DNA Methylation and Childhood Asthma Linked to Air Pollution
Author Information
Author(s): Frederica Perera, Wan-yee Tang, Julie Herbstman, Deliang Tang, Linda Levin, Rachel Miller, Shuk-mei Ho
Primary Institution: Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health
Hypothesis
Can epigenetic marks associated with transplacental PAH exposure and childhood asthma risk be identified in fetal tissues?
Conclusion
Methylation of the ACSL3 gene's 5′-CpG island is significantly associated with maternal PAH exposure and childhood asthma symptoms.
Supporting Evidence
- Over 30 DNA sequences were identified whose methylation status was dependent on maternal PAH exposure.
- ACSL3 exhibited the highest concordance between methylation and gene expression in matched fetal placental tissues.
- Methylation of ACSL3 was significantly associated with maternal airborne PAH exposure exceeding 2.41 ng/m3.
Takeaway
This study found that a specific gene's methylation can help show if a child was exposed to air pollution before birth, which might lead to asthma.
Methodology
Mothers completed air monitoring for PAH exposure, and umbilical cord white blood cell DNA was analyzed for methylation status.
Potential Biases
Potential bias in self-reported asthma symptoms and demographic representation.
Limitations
The study is exploratory and may not establish causation between PAH exposure and asthma.
Participant Demographics
Participants were children born to nonsmoking Dominican and African American women in urban low-income communities.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Confidence Interval
[3.8, 50.2]
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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