DNA methylation in former extremely low birth weight newborns: association with cardiovascular and endocrine function
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
5-1-2022
Abstract
BACKGROUND: There is increased risk of cardiovascular, metabolic, and hypertensive disorders in later life in the preterm population. We studied school-age children who had been born extremely premature who had undergone endocrine, cardiovascular, and anthropometric evaluations.
METHODS: School age measurements of salivary cortisol, adrenal androgens, blood pressure, and anthropometric markers were correlated with DNA methylation of 11-betahydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 (11BHSD2), leptin, and the LINE1 repetitive DNA element.
RESULTS: We observed a modest correlation between log AUC for salivary cortisol and methylation of leptin in preterm infants and a negative correlation between methylation of region 1 of the glucocorticoid receptor (GR in term-born infants. There was an association between LINE1 methylation and cortisol response to awakening and a negative correlation between LINE1 and systolic blood pressure at 6-7 years. Methylation of the GR promoter region showed a positive association with systolic blood pressure at 6-7 years of age.
CONCLUSIONS: These results show that extremely preterm birth, followed by complex patterns of endocrine, cardiovascular, and metabolic exposures during early postnatal life, is associated with lasting changes in DNA methylation patterns in genes involved in hypothalamic pituitary adrenal axis function, adrenal hormonal regulation, and cardiometabolic risk.
IMPACT: Preterm infants have significant environmental and physiological exposures during early life that may have lasting impact on later function. Alterations in hypothalamic pituitary adrenal axis (HPA) function have been associated with these exposures. We examined the associated changes in DNA methylation of important genes involved in HPA function, metabolism, and global DNA methylation. The changes we saw in DNA methylation may help to explain associated cardiovascular, metabolic, and growth disturbance in these children in later life.
Publisher
Lippincott Williams & Wilkins
Publication Title
Pediatric research
ISSN
1530-0447
Volume
91
Issue
6
First Page
1469
Last Page
1477
DOI
10.1038/s41390-021-01531-5
Recommended Citation
Padbury JF, Do BT, Bann CM, Marsit C, Hintz SR, Vohr BR, Lowe J, Newman JE, Granger DA, Payne A, Watterberg K; SUPPORT Study Group of the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Neonatal Research Network. DNA methylation in former extremely low birth weight newborns: association with cardiovascular and endocrine function. Pediatr Res. 2022 May;91(6):1469-1477. doi: 10.1038/s41390-021-01531-5. Epub 2021 May 5. PMID: 33953357; PMCID: PMC8568736.
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