Year: 2012
Type: review
Abstract: This review focuses on how environmental factors through epigenetics modify disease risk and health outcomes. Major epigenetic events, such as histone modifications, DNA methylation, and microRNA expression, are described. The function of dose, duration, composition, and window of exposure in remodeling the individual's epigenetic terrain and disease susceptibility are addressed. The ideas of lifelong editing of early-life epigenetic memories, transgenerational effects through germline transmission, and the potential role of hydroxylmethylation of cytosine in developmental reprogramming are discussed. Finally, the epigenetic effects of several major classes of environmental factors are reviewed in the context of pathogenesis of disease. These include endocrine disruptors, tobacco smoke, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, infectious pathogens, particulate matter, diesel exhaust particles, dust mites, fungi, heavy metals, and other indoor and outdoor pollutants. We conclude that the summation of epigenetic modifications induced by multiple environmental exposures, accumulated over time, represented as broad or narrow, acute or chronic, developmental or lifelong, may provide a more precise assessment of risk and consequences. Future investigations may focus on their use as readouts or biomarkers of the totality of past exposure for the prediction of future disease risk and the prescription of effective countermeasures.
Source: ILAR Journal
Institution: University of Cincinnati
Language: English
Subfield: Molecular Biology
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: bronze
Awards: G2008994508, The Role of Airborne PAHs and DEP in the Pathogenesis of Childhood Asthma, Center for Environmental Genetics, Susceptible Window of High Fat Diet/Bisphenol A Programming of Breast Cancer Risk, Developmental Reprogramming of Prostate Carcinogenesis by BPA, Chronic exposure to Biphenol A and uterine cancer risk markers, Developmental Exposure to Low-dose Bisphenol A and Human Prostate Cancer Suscepti, Epigenetic Basis for Prostate Carcinogenesis following Early Estrogenic Exposures, Hormone-induced inflammation and prostate cancer
OpenAlex ID: W2093056723