Trigonelline is an NAD+ precursor that improves muscle function during ageing and is reduced in human sarcopenia.

Mitochondrial dysfunction and low nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) levels are hallmarks of skeletal muscle ageing and sarcopenia1-3, but it is unclear whether these defects result from local changes or can be mediated by systemic or dietary cues. Here we report a functional link between circulating levels of the natural alkaloid trigonelline, which is structurally related to nicotinic acid4, NAD+ levels and muscle health in multiple species. In humans, serum trigonelline levels are reduced with sarcopenia and correlate positively with muscle strength and mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation in skeletal muscle. Using naturally occurring and isotopically labelled trigonelline, we demonstrate that trigonelline incorporates into the NAD+ pool and increases NAD+ levels in Caenorhabditis elegans, mice and primary myotubes from healthy individuals and individuals with sarcopenia. Mechanistically, trigonelline does not activate GPR109A but is metabolized via the nicotinate phosphoribosyltransferase/Preiss-Handler pathway5,6 across models. In C. elegans, trigonelline improves mitochondrial respiration and biogenesis, reduces age-related muscle wasting and increases lifespan and mobility through an NAD+-dependent mechanism requiring sirtuin. Dietary trigonelline supplementation in male mice enhances muscle strength and prevents fatigue during ageing. Collectively, we identify nutritional supplementation of trigonelline as an NAD+-boosting strategy with therapeutic potential for age-associated muscle decline.

The serum small non-coding RNA (SncRNA) landscape as a molecular biomarker of age associated muscle dysregulation and insulin resistance in older adults.

Small noncoding RNAs (sncRNAs) are implicated in age-associated pathologies, including sarcopenia and insulin resistance (IR). As potential circulating biomarkers, most studies have focussed on microRNAs (miRNAs), one class of sncRNA. This study characterized the wider circulating sncRNA transcriptome of older individuals and associations with sarcopenia and IR. sncRNA expression including miRNAs, transfer RNAs (tRNAs), tRNA-associated fragments (tRFs), and piwi-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) was measured in serum from 21 healthy and 21 sarcopenic Hertfordshire Sarcopenia Study extension women matched for age (mean 78.9 years) and HOMA2-IR. Associations with age, sarcopenia and HOMA2-IR were examined and predicted gene targets and biological pathways characterized. Of the total sncRNA among healthy controls, piRNAs were most abundant (85.3%), followed by tRNAs (4.1%), miRNAs (2.7%), and tRFs (0.5%). Age was associated (FDR < 0.05) with 2 miRNAs, 58 tRNAs, and 14 tRFs, with chromatin organization, WNT signaling, and response to stress enriched among gene targets. Sarcopenia was nominally associated (p < .05) with 12 tRNAs, 3 tRFs, and 6 piRNAs, with target genes linked to cell proliferation and differentiation such as Notch Receptor 1 (NOTCH1), DISC1 scaffold protein (DISC1), and GLI family zinc finger-2 (GLI2). HOMA2-IR was nominally associated (p<0.05) with 6 miRNAs, 9 tRNAs, 1 tRF, and 19 piRNAs, linked with lysine degradation, circadian rhythm, and fatty acid biosynthesis pathways. These findings identify changes in circulating sncRNA expression in human serum associated with chronological age, sarcopenia, and IR. These may have clinical utility as circulating biomarkers of ageing and age-associated pathologies and provide novel targets for therapeutic intervention.

DNA methylation of insulin signaling pathways is associated with HOMA2-IR in primary myoblasts from older adults.

