Biological embedding of early-life exposures and disease risk in humans : a role for DNA methylation
Data(s) |
2015
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Resumo |
BACKGROUND: Following wider acceptance of 'the thrifty phenotype' hypothesis and the convincing evidence that early-life exposures can influence adult health even decades after the exposure, much interest has been placed on the mechanisms through which early-life exposures become biologically embedded. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this review, we summarize the current literature regarding biological embedding of early-life experiences. To this end, we conducted a literature search to identify studies investigating early-life exposures in relation to DNA methylation changes. In addition, we summarize the challenges faced in investigations of epigenetic effects, stemming from the peculiarities of this emergent and complex field. A proper systematic review and meta-analyses were not feasible given the nature of the evidence. RESULTS: We identified seven studies on early-life socio-economic circumstances, 10 studies on childhood obesity and six studies on early-life nutrition all relating to DNA methylation changes that met the stipulated inclusion criteria. The pool of evidence gathered, albeit small, favours a role of epigenetics and DNA methylation in biological embedding, but replication of findings, multiple comparison corrections, publication bias and causality are concerns remaining to be addressed in future investigations. CONCLUSIONS: Based on these results, we hypothesize that epigenetics, in particular DNA methylation, is a plausible mechanism through which early-life exposures are biologically embedded. This review describes the current status of the field and acts as a stepping stone for future, better designed investigations on how early-life exposures might become biologically embedded through epigenetic effects. |
Identificador |
http://serval.unil.ch/?id=serval:BIB_C4F74B7E9DD0 isbn:1365-2362 (Electronic) doi:10.1111/eci.12406 isiid:000350356700008 pmid:25645488 |
Idioma(s) |
en |
Fonte |
European Journal of Clinical Investigation, vol. 45, no. 3, pp. 303-332 |
Tipo |
info:eu-repo/semantics/review article |