Green space exposure and blood DNA methylation at birth and in childhood - A multi-cohort study
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View abstract on PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.Exposure to green spaces may influence health, but biological links are unclear. This study found little evidence of green space exposure affecting DNA methylation in newborns or children, though some associations with specific genes require further research.
Area Of Science
- Environmental Epigenetics
- Public Health
- Developmental Biology
Background
- Green space exposure is linked to improved health outcomes, yet biological mechanisms are poorly understood.
- Epigenetic modifications, such as DNA methylation, are potential mediators of environmental health effects.
- Investigating the impact of green space on DNA methylation can elucidate health-promoting pathways.
Purpose Of The Study
- To examine the association between residential green space exposure and DNA methylation patterns in cord and child blood.
- To assess associations across different exposure windows: pregnancy and cumulative exposure (pregnancy to child assessment).
Main Methods
- Utilized data from eight European birth cohorts (2,988 newborns, 1,849 children).
- Assessed green space using surrounding greenness (Normalized Difference Vegetation Index) and proximity metrics.
- Measured DNA methylation via Illumina 450K/EPIC arrays, employing robust linear regression and meta-analysis for DMP/DMR identification.
Main Results
- No significant associations were found between green space exposure and differentially methylated positions (DMPs) at a False Discovery Rate < 0.05.
- Surrounding greenness exposure was inversely associated with four differentially methylated regions (DMRs) in cord and child blood, linked to ADAMTS2, KCNQ1DN, SLC6A12, and SDK1 genes.
- Sensitivity analyses adjusting for cellular composition and air pollution did not substantially alter findings.
Conclusions
- This study found limited evidence linking green space exposure to blood DNA methylation changes in newborns and children.
- The identified associations with four DMRs warrant further investigation and replication.
- Understanding epigenetic effects of green space is crucial for public health interventions.
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