BACKGROUND: While ageing is associated with increased insulin resistance (IR), the molecular mechanisms underlying increased IR in the muscle, the primary organ for glucose clearance, have yet to be elucidated in older individuals. As epigenetic processes are suggested to contribute to the development of ageing-associated diseases, we investigated whether differential DNA methylation was associated with IR in human primary muscle stem cells (myoblasts) from community-dwelling older individuals. METHODS: We measured DNA methylation (Infinium HumanMethylationEPIC BeadChip) in myoblast cultures from vastus lateralis biopsies (119 males/females, mean age 78.24 years) from the Hertfordshire Sarcopenia Study extension (HSSe) and examined differentially methylated cytosine phosphate guanine (CpG) sites (dmCpG), regions (DMRs) and gene pathways associated with HOMA2-IR, an index for the assessment of insulin resistance, and levels of glycated hemoglobin HbA1c. RESULTS: Thirty-eight dmCpGs (false discovery rate (FDR) < 0.05) were associated with HOMA2-IR, with dmCpGs enriched in genes linked with JNK, AMPK and insulin signaling. The methylation signal associated with HOMA2-IR was attenuated after the addition of either BMI (6 dmCpGs), appendicular lean mass index (ALMi) (7 dmCpGs), grip strength (15 dmCpGs) or gait speed (23 dmCpGs) as covariates in the model. There were 8 DMRs (Stouffer < 0.05) associated with HOMA2-IR, including DMRs within T-box transcription factor (TBX1) and nuclear receptor subfamily-2 group F member-2 (NR2F2); the DMRs within TBX1 and NR2F2 remained associated with HOMA2-IR after adjustment for BMI, ALMi, grip strength or gait speed. Forty-nine dmCpGs and 21 DMRs were associated with HbA1c, with cg13451048, located within exoribonuclease family member 3 (ERI3) associated with both HOMA2-IR and HbA1c. HOMA2-IR and HbA1c were not associated with accelerated epigenetic ageing. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that insulin resistance is associated with differential DNA methylation in human primary myoblasts with both muscle mass and body composition making a significant contribution to the methylation changes associated with IR.

DNA methylation at the suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 (SOCS3) gene influences height in childhood.

Human height is strongly influenced by genetics but the contribution of modifiable epigenetic factors is under-explored, particularly in low and middle-income countries (LMIC). We investigate links between blood DNA methylation and child height in four LMIC cohorts (n = 1927) and identify a robust association at three CpGs in the suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 (SOCS3) gene which replicates in a high-income country cohort (n = 879). SOCS3 methylation (SOCS3m)-height associations are independent of genetic effects. Mendelian randomization analysis confirms a causal effect of SOCS3m on height. In longitudinal analysis, SOCS3m explains a maximum 9.5% of height variance in mid-childhood while the variance explained by height polygenic risk score increases from birth to 21 years. Children's SOCS3m is associated with prenatal maternal folate and socio-economic status. In-vitro characterization confirms a regulatory effect of SOCS3m on gene expression. Our findings suggest epigenetic modifications may play an important role in driving child height in LMIC.

Oxylipin secretion by human CD3+ T lymphocytes in vitro is modified by the exogenous essential fatty acid ratio and life stage.

Immune function changes across the life stages; for example, senior adults exhibit a tendency towards a weaker cell-mediated immune response and a stronger inflammatory response than younger adults. This might be partly mediated by changes in oxylipin synthesis across the life course. Oxylipins are oxidation products of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) that modulate immune function and inflammation. A number of PUFAs are precursors to oxylipins, including the essential fatty acids (EFAs) linoleic acid (LA) and α-linolenic acid (ALA). LA and ALA are also substrates for synthesis of longer chain PUFAs. Studies with stable isotopes have shown that the relative amounts of LA and ALA can influence their partitioning by T lymphocytes between conversion to longer chain PUFAs and to oxylipins. It is not known whether the relative availability of EFA substrates influences the overall pattern of oxylipin secretion by human T cells or if this changes across the life stages. To address this, the oxylipin profile was determined in supernatants from resting and mitogen activated human CD3+ T cell cultures incubated in medium containing an EFA ratio of either 5:1 or 8:1 (LA : ALA). Furthermore, oxylipin profiles in supernatants of T cells from three life stages, namely fetal (derived from umbilical cord blood), adults and seniors, treated with the 5:1 EFA ratio were determined. The extracellular oxylipin profiles were affected more by the EFA ratio than mitogen stimulation such that n-3 PUFA-derived oxylipin concentrations were higher with the 5:1 EFA ratio than the 8:1 ratio, possibly due to PUFA precursor competition for lipoxygenases. 47 oxylipin species were measured in all cell culture supernatants. Extracellular oxylipin concentrations were generally higher for fetal T cells than for T cells from adult and senior donors, although the composition of oxylipins was similar across the life stages. The contribution of oxylipins towards an immunological phenotype might be due to the capacity of T cells to synthesize oxylipins rather than the nature of the oxylipins produced.

Adiposity is associated with widespread transcriptional changes and downregulation of longevity pathways in aged skeletal muscle.

