LINE-1 in Obesity and Cardiometabolic Diseases: A Systematic Review

Epigenetic mechanisms may play an important role in the etiology of obesity and cardiometabolic diseases, by activating or silencing the related-genes. Scientific evidence has suggested that LINE-1 methylation is associated with body composition and obesity-related diseases, including insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and cardiovascular disease (CVD). It also has been evaluated as predictor of weight loss. The studies' results are still conflicting, and positive and negative associations have been found to LINE-1 methylation regarding adiposity and cardiometabolic markers. Overall, this review presents observational (cross-sectional and longitudinal) studies and interventions (diet, exercises, and bariatric surgery) that evaluated the relationship of the LINE-1 methylation with obesity, weight loss, dyslipidemias, hypertension, insulin resistance, CVD, and metabolic syndrome. TEACHING POINTS Epigenetic mechanisms may play an important role in the etiology of obesity and cardiometabolic diseases. Many studies have related methylation of LINE-1 with cardiometabolic diseases; however, the results are still controversial. The relationship between the etiology of chronic diseases and the methylation of LINE-1 is not fully elucidated. With advances in epigenetic studies, related mechanisms may be early biomarkers in weight change and cardiometabolic risk.