Racial and Ethnic Representation in Epigenomic Studies of Preterm Birth: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Aim: We conducted a systematic review evaluating race/ethnicity representation in DNA methylomic studies of preterm birth. Data sources: PubMed, EMBASE, CINHAL, Scopus and relevant citations from 1 January 2000 to 30 June 2019. Study appraisal & synthesis methods: Two authors independently identified abstracts comparing DNA methylomic differences between term and preterm births that included race/ethnicity data. Results: 16 studies were included. Black and non-Hispanic Black deliveries were well represented (28%). However, large studies originating from more than 95% White populations were excluded due to unreported race/ethnicity data. Most studies were cross-sectional, allowing for reverse causation. Most studies were also racially/ethnically homogeneous, preventing direct comparison of DNA methylomic differences across race/ethnicities. Conclusion: In DNA methylomic studies, Black women and infants were well represented. However, the literature has limitations and precludes drawing definitive conclusions.

Epigenome association study for DNA methylation biomarkers in buccal and monocyte cells for female rheumatoid arthritis

“…Spokane Washington is a moderate size city with less environmental contaminants versus Los Angeles, which is a large urban city with higher levels of pollutant exposure such as air pollution. The generational backgrounds will also be distinct between the populations, and ethnic and racial impacts on epigenetics has been observed 55 . However, when the CC and AA populations were combined, a DMR set with strong overlap with both the individual comparisons was identified, Fig.…”

Prenatal Particulate Matter Exposure Is Associated with Saliva DNA Methylation at Age 15: Applying Cumulative DNA Methylation Scores as an Exposure Biomarker

“…First, the Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing Study is a well-characterized, large, diverse birth cohort with prospective DNA methylation sample collection at two time points. Much of epigenetic epidemiology is cross-sectional and focused on non-Hispanic White participants [38]. Particulate matter exposure levels were quantitated based on residential history, which is standard in the field [39].…”

Overcoming barriers to the recruitment of immigrant Hispanic people in perinatal research

“…Low Hispanic representation in perinatal and infant health research is an especially striking disparity 8,9 . For example, from 2001 to 2015, only 4 of 23 NIH‐funded studies about postpartum depression explored Hispanic birthing people, 5 despite high fertility rates 10 and known high rates of postpartum depression in this group 11 .…”

“…3 Low Hispanic representation in perinatal and infant health research is an especially striking disparity. 8,9 For example, from 2001 to 2015, only 4 of 23 NIH-funded studies about postpartum depression explored Hispanic birthing people, 5 despite high fertility rates 10 and known high rates of postpartum depression in this group. 11 Similarly, Hispanic birthing people accounted for less than 1% of all the births included in a systematic review of epigenomic studies of preterm birth.…”

“…11 Similarly, Hispanic birthing people accounted for less than 1% of all the births included in a systematic review of epigenomic studies of preterm birth. 9 Although many barriers prevent Hispanic people from being recruited and participating in research, some groups have documented facilitators to their inclusion, such as having Spanishspeaking research staff, 3,5,6 as well as employing research staff that culturally relate to the participants. 3 Addressing ongoing Hispanic disparities in perinatal research representation is achievable.…”