BACKGROUND: Amongst healthy older people, a number of correlates of impaired skeletal muscle mass and function have been defined. Although the prevalence of obesity is increasing markedly in this age group, information is sparse about the particular impacts of obesity on ageing skeletal muscle or the molecular mechanisms that underlie this and associated disease risk. METHODS: Here, we examined genome-wide transcriptional changes using RNA sequencing in muscle biopsies from 40 older community-dwelling men from the Hertfordshire Sarcopenia Study with regard to obesity (body mass index [BMI] >30 kg/m2 , n = 7), overweight (BMI 25-30, n = 19), normal weight (BMI < 25, n = 14), and per cent and total fat mass. In addition, we used EPIC DNA methylation array data to investigate correlations between DNA methylation and gene expression in aged skeletal muscle tissue and investigated the relationship between genes within altered regulatory pathways and muscle histological parameters. RESULTS: Individuals with obesity demonstrated a prominent modified transcriptional signature in muscle tissue, with a total of 542 differentially expressed genes associated with obesity (false discovery rate ≤0.05), of which 425 genes were upregulated when compared with normal weight. Upregulated genes were enriched in immune response (P = 3.18 × 10-41 ) and inflammation (leucocyte activation, P = 1.47 × 10-41 ; tumour necrosis factor, P = 2.75 × 10-15 ) signalling pathways and downregulated genes enriched in longevity (P = 1.5 × 10-3 ) and AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) (P = 4.5 × 10-3 ) signalling pathways. Furthermore, differentially expressed genes in both longevity and AMPK signalling pathways were associated with a change in DNA methylation, with a total of 256 and 360 significant cytosine-phosphate-guanine-gene correlations identified, respectively. Similar changes in the muscle transcriptome were observed with respect to per cent fat mass and total fat mass. Obesity was further associated with a significant increase in type II fast-fibre area (P = 0.026), of which key regulatory genes within both longevity and AMPK pathways were significantly associated. CONCLUSIONS: We provide for the first time a global transcriptomic profile of skeletal muscle in older people with and without obesity, demonstrating modulation of key genes and pathways implicated in the regulation of muscle function, changes in DNA methylation associated with such pathways and associations between genes within the modified pathways implicated in muscle regulation and changes in muscle fibre type.

Exogenous tetracosahexaenoic acid modifies the fatty acid composition of human primary T lymphocytes and Jurkat T cell leukemia cells contingent on cell type.

Tetracosahexaenoic acid (24:6ω-3) is an intermediate in the conversion of 18:3ω-3 to 22:6ω-3 in mammals. There is limited information about whether cells can assimilate and metabolize exogenous 24:6ω-3. This study compared the effect of incubation with 24:6ω-3 on the fatty acid composition of two related cell types, primary CD3+ T lymphocytes and Jurkat T cell leukemia, which differ in the integrity of the polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) biosynthesis pathway. 24:6ω-3 was only detected in either cell type when cells were incubated with 24:6ω-3. Incubation with 24:6ω-3 induced similar increments in the amount of 22:6ω-3 in both cell types and modified the homeoviscous adaptations fatty acid composition induced by activation of T lymphocytes. The effect of incubation with 18:3ω-3 compared to 24:6ω-3 on the increment in 22:6ω-3 was tested in Jurkat cells because primary T cells cannot convert 18:3ω-3 to 22:6ω-3. The increment in the 22:6ω-3 content of Jurkat cells incubated with 24:6ω-3 was 19.5-fold greater than that of cells incubated with 18:3ω-3. Acyl-coA oxidase siRNA knockdown decreased the amount of 22:6ω-3 and increased the amount of 24:6ω-3 in Jurkat cells. These findings show exogenous 24:6ω-3 can be incorporated into primary human T lymphocytes and Jurkat cells and induces changes in fatty acid composition consistent with its conversion to 22:6ω-3 via a mechanism involving peroxisomal ß-oxidation that is regulated independently from the integrity of the upstream PUFA synthesis pathway. One further implication is that consuming 24:6ω-3 may be an effective alternative means of achieving health benefits attributed to 20:5ω-3 and 22:6ω-3.

Multigenerational diabetes mellitus.

