Blood Leukocyte DNA Methylation Predicts Risk of Future Myocardial Infarction and Coronary Heart Disease

Golareh Agha1, Michael M Mendelson2,3,4, Cavin K Ward-Caviness5,6

  • 1Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York (G.A., A.A.B.).

Circulation
|August 20, 2019
PubMed

Insights

DNA methylation in blood is linked to future coronary heart disease (CHD) risk. These findings, from large prospective studies, may help predict and understand CHD development.

Area of Science:

  • Epigenetics
  • Cardiovascular Disease Epidemiology

Background:

  • DNA methylation is associated with coronary heart disease (CHD).
  • Previous evidence was limited by small, cross-sectional studies.
  • This study investigates blood DNA methylation in relation to incident CHD in large prospective cohorts.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To examine the association between blood DNA methylation patterns and the risk of developing incident coronary heart disease (CHD).
  • To identify specific DNA methylation sites (CpGs) associated with future CHD events.
  • To explore the potential causal role of DNA methylation in CHD development.

Main Methods:

  • Epigenome-wide DNA methylation profiling using Illumina Infinium 450k microarray across nine population-based cohorts.
  • Prospective ascertainment of CHD events (myocardial infarction, revascularization, coronary death).
  • Meta-analysis of race-specific Cox proportional hazards models, adjusting for relevant covariates and cell type proportions.

Main Results:

  • 52 CpG sites in blood DNA methylation were significantly associated with incident CHD or myocardial infarction.
  • Associated CpGs map to genes involved in calcium regulation, kidney function, and previously identified CHD risk factors.
  • Mendelian randomization analyses supported a causal role for DNA methylation in incident CHD.

Conclusions:

  • Blood DNA methylation is associated with future coronary heart disease (CHD) risk across diverse populations.
  • DNA methylation may serve as a valuable biomarker for CHD risk prediction.
  • Further research into methylation patterns can enhance understanding of CHD pathogenesis.
Abstract

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