Abstract
Aims: DNA methylation is increasingly proposed as a mechanism for underlying asthma-related inflammation. However, epigenetic studies are constrained by uncertainties on whether samples that can be easily collected in human individuals can provide informative results. Methods: Two nasal cell DNA samples were collected on different days by nasal brushings from 35 asthmatic children aged between 8 and 11 years old. We correlated DNA methylation of IL-6, iNOS, Alu and LINE-1 with fractional exhaled nitric oxide, forced expiratory volume in 1 s and wheezing. Results: Fractional exhaled nitric oxide increased in association with lower promoter methylation of both IL-6 (+29.0%; p = 0.004) and iNOS (+41.0%; p = 0.002). Lower IL-6 methylation was nonsignificantly associated with wheezing during the week of the study (odds ratio = 2.3; p = 0.063). Conclusion: Our findings support the use of nasal cell DNA for human epigenetic studies of asthma.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 91-100 |
Number of pages | 10 |
Journal | Epigenomics |
Volume | 4 |
Issue number | 1 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Feb 2012 |
Keywords
- DNA methylation
- airway obstruction
- asthma
- children
- epigenetics
- inflammation
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Genetics
- Cancer Research