Gestational diabetes (GDM) changes the maternal metabolic and uterine environment, thus increasing the risk of short- and long-term adverse outcomes for both mother and child. Children of mothers who have GDM during their pregnancy are more likely to develop Type 2 Diabetes (T2D), early-onset cardiovascular disease and GDM when they themselves become pregnant, perpetuating a multigenerational increased risk of metabolic disease. The negative effect of GDM is exacerbated by maternal obesity, which induces a greater derangement of fetal adipogenesis and growth. Multiple factors, including genetic, epigenetic and metabolic, which interact with lifestyle factors and the environment, are likely to contribute to the development of GDM. Genetic factors are particularly important, with 30% of women with GDM having at least one parent with T2D. Fetal epigenetic modifications occur in response to maternal GDM, and may mediate both multi- and transgenerational risk. Changes to the maternal metabolome in GDM are primarily related to fatty acid oxidation, inflammation and insulin resistance. These might be effective early biomarkers allowing the identification of women at risk of GDM prior to the development of hyperglycaemia. The impact of the intra-uterine environment on the developing fetus, "developmental programming", has a multisystem effect, but its influence on adipogenesis is particularly important as it will determine baseline insulin sensitivity, and the response to future metabolic challenges. Identifying the critical window of metabolic development and developing effective interventions are key to our ability to improve population metabolic health.

Fatty acid composition and metabolic partitioning of α-linolenic acid are contingent on life stage in human CD3+ T lymphocytes.

Introduction: Immune function changes across the life course; the fetal immune system is characterised by tolerance while that of seniors is less able to respond effectively to antigens and is more pro-inflammatory than in younger adults. Lipids are involved centrally in immune function but there is limited information about how T cell lipid metabolism changes during the life course. Methods and Results: We investigated whether life stage alters fatty acid composition, lipid droplet content and α-linolenic acid (18:3ω-3) metabolism in human fetal CD3+ T lymphocytes and in CD3+ T lymphocytes from adults (median 41 years) and seniors (median 70 years). Quiescent fetal T cells had higher saturated (SFA), monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA), and ω-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) contents than adults or seniors. Activation-induced changes in fatty acid composition differed between life stages. The principal metabolic fates of [13C]18:3ω-3 were constitutive hydroxyoctadecatrienoic acid synthesis and ß-oxidation and carbon recycling into SFA and MUFA. These processes declined progressively across the life course. Longer chain ω-3 PUFA synthesis was a relatively minor metabolic fate of 18:3ω-3 at all life stages. Fetal and adult T lymphocytes had similar lipid droplet contents, which were lower than in T cells from seniors. Variation in the lipid droplet content of adult T cells accounted for 62% of the variation in mitogen-induced CD69 expression, but there was no significant relationship in fetal cells or lymphocytes from seniors. Discussion: Together these findings show that fatty acid metabolism in human T lymphocytes changes across the life course in a manner that may facilitate the adaptation of immune function to different life stages.

Dysregulation of Subcutaneous White Adipose Tissue Inflammatory Environment Modelling in Non-Insulin Resistant Obesity and Responses to Omega-3 Fatty Acids - A Double Blind, Randomised Clinical Trial.

Background: Obesity is associated with enhanced lipid accumulation and the expansion of adipose tissue accompanied by hypoxia and inflammatory signalling. Investigation in human subcutaneous white adipose tissue (scWAT) in people living with obesity in which metabolic complications such as insulin resistance are yet to manifest is limited, and the mechanisms by which these processes are dysregulated are not well elucidated. Long chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC n-3 PUFAs) have been shown to modulate the expression of genes associated with lipid accumulation and collagen deposition and reduce the number of inflammatory macrophages in adipose tissue from individuals with insulin resistance. Therefore, these lipids may have positive actions on obesity associated scWAT hypertrophy and inflammation. Methods: To evaluate obesity-associated tissue remodelling and responses to LC n-3 PUFAs, abdominal scWAT biopsies were collected from normal weight individuals and those living with obesity prior to and following 12-week intervention with marine LC n-3 PUFAs (1.1 g EPA + 0.8 g DHA daily). RNA sequencing, qRT-PCR, and histochemical staining were used to assess remodelling- and inflammatory-associated gene expression, tissue morphology and macrophage infiltration. Results: Obesity was associated with scWAT hypertrophy (P < 0.001), hypoxia, remodelling, and inflammatory macrophage infiltration (P = 0.023). Furthermore, we highlight the novel dysregulation of Wnt signalling in scWAT in non-insulin resistant obesity. LC n-3 PUFAs beneficially modulated the scWAT environment through downregulating the expression of genes associated with inflammatory and remodelling pathways (P <0.001), but there were altered outcomes in individuals living with obesity in comparison to normal weight individuals. Conclusion: Our data identify dysregulation of Wnt signalling, hypoxia, and hypertrophy, and enhanced macrophage infiltration in scWAT in non-insulin resistant obesity. LC n-3 PUFAs modulate some of these processes, especially in normal weight individuals which may be preventative and limit the development of restrictive and inflammatory scWAT in the development of obesity. We conclude that a higher dose or longer duration of LC n-3 PUFA intervention may be needed to reduce obesity-associated scWAT inflammation and promote tissue homeostasis. Clinical Trial Registration: www.isrctn.com, identifier ISRCTN96712688.

