Pregnancy status and choline intake alter DNA integrity, epigenetic marks and gene expression

Abstract

This study sought to systemically elucidate the effects of pregnancy and maternal choline intake on genomic markers. Healthy third trimester pregnant (n=26, wk 27 gestation) and non‐pregnant (n=21) women were randomized to controlled choline intakes of 480 or 930 mg/day for 12‐wk. Leukocyte samples were acquired at wk 0 and 12. Pregnant women had higher DNA damage compared to non‐pregnant women (P < 0.001), suggesting insufficient defense against oxidative stress. Genome‐wide transcript profiling revealed the up‐regulation of genes related to immune response, consistent with an activated host defense system towards the end of pregnancy. Pregnant women responded to the higher choline intake with increased (P < 0.05) histone 3 lysine 4 di‐methylation (H3K4me2), a marker of transcription activation. In sum, pregnancy altered markers of genomic stability and modulated the expression of immune‐related genes in leukocytes. The epigenetic modification of histones among pregnant women consuming varied choline intakes may have downstream effects on chromatin restructuring and gene transcription.Grant Funding Source: Funded in part by USDA, ENC and the Beef Checkoff through NCBA