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Objective: Type 2 diabetes (T2D) was recently reclassified into Severe Insulin Deficient Diabetes (SIDD), Severe Insulin Resistant Diabetes (SIRD), Mild Obesity-related Diabetes (MOD), and Mild Age-Related Diabetes (MARD), which have different risk of complications. We explored whether DNA methylation differs between these subgroups and if subgroup-unique methylation risk scores (MRSs) predict diabetic complications. Methods: Genome-wide DNA methylation was analysed in blood from newly diagnosed T2D subjects in discovery and replication cohorts. Subgroup-unique MRSs were built including top subgroup-unique DNA methylation sites. Regression models examined whether MRSs associated with subgroups and future complications. Results: We found epigenetic differences between the T2D subgroups. Subgroup-unique MRSs were significantly different in those patients allocated to each respective subgroup compared to the combined group of all other subgroups. These associations were validated in an independent replication cohort, showing that subgroup-unique MRSs associate with individual subgroups (OR 1.6-6.1 per 1SD increase, pTXNIP and ELOVL2. Methylation in blood of 18 subgroup-unique sites mirror epigenetic patterns in tissues relevant for T2D, muscle and adipose tissue. Conclusions: We identified differential epigenetic patterns between T2D subgroups, which associated with future diabetic complications. These data support a reclassification of diabetes and the need for precision medicine in T2D subgroups.

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) was recently reclassified into severe insulin-deficient diabetes (SIDD), severe insulin-resistant diabetes (SIRD), mild obesity-related diabetes (MOD), and mild age-related diabetes (MARD), which have different risk of complications. We explored whether DNA methylation differs between these subgroups and whether subgroup-unique methylation risk scores (MRSs) predict diabetic complications.Genome-wide DNA methylation was analyzed in blood from subjects with newly diagnosed T2D in discovery and replication cohorts. Subgroup-unique MRSs were built, including top subgroup-unique DNA methylation sites. Regression models examined whether MRSs associated with subgroups and future complications.We found epigenetic differences between the T2D subgroups. Subgroup-unique MRSs were significantly different in those patients allocated to each respective subgroup compared with the combined group of all other subgroups. These associations were validated in an independent replication cohort, showing that subgroup-unique MRSs associate with individual subgroups (odds ratios 1.6-6.1 per 1-SD increase, P0.01). Subgroup-unique MRSs were also associated with future complications. Higher MOD-MRS was associated with lower risk of cardiovascular (hazard ratio [HR] 0.65, P = 0.001) and renal (HR 0.50, P0.001) disease, whereas higher SIRD-MRS and MARD-MRS were associated with an increased risk of these complications (HR 1.4-1.9 per 1-SD increase, P0.01). Of 95 methylation sites included in subgroup-unique MRSs, 39 were annotated to genes previously linked to diabetes-related traits, including TXNIP and ELOVL2. Methylation in the blood of 18 subgroup-unique sites mirrors epigenetic patterns in tissues relevant for T2D, muscle and adipose tissue.We identified differential epigenetic patterns between T2D subgroups that associated with future diabetic complications. These data support a reclassification of diabetes and the need for precision medicine in T2D subgroups.

Metformin is the first-line pharmacotherapy for managing type 2 diabetes (T2D). However, many patients with T2D do not respond to or tolerate metformin well. Currently, there are no phenotypes that successfully predict glycemic response to, or tolerance of, metformin. We explored whether blood-based epigenetic markers could discriminate metformin response and tolerance by analyzing genome-wide DNA methylation in drug-naïve patients with T2D at the time of their diagnosis. DNA methylation of 11 and 4 sites differed between glycemic responders/nonresponders and metformin-tolerant/intolerant patients, respectively, in discovery and replication cohorts. Greater methylation at these sites associated with a higher risk of not responding to or not tolerating metformin with odds ratios between 1.43 and 3.09 per 1-SD methylation increase. Methylation risk scores (MRSs) of the 11 identified sites differed between glycemic responders and nonresponders with areas under the curve (AUCs) of 0.80 to 0.98. MRSs of the 4 sites associated with future metformin intolerance generated AUCs of 0.85 to 0.93. Some of these blood-based methylation markers mirrored the epigenetic pattern in adipose tissue, a key tissue in diabetes pathogenesis, and genes to which these markers were annotated to had biological functions in hepatocytes that altered metformin-related phenotypes. Overