Epigenome-Wide Association Study Reveals Duration of Breastfeeding Is Associated with Epigenetic Differences in Children

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.

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DNA methylation mediates the association between breastfeeding and early-life growth trajectories

Clinical Epigenetics ◽

10.1186/s13148-021-01209-z ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Laurent Briollais ◽

Denis Rustand ◽

Catherine Allard ◽

Yanyan Wu ◽

Jingxiong Xu ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Dna Methylation ◽

Signaling Pathway ◽

Exclusive Breastfeeding ◽

Child Growth ◽

Postnatal Period ◽

Overweight And Obesity ◽

Breastfeeding Duration ◽

Ampk Signaling ◽

Cpg Sites ◽

Genome Wide

Abstract Background The role of breastfeeding in modulating epigenetic factors has been suggested as a possible mechanism conferring its benefits on child development but it lacks evidence. Using extensive DNA methylation data from the ALSPAC child cohort, we characterized the genome-wide landscape of DNA methylation variations associated with the duration of exclusive breastfeeding and assessed whether these variations mediate the association between exclusive breastfeeding and BMI over different epochs of child growth. Results Exclusive breastfeeding elicits more substantial DNA methylation variations during infancy than at other periods of child growth. At the genome-wide level, 13 CpG sites in girls (miR-21, SNAPC3, ATP6V0A1, DHX15/PPARGC1A, LINC00398/ALOX5AP, FAM238C, NATP/NAT2, CUX1, TRAPPC9, OSBPL1A, ZNF185, FAM84A, PDPK1) and 2 CpG sites in boys (IL16 and NREP), mediate the association between exclusive breastfeeding and longitudinal BMI. We found enrichment of CpG sites located within miRNAs and key pathways (AMPK signaling pathway, insulin signaling pathway, endocytosis). Overall DNA methylation variation corresponding to 3 to 5 months of exclusive breastfeeding was associated with slower BMI growth the first 6 years of life compared to no breastfeeding and in a dose–response manner with exclusive breastfeeding duration. Conclusions Our study confirmed the early postnatal period as a critical developmental period associated with substantial DNA methylation variations, which in turn could mitigate the development of overweight and obesity from infancy to early childhood. Since an accelerated growth during these developmental periods has been linked to the development of sustained obesity later in life, exclusive breastfeeding could have a major role in preventing the risks of overweight/obesity and children and adults through DNA methylation mechanisms occurring early in life.

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Genome-Wide Association Study in an Amerindian Ancestry Population Reveals Novel Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Risk Loci and the Role of European Admixture

Arthritis & Rheumatology ◽

10.1002/art.39504 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 68 (4) ◽

pp. 932-943 ◽

Cited By ~ 67

Author(s):

Marta E. Alarcón-Riquelme ◽

Julie T. Ziegler ◽

Julio Molineros ◽

Timothy D. Howard ◽

Andrés Moreno-Estrada ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus ◽

Association Study ◽

Lupus Erythematosus ◽

Genome Wide Association Study ◽

Genome Wide Association ◽

Systemic Lupus ◽

Genome Wide

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Promotion of breastfeeding in Poland: the current situation

Journal of International Medical Research ◽

10.1177/0300060517720318 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 45 (6) ◽

pp. 1976-1984 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

Barbara Królak-Olejnik ◽

Ilona Błasiak ◽

Anna Szczygieł

Keyword(s):

Exclusive Breastfeeding ◽

Medical Staff ◽

Perinatal Period ◽

High Rate ◽

Feeding Method ◽

Telephone Interviews ◽

Healthy Infants ◽

Mothers And Children ◽

Computer Aided ◽

Duration Of Breastfeeding

Objective Exclusive breastfeeding is safe and beneficial for healthy infants; it is the optimal feeding method during the first 6 months of life. Infants should be complementary fed in conjunction with breastfeeding until 12 months of age or longer. The aim of the present study was to analyse the duration of breastfeeding through 12 months of age. Methods Participants were 1679 women from 42 randomly selected hospitals in Poland. The data were obtained from surveys, including a paper and pencil interview that was conducted after mothers delivered in the hospital and before discharge. Computer aided telephone interviews were administered at 2, 4, 6 and 12 months. Results There was a high rate of initiating breastfeeding after birth (97%), a rapid abandonment of exclusive breastfeeding (43.5% at 2 months, 28.9% at 4 months and 4% at 6 months) and an onset of formula feeding during the first days of life, which is contrary to current recommendations. Conclusions It is necessary re-educate mothers, medical staff who care for mothers and children during the perinatal period, and other specialists.

