Lipid Phenotypes and DNA Methylation: a Review of the Literature

AbstractPurpose of ReviewEpigenetic modifications via DNA methylation have previously been linked to blood lipid levels, dyslipidemias, and atherosclerosis. The purpose of this review is to discuss current literature on the role of DNA methylation on lipid traits and their associated pathologies.Recent FindingsCandidate gene and epigenome-wide approaches have identified differential methylation of genes associated with lipid traits (particularlyCPT1A,ABCG1,SREBF1), and novel approaches are being implemented to further characterize these relationships. Moreover, studies on environmental factors have shown that methylation variations at lipid-related genes are associated with diet and pollution exposure.SummaryFurther investigation is needed to elucidate the directionality of the associations between the environment, lipid traits, and epigenome. Future studies should also seek to increase the diversity of cohorts, as European and Asian ancestry populations are the predominant study populations in the current literature.
Source: Current Atherosclerosis Reports - Category: Cardiology Source Type: research