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Last Posted: Dec 02, 2023
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Neighborhood Deprivation Measures and DNA Methylation Clocks-Understanding the Real Needs of Each Person.
Benjamin D Horne et al. JAMA Netw Open 2023 11 (11) e2344688

From the article: " A recent study reports a unique and powerful approach for finding neighborhood factors marking risks of early death and disease.4 Measurement of racial segregation using spatial clustering methods and separating that from economic deprivation (and education) aid in clarifying the sources of health concerns. The study uses methylation patterns which can be remodeled by many factors such as smoking, physical activity, diet, infection, and stressors from the childhood environment (eg, lack of loving adult support, malnutrition), adverse living conditions (eg, noise pollution, particulate matter air pollution), and poor interactions with others (eg, emotional or physical abuse). "

Navigating epigenetic epidemiology publications
W Yu et al, BMC Epig Comm, November 22, 2023,

From the abstract: "Since its beginning more than 75 years ago, epigenetics has been an evolving field with growing applications to the study of cancer, aging, and gene expression in response to environmental exposures. The emergence of high-throughput technology for measuring epigenetic markers has enabled population-based studies. The relatively new field of epigenetic epidemiology investigates epigenetic associations from a population perspective for insights into disease risk, prevention, and progression. "

Epigenetics of Early-Life Socioeconomic Stressors and the Impact on Childhood Body Mass Index—Potential Mechanism and Biomarker?
UP Gujral et al, JAMA Pediatrics, September 5, 2023

From the paper: "a recent study indicates that salivary epigenetics, an easy measure to obtain in field or clinic, can be used to further explore the questions of pediatric obesity and related outcomes. Epigenetic and physiological BMI may be present at birth and remain stable throughout childhood and adolescence. These findings also add further evidence to a critical window, that of early life, at which to intervene to prevent childhood and adolescent obesity."

Salivary Epigenetic Measures of Body Mass Index and Social Determinants of Health Across Childhood and Adolescence
L Raffington et al, JAMA Pediatrics, September 5, 2023

From the abstract: "Can the long arm of childhood on aging-related health be measured in real time? In this study that analyzed data from 2 US cohort studies, epigenetic measures of body mass index developed in adults were valid biomarkers of children’s body mass index and were associated with socioeconomic and racialized inequalities experienced in childhood, especially at birth. These findings are in line with the hypothesis that early-life conditions are especially important factors in epigenetic regulation of later-life health."

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Disclaimer: Articles listed in the Public Health Genomics and Precision Health Knowledge Base are selected by the CDC Office of Public Health Genomics to provide current awareness of the literature and news. Inclusion in the update does not necessarily represent the views of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention nor does it imply endorsement of the article's methods or findings. CDC and DHHS assume no responsibility for the factual accuracy of the items presented. The selection, omission, or content of items does not imply any endorsement or other position taken by CDC or DHHS. Opinion, findings and conclusions expressed by the original authors of items included in the update, or persons quoted therein, are strictly their own and are in no way meant to represent the opinion or views of CDC or DHHS. References to publications, news sources, and non-CDC Websites are provided solely for informational purposes and do not imply endorsement by CDC or DHHS.

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