Micronutrient status and global DNA methylation in school-age children

Epigenetics. 2012 Oct;7(10):1133-41. doi: 10.4161/epi.21915. Epub 2012 Aug 23.

Abstract

Aberrations in global LINE-1 DNA methylation have been related to risk of cancer and cardiovascular disease. Micronutrients including methyl-donors and retinoids are involved in DNA methylation pathways. We investigated associations of micronutrient status and LINE-1 methylation in a cross-sectional study of school-age children from Bogotá, Colombia. Methylation of LINE-1 repetitive elements was quantified in 568 children 5-12 years of age using pyrosequencing technology. We examined the association of LINE-1 methylation with erythrocyte folate, plasma vitamin B12, vitamin A ferritin (an indicator of iron status) and serum zinc concentrations using multivariable linear regression. We also considered associations of LINE-1 methylation with socio-demographic and anthropometric characteristics. Mean (± SD) LINE-1 methylation was 80.25 (± 0.65) percentage of 5-mC (%5-mC). LINE-1 methylation was inversely related to plasma vitamin A. After adjustment for potential confounders, children with retinol levels higher than or equal to 1.05 µmol/L showed 0.19% 5-mC lower LINE-1 methylation than children with retinol levels lower than 0.70 µmol/L. LINE-1 methylation was also inversely associated with C-reactive protein, a marker of chronic inflammation, and female sex. We identified positive associations of maternal body mass index and socioeconomic status with LINE-1 methylation. These associations were not significantly different by sex. Whether modification of these exposures during school-age years leads to changes in global DNA methylation warrants further investigation.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • C-Reactive Protein* / genetics
  • C-Reactive Protein* / metabolism
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • DNA Methylation*
  • Female
  • Ferritins / blood
  • Folic Acid / blood
  • Genetic Association Studies
  • Humans
  • Iron / blood
  • Long Interspersed Nucleotide Elements / genetics*
  • Male
  • Micronutrients / blood*
  • Sex Factors
  • Vitamin A / blood
  • Vitamin B 12 / blood
  • Zinc / blood

Substances

  • Micronutrients
  • Vitamin A
  • C-Reactive Protein
  • Ferritins
  • Folic Acid
  • Iron
  • Zinc
  • Vitamin B 12