DNA methylation levels associated with race and childhood asthma severity.
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
10-1-2017
Identifier
DOI: 10.1080/02770903.2016.1265126
Abstract
Objective: Asthma is a common chronic childhood disease worldwide. Socioeconomic status, genetic predisposition and environmental factors contribute to its incidence and severity. A disproportionate number of children with asthma are economically disadvantaged and live in substandard housing with potential indoor environmental exposures such as cockroaches, dust mites, rodents and molds. These exposures may manifest through epigenetic mechanisms that can lead to changes in relevant gene expression. We examined the association of global DNA methylation levels with socioeconomic status, asthma severity and race/ethnicity.
Methods: We measured global DNA methylation in peripheral blood of children with asthma enrolled in the Kansas City Safe and Healthy Homes Program. Inclusion criteria included residing in the same home for a minimum of 4 days per week and total family income of less than 80% of the Kansas City median family income. DNA methylation levels were quantified by an immunoassay that assessed the percentage of 5-methylcytosine.
Results: Our results indicate that overall, African American children had higher levels of global DNA methylation than children of other races/ethnicities (p = 0.029). This difference was more pronounced when socioeconomic status and asthma severity were coupled with race/ethnicity (p = 0.042) where low-income, African American children with persistent asthma had significantly elevated methylation levels relative to other races/ethnicities in the same context (p = 0.006, Hedges g = 1.14).
Conclusion: Our study demonstrates a significant interaction effect among global DNA methylation levels, asthma severity, race/ethnicity, and socioeconomic status.
Journal Title
The Journal of asthma : official journal of the Association for the Care of Asthma
Volume
54
Issue
8
First Page
825
Last Page
832
MeSH Keywords
Adolescent; Asthma; Child; Child, Preschool; Continental Population Groups; DNA Methylation; Ethnic Groups; Female; Humans; Kansas; Male; Poverty; Severity of Illness Index; Social Class; Young Adult
Keywords
DNA methylation; persistent asthma; race/ethnicity; socioeconomic status
Recommended Citation
Chan MA, Ciaccio CE, Gigliotti NM, et al. DNA methylation levels associated with race and childhood asthma severity. J Asthma. 2017;54(8):825-832. doi:10.1080/02770903.2016.1265126
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