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No effect of weight loss on LINE‐1 methylation levels in peripheral blood leukocytes from postmenopausal overweight women
Author(s) -
Duggan Catherine,
Xiao Liren,
Terry Mary Beth,
McTiernan Anne
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
obesity
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.438
H-Index - 199
eISSN - 1930-739X
pISSN - 1930-7381
DOI - 10.1002/oby.20806
Subject(s) - methylation , weight loss , overweight , dna methylation , medicine , obesity , anthropometry , endocrinology , body mass index , physiology , biology , genetics , gene , gene expression
Objectives Obesity and weight‐loss are associated with methylation patterns in specific genes, but their effect on Long Interspersed Nuclear Elements (LINE‐1) methylation, a measure of global methylation is largely unknown. Methods Three hundred overweight/obese post‐menopausal women (50‐75 years) were part of a completed, 1‐year randomized controlled trial, comparing independent and combined effects of a reduced‐calorie weight‐loss diet, and exercise program, versus control. DNA was extracted from peripheral blood leukocytes collected at baseline and 12‐months, and LINE‐1 methylation analyzed by pyrosequencing. Mean changes between groups using generalized estimating equations and examined effects of weight‐loss on LINE‐1 methylation using stratified analyses (gained weight/no weight‐loss [ N = 84]; <5% [ N = 45]; 5%‐10% [ N = 45]; >10% of baseline weight‐loss [ N = 126]) within each arm, adjusted by blood cell counts were compared. Associations between LINE‐1 methylation and previously measured biomarkers, and anthropometrics were also examined. Results No significant difference in LINE‐1 methylation levels was detected in any intervention group versus controls. The magnitude of weight‐loss was not associated with LINE‐1 methylation at 12‐months. There were no associations between baseline characteristics of participants, or previously measured biomarkers, and LINE‐1 methylation. Conclusions Our results suggest that lifestyle changes sufficient to significantly reduce weight over 12‐months may not change LINE‐1 DNA methylation levels.