DNA methylation: a potential mediator between air pollution and metabolic syndrome

Abstract

Given the global increase in air pollution and its crucial role in human health, as well as the steep rise in prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS), a better understanding of the underlying mechanisms by which environmental pollution may influence MetS is imperative. Exposure to air pollution is known to impact DNA methylation, which in turn may affect human health. This paper comprehensively reviews the evidence for the hypothesis that the effect of air pollution on the MetS is mediated by DNA methylation in blood. First, we present a summary of the impact of air pollution on metabolic dysregulation, including the components of MetS, i.e., disorders in blood glucose, lipid profile, blood pressure, and obesity. Then, we provide evidence on the relation between air pollution and endothelial dysfunction as one possible mechanism underlying the relation between air pollution and MetS. Subsequently, we review the evidence that air pollution (PM, ozone, NO2 and PAHs) influences DNA methylation. Finally, we summarize association studies between DNA methylation and MetS. Integration of current evidence supports our hypothesis that methylation may partly mediate the effect of air pollution on MetS.

Association of volatile organic compound exposure with metabolic syndrome and its components: a nationwide cross-sectional study

“…Exposure to several air pollutants, including particulate matter, ozone, nitrogen dioxide, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, has been found to be positively associated with the risk of MetS [25][26][27][28][29]. As a common type of air pollutant, the associations of VOC exposure with MetS and its components need to be further investigated.…”

Epigenetic regulation in metabolic diseases: mechanisms and advances in clinical study

“…358 In addition, air pollution may lead to metabolic syndrome through DNA methylation changes. 359 Interactions between genetics and epigenetics in metabolic diseases Genetics is a pivotal factor in the development of metabolic diseases. Twin and adoption studies and linkage analyses have provided an abundance of evidence on the role of genetics.…”

Dietary patterns and the effect of long-term PM2.5 exposure on metabolic syndrome among Chinese adults: a cross-sectional study

“…Accumulating clinical studies and basic experiments have identified the positive associations between PM 2.5 and oxidative stress, systemic proinflammation modification as well as insulin resistance, which may consequently increase the risk of various chronic cardiometabolic diseases [10]. Furthermore, experimental research has highlighted that PM 2.5 could induce cell death via different molecular patterns and multiple signaling pathways [11]. Therefore, studies for evaluating the association between long-term PM 2.5 exposure and the risk of MetS draw much attention in recent years [12,13].…”