scholarly journals The COVID-19 Pandemic: Does Our Early Life Environment, Life Trajectory and Socioeconomic Status Determine Disease Susceptibility and Severity?

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (14) ◽  
pp. 5094 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cyrielle Holuka ◽  
Myriam P. Merz ◽  
Sara B. Fernandes ◽  
Eleftheria G. Charalambous ◽  
Snehaa V. Seal ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Early Life ◽  
Human Life ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Well Being ◽  
T Cell Response ◽  
Worst Case ◽  
Detection Rates ◽  
Senescent Phenotype ◽  
Early Life Environment

A poor socioeconomic environment and social adversity are fundamental determinants of human life span, well-being and health. Previous influenza pandemics showed that socioeconomic factors may determine both disease detection rates and overall outcomes, and preliminary data from the ongoing coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic suggests that this is still true. Over the past years it has become clear that early-life adversity (ELA) plays a critical role biasing the immune system towards a pro-inflammatory and senescent phenotype many years later. Cytotoxic T-lymphocytes (CTL) appear to be particularly sensitive to the early life social environment. As we understand more about the immune response to SARS-CoV-2 it appears that a functional CTL (CD8+) response is required to clear the infection and COVID-19 severity is increased as the CD8+ response becomes somehow diminished or exhausted. This raises the hypothesis that the ELA-induced pro-inflammatory and senescent phenotype may play a role in determining the clinical course of COVID-19, and the convergence of ELA-induced senescence and COVID-19 induced exhaustion represents the worst-case scenario with the least effective T-cell response. If the correct data is collected, it may be possible to separate the early life elements that have made people particularly vulnerable to COVID-19 many years later. This will, naturally, then help us identify those that are most at risk from developing the severest forms of COVID-19. In order to do this, we need to recognize socioeconomic and early-life factors as genuine medically and clinically relevant data that urgently need to be collected. Finally, many biological samples have been collected in the ongoing studies. The mechanisms linking the early life environment with a defined later-life phenotype are starting to be elucidated, and perhaps hold the key to understanding inequalities and differences in the severity of COVID-19.

scholarly journals Epigenetics and DOHaD: from basics to birth and beyond

2017 ◽  
Vol 8 (5) ◽  
pp. 513-519 ◽  
Author(s):  
T. Bianco-Miotto ◽  
J. M. Craig ◽  
Y. P. Gasser ◽  
S. J. van Dijk ◽  
S. E. Ozanne
Keyword(s):  
Dna Methylation ◽  
Chronic Disease ◽  
Chronic Diseases ◽  
Early Life ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Metabolic Health ◽  
Number Of Children ◽  
Early Life Environment ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Early Life Exposures

Developmental origins of health and disease (DOHaD) is the study of how the early life environment can impact the risk of chronic diseases from childhood to adulthood and the mechanisms involved. Epigenetic modifications such as DNA methylation, histone modifications and non-coding RNAs are involved in mediating how early life environment impacts later health. This review is a summary of the Epigenetics and DOHaD workshop held at the 2016 DOHaD Society of Australia and New Zealand Conference. Our extensive knowledge of how the early life environment impacts later risk for chronic disease would not have been possible without animal models. In this review we highlight some animal model examples that demonstrate how an adverse early life exposure results in epigenetic and gene expression changes that may contribute to increased risk of chronic disease later in life. Type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease are chronic diseases with an increasing incidence due to the increased number of children and adults that are obese. Epigenetic changes such as DNA methylation have been shown to be associated with metabolic health measures and potentially predict future metabolic health status. Although more difficult to elucidate in humans, recent studies suggest that DNA methylation may be one of the epigenetic mechanisms that mediates the effects of early life exposures on later life risk of obesity and obesity related diseases. Finally, we discuss the role of the microbiome and how it is a new player in developmental programming and mediating early life exposures on later risk of chronic disease.

