Abstract
Several small studies have shown associations between breastfeeding and genome-wide DNA methylation (DNAm). We performed a comprehensive Epigenome-Wide Association Study (EWAS) to identify associations between breastfeeding and DNAm patterns in childhood. We analysed DNAm data from the Isle of Wight Birth Cohort at birth, 10, 18 and 26 years. The feeding method was categorized as breastfeeding duration >3 months and >6 months, and exclusive breastfeeding duration >3 months. EWASs using robust linear regression were performed to identify differentially methylated positions (DMPs) in breastfed and non-breastfed children at age 10 (false discovery rate of 5%). Differentially methylated regions (DMRs) were identified using comb-p. The persistence of significant associations was evaluated in neonates and individuals at 18 and 26 years. Two DMPs, in genes SNX25 and LINC00840, were significantly associated with breastfeeding duration >6 months at 10 years and was replicated for >3 months of exclusive breastfeeding. Additionally, a significant DMR spanning the gene FDFT1 was identified in 10-year-old children who were exposed to a breastfeeding duration >3 months. None of these signals persisted to 18 or 26 years. This study lends further support for a suggestive role of DNAm in the known benefits of breastfeeding on a child’s future health.
Highlights
Early-life exposures are recognised as predictors of future health and development
With an increase in methylation data collected in the Isle of Wight Birth Cohort (IOWBC), this study aims to address the limitations in the sample size and definition of breastfeeding exposure of the previous study
We conducted an Epigenome-Wide Association Study to examine the association between breastfeeding duration and genome-wide DNA methylation (DNAm) profiles in 10-year-old children within the IOWBC
Summary
Early-life exposures are recognised as predictors of future health and development. The importance of diet in early childhood is well established. Continued breastfeeding alongside complementary foods until two years of age is considered to offer further benefits. The short- and long-term health advantages of breastfeeding have been clearly demonstrated, including a reduction in the risk of all-cause mortality [3], respiratory infections [4], childhood obesity [5], type-2 diabetes [6] and childhood leukaemia [7], though there are some inconsistencies between studies in the context of asthma [8]. Specific nutrients and maternal antibodies found in human breastmilk may explain some of these protective effects, its short-term effects [9]
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