Association of Methylation-Related Nutrient Intake and Status with Offspring DNA Methylation in Pregnant Women with and Without Gestational Diabetes Mellitus

Abstract

Abstract Objectives Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is associated with alterations in DNA methylation in the placenta and offspring tissues. Nutrients participating in the methionine cycle (e.g., choline, betaine, folate, vitamin B12, methionine) influence the supply of methyl groups. The objective of this research was to determine whether maternal intake and status of these nutrients during pregnancy may interact with the GDM status to shape the offspring epigenome. Methods We conducted 3-day dietary recalls and collected blood samples from pregnant women with and without GDM (n = 22/group) to quantify methylation-related nutrient intakes and status. At delivery, we collected cord blood samples and measured global DNA methylation. Results GDM was associated with a 25% increase (P = 0.041) in global DNA methylation in the cord blood. Maternal choline intake (r = −0.602, P = 0.006) as well as cord blood methionine (r = −0.553, P = 0.014) and betaine (r = −0.566, P = 0.011) levels were negatively correlated with cord blood DNA methylation only in non-GDM women, while intakes and maternal blood levels of other methylation-related nutrients were not related to cord blood DNA methylation. Conclusions GDM and methyl nutrient intake/status interact to modify offspring DNA methylation in humans. Funding Sources Egg Nutrition Center.