Interplay between early-life malnutrition, epigenetic modulation of the immune function and liver diseases

2019 ◽  
Vol 32 (1) ◽  
pp. 128-145 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sabrina Campisano ◽  
Anabela La Colla ◽  
Stella M. Echarte ◽  
Andrea N. Chisari
Keyword(s):  
Metabolic Syndrome ◽  
Immune System ◽  
Environmental Factors ◽  
Early Life ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Covalent Modification ◽  
Alcoholic Fatty Liver ◽  
The Metabolic Syndrome ◽  
Epigenetic Modulation

AbstractEarly-life nutrition plays a critical role in fetal growth and development. Food intake absence and excess are the two main types of energy malnutrition that predispose to the appearance of diseases in adulthood, according to the hypothesis of ‘developmental origins of health and disease’. Epidemiological data have shown an association between early-life malnutrition and the metabolic syndrome in later life. Evidence has also demonstrated that nutrition during this period of life can affect the development of the immune system through epigenetic mechanisms. Thus, epigenetics has an essential role in the complex interplay between environmental factors and genetics. Altogether, this leads to the inflammatory response that is commonly seen in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), the hepatic manifestation of the metabolic syndrome. In conjunction, DNA methylation, covalent modification of histones and the expression of non-coding RNA are the epigenetic phenomena that affect inflammatory processes in the context of NAFLD. Here, we highlight current understanding of the mechanisms underlying developmental programming of NAFLD linked to epigenetic modulation of the immune system and environmental factors, such as malnutrition.

scholarly journals http://habibiaislamicus.com/index.php/hirj/article/view/143

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 123-132
Author(s):  
Farzana Iqbal ◽  
◽  
Muhammad Imran ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Carbon Dioxide ◽  
Soil Erosion ◽  
Social Responsibility ◽  
Human Life ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Environmental Benefits ◽  
Air Conditioner ◽  
Significant Aspect

We are all aware of environmental benefits of trees. They provide shelter and food for animals, purify the air of pollution and regulate the temperature.Trees play a critical role in the quality of human life as well as the environmental well-being of our communities. Quran also has numerous passages that describe the lush gardens and trees. Allah created trees, plants and fruits not only for their known vital benefits as food, they are also a source of delight to eyes.During battle , Muslims are required to avoid cutting down trees.Hadith from Prophet Muhammad that relate the importance of trees and plants in islam.Islam Not only hands over the list of do’s and don’ts but also convince mankind with wisdom.Even a man of ordinary prudence can understand easily from Hadith that Hazrat Muhammad ﷺnot only instructed us to plant trees but also the most significant aspect. He gave us vision to save the environment 14 centuries ago. He has connected the plantation with social responsibility and piousness. Trees can control the temperature cool the environment absorb carbon dioxide and clean the air act as natural air conditioner, control noise, prevent soil erosion etc. Such key environmental benefits are also proven by science. Holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ gave us vision so if we conduct according to that vision, environment problems can be controlled easily.

scholarly journals DNA methylation, ageing and the influence of early life nutrition

2014 ◽  
Vol 73 (3) ◽  
pp. 413-421 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karen A. Lillycrop ◽  
Samuel P. Hoile ◽  
Leonie Grenfell ◽  
Graham C. Burdge
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Dna Methylation ◽  
Early Life ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Ageing Process ◽  
Specific Gene ◽  
Epigenetic Mechanisms ◽  
Associated Diseases ◽  
Dna Nucleotide Sequence

It is well established that genotype plays an important role in the ageing process. However, recent studies have suggested that epigenetic mechanisms may also influence the onset of ageing-associated diseases and longevity. Epigenetics is defined as processes that induce heritable changes in gene expression without a change in the DNA nucleotide sequence. The major epigenetic mechanisms are DNA methylation, histone modification and non-coding RNA. Such processes are involved in the regulation of tissue-specific gene expression, cell differentiation and genomic imprinting. However, epigenetic dysregulation is frequently seen with ageing. Relatively little is known about the factors that initiate such changes. However, there is emerging evidence that the early life environment, in particular nutrition, in early life can induce long-term changes in DNA methylation resulting in an altered susceptibility to a range of ageing-associated diseases. In this review, we will focus on the changes in DNA methylation that occur during ageing; their role in the ageing process and how early life nutrition can modulate DNA methylation and influence longevity. Understanding the mechanisms by which diet in early life can influence the epigenome will be crucial for the development of preventative and intervention strategies to increase well-being in later life.

scholarly journals Adult Personal Network Characteristics Associated with Early Life Adversity

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 924-924
Author(s):  
Janae Briggs ◽  
Stephanie Child
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Early Life ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Personal Network ◽  
Early Life Adversity ◽  
Network Characteristics ◽  
Subjective Assessments ◽  
Mental Well Being ◽  
Close Family

