Fruit and Juice Epigenetic Signatures Are Associated with Independent Immunoregulatory Pathways

Abstract

Epidemiological evidence strongly suggests that fruit consumption promotes many health benefits. Despite the general consensus that fruit and juice are nutritionally similar, epidemiological results for juice consumption are conflicting. Our objective was to use DNA methylation marks to characterize fruit and juice epigenetic signatures within PBMCs and identify shared and independent signatures associated with these groups. Genome-wide DNA methylation marks (Illumina Human Methylation 450k chip) for 2,148 individuals that participated in the Framingham Offspring exam 8 were analyzed for correlations between fruit or juice consumption using standard linear regression. CpG sites with low P-values (P < 0.01) were characterized using Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA), Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA), and epigenetic Functional element Overlap analysis of the Results of Genome Wide Association Study Experiments (eFORGE). Fruit and juice-specific low P-value epigenetic signatures were largely independent. Genes near the fruit-specific epigenetic signature were enriched among pathways associated with antigen presentation and chromosome or telomere maintenance, while the juice-specific epigenetic signature was enriched for proinflammatory pathways. IPA and eFORGE analyses implicate fruit and juice-specific epigenetic signatures in the modulation of macrophage (fruit) and B or T cell (juice) activities. These data suggest a role for epigenetic regulation in fruit and juice-specific health benefits and demonstrate independent associations with distinct immune functions and cell types, suggesting that these groups may not confer the same health benefits. Identification of such differences between foods is the first step toward personalized nutrition and ultimately the improvement of human health and longevity.

The Impact of Nutrition and Environmental Epigenetics on Human Health and Disease

“…For example, a recent study showed that fruit and juice epigenetic signatures as measured by DNA methylation marks are associated with independent immunoregulatory pathways, suggesting that the health benefits of fruit and juices are distinct. The identification of such differences between foods is the first step toward personalized nutrition [ 53 ].…”

Whole Fruits and Fruit Fiber Emerging Health Effects

“…Two longitudinal studies (521 subjects; 5 years) found that longer telomere length was significantly predictive of lower body weight, BMI, waist circumference, and dietary inflammatory index, and was associated with the higher fruit and fiber intake associated with high adherence to the Mediterranean diet [292,293]. The Framingham Heart Study Offspring cohort study observed that the intake of whole fruit up-regulated epigenetic gene function for immunosurveillance, and chromosome and telomere maintenance pathways, attributed to the effects of fruit fiber on colonic microbiota health [294]. Emerging fiber mechanisms associated with successful aging include: (1) enhancing the colonic probiotic microflora profile and production of SCFAs; (2) improving the colonic barrier function to protect against clinical inflammation; (3) increasing colonic peptides that are important in glucose and insulin homeostasis and lipid metabolism; and (4) mimicking many of the effects of caloric restriction including upregulation of genes involved in energy metabolism [295].…”

Antiaging Strategies and Remedies: A Landscape of Research Progress and Promise

“…The discovery of such differences among foods is the first step toward personalized nutrition. 264 Further, adequate nutrient levels are important for mitochondrial function as certain particular micronutrients play essential roles in energy metabolism and ATP production. 265 • Stem cell therapies strongly affect cellular senescence.…”