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Epigenetic modifications may increase obesity risk
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Researchers have identified a possible association between epigenetic modifications, which control the activity of genes, and increased obesity risk, according to a press release.
Karen Lillycrop, professor of epigenetics at the University of Southampton, U.K., and colleagues examined DNA methylation — a key epigenetic modification that contributes to embryonic development and the formation of different cell types by regulating when and where genes are switched on — in umbilical cord tissue of babies participating in the Southampton Women’s Survey as part of the EpiGen Global Consortium.
DNA methylation was at one time thought to be a highly stable modification, but there is now mounting evidence that methylation levels can be affected by environmental factors, such as diet, lifestyle and parental health, according to the release.
The researchers compared DNA methylation levels present at birth with the amount of fat tissue on the child at ages 4 and 6 years.
Lower DNA methylation at CDKN2A, a gene that regulates the production of fat cells, was associated with a greater risk for the child developing obesity later in life. A 10% decrease in methylation at CDKN2A was associated with an approximately 220-g increase in fat mass at age 4 years.
“This is exciting new evidence that epigenetic changes detectable at birth are linked to a child’s health as they grow up,” Lillycrop said in the release. “Not only does it strengthen the body of evidence that shows a mother’s health during pregnancy can affect the future health of her child, but it could also allow us to more accurately predict the future risk of obesity. If we can do this, the preventative strategies can be developed in early life to prevent the development of obesity.”
The results of the study were published in EBio Medicine.