The role of epigenetic effects of nutrition in healthy aging
Scientists from the Institute of Food Research, working under the leadership of Professor John Mathers, studied the state of DNA cells lining the inner surface of the intestine of patients who underwent colonoscopy. The study included people who do not have malignant or inflammatory diseases of the large intestine, adhere to their usual diet and do not take any dietary supplements.
The scientists analyzed the presence of specific epigenetic markers on the DNA of the participants, which are the earliest manifestations of the development of colon cancer related to age-related diseases. These epigenetic markers, known as DNA methylation, do not alter the genetic code, but affect the activation of genes. During division, they are transferred to daughter cells, while some of them are associated with an increased risk of cancer.
The authors studied the relationship between the presence of such epigenetic markers on genes, the change in the activity of which is involved in the development of malignant diseases, and factors such as age, gender, body size of the patient, as well as the levels of certain nutrients in his blood. It turned out that age had the most pronounced effect on the level of methylation of the analyzed genes. This is fully consistent with the fact that age is the main risk factor for colon cancer, which increases dramatically after 50 years.
The higher detection rate of epigenetic changes in men is also consistent with the observation that men are more likely to suffer from colon cancer than women. Higher levels of vitamin D and selenium in the patients' blood corresponded to lower levels of methylation, which also does not contradict the observation that vitamin D and selenium reduce the risk of developing this disease.
Folic acid, which belongs to the vitamin B group, is necessary for maintaining good health, but it turned out that its high content in the body increases the level of epigenetic changes associated with colon cancer. This is also consistent with the results of a number of epidemiological studies that have identified a relationship between excess folic acid and an increased risk of cancer in some people.
Obesity is also known as a risk factor for colon cancer. The authors of this study revealed the relationship between body size (height, weight and waist circumference) and epigenetic changes. They are currently studying the mechanisms by which obesity induces epigenetic changes, as well as their effects on intestinal health.
In general, the results of the study support the hypothesis that the aging process affects the epigenetic status of a number of genes, and these effects can be modulated by diet and regulation of adipose tissue in the body.
Article by Henri S Tapp et al. Nutritional factors and gender influence age-related DNA methylation in the human rectal mucosa is published in the journal Aging Cell.
Evgeniya Ryabtseva
Portal "Eternal youth" http://vechnayamolodost.ru based on the materials of the Norwich BioScience Institutes:
New evidence for epigenetic effects of diet in healthy ageing.
13.12.2012