Abstract Early life adversity (ELA) is associated with poor health through social and economic pathways. ELA also shapes cognitive and emotional development, including self-perception, social attachment and mental well-being. As such, ELA may shape later life health through social relationships, yet few studies have examined these associations. Data from the UC Berkeley Social Network Study were used to examine ELA measured retrospectively and current personal network characteristics among young (21-30 years) and older adults (50-70 years). ELA was operationalized as a summary of six experiences occurring before age 18 (e.g., parents’ divorce/separation, violence/drug use in the home, etc.). Personal network characteristics included objective measures, such as the number of ties who provide or receive various types of support, and subjective assessments about the adequacy of support received. Multivariate regression models adjusted for gender, race/ethnicity, and level of education. Among young adults, ELA was associated with more ties who rely upon the ego for support (b=0.15, 95% CI: 0.02, 0.28, p=0.02). Among older adults, ELA was associated with more ties named as either an advisor (b=0.14, 95% CI: 0.04, 0.21, p=0.02) or difficult/demanding (b=0.12, 95% CI: 0.04, 0.21, p<0.01). Furthermore, ELA was associated with less confidence in family support available (b= -0.09, 95% CI: -0.16, -0.03, p<0.01) and fewer emotionally close family members (b= -0.18, 95% CI: -0.32, -0.03, p=0.02) among older adults. In conclusion, clear differences emerged in network characteristics by exposure to ELA, particularly among older adults. The findings highlight potential pathways through which ELA patterns later life health.

scholarly journals Early-life socioeconomic circumstances explain health differences in old age, but not their evolution over time

2019 ◽  
Vol 73 (8) ◽  
pp. 703-711 ◽  
Author(s):  
Boris Cheval ◽  
Dan Orsholits ◽  
Stefan Sieber ◽  
Silvia Stringhini ◽  
Delphine Courvoisier ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Old Age ◽  
Early Life ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Adult Life ◽  
Health Indicators ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Healthy Ageing ◽  
Rate Of Change ◽  
Health Differences ◽  
Over Time

BackgroundEarly-life socioeconomic circumstances (SEC) are associated with health in old age. However, epidemiological evidences on the influence of these early-life risk factors on trajectories of healthy ageing are inconsistent, preventing drawing solid conclusion about their potential influence. Here, to fill this knowledge gap, we used a statistical approach adapted to estimating change over time and an outcome-wide epidemiology approach to investigate whether early-life SEC were associated with the level of and rate of decline of physical, cognitive and emotional functioning over time.MethodsWe used data on more than 23 000 adults in older age from the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe, a 12-year large-scale longitudinal study with repeated measurements of multiple health indicators of the same participants over time (2004 –2015, assessments every 2 years). Confounder-adjusted linear growth curve models were used to examine the associations of early-life SEC with the evolution of muscle strength, lung function, cognitive function, depressive symptoms and well-being over time.ResultsWe consistently found an association between early-life SEC and the mean levels of all health indicators at age 63.5, with a critical role played by the cultural aspect of disadvantage. These associations were only partly explained by adult-life SEC factors. By contrast, evidences supporting an association between early-life SEC and the rate of change in health indicators were weak and inconsistent.ConclusionsEarly-life SEC are associated with health in old age, but not with trajectories of healthy ageing. Conceptual models in life course research should consider the possibility of a limited influence of early-life SEC on healthy ageing trajectories.

scholarly journals The Effect and Potential Mechanism of Maternal Micronutrient Intake on Offspring Glucose Metabolism: An Emerging Field

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yifan Wu ◽  
Qian Zhang ◽  
Xinhua Xiao
Keyword(s):  
Glucose Metabolism ◽  
Early Life ◽  
Metabolic Diseases ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Underlying Mechanism ◽  
Early Life Environment ◽  
Micronutrient Status ◽  
Micronutrient Intake ◽  
Genetic And Environmental Factors

Diabetes has become the most common metabolic disease around the world. In addition to genetic and environmental factors in adulthood, the early life environment is critical to the progression of diabetes in adults, especially the environment during the fetal period; this concept is called “fetal programming.” Substantial evidence has illustrated the key role of early life macronutrient in programming metabolic diseases. Recently, the effect of maternal micronutrient intake on offspring glucose metabolism during later life has become an emerging field. This review focuses on updated human and animal evidence about the effect of maternal micronutrient status on offspring glucose metabolism and the underlying mechanism.

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