Epigenome-Wide Association Study Reveals Duration of Breastfeeding Is Associated with Epigenetic Differences in Children

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health

Susan Ewart¹  Wilfried Karmaus²  Hongmei Zhang²  WilliamB. Sherwood³  DiliniM. Kothalawala³  JohnW. Holloway³  Latha Kadalayil³  FaisalI. Rezwan³  S.Hasan Arshad⁴ 

[1] College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA;Division of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, University of Memphis, 236A Robison Hall, Memphis, TN 38152, USA;Human Development and Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK;NIHR Southampton Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK;

关键词: Epigenome-Wide Association Study;    EWAS;    epigenetics;    breastfeeding;    breastfeeding duration;    DNA methylation;   

DOI  :  10.3390/ijerph17103569

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

Several small studies have shown associations between breastfeeding and genome-wide DNA methylation (DNAm). We performed a comprehensive Epigenome-Wide Association Study (EWAS) to identify associations between breastfeeding and DNAm patterns in childhood. We analysed DNAm data from the Isle of Wight Birth Cohort at birth, 10, 18 and 26 years. The feeding method was categorized as breastfeeding duration >3 months and >6 months, and exclusive breastfeeding duration >3 months. EWASs using robust linear regression were performed to identify differentially methylated positions (DMPs) in breastfed and non-breastfed children at age 10 (false discovery rate of 5%). Differentially methylated regions (DMRs) were identified using comb-p. The persistence of significant associations was evaluated in neonates and individuals at 18 and 26 years. Two DMPs, in genes SNX25 and LINC00840, were significantly associated with breastfeeding duration >6 months at 10 years and was replicated for >3 months of exclusive breastfeeding. Additionally, a significant DMR spanning the gene FDFT1 was identified in 10-year-old children who were exposed to a breastfeeding duration >3 months. None of these signals persisted to 18 or 26 years. This study lends further support for a suggestive role of DNAm in the known benefits of breastfeeding on a child’s future health.

【 授权许可】

Unknown