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Genome-wide association study of Buruli ulcer in rural Benin highlights role of two LncRNAs and the autophagy pathway

Communications Biology ◽

10.1038/s42003-020-0920-6 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 3 (1) ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Jeremy Manry ◽

Quentin B. Vincent ◽

Christian Johnson ◽

Maya Chrabieh ◽

Lazaro Lorenzo ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Association Study ◽

Genome Wide Association Study ◽

Buruli Ulcer ◽

Genome Wide Association ◽

Genome Wide ◽

Autophagy Pathway

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The Role of Social-Cognitive and Emotional Factors on Exclusive Breastfeeding Duration

Journal of Human Lactation ◽

10.1177/0890334417708187 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 33 (3) ◽

pp. 606-613 ◽

Cited By ~ 16

Author(s):

Lee Shepherd ◽

Cherokee Walbey ◽

Brian Lovell

Keyword(s):

Exclusive Breastfeeding ◽

Perceived Control ◽

Self Efficacy ◽

Social Cognitive ◽

Subjective Norm ◽

Self Report ◽

Breastfeeding Duration ◽

Cognitive Variables ◽

Inadequate Nutrition

Background: Previous research has suggested that exclusive breastfeeding is likely to be predicted by social-cognitive variables and fear. However, there is little research assessing the role of regret and self-conscious emotions (e.g., pride and guilt) in promoting exclusive breastfeeding. Research aim: The primary aim of this research was to determine whether social-cognitive variables, fear, regret, and self-conscious emotions predict exclusive breastfeeding duration. The secondary aim of this research was to assess whether these factors predict infant-feeding choice (i.e., exclusively breastfed, combination fed, or generally formula fed). Methods: In this nonexperimental one-group self-report survey, 375 mothers rated social-cognitive variables toward breastfeeding (attitude, subjective norm, perceived control, and self-efficacy), their fear toward inadequate nutrition from breastfeeding and breastfeeding damaging their physical appearance, and the extent to which mothers may feel pride toward breastfeeding and negative self-conscious emotions (guilt and shame) and regret for not breastfeeding their infant. Results: Exclusive breastfeeding duration was positively predicted by self-efficacy, pride, and regret but negatively predicted by the fear toward inadequate nutrition. We also found that in contrast with exclusive breastfeeding, generally formula feeding an infant was associated with lower self-efficacy, pride, and regret but higher subjective norm and fear toward inadequate nutrition through breastfeeding. Conclusion: The authors argue that it is important to consider the role of self-conscious emotions and regret on exclusive breastfeeding.

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Breastfeeding Duration and Related Factors among Mothers in Southeast Nigeria

International Journal of Health Sciences and Research ◽

10.52403/ijhsr.20210548 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (5) ◽

pp. 305-312

Author(s):

Uchenna Ekwochi ◽

Ebelechuku Francesca Ugochukwu ◽

Chinyere Ukamaka Onubogu

Keyword(s):

Exclusive Breastfeeding ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Breastfeeding Duration ◽

Related Factors ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Southeastern Nigeria ◽

Early Introduction ◽

One Year ◽

Nutritional Benefits ◽

Duration Of Breastfeeding

Background: Breastfeeding is beneficial to mothers, infants and society at large. The nutritional and non-nutritional benefits are gained when practiced in line with recommended durations. Objective: The duration of breastfeeding and related factors among mothers of southeastern Nigeria were explored. Methods: This was a hospital based cross-sectional study using an interviewer-administered questionnaire. Data analysis employed SPSS version 20. Results: A total of 1,833 women were surveyed. Most (93.3%) were aged 20-40 years and had at least secondary education (94,6%). More than half (64.3%) were working class. Many had 1-4 children (91.5%) and a family size of ≤6 (74.2%). Up to 83.3% of the mothers breastfed for ≥12 months. Common reasons advanced for cessation of breastfeeding were pregnancy (29.8%), baby refusing to suckle (10.2%) or old enough to stop breastfeeding (18.0%). No reason for cessation was given for 22.4%. Mothers <20 years practiced non-exclusive breastfeeding or early introduction of complementary feeds, bottle-fed and were significantly least likely to breastfeed for up to one year. Conclusion: A suboptimal number of Nigerian mothers breastfed for ≥12 months. Unscientific reasons were proffered for cessation of breastfeeding. Younger mothers practiced non-exclusive breastfeeding, bottle-fed and gave early complementary feeds, negatively affecting duration of breastfeeding. Sustained individualized health education is advocated to improve duration of breastfeeding and avail young children of its wholesome nutritional benefits. Key words: Breastfeeding Cessation, Breastfeeding Duration, Lactation Cessation Determinants, Weaning Timing, Nutrition.

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Ecology and policy for exclusive breastfeeding in Colombia: a proposal

Colombia Medica ◽

10.25100/cm.v43i3.1157 ◽

2012 ◽

pp. 206-211 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Julio Cesar Mateus Solarte

Keyword(s):

Exclusive Breastfeeding ◽

Cost Effective ◽

Breastfeeding Duration ◽

Surveillance Systems ◽

Comprehensive Planning ◽

Factors Associated ◽

Planning Strategies ◽

Institutional Strategies ◽

Healthcare Interventions ◽

Duration Of Breastfeeding

Introduction: Breastfeeding promotion is one of the most important strategies against infant mortality and to control child undernourishment. Despite policies and plans to promote and protect breastfeeding in Colombia, its practice is low and its duration is short. Objective: To propose an ecology framework to interpret and incorporate contextual, interpersonal, and individual factors associated with the practice of breastfeeding and duration. Thereby, the plans and policies addressed to promote and protect breastfeeding in Colombia could be reinforced. Conclusions: To implement an ecology framework for Breastfeeding in Colombia, it is necessary to identify the effect of contextual factors in the biggest cultural regions of Colombia, to recognize the limitations of Infant-Friendly Hospital Initiatives to improve exclusive breastfeeding duration, to execute prospective studies in order to identify factors associated with breastfeeding duration, to design and implement plans and policies based on comprehensive planning strategies of healthcare interventions, to develop appropriate and cost-effective extra-institutional strategies aimed at prolonging the duration of breastfeeding, and to implement more reliable breastfeeding surveillance systems.