Modification of subcutaneous white adipose tissue inflammation by omega-3 fatty acids is limited in human obesity-a double blind, randomised clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Obesity is associated with enhanced inflammation. However, investigation in human subcutaneous white adipose tissue (scWAT) is limited and the mechanisms by which inflammation occurs have not been well elucidated. Marine long chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC n-3 PUFAs) have anti-inflammatory actions and may reduce scWAT inflammation. METHODS: Subcutaneous white adipose tissue (scWAT) biopsies were collected from individuals living with obesity (n=45) and normal weight individuals (n=39) prior to and following a 12-week intervention with either 3 g/day of a fish oil concentrate (providing 1.1 g eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) + 0.8 g docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)) or 3 g/day of corn oil. ScWAT fatty acid, oxylipin, and transcriptome profiles were assessed by gas chromatography, ultra-pure liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry, RNA sequencing and qRT-PCR, respectively. FINDINGS: Obesity was associated with greater scWAT inflammation demonstrated by lower concentrations of specialised pro-resolving mediators (SPMs) and hydroxy-DHA metabolites and an altered transcriptome with differential expression of genes involved in LC n-3 PUFA activation, oxylipin synthesis, inflammation, and immune response. Intervention with LC n-3 PUFAs increased their respective metabolites including the SPM precursor 14-hydroxy-DHA in normal weight individuals and decreased arachidonic acid derived metabolites and expression of genes involved in immune and inflammatory response with a greater effect in normal weight individuals. INTERPRETATION: Downregulated expression of genes responsible for fatty acid activation and metabolism may contribute to an inflammatory oxylipin profile and limit the effects of LC n-3 PUFAs in obesity. There may be a need for personalised LC n-3 PUFA supplementation based on obesity status. FUNDING: European Commission Seventh Framework Programme (Grant Number 244995) and Czech Academy of Sciences (Lumina quaeruntur LQ200111901).

DNA methylation signatures associated with cardiometabolic risk factors in children from India and The Gambia: results from the EMPHASIS study.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of cardiometabolic disease (CMD) is rising globally, with environmentally induced epigenetic changes suggested to play a role. Few studies have investigated epigenetic associations with CMD risk factors in children from low- and middle-income countries. We sought to identify associations between DNA methylation (DNAm) and CMD risk factors in children from India and The Gambia. RESULTS: Using the Illumina Infinium HumanMethylation 850 K Beadchip array, we interrogated DNAm in 293 Gambian (7-9 years) and 698 Indian (5-7 years) children. We identified differentially methylated CpGs (dmCpGs) associated with systolic blood pressure, fasting insulin, triglycerides and LDL-Cholesterol in the Gambian children; and with insulin sensitivity, insulinogenic index and HDL-Cholesterol in the Indian children. There was no overlap of the dmCpGs between the cohorts. Meta-analysis identified dmCpGs associated with insulin secretion and pulse pressure that were different from cohort-specific dmCpGs. Several differentially methylated regions were associated with diastolic blood pressure, insulin sensitivity and fasting glucose, but these did not overlap with the dmCpGs. We identified significant cis-methQTLs at three LDL-Cholesterol-associated dmCpGs in Gambians; however, methylation did not mediate genotype effects on the CMD outcomes. CONCLUSION: This study identified cardiometabolic biomarkers associated with differential DNAm in Indian and Gambian children. Most associations were cohort specific, potentially reflecting environmental and ethnic differences.

Epigenome-wide association study of sarcopenia: findings from the Hertfordshire Sarcopenia Study (HSS).

