Purpose

Examining epigenetic patterns is a crucial step in identifying molecular changes of disease pathophysiology, with DNA methylation as the most accessible epigenetic measure. Diet is suggested to affect metabolism and health via epigenetic modifications. Thus, our aim was to explore the association between food consumption and DNA methylation.

Methods

Epigenome-wide association studies were conducted in three cohorts: KORA FF4, TwinsUK, and Leiden Longevity Study, and 37 dietary exposures were evaluated. Food group definition was harmonized across the three cohorts. DNA methylation was measured using Infinium MethylationEPIC BeadChip in KORA and Infinium HumanMethylation450 BeadChip in the Leiden study and the TwinsUK study. Overall, data from 2293 middle-aged men and women were included. A fixed-effects meta-analysis pooled study-specific estimates. The significance threshold was set at 0.05 for false-discovery rate-adjusted p values per food group.

Results

We identified significant associations between the methylation level of CpG sites and the consumption of onions and garlic (2), nuts and seeds (18), milk (1), cream (11), plant oils (4), butter (13), and alcoholic beverages (27). The signals targeted genes of metabolic health relevance, for example, GLI1, RPTOR, and DIO1, among others.

Conclusion

This EWAS is unique with its focus on food groups that are part of a Western diet. Significant findings were mostly related to food groups with a high-fat content.

© 2022. The Author(s).

Overview publication

TitlePooled analysis of epigenome-wide association studies of food consumption in KORA, TwinsUK and LLS.
DateApril 1st, 2023
Issue nameEuropean journal of nutrition
Issue numberv62.3:1357-1375
DOI10.1007/s00394-022-03074-9
PubMed36571600
AuthorsHellbach F, Sinke L, Costeira R, Baumeister SE, Beekman M, Louca P, Leeming ER, Mompeo O, Berry S, Wilson R, Wawro N, Freuer D, Hauner H, Peters A, Winkelmann J, Koenig W, Meisinger C, Waldenberger M, Heijmans BT, Slagboom PE, Bell JT & Linseisen J
KeywordsDiet, EWAS, Food group, High-fat foods, Humans
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