Epigenetic Consequences of Low Birth-Weight and Preterm Birth in Adult Twins

Abstract

Adverse birth outcomes including low birth-weight and preterm birth are associated with long-term morbidity and health consequences at adult ages. Molecular mechanisms including epigenetic modification may have been involved in the adaptation to the stressful condition in peridelivery period which could be detrimental to health later in life. Current epigenetic studies using genome-wide DNA methylation profiling have discovered molecular evidence confirming that, as important early life events, both low birth-weight and premature birth can result in long-lasting epigenetic consequences that impact health at adult ages. Results from our epigenome-wide association studies indicate that the two moderately correlated traits of adverse pregnancy outcome could be linked to increased susceptibility to different health problems with low birth-weight more relevant to metabolic disorders, while preterm birth mainly liked to neurodevelopmental disorders. High-resolution epigenetic profiling on multiple regulatory mechanisms should provide more novel molecular markers for intervention and prevention of potential health risks in adults of low birth-weight and premature birth.