Impact of prematurity on LINE-1 promoter methylation

Abstract

Aim: Promoter methylation of LINE-1 may be affected by prematurity, but there is little evidence in the literature. Materials & methods: Blood from premature and full-term neonates on days 0, 5, 30 and 90 was analyzed for DNA methylation percentage in a promoter region of the LINE-1, after bisulfite conversion and pyrosequencing. Results: Premature infants, as a whole, showed significantly lower methylation percentage at birth, but this difference diminished over time. However, the subgroup of extremely premature (<28 weeks gestational age) had higher methylation percentages, similar to full-term newborns. Conclusion: This research underscores the critical role of prematurity on the methylation pattern of LINE-1. These findings underline the complexity of epigenetic regulation in prematurity and emphasize the need for further studies.