Epigenetic Changes Associated With Obesity-related Metabolic Comorbidities

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Genetics
• Metabolism

Background:

• Obesity results from complex genetic, hormonal, dietary, and behavioral factors causing energy imbalance, fat accumulation, inflammation, and insulin resistance.
• Epigenetic mechanisms, including DNA methylation and histone modifications, are increasingly recognized for their role in obesity's development and transmission.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the interplay between cellular metabolism and epigenetics in obesity.
• To highlight epigenetic alterations in obesity and associated metabolic diseases.
• To explore the therapeutic potential of epigenetic modifications.

Main Methods:

• Review of recent human and mouse studies on epigenetic alterations in obesity.
• Analysis of epigenetic changes in metabolic organs and peripheral blood.
• Examination of mechanisms linking epigenetics to metabolic dysfunction.

Main Results:

• Epigenetic changes are linked to obesity aetiology, progression, and intergenerational risk.
• Specific epigenetic alterations distinguish metabolically healthy obesity from obesity with comorbidities like insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.
• Peripheral blood epigenetic biomarkers may predict obesity-related metabolic comorbidities.

Conclusions:

• Epigenetic mechanisms play a crucial role in obesity and its metabolic complications.
• Epigenetic biomarkers in peripheral blood offer insights into disease pathogenesis and prediction.
• The reversible nature of these epigenetic changes presents therapeutic opportunities for obesity and related conditions.