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Major role of iron uptake systems in the intrinsic extra-intestinal virulence of the genus Escherichia revealed by a genome-wide association study

PLoS Genetics ◽

10.1371/journal.pgen.1009065 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 16 (10) ◽

pp. e1009065

Author(s):

Marco Galardini ◽

Olivier Clermont ◽

Alexandra Baron ◽

Bede Busby ◽

Sara Dion ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Association Study ◽

Iron Uptake ◽

Genome Wide Association Study ◽

Genome Wide Association ◽

Genome Wide ◽

A Genome

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A study on role of LATCH scoring in duration of exclusive breastfeeding in a rural tertiary care hospital, Puducherry: a prospective study

International Journal of Contemporary Pediatrics ◽

10.18203/2349-3291.ijcp20195753 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 7 (1) ◽

pp. 198

Author(s):

Karthika S. ◽

Mathivanan M. ◽

Maheswari K. ◽

Hiremath P. B. ◽

M. Jesintha Devi

Keyword(s):

Prospective Study ◽

Exclusive Breastfeeding ◽

Tertiary Care ◽

Breastfeeding Duration ◽

Care Hospital ◽

Early Weaning ◽

Point Data ◽

A Prospective Study ◽

High Chance

Background: Exclusive Breastfeeding (EBF) for 6 months is the optimal way of feeding infants. NFHS4 data shows 45.5% of children were exclusively breastfed at 6 months in Puducherry. The Global Nutrition Targets 2025 aims at increasing EBF rates in first 6 months up to at least 50%. The main objective is to find areas of needed intervention using LATCH scoring and to find factors responsible for fall in rates of EBF.Methods: A prospective study was conducted between November 2017 and April 2019 (1½years). Mothers were educated about breastfeeding. LATCH score assessed at 8 and 48 hours of life. At 48hours, score >8 indicates there is a high chance for EBF for next 6 months and score <8 indicates, mother is having difficulty in feeding and are intervened at this point. Data about EBF and reason for early weaning at 6 weeks and 6 months collected.Results: LATCH score at 8 hours was >8 in infants delivered via NVD: 50% as against 9.6% in babies delivered via LSCS. At 48 hours LATCH score improved in both groups: 60.8% in babies delivered via NVD, 38.3% in babies delivered via LSCS. Compared to Primi-mothers, infants born to multigravida mothers had higher scores at 48 hours: 62.2% as against 31.1%. 84% were EBF at 6 weeks. 51% were EBF at 6 months. When mothers with LATCH score <8 at 48 hours were intervened, EBF rate at 6 weeks improved. Most common reason for early weaning at 6 weeks was maternal problems: 6.6% and at 6 months- due to influence of relatives: 27%.Conclusions: LATCH score helps in predicting breastfeeding duration as early as 48 hours of life. Low scores indicate, it requires intervention and identifies the areas of needed intervention. Counselling regarding EBF must include not only mothers but also relatives.

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Defining the genetic control of human blood plasma N-glycome using genome-wide association study

10.1101/365486 ◽

2018 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Sodbo Zh. Sharapov ◽

Yakov A. Tsepilov ◽

Lucija Klaric ◽

Massimo Mangino ◽

Gaurav Thareja ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Blood Plasma ◽

Association Study ◽

Genetic Control ◽

Human Blood ◽

Genome Wide Association Study ◽

Genome Wide Association ◽

Human Blood Plasma ◽

Genome Wide ◽

A Genome

AbstractGlycosylation is a common post-translational modification of proteins. It is known, that glycans are directly involved in the pathophysiology of every major disease. Defining genetic factors altering glycosylation may provide a basis for novel approaches to diagnostic and pharmaceutical applications. Here, we report a genome-wide association study of the human blood plasma N-glycome composition in up to 3811 people. We discovered and replicated twelve loci. This allowed us to demonstrate a clear overlap in genetic control between total plasma and IgG glycosylation. Majority of loci contained genes that encode enzymes directly involved in glycosylation (FUT3/FUT6, FUT8, B3GAT1, ST6GAL1, B4GALT1, ST3GAL4, MGAT3, and MGAT5). We, however, also found loci that are likely to reflect other, more complex, aspects of plasma glycosylation process. Functional genomic annotation suggested the role of DERL3, which potentially highlights the role of glycoprotein degradation pathway, and such transcription factor as IKZF1.

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