BACKGROUND: Sarcopenia is the age-related loss of muscle mass, strength, and function. Epigenetic processes such as DNA methylation, which integrate both genetic and environmental exposures, have been suggested to contribute to the development of sarcopenia. This study aimed to determine whether differences in the muscle methylome are associated with sarcopenia and its component measures: grip strength, appendicular lean mass index (ALMi), and gait speed. METHODS: Using the Infinium Human MethylationEPIC BeadChip, we measured DNA methylation in vastus lateralis muscle biopsies of 83 male participants (12 with sarcopenia) with a mean (standard deviation) age of 75.7 (3.6) years from the Hertfordshire Sarcopenia Study (HSS) and Hertfordshire Sarcopenia Study extension (HSSe) and examined associations with sarcopenia and its components. Pathway, histone mark, and transcription factor enrichment of the differentially methylated CpGs (dmCpGs) were determined, and sodium bisulfite pyrosequencing was used to validate the sarcopenia-associated dmCpGs. Human primary myoblasts (n = 6) isolated from vastus lateralis muscle biopsies from male individuals from HSSe were treated with the EZH2 inhibitor GSK343 to assess how perturbations in epigenetic processes may impact myoblast differentiation and fusion, measured by PAX7 and MYHC immunocytochemistry, and mitochondrial bioenergetics determined using the Seahorse XF96. RESULTS: Sarcopenia was associated with differential methylation at 176 dmCpGs (false discovery rate ≤ 0.05) and 141 differentially methylated regions (Stouffer ≤ 0.05). The sarcopenia-associated dmCpGs were enriched in genes associated with myotube fusion (P = 1.40E-03), oxidative phosphorylation (P = 2.78E-02), and voltage-gated calcium channels (P = 1.59E-04). ALMi was associated with 71 dmCpGs, grip strength with 49 dmCpGs, and gait speed with 23 dmCpGs (false discovery rate ≤ 0.05). There was significant overlap between the dmCpGs associated with sarcopenia and ALMi (P = 3.4E-35), sarcopenia and gait speed (P = 4.78E-03), and sarcopenia and grip strength (P = 7.55E-06). There was also an over-representation of the sarcopenia, ALMi, grip strength, and gait speed-associated dmCpGs with sites of H3K27 trimethylation (all P ≤ 0.05) and amongst EZH2 target genes (all P ≤ 0.05). Furthermore, treatment of human primary myoblasts with the EZH2 inhibitor GSK343 inhibitor led to an increase in PAX7 expression (P ≤ 0.05), decreased myotube fusion (P = 0.043), and an increase in ATP production (P = 0.008), with alterations in the DNA methylation of genes involved in oxidative phosphorylation and myogenesis. CONCLUSIONS: These findings show that differences in the muscle methylome are associated with sarcopenia and individual measures of muscle mass, strength, and function in older individuals. This suggests that changes in the epigenetic regulation of genes may contribute to impaired muscle function in later life.

Folate and vitamin B12 status: associations with maternal glucose and neonatal DNA methylation sites related to dysglycaemia, in pregnant women with obesity.

Recent studies implicate maternal gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in differential methylation of infant DNA. Folate and vitamin B12 play a role in DNA methylation, and these vitamins may also influence GDM risk. The aims of this study were to determine folate and vitamin B12 status in obese pregnant women and investigate associations between folate and vitamin B12 status, maternal dysglycaemia and neonatal DNA methylation at cytosine-phosphate-guanine sites previously observed to be associated with dysglycaemia. Obese pregnant women who participated in the UK Pregnancies Better Eating and Activity Trial were included. Serum folate and vitamin B12 were measured at the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) visit. Cord blood DNA methylation was assessed using the Infinium MethylationEPIC BeadChip. Regression models with adjustment for confounders were used to examine associations. Of the 951 women included, 356 (37.4%) were vitamin B12 deficient, and 44 (4.6%) were folate deficient. Two-hundred and seventy-one women (28%) developed GDM. Folate and vitamin B12 concentrations were not associated with neonatal DNA methylation. Higher folate was positively associated with 1-h plasma glucose after OGTT (ß = 0.031, 95% CI 0.001-0.061, p = 0.045). There was no relationship between vitamin B12 and glucose concentrations post OGTT or between folate or vitamin B12 and GDM. In summary, we found no evidence to link folate and vitamin B12 status with the differential methylation of neonatal DNA previously observed in association with dysglycaemia. We add to the evidence that folate status may be related to maternal glucose homoeostasis although replication in other maternal cohorts is required for validation.

