Mendelian Randomization and the Environmental Epigenetics of Health: a Systematic Review

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#biomarkers #birth-weight #cardiovascular-system #cognition #dna-methylation

Mendelian Randomization and the Environmental Epigenetics of Health: a Systematic Review

Grau-Perez et al., 2019 | Curr Environ Health Rep | Systematic Review

Citation

Grau-Perez Maria, Agha Golareh, ... Tellez-Plaza Maria. Mendelian Randomization and the Environmental Epigenetics of Health: a Systematic Review. Curr Environ Health Rep. 2019-Mar;6(1):38-51. doi:10.1007/s40572-019-0226-3

Abstract

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Epigenetic modifications are environmentally responsive and may play a mechanistic role in the development of disease. Mendelian randomization uses genetic variation to assess the causal effect of modifiable exposures on health outcomes. We conducted a systematic review of Mendelian randomization studies evaluating the causal role of DNA methylation (DNAm) changes on the development of health states, emphasizing on studies that formally evaluate exposure-DNAm, in addition to DNAm-outcome, causal associations. RECENT FINDINGS: We identified 15 articles, 4 of them including an environmental determinant of DNAm, including self-reported tobacco smoke exposure, in utero tobacco smoke exposure, measured vitamin B12, and glycemia. Selected articles suggest a causal association of DNAm with some cardiometabolic endpoints. DNAm seemed to partly explain the association of postnatal and prenatal exposure to tobacco smoke and vitamin B12 with inflammation biomarkers, birth weight, and cognitive outcomes, respectively. However, the current evidence is not sufficient to infer causality. Additional Mendelian randomization studies from large epidemiologic samples are needed to support the causal role of environmental factors as determinants of health-related epigenetic modifications.

Key Findings

We identified 15 articles, 4 of them including an environmental determinant of DNAm, including self-reported tobacco smoke exposure, in utero tobacco smoke exposure, measured vitamin B12, and glycemia. Selected articles suggest a causal association of DNAm with some cardiometabolic endpoints. DNAm seemed to partly explain the association of postnatal and prenatal exposure to tobacco smoke and vitamin B12 with inflammation biomarkers, birth weight, and cognitive outcomes, respectively. However, t

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size See abstract
Age Range See abstract
Condition cognitive

MeSH Terms

  • Biomarkers
  • Birth Weight
  • Cardiovascular System
  • Cognition
  • DNA Methylation
  • Environmental Exposure
  • Environmental Health
  • Epigenesis, Genetic
  • Epigenomics
  • Female
  • Genetic Variation
  • Humans
  • Inflammation
  • Pregnancy
  • Random Allocation

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Systematic Review
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't, Systematic Review
  • Vertical: vitamin-b12

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09