Epigenetic modifications and human pathologies: cancer and CVD

Area of Science:

• Epigenetics and Nutrigenomics
• Molecular Biology and Disease Mechanisms

Background:

• Epigenetic alterations, specifically DNA methylation, play a crucial role in human diseases like cancer and cardiovascular disease (CVD).
• DNA methylation involves adding a methyl group to cytosine, affecting gene transcription; abnormal patterns like hypomethylation and hypermethylation are hallmarks of tumors.
• Dietary factors, including polyphenols and folates, are increasingly recognized for their influence on epigenetic processes and disease risk.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the mechanisms by which dietary flavonoids and folates modulate DNA methylation.
• To explore the potential of these dietary components in modifying the risk of human colon cancer and CVD.

Main Methods:

• Literature review focusing on the biochemical roles of flavonoids and folates in DNA methylation pathways.
• Analysis of studies investigating the in vitro and in vivo effects of these compounds on DNA methyltransferases (DNMT) and S-adenosylmethionine (SAM).
• Examination of epidemiological data linking dietary intake of flavonoids and folates to cancer and CVD risk.

Main Results:

• Flavonoids, found in tea and fruits, inhibit DNMT, potentially reversing cancer-associated hypermethylation and reactivating tumor suppressor (TS) genes.
• Folates, abundant in leafy vegetables, are essential for generating SAM, the primary methyl donor, and low folate levels are linked to increased cancer and CVD risk.
• Both flavonoids and folates demonstrate a significant capacity to influence DNA methylation patterns.

Conclusions:

• Dietary intake of flavonoids and folates can beneficially alter DNA methylation processes.
• These nutrients may serve as a dietary strategy to mitigate the risk of developing colon cancer and cardiovascular disease.
• Further research into the precise mechanisms and clinical applications of dietary epigenetic modulators is warranted.