Human non-CpG methylation patterns display both tissue-specific and inter-individual differences suggestive of underlying function.

DNA methylation (DNAm) in mammals is mostly examined within the context of CpG dinucleotides. Non-CpG DNAm is also widespread across the human genome, but the functional relevance, tissue-specific disposition, and inter-individual variability has not been widely studied. Our aim was to examine non-CpG DNAm in the wider methylome across multiple tissues from the same individuals to better understand non-CpG DNAm distribution within different tissues and individuals and in relation to known genomic regulatory features.DNA methylation in umbilical cord and cord blood at birth, and peripheral venous blood at age 12-13 y from 20 individuals from the Southampton Women's Survey cohort was assessed by Agilent SureSelect methyl-seq. Hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) was performed on CpG and non-CpG sites and stratified by specific cytosine environment. Analysis of tissue and inter-individual variation was then conducted in a second dataset of 12 samples: eight muscle tissues, and four aliquots of cord blood pooled from two individuals.HCA using methylated non-CpG sites showed different clustering patterns specific to the three base-pair triplicate (CNN) sequence. Analysis of CAC sites with non-zero methylation showed that samples clustered first by tissue type, then by individual (as observed for CpG methylation), while analysis using non-zero methylation at CAT sites showed samples grouped predominantly by individual. These clustering patterns were validated in an independent dataset using cord blood and muscle tissue.This research suggests that CAC methylation can have tissue-specific patterns, and that individual effects, either genetic or unmeasured environmental factors, can influence CAT methylation.

The Partitioning of Newly Assimilated Linoleic and α-Linolenic Acids Between Synthesis of Longer-Chain Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids and Hydroxyoctadecaenoic Acids Is a Putative Branch Point in T-Cell Essential Fatty Acid Metabolism.

Longer-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFAs) ≥20 carbons long are required for leukocyte function. These can be obtained from the diet, but there is some evidence that leukocytes can convert essential fatty acids (EFAs) into LCPUFAs. We used stable isotope tracers to investigate LCPUFA biosynthesis and the effect of different EFA substrate ratios in human T lymphocytes. CD3+ T cells were incubated for up to 48 h with or without concanavalin A in media containing a 18:2n-6:18:3n-3 (EFA) ratio of either 5:1 or 8:1 and [13C]18:3n-3 plus [d5]18:2n-6. Mitogen stimulation increased the amounts of 16:1n-7, 18:1n-9, 18:2n-6, 20:3n-6, 20:4n-6, 18:3n-3, and 20:5n-3 in T cells. Expression of the activation marker CD69 preceded increased FADS2 and FADS1 mRNA expression and increased amounts of [d5]20:2n-6 and [13C]20:3n-3 at 48 h. In addition, 22-carbon n-6 or n-3 LCPUFA synthesis was not detected, consistent with the absence of ELOVL2 expression. An EFA ratio of 8:1 reduced 18:3n-3 conversion and enhanced 20:2n-6 synthesis compared to a 5:1 ratio. Here, [d5]9- and [d5]-13-hydroxyoctadecadienoic (HODE) and [13C]9- and [13C]13-hydroxyoctadecatrienoic acids (HOTrE) were the major labelled oxylipins in culture supernatants; labelled oxylipins ≥20 carbons were not detected. An EFA ratio of 8:1 suppressed 9- and 13-HOTrE synthesis, but there was no significant effect on 9- and 13-HODE synthesis. These findings suggest that partitioning of newly assimilated EFA between LCPUFA synthesis and hydroxyoctadecaenoic acid may be a metabolic branch point in T-cell EFA metabolism that has implications for understanding the effects of dietary fats on T lymphocyte function.

Dietary Supplementation with Transgenic Camelina sativa Oil Containing 20:5n-3 and 22:6n-3 or Fish Oil Induces Differential Changes in the Transcriptome of CD3+ T Lymphocytes.

