Epigenetic mechanisms involved in the interaction between diet and the expression of inflammation-related genes

• Ano de defesa: 2016
• Autor(a) principal: Rocha, José Luiz Marques
• Tipo de documento: Tese
• Tipo de acesso: Acesso aberto
• Idioma: eng
• Instituição de defesa: Universidade Federal de Viçosa
• Palavras-chave em Português: Síndrome metabólica; Epigenética; Regulação de expressão gênica; Leucócitos; Inflamação; Nutrição
• Link de acesso: http://www.locus.ufv.br/handle/123456789/9230

Epigenetic mechanisms are involved in the regulation of gene expression including microRNAs (miRNA) and DNA methylation; and play a crucial role in the development and maintenance of pathophysiological complications. Therefore, the aims of this work were: 1) To evaluate the effect of a weight loss strategy based on the Mediterranean dietary pattern (RESMENA diet) on expression of some selected inflammation-related genes and miRNAs in white blood cells (WBC) of individuals with metabolic syndrome (MetS); 2) To clarify in vitro the roles of selected miRNAs on the expression of inflammation-related genes in human acute monocytic leukemia cells (THP-1). Moreover, we investigated the regulatory role of fatty acids (palmitic acid, oleic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahesaenoic acid) on the expression of these miRNAs in monocytes, macrophages and LPS-activated macrophages (AcM); 3) To explore in young and apparently healthy adults, the relation between DNA methylation levels of LINE-1, TNF and IL6 in periferal blood monoclear cells (PBMC) and anthropometric, biochemical, clinical, dietary, inflammatory and oxidative stress parameters. To the first aim, the clinical, anthropometric, and biochemical characteristics of 40 individuals with MetS (20 men, 20 women; age: 48.8±10.02y; BMI: 35.41±4.42 kg/m 2 ) were evaluated before and after an 8 weeks hypocaloric (-30% of energy requeriments) diet based on the Mediterranean dietary pattern. Food consumption and nutrient intake were assessed with a food frequency questionnaire and 48-h weighed food records. Total RNA was isolated from WBC and the expression of some inflammation-related miRNAs and mRNAs (IL-6, TNF, ICAM-1, IL-18, SERPINE1, VCAM-1) was assessed by qRT- PCR. To achieve the second aim, THP-1 were differentiated into macrophages and activated with LPS for 24 hours. The three cell types were transfected with miR-Let-7b- 5p and miR-155-3p mimics or negative control. qRT-PCR analyses were performed to evaluate selected genes with potential role in inflammatory pathways related to these miRNAs. To the third aim, one hundred fifty-six individuals (91 women, 65 men; age: 23.1±3.5 years; BMI: 22.0±2.9 kg/m 2 ) were evaluated for anthropometric, biochemical and clinical markers, including some components of the antioxidant defense system and inflammatory response. Moreover, DNA methylation of LINE-1, TNF and IL6 and the expression of some inflammation-related genes were analyzed in PBMC. The RESMENA nutritional intervention improved mostly anthropometric and biochemical features. The expression of miR-155-3p was decreased in PBMC, whereas let-7b was strongly upregulated as a consequence of the diet treatment. However, they were not correlated with the expression of the pro inflammatory genes in the same cells. The changes in the expression of let-7b, miR-125b, miR-130a, miR-132-3p, and miR-422b were associated with changes in diet quality when assessed by the Healthy Eating Index. Moreover, low consumption of lipids and saturated fat were associated with higher expression of let-7b after the nutritional intervention. The in vitro transfection of miR-155-3p mimic led to upregulation of IL6 in the three cell types analyzed. In the same way, SERPINE1 was upregulated in monocytes and macrophages. However, TLR-4 was downregulated in transfected monocytes and macrophages. After transfection with let-7b mimic, TNF/IL6 and SERPINE1 expression were downregulated in monocytes and AcM, respectively; however, TNF, IL6 and SERPINE1 were upregulated in macrophages. In addition, oleic acid was able to increase the expression of miR-155 in monocytes when compared with the DHA treatment but not in relation with non-treated cells. On the other side, oleic acid increased the expression of Let-7b in macrophages and AcM. Finally, the results from DNA methylation in young adults showed that adiposity was lower among individuals with higher LINE-1 methylation. On the contrary, body fat-free mass was higher among those with higher LINE-1 methylation. Individuals with higher LINE-1 methylation had higher daily intakes of calories, iron and riboflavin. However, those individuals who presented lower percentages of LINE-1 methylation reported higher intakes of copper, niacin and thiamin. Interestingly, the group with higher LINE-1 methylation had a lower percentage of current smokers and more individuals practicing sport. On the other hand, TNF methylation percentage was negatively associated with waist circumference, waist-to-hip ratio and waist-to-height ratio. Our data suggest that the modulation of the expression of miRNAs and DNA methylation through a nutrition approach might be a future alternative or adjunct to current pharmacologic therapy targeting endogenous miRNAs or target genes. Furthermore, this study also expands the understanding of the role of fatty acids in the epigenetic regulation in immune cells.