Traditional Korean diet high in one-carbon nutrients increases global DNA methylation: implication for epigenetic diet

초록

PurposeDNA methylation is a major epigenetic phenomenon through which diet affects health and disease. This study aimed to determine the epigenetic influence of the traditional Korean diet (K-diet) on global DNA methylation via one-carbon metabolism. MethodsA crossover study was conducted on 52 women. Two diets, a K-diet, high in plant foods and low in calories and animal fat, and a control diet, similar to the diet currently consumed in Korea, were provided to all subjects alternately for 4 weeks with a 4-week washout period. Clinical parameters were measured before and after each dietary intervention. Nutrient intake was calculated by using a computer-aided nutritional analysis program. One-carbon metabolites in the serum and global DNA methylation in peripheral mononuclear cells were determined using ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. ResultsThe K-diet group consumed more folate (669.9 +/- 6.7 mu g vs. 502.7 +/- 3.0, p < 0.001), B6, B12, serine, and choline, and less methionine (992.6 +/- 63 vs. 1048.3 mg +/- 34.1, p < 0.0001) than the control group did. In the K-diet group, the increment of plasma 5-methyltetrahydrofolate (0.08 mu g/mL +/- 0.11 vs 0.02 +/- 0.10, p < 0.009) and decrement of L-homocysteine (- 70.7 +/- 85.0 vs - 39.3 +/- 69.4, p < 0.0168) were greater than those of the control group. Global DNA methylation was significantly increased in the K-diet group (6.70 +/- 3.02% to 9.45 +/- 3.69, p < 0.0001) but not in the control group. ConclusionsA K-diet high in one-carbon nutrients can enhance the global DNA methylation status, suggesting an epigenetic mechanism by which the K-diet conveys health effects.Trial registration Korean Clinical Trial Registry (trial number: KCT0005340, 24/08/2020, retrospectively registered). ConclusionsA K-diet high in one-carbon nutrients can enhance the global DNA methylation status, suggesting an epigenetic mechanism by which the K-diet conveys health effects.Trial registration Korean Clinical Trial Registry (trial number: KCT0005340, 24/08/2020, retrospectively registered).

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