Epigenetic signatures underlying inflammation: an interplay of nutrition, physical activity, metabolic diseases, and environmental factors for personalized nutrition

Abstract

Aim and objective Emerging translational evidence suggests that epigenetic alterations (DNA methylation, miRNA expression, and histone modifications) occur after external stimuli and may contribute to exacerbated inflammation and the risk of suffering several diseases including diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and neurological disorders. This review summarizes the current knowledge about the harmful effects of high-fat/high-sugar diets, micronutrient deficiencies (folate, manganese, and carotenoids), obesity and associated complications, bacterial/viral infections, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, sleep deprivation, chronic stress, air pollution, and chemical exposure on inflammation through epigenetic mechanisms. Additionally, the epigenetic phenomena underlying the anti-inflammatory potential of caloric restriction, n-3 PUFA, Mediterranean diet, vitamin D, zinc, polyphenols (i.e., resveratrol, gallic acid, epicatechin, luteolin, curcumin), and the role of systematic exercise are discussed. Methods Original and review articles encompassing epigenetics and inflammation were screened from major databases (including PubMed, Medline, Science Direct, Scopus, etc.) and analyzed for the writing of the review paper. Conclusion Although caution should be exercised, research on epigenetic mechanisms is contributing to understand pathological processes involving inflammatory responses, the prediction of disease risk based on the epigenotype, as well as the putative design of therapeutic interventions targeting the epigenome.

Resveratrol Supplementation Attenuates Cognitive and Molecular Alterations under Maternal High-Fat Diet Intake: Epigenetic Inheritance over Generations

“…As mentioned, RSV has pleiotropic actions in the organism modifying several molecular pathways starting with its antioxidant or anti-inflammatory actions, to the activation of NAD-dependent protein deacetylase sirtuin-1 (SIRT1), thus RSV can affect epigenetic marks [ 52 , 53 , 54 , 55 , 56 ]. Regarding the intervention with HFD, RSV protective role against HFD has been described [ 57 , 58 ] as well as its neuroprotective effects which can be transmitted across generations by epigenetic modifications in parents [ 59 , 60 ].…”

Epigenetics, microRNA and Metabolic Syndrome: A Comprehensive Review

“…Histone phosphorylation is less well studied but is suggested to increase gene expression in combination with H3K56ac [ 9 ]. Histone variants such as H2A.Z and H3.3 have been demonstrated to play specific roles in regulating chromatin structure and function by influencing transcription of nearby genes [ 15 ].…”

“…Dietary factors play a significant role in human health, with dietary bioactive compounds reported to act as key mediators of epigenetic reprogramming [ 15 , 118 ]. The diets or dietary compounds identified to mediate metabolic programming through epigenetic modifications are termed “epigenetic diets”.…”

“…Another example of dietary-derived HATi would involve curcumin, a polyphenolic compound in turmeric. Curcumin is reported to decrease hyperglycaemia-induced cytokine production in monocytes via reducing HAT activity [ 15 , 130 ]. Among activators of histone deacetylase, resveratrol, a small polyphenolic compound, has been identified to improve hepatic gluconeogenesis under IR conditions by acting via translocation of HDAC4 from the nucleus to the cytoplasm, thereby modulating the energy metabolism pathway [ 131 , 132 ].…”

Another Weapon against Cancer and Metastasis: Physical-Activity-Dependent Effects on Adiposity and Adipokines

“…Diet also has important effects on metabolic profile and LGI, and indeed, the dietary approach enters into the therapeutic path in cancer treatment. Furthermore, bioactive compounds in diet may directly affect both LGI and tumorigenesis [233][234][235]. However, according to a recent review, most of the studies on PA interventions in cancer patients do not properly consider nutritional aspects [236].…”