Genome-Wide DNA Methylation Profiles of Phlegm-Dampness Constitution

Abstract

Background/Aims: Metabolic diseases are leading health concerns in today’s global society. In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), one body type studied is the phlegm-dampness constitution (PC), which predisposes individuals to complex metabolic disorders. Genomic studies have revealed the potential metabolic disorders and the molecular features of PC. The role of epigenetics in the regulation of PC, however, is unknown. Methods: We analyzed a genome-wide DNA methylation in 12 volunteers using Illumina Infinium Human Methylation450 BeadChip on peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Eight volunteers had PC and 4 had balanced constitutions. Results: Methylation data indicated a genome-scale hyper-methylation pattern in PC. We located 288 differentially methylated probes (DMPs). A total of 256 genes were mapped, and some of these were metabolic-related. SQSTM1, DLGAP2 and DAB1 indicated diabetes mellitus; HOXC4 and SMPD3, obesity; and GRWD1 and ATP10A, insulin resistance. According to Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA), differentially methylated genes were abundant in multiple metabolic pathways. Conclusion: Our results suggest the potential risk for metabolic disorders in individuals with PC. We also explain the clinical characteristics of PC with DNA methylation features.

DNA methylation as the most important content of epigenetics in traditional Chinese herbal medicine

“…chromatin organization, as well as many others (Tollefsbol, 2017). Yao et al (2018) suggested that the potential risk for metabolic disorders in individuals with phlegm-dampness constitution (PC) and also they did explain the clinical features of PC with DNA methylation features. Sorghum tissue methylation profiles produced at lower resolution using methylation-sensitiv amplified polymorphism revealed similar findings, with insignificant methylation changes across seven tissues except for the endosperm (Zhang et al, 2011).…”

“…The mutual characteristics include of 1) holism-integrity of environment, emotion, and diet with human body; 2) reversibility and balance of yin-yang and epigenetic modifications; 3) dynamic natures and epigenetic changes; 4) visceral manifestation and CM syndrome originated from epigenetic genotype. Epigenetics is considered to be a potential link between postnatal environmental factors and diseases, which refers to a reversible and heritable change that handles gene expression without any alter in the DNA sequence (Yao et al, 2018). An increasing number of epigenomes are now being investigated on crops of high economic value.…”

Epigenetic Studies of Chinese Herbal Medicine: Pleiotropic Role of DNA Methylation

“…As a reversible epigenetic modification, DNA methylation can be used to explore the influence of postnatal factors on body constitution. Our group previously has applied the Infinium HumanMethylation450 BeadChip technique to explore the DNA methylation profiles of PC; through the DNA methylation research, the molecular mechanism of PC has been partially revealed ( Yao et al, 2018b ). DNA samples were extracted from peripheral blood mononuclear cells of PC and balanced constitution volunteers; the balanced constitution was set to be the control group.…”

“…Multiple technologies have been applied in the research of CHM, and fruitful outcomes have been achieved ( Wang et al, 2013 ; Gu and Pei, 2017 ). The recent development of DNA methylation technique sheds new light on the CHM research, and many related studies have also been conducted, which helped to provide a better understanding of some puzzling issues ( Hsieh et al, 2011 ; Liu et al, 2016 ; Yao et al, 2018b ) ( Figure 3 ). In this review, the application of DNA methylation in CHM research will be presented, and specific attention will be placed on its clinical utility; attempts will be made to elucidate the research trends in this field to benefit future studies.…”

Research Progress in Liver-Regenerating Microenvironment and DNA Methylation in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: The Role of Traditional Chinese Medicine

“…Phlegm-dampness constitution (PC) is one of the various constitution types in TCM, which is considered to be the preclinical stage of various metabolic disorders. Data of the genomic DNA methylation profile in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells of PC and balanced constitution (BC) subjects suggests that DNA methylation can play a role in the pathogenesis of metabolic diseases during the incubation period of HCC [81]. There is a unique methylation level change of the synovium gene in the model of hot arthralgia, and Baihu jiaguizhi decoction can specifically reduce the methylation level of the characteristic gene of hot arthralgia, so as to achieve the effect of treating hot arthralgia [82].…”