenatal growth and the epigenetic state at this locus is environmentally labile. Recent studies have implicated maternal factors, including folate intake and smoking, in the regulation of DNA methylation at this locus, although data are often conflicting in the direction and magnitude of effect. Most studies have focused on single tissues and on one or two differentially-methylated regions (DMRs) regulating IGF2/H19 expression. In this study, we investigated the relationship between multiple shared and non-shared gestational/maternal factors and DNA methylation at four IGF2/H19 DMRs in five newborn cell types from 67 pairs of monozygotic and 49 pairs of dizygotic twins. Data on maternal and non-shared supply line factors were collected during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy and DNA methylation was measured via mass spectrometry using Sequenom MassArray EpiTyper analysis. Our exploratory approach showed that the site of umbilical cord insertion into the placenta in monochorionic twins has the strongest positive association with methylation in all IGF2/H19 DMRs (p<0.05). Further, evidence for tissue- and locus-specific effects were observed, emphasizing that responsiveness to environmental exposures in utero cannot be generalized across genes and tissues, potentially accounting for the lack of consistency in previous findings. Such complexity in responsiveness to environmental exposures in utero has implications for all epigenetic studies investigating the developmental origins of health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuk Jing Loke
- Department of Paediatrics; University of Melbourne; Parkville, VIC Australia; Early Life Epigenetics Group; Murdoch Childrens Research Institute (MCRI); Royal Children's Hospital; Parkville, VIC Australia
| | - John C Galati
- Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics Unit; Murdoch Childrens Research Institute (MCRI); Royal Children's Hospital; Parkville, VIC Australia; Department of Mathematics and Statistics; La Trobe University; Melbourne, VIC Australia
| | - Ruth Morley
- Early Life Epigenetics Group; Murdoch Childrens Research Institute (MCRI); Royal Children's Hospital; Parkville, VIC Australia
| | - Eric Ji-Hoon Joo
- Department of Paediatrics; University of Melbourne; Parkville, VIC Australia; Cancer, Disease and Developmental Epigenetics Group; Murdoch Childrens Research Institute (MCRI); Royal Children's Hospital; Parkville, VIC Australia
| | - Boris Novakovic
- Department of Paediatrics; University of Melbourne; Parkville, VIC Australia; Cancer, Disease and Developmental Epigenetics Group; Murdoch Childrens Research Institute (MCRI); Royal Children's Hospital; Parkville, VIC Australia
| | - Xin Li
- Early Life Epigenetics Group; Murdoch Childrens Research Institute (MCRI); Royal Children's Hospital; Parkville, VIC Australia
| | - Blaise Weinrich
- Early Life Epigenetics Group; Murdoch Childrens Research Institute (MCRI); Royal Children's Hospital; Parkville, VIC Australia
| | - Nicole Carson
- Early Life Epigenetics Group; Murdoch Childrens Research Institute (MCRI); Royal Children's Hospital; Parkville, VIC Australia
| | - Miina Ollikainen
- Hjelt Institute; Department of Public Health; University of Helsinki; Helsinki, Finland
| | - Hong-Kiat Ng
- Cancer, Disease and Developmental Epigenetics Group; Murdoch Childrens Research Institute (MCRI); Royal Children's Hospital; Parkville, VIC Australia
| | - Roberta Andronikos
- Department of Paediatrics; University of Melbourne; Parkville, VIC Australia; Early Life Epigenetics Group; Murdoch Childrens Research Institute (MCRI); Royal Children's Hospital; Parkville, VIC Australia
| | - Nur Khairunnisa Abdul Aziz
- Department of Paediatrics; University of Melbourne; Parkville, VIC Australia; Early Life Epigenetics Group; Murdoch Childrens Research Institute (MCRI); Royal Children's Hospital; Parkville, VIC Australia
| | - Richard Saffery
- Department of Paediatrics; University of Melbourne; Parkville, VIC Australia; Cancer, Disease and Developmental Epigenetics Group; Murdoch Childrens Research Institute (MCRI); Royal Children's Hospital; Parkville, VIC Australia
| | - Jeffrey M Craig
- Department of Paediatrics; University of Melbourne; Parkville, VIC Australia; Early Life Epigenetics Group; Murdoch Childrens Research Institute (MCRI); Royal Children's Hospital; Parkville, VIC Australia
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