Eicosapentaenoic acid (20:5n-3) and docosahexaenoic acid (22:6n-3) are important for leukocyte function. This study investigated whether consuming transgenic Camelina sativa (tCSO) seed oil containing both 20:5n-3 and 22:6n-3 is as effective as fish oil (FO) for increasing the 20:5n-3 and 22:6n-3 content of leukocytes and altering mitogen-induced changes to the T cell transcriptome. Healthy adults (n = 31) consumed 450 mg/day of 20:5n-3 plus 22:6n-3 from either FO or tCSO for 8 weeks. Blood was collected before and after the intervention. 20:5n-3 and 22:6n-3 incorporation from tCSO into immune cell total lipids was comparable to FO. The relative expression of the transcriptomes of mitogen-stimulated versus unstimulated T lymphocytes in a subgroup of 16 women/test oil showed 4390 transcripts were differentially expressed at Baseline (59% up-regulated), 4769 (57% up-regulated) after FO and 3443 (38% up-regulated) after tCSO supplementation. The 20 most altered transcripts after supplementation differed between test oils. The most altered pathways were associated with cell proliferation and immune function. In conclusion, 20:5n-3 and 22:6n-3 incorporation into immune cells from tCSO was comparable to FO and can modify mitogen-induced changes in the T cell transcriptome, contingent on the lipid matrix of the oil.

Influence of Maternal Lifestyle and Diet on Perinatal DNA Methylation Signatures Associated With Childhood Arterial Stiffness at 8 to 9 Years.

[Figure: see text].

The genomic loci of specific human tRNA genes exhibit ageing-related DNA hypermethylation.

The epigenome has been shown to deteriorate with age, potentially impacting on ageing-related disease. tRNA, while arising from only ˜46 kb (<0.002% genome), is the second most abundant cellular transcript. tRNAs also control metabolic processes known to affect ageing, through core translational and additional regulatory roles. Here, we interrogate the DNA methylation state of the genomic loci of human tRNA. We identify a genomic enrichment for age-related DNA hypermethylation at tRNA loci. Analysis in 4,350 MeDIP-seq peripheral-blood DNA methylomes (16-82 years), identifies 44 and 21 hypermethylating specific tRNAs at study-and genome-wide significance, respectively, contrasting with none hypomethylating. Validation and replication (450k array and independent targeted Bisuphite-sequencing) supported the hypermethylation of this functional unit. Tissue-specificity is a significant driver, although the strongest consistent signals, also independent of major cell-type change, occur in tRNA-iMet-CAT-1-4 and tRNA-Ser-AGA-2-6. This study presents a comprehensive evaluation of the genomic DNA methylation state of human tRNA genes and reveals a discreet hypermethylation with advancing age.

Childhood DNA methylation as a marker of early life rapid weight gain and subsequent overweight.

BACKGROUND: High early postnatal weight gain has been associated with childhood adiposity; however, the mechanism remains unknown. DNA methylation is a hypothesised mechanism linking early life exposures and subsequent disease. However, epigenetic changes associated with high early weight gain have not previously been investigated. Our aim was to investigate the associations between early weight gain, peripheral blood DNA methylation, and subsequent overweight/obese. Data from the UK Avon Longitudinal study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC) cohort were used to estimate associations between early postnatal weight gain and epigenome-wide DNA CpG site methylation (Illumina 450 K Methylation Beadchip) in blood in childhood (n = 125) and late adolescence (n = 96). High weight gain in the first year (a change in weight z-scores > 0.67), both unconditional (rapid weight gain) and conditional on birthweight (rapid thrive), was related to individual CpG site methylation and across regions using the meffil pipeline, with and without adjustment for cell type proportions, and with 5% false discovery rate correction. Variation in methylation at high weight gain-associated CpG sites was then examined with regard to body composition measures in childhood and adolescence. Replication of the differentially methylated CpG sites was sought using whole-blood DNA samples from 104 children from the UK Southampton Women's Survey. RESULTS: Rapid infant weight gain was associated with small (+ 1% change) increases in childhood methylation (age 7) for two distinct CpG sites (cg01379158 (NT5M) and cg11531579 (CHFR)). Childhood methylation at one of these CpGs (cg11531579) was also higher in those who experienced rapid weight gain and were subsequently overweight/obese in adolescence (age 17). Rapid weight gain was not associated with differential DNA methylation in adolescence. Childhood methylation at the cg11531579 site was also suggestively associated with rapid weight gain in the replication cohort. CONCLUSIONS: This study identified associations between rapid weight gain in infancy and small increases in childhood methylation at two CpG sites, one of which was replicated and was also associated with subsequent overweight/obese. It will be important to determine whether loci are markers of early rapid weight gain across different, larger populations. The mechanistic relevance of these differentially methylated sites requires further investigation.