scholarly journals Isopathic Use of Auto-Sarcode of DNA as Anti-Miasmatic Homeopathic Medicine and Modulator of Gene Expression?

Homeopathy ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 108 (02) ◽  
pp. 139-148
Author(s):  
Marcus Teixeira
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Chronic Diseases ◽  
Experimental Studies ◽  
Disease Process ◽  
Epigenetic Modifications ◽  
Epigenetic Alterations ◽  
Functional Correlation ◽  
Homeopathic Medicine ◽  
Fundamental Cause ◽  
Biological Representation

Introduction In addition to the four pillars of homeopathy, vitalism and the miasmatic theory are often used to explain the health–disease process. According to Hahnemann's concepts, homeopathic miasms are the main obstacle to the cure of chronic diseases, with psora being the fundamental cause of all forms of diseases. According to modern genetics, the disease-promoting epigenetic alterations are the fundamental cause of the manifestation of chronic diseases. Objective This article develops a philosophical–scientific correlation between chronic miasms and disease-promoting epigenetic modifications, aiming to justify the isopathic use of auto-sarcode of an individual's DNA as homeopathic medicine. Results Based on the study of homeopathic doctrine and epigenetics, a conceptual and functional correlation is observed between homeopathic chronic miasms and disease-promoting epigenetic modifications. Additionally, several experimental studies suggest that homeopathy's mechanism of action may be by modulating gene expression. Conclusions By the philosophical–scientific correlations described, it is inferred that disease-promoting epigenetic alterations are the biological representation of the chronic miasms, suggesting the isopathic use of auto-sarcode of DNA as homeopathic therapeutic modulator of gene expression for the management of chronic diseases.

scholarly journals The Dynamism of Transposon Methylation for Plant Development and Stress Adaptation

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (21) ◽  
pp. 11387
Author(s):  
Muthusamy Ramakrishnan ◽  
Lakkakula Satish ◽  
Ruslan Kalendar ◽  
Mathiyazhagan Narayanan ◽  
Sabariswaran Kandasamy ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Plant Development ◽  
Phenotypic Diversity ◽  
Environmental Stresses ◽  
Epigenetic Modifications ◽  
Plant Evolution ◽  
Plant Genome ◽  
Stress Adaptation ◽  
Substantial Part ◽  
Epigenetic Alterations

Plant development processes are regulated by epigenetic alterations that shape nuclear structure, gene expression, and phenotypic plasticity; these alterations can provide the plant with protection from environmental stresses. During plant growth and development, these processes play a significant role in regulating gene expression to remodel chromatin structure. These epigenetic alterations are mainly regulated by transposable elements (TEs) whose abundance in plant genomes results in their interaction with genomes. Thus, TEs are the main source of epigenetic changes and form a substantial part of the plant genome. Furthermore, TEs can be activated under stress conditions, and activated elements cause mutagenic effects and substantial genetic variability. This introduces novel gene functions and structural variation in the insertion sites and primarily contributes to epigenetic modifications. Altogether, these modifications indirectly or directly provide the ability to withstand environmental stresses. In recent years, many studies have shown that TE methylation plays a major role in the evolution of the plant genome through epigenetic process that regulate gene imprinting, thereby upholding genome stability. The induced genetic rearrangements and insertions of mobile genetic elements in regions of active euchromatin contribute to genome alteration, leading to genomic stress. These TE-mediated epigenetic modifications lead to phenotypic diversity, genetic variation, and environmental stress tolerance. Thus, TE methylation is essential for plant evolution and stress adaptation, and TEs hold a relevant military position in the plant genome. High-throughput techniques have greatly advanced the understanding of TE-mediated gene expression and its associations with genome methylation and suggest that controlled mobilization of TEs could be used for crop breeding. However, development application in this area has been limited, and an integrated view of TE function and subsequent processes is lacking. In this review, we explore the enormous diversity and likely functions of the TE repertoire in adaptive evolution and discuss some recent examples of how TEs impact gene expression in plant development and stress adaptation.

scholarly journals Contribution of Dysregulated DNA Methylation to Autoimmunity

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (21) ◽  
pp. 11892
Author(s):  
Samanta C. Funes ◽  
Ayleen Fernández-Fierro ◽  
Diego Rebolledo-Zelada ◽  
Juan P. Mackern-Oberti ◽  
Alexis M. Kalergis
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Dna Methylation ◽  
Autoimmune Diseases ◽  
Lupus Erythematosus ◽  
Epigenetic Modifications ◽  
Epigenetic Mechanisms ◽  
Epigenetic Alterations ◽  
Development And Differentiation ◽  
Differential Gene ◽  
The Impact

Epigenetic mechanisms, such as DNA methylation, histone modifications, and non-coding RNAs are known regulators of gene expression and genomic stability in cell growth, development, and differentiation. Because epigenetic mechanisms can regulate several immune system elements, epigenetic alterations have been found in several autoimmune diseases. The purpose of this review is to discuss the epigenetic modifications, mainly DNA methylation, involved in autoimmune diseases in which T cells play a significant role. For example, Rheumatoid Arthritis and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus display differential gene methylation, mostly hypomethylated 5′-C-phosphate-G-3′ (CpG) sites that may associate with disease activity. However, a clear association between DNA methylation, gene expression, and disease pathogenesis must be demonstrated. A better understanding of the impact of epigenetic modifications on the onset of autoimmunity will contribute to the design of novel therapeutic approaches for these diseases.

A New Approach for Predicting the Value of Gene Expression: Two-way Collaborative Filtering

2019 ◽  
Vol 14 (6) ◽  
pp. 480-490 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tuncay Bayrak ◽  
Hasan Oğul
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Regression Model ◽  
Collaborative Filtering ◽  
High Throughput Sequencing ◽  
Mean Squared Error ◽  
Experimental Studies ◽  
Kernel Functions ◽  
Feature Representation ◽  
Sequencing Analysis ◽  
Computational Systems Biology

Background: Predicting the value of gene expression in a given condition is a challenging topic in computational systems biology. Only a limited number of studies in this area have provided solutions to predict the expression in a particular pattern, whether or not it can be done effectively. However, the value of expression for the measurement is usually needed for further meta-data analysis. Methods: Because the problem is considered as a regression task where a feature representation of the gene under consideration is fed into a trained model to predict a continuous variable that refers to its exact expression level, we introduced a novel feature representation scheme to support work on such a task based on two-way collaborative filtering. At this point, our main argument is that the expressions of other genes in the current condition are as important as the expression of the current gene in other conditions. For regression analysis, linear regression and a recently popularized method, called Relevance Vector Machine (RVM), are used. Pearson and Spearman correlation coefficients and Root Mean Squared Error are used for evaluation. The effects of regression model type, RVM kernel functions, and parameters have been analysed in our study in a gene expression profiling data comprising a set of prostate cancer samples. Results: According to the findings of this study, in addition to promising results from the experimental studies, integrating data from another disease type, such as colon cancer in our case, can significantly improve the prediction performance of the regression model. Conclusion: The results also showed that the performed new feature representation approach and RVM regression model are promising for many machine learning problems in microarray and high throughput sequencing analysis.

scholarly journals Leveraging epigenetics to enhance the efficacy of immunotherapy

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jonathan D. Licht ◽  
Richard L. Bennett
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Clinical Trials ◽  
Antigen Presentation ◽  
Tumor Cells ◽  
Immune Evasion ◽  
Regulatory Elements ◽  
Chromatin Accessibility ◽  
Epigenetic Modifications ◽  
Main Body ◽  
Epigenetic Mechanisms

Abstract Background Epigenetic mechanisms regulate chromatin accessibility patterns that govern interaction of transcription machinery with genes and their cis-regulatory elements. Mutations that affect epigenetic mechanisms are common in cancer. Because epigenetic modifications are reversible many anticancer strategies targeting these mechanisms are currently under development and in clinical trials. Main body Here we review evidence suggesting that epigenetic therapeutics can deactivate immunosuppressive gene expression or reprogram tumor cells to activate antigen presentation mechanisms. In addition, the dysregulation of epigenetic mechanisms commonly observed in cancer may alter the immunogenicity of tumor cells and effectiveness of immunotherapies. Conclusions Therapeutics targeting epigenetic mechanisms may be helpful to counter immune evasion and improve the effectiveness of immunotherapies.

scholarly journals Metabolic reprogramming and epigenetic modifications on the path to cancer

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Linchong Sun ◽  
Huafeng Zhang ◽  
Ping Gao
Keyword(s):  
Immune Cells ◽  
Immune Escape ◽  
Epigenetic Modification ◽  
Epigenetic Modifications ◽  
Metabolic Reprogramming ◽  
Epigenetic Alterations ◽  
Metabolic Alterations ◽  
Cancer Hallmarks ◽  
Epigenetic Remodeling ◽  
Spatial Regionalization

AbstractMetabolic rewiring and epigenetic remodeling, which are closely linked and reciprocally regulate each other, are among the well-known cancer hallmarks. Recent evidence suggests that many metabolites serve as substrates or cofactors of chromatin-modifying enzymes as a consequence of the translocation or spatial regionalization of enzymes or metabolites. Various metabolic alterations and epigenetic modifications also reportedly drive immune escape or impede immunosurveillance within certain contexts, playing important roles in tumor progression. In this review, we focus on how metabolic reprogramming of tumor cells and immune cells reshapes epigenetic alterations, in particular the acetylation and methylation of histone proteins and DNA. We also discuss other eminent metabolic modifications such as, succinylation, hydroxybutyrylation, and lactylation, and update the current advances in metabolism- and epigenetic modification-based therapeutic prospects in cancer.

scholarly journals Diabetic Cataract—Pathogenesis, Epidemiology and Treatment

2010 ◽  
Vol 2010 ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andreas Pollreisz ◽  
Ursula Schmidt-Erfurth
Keyword(s):  
Experimental Studies ◽  
Disease Process ◽  
Basic Research ◽  
Polyol Pathway ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Diabetic Patients ◽  
Diabetic Cataract ◽  
Cataract Development

Cataract in diabetic patients is a major cause of blindness in developed and developing countries. The pathogenesis of diabetic cataract development is still not fully understood. Recent basic research studies have emphasized the role of the polyol pathway in the initiation of the disease process. Population-based studies have greatly increased our knowledge concerning the association between diabetes and cataract formation and have defined risk factors for the development of cataract. Diabetic patients also have a higher risk of complications after phacoemulsification cataract surgery compared to nondiabetics. Aldose-reductase inhibitors and antioxidants have been proven beneficial in the prevention or treatment of this sightthreatening condition in in vitro and in vivo experimental studies. This paper provides an overview of the pathogenesis of diabetic cataract, clinical studies investigating the association between diabetes and cataract development, and current treatment of cataract in diabetics.

Abstract 190: Epigenetic Modifications of Pro-inflammatory Gene Expression in Macrophages by a Demethylase Enzyme, JMJD3, May Promote Chronic Inflammation in Type 2 Diabetic (T2D) Wounds

2013 ◽  
Vol 33 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Katherine A Gallagher ◽  
Amrita Joshi ◽  
William Carson ◽  
Dawn Coleman ◽  
Peter Henke ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Progenitor Cells ◽  
Chronic Inflammation ◽  
Histone Methylation ◽  
Gene Promoter ◽  
Epigenetic Modifications ◽  
Macrophage Phenotype ◽  
M1 Macrophage ◽  
Type 2 Diabetic

Introduction Type 2 diabetic(T2D) wounds are characterized by chronic inflammation, maintained by an exaggerated M1(pro-inflammatory) macrophage phenotype response. We seek to define a link between epigenetic modifications of bone marrow(BM) cells in T2D and dysregulated macrophages in wounds. We hypothesized that a chromatin modifying demethylase enzyme, JMJD3, is responsible for the decrease in H3K27me3 repressive methylation at the IL-12 gene promoter and thus drives an M1 macrophage phenotype in T2D wounds. Methods BM/adipose tissue(AT)/wounds were harvested from 30 diet-induced obese mice(DIO)(MG= 350g/DL) and 30 matched(WT) controls. For chromatin immunoprecipitation(ChIP) analysis, cells were isolated via ferromagnetic columns(CD34+,CD11b+). ChIP to detect histone methylation at the promoter regions of JMJD3 and IL-12(key M1 macrophage gene) was performed and RNA analysis was done with standard primers. Results JMJD3 mRNA in the BM is significantly increased in the DIO versus WT. ChIP showed increased H3K4me3(gene expression mark) in CD34+ progenitor cells and a corresponding decrease in H3K27me3(repressive mark) in monocytes at the promoter region of JMJD3. These changes correspond with the decrease in H3K27me3 seen at the IL-12 promoter in macrophages(CD11b+) from AT/T2D wounds. Conclusions Epigenetic changes initiated by JMJD3 in BM progenitor cells result in changes in histone methylation at the IL-12 promoter favoring an M1 phenotype in macrophages and thus contributes to the chronic inflammation seen in T2D wounds and AT. Whether manipulation of epigenetic enzymes could reduce chronic inflammation in T2D wounds requires further work.

Acute Exercise Increases the Expression of KIR2DS4 by Promoter Demethylation in NK Cells

2018 ◽  
Vol 40 (01) ◽  
pp. 62-70 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexander Schenk ◽  
Walter Pulverer ◽  
Christine Koliamitra ◽  
Claus Bauer ◽  
Suzana Ilic ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Dna Methylation ◽  
Nk Cells ◽  
Promoter Methylation ◽  
Acute Exercise ◽  
Nk Cell ◽  
Epigenetic Modifications ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Chronic Exercise ◽  
Positive Effects

AbstractPositive effects of exercise on cancer prevention and progression have been proposed to be mediated by stimulating natural killer (NK) cells. Because NK cell receptors are regulated by epigenetic modifications, we investigated whether acute aerobic exercise and training change promoter DNA methylation and gene expression of the activating KIR2DS4 and the inhibiting KIR3DL1 gene. Sixteen healthy women (50–60 years) performed a graded exercise test (GXT) and were randomized into either a passive control group or an intervention group performing a four-week endurance exercise intervention. Blood samples (pre-, post-GXT and post-training) were used for isolation of DNA/RNA of NK cells to assess DNA promoter methylation by targeted deep-amplicon sequencing and gene expression by qRT-PCR. Potential changes in NK cell subsets were determined by flow cytometry. Acute and chronic exercise did not provoke significant alterations of NK cell proportions. Promoter methylation decreased and gene expression increased for KIR2DS4 after acute exercise. A high gene expression correlated with a low methylation of CpGs that were altered by acute exercise. Chronic exercise resulted in a minor decrease of DNA methylation and did not alter gene expression. Acute exercise provokes epigenetic modifications, affecting the balance between the activating KIR2DS4 and the inhibiting KIR3DL1, with potential benefits on NK cell function.

scholarly journals Epigenetic mechanisms in sexual differentiation of the brain and behaviour

2016 ◽  
Vol 371 (1688) ◽  
pp. 20150114 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nancy G. Forger
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Sex Differences ◽  
Sexual Differentiation ◽  
Wide Distribution ◽  
Epigenetic Modifications ◽  
Epigenetic Mechanism ◽  
Epigenetic Mechanisms ◽  
Genome Wide ◽  
The Brain

Circumstantial evidence alone argues that the establishment and maintenance of sex differences in the brain depend on epigenetic modifications of chromatin structure. More direct evidence has recently been obtained from two types of studies: those manipulating a particular epigenetic mechanism, and those examining the genome-wide distribution of specific epigenetic marks. The manipulation of histone acetylation or DNA methylation disrupts the development of several neural sex differences in rodents. Taken together, however, the evidence suggests there is unlikely to be a simple formula for masculine or feminine development of the brain and behaviour; instead, underlying epigenetic mechanisms may vary by brain region or even by dependent variable within a region. Whole-genome studies related to sex differences in the brain have only very recently been reported, but suggest that males and females may use different combinations of epigenetic modifications to control gene expression, even in cases where gene expression does not differ between the sexes. Finally, recent findings are discussed that are likely to direct future studies on the role of epigenetic mechanisms in sexual differentiation of the brain and behaviour.

scholarly journals Perinatal Hypercholesterolemia Exacerbates Atherosclerosis Lesions in Offspring by Altering Metabolism of Trimethylamine-N-Oxide and Bile Acids

2017 ◽  
Vol 37 (11) ◽  
pp. 2053-2063 ◽  
Author(s):  
Charlotte Trenteseaux ◽  
Anh-thu Gaston ◽  
Audrey Aguesse ◽  
Guillaume Poupeau ◽  
Pierre de Coppet ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Apolipoprotein E ◽  
Bile Acids ◽  
Experimental Studies ◽  
Underlying Mechanism ◽  
Female Offspring ◽  
Promoter Regions ◽  
Maternal Hypercholesterolemia ◽  
Atherosclerosis Development ◽  
Deficient Mice

Objective— Experimental studies suggest that maternal hypercholesterolemia may be relevant for the early onset of cardiovascular disease in offspring. We investigated the effect of perinatal hypercholesterolemia on the atherosclerosis development in the offspring of apolipoprotein E–deficient mice and the underlying mechanism. Approach and Results— Atherosclerosis and related parameters were studied in adult male or female apolipoprotein E–deficient mice offspring from either normocholesterolemic or hypercholesterolemic mothers and normocholesterolemic fathers. Female born to hypercholesterolemic mothers had more aortic root lesions than female born to normocholesterolemic mothers. Lesions in whole aorta did not differ between groups. Higher trimethylamine-N-oxide levels and Fmo3 hepatic gene expression were higher in female born to hypercholesterolemic mothers offspring compared with female born to normocholesterolemic mothers and male. Trimethylamine-N-oxide levels were correlated with the size of atherosclerotic root lesions. Levels of hepatic cholesterol and gallbladder bile acid were greater in male born to hypercholesterolemic mothers compared with male born to normocholesterolemic mothers. At 18 weeks of age, female born to hypercholesterolemic mothers showed lower hepatic Scarb1 and Cyp7a1 but higher Nr1h4 gene expression compared with female born to normocholesterolemic mothers. Male born to hypercholesterolemic mothers showed an increase in Scarb1 and Ldlr gene expression compared with male born to normocholesterolemic mothers. At 25 weeks of age, female born to hypercholesterolemic mothers had lower Cyp7a1 gene expression compared with female born to normocholesterolemic mothers. DNA methylation of Fmo3, Scarb1 , and Ldlr promoter regions was slightly modified and may explain the mRNA expression modulation. Conclusions— Our findings suggest that maternal hypercholesterolemia may exacerbate the development of atherosclerosis in female offspring by affecting metabolism of trimethylamine-N-oxide and bile acids. These data could be explained by epigenetic alterations.

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