Title: Sex-specific DNA methylation differences in people exposed to polybrominated biphenyl.

Authors: Curtis, Sarah W; Gerkowicz, Sabrina A; Cobb, Dawayland O; Kilaru, Varun; Terrell, Metrecia L; Marder, M Elizabeth; Barr, Dana Boyd; Marsit, Carmen J; Marcus, Michele; Conneely, Karen N; Smith, Alicia K

Published In Epigenomics, (2020 05)

Abstract: Aim: Michigan residents were exposed to polybrominated biphenyls (PBBs) when it was accidentally added to the food supply. Highly exposed individuals report sex-specific health problems, but the underlying biological mechanism behind these different health risks is not known. Materials and methods: DNA methylation in blood from 381 women and 277 men with PBB exposure was analyzed with the MethylationEPIC BeadChip. Results: 675 CpGs were associated with PBBs levels in males, while only 17 CpGs were associated in females (false discovery rate <0.05). No CpGs were associated in both sexes. These CpGs were enriched in different functional regions and transcription factor binding sites in each sex. Conclusion: Exposure to PBBs may have sex-specific effects on the epigenome that may underlie sex-specific adverse health outcomes.

PubMed ID: 32496131

MeSH Terms: Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Binding Sites; CpG Islands; DNA Methylation*; Environmental Exposure; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Polybrominated Biphenyls/toxicity*; Sex Characteristics*; Transcription Factors/metabolism; Young Adult