Backgroundepigenomes can be influenced by environmental factors leading to the
development of diseases.ObjectiveTo investigate the influence of sun exposure on global DNA methylation and
hydroxymethylation status and at specific sites of the miR-9-1, miR-9-3 and
MTHFR genes in skin samples of subjects with no history of skin
diseases.MethodsSkin samples were obtained by punch on sun-exposed and sun-protected arm
areas from 24 corpses of 16-89 years of age. Genomic DNA was extracted from
skin samples that were ranked according to Fitzpatrick's criteria as light,
moderate, and dark brown. Global DNA methylation and hydroxymethylation and
DNA methylation analyses at specific sites were performed using ELISA and
MSP, respectively.ResultsNo significant differences in global DNA methylation and hydroxymethylation
levels were found among the skin areas, skin types, or age. However,
gender-related differences were detected, where women showed higher
methylation levels. Global DNA methylation levels were higher than
hydroxymethylation levels, and the levels of these DNA modifications
correlated in skin tissue. For specific sites, no differences among the
areas were detected. Additional analyses showed no differences in the
methylation status when age, gender, and skin type were considered; however,
the methylation status of the miR-9-1 gene seems to be gender related.Study limitationsthere was no separation of dermis and epidermis and low sample size.Conclusionsun exposure does not induce changes in the DNA methylation and
hydroxymethylation status or in miR-9-1, miR-9-3 and MTHFR genes for the
studied skin types.
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