Epigenetics and Health Disparities

Abstract

Purpose of review African Americans disproportionately suffer from leading causes of morbidity and mortality including cardiovascular disease (CVD), cancer, and preterm birth. Disparities can arise from multiple social and environmental exposures, but how the human body responds to these exposures to result in pathophysiologic states is incompletely understood. Recent findings Epigenetic mechanisms, particularly DNA methylation, can be altered in response to exposures such as air pollution, psychosocial stress, and smoking. Each of these exposures has been linked to the above health states (CVD, cancer, and preterm birth) with striking racial disparities in exposure levels. DNA methylation patterns have also been shown to be associated with each of these health outcomes. Summary Whether DNA methylation mediates exposure-disease relationships and can help explain racial disparities in health is not known. However, because many environmental and adverse social exposures disproportionately affect minorities, understanding the role that epigenetics plays in the human response to these exposures that often result in disease, is critical to reducing disparities in morbidity and mortality.

Analysis of H3K27me3 expression and DNA methylation at CCGG sites in smoking and non-smoking patients with non-small cell lung cancer and their clinical significance

“…Site-specific histone modifications at H3K27me3 influence the clinical outcome of patients with early-stage NSCLC. Based on published reports ( 34 – 36 ), the novel cigarette smoking-induced site-specific histone and DNA methylation markers identified in the present study will have a greater translational impact on understanding the pathogenetic process involved in smoking-mediated lung disease, including lung cancer and other cancer types. The result demonstrated a coexistence of the alteration of DNA methylation and H3K27me3 expression levels in patients with NSCLC, which is consistent with the study by Takeshima et al ( 37 ), which is identified specifically in cancer cells and may be used as a target for epigenetic therapy.…”

Participatory Genomic Testing Can Effectively Disseminate Cardiovascular Pharmacogenomics Concepts within Federally Qualified Health Centers: A Feasibility Study

“…By educating providers and community members of the benefits of precision medicine in a culturally sensitive way, we hope to enhance trust in the medical system and en-Teaching Pharmacogenomics Concepts -Johnson et al courage future research participation. [26][27][28] We plan to replicate the program at another FQHC site to bolster data collection. Future assessment of the fidelity of our intervention will require evaluation of community member engagement via social network analysis and monitoring referrals via the electronic medical record.…”

Age Influences on the Molecular Presentation of Tumours

“…Some of these mutational processes are related to agingassociated phenomena such as declining DNA damage repair 65,66 , somatic mosaicism and the accumulation of mutations over time 59,67,68 . However, other processes related to immune surveillance, evolutionary selection, disease aetiology and epigenetics are also likely involved [69][70][71] . In addition to such biological factors, lifestyle and socioeconomic considerations like diet 72 and microbiome composition 73 can continuously shape tumour evolution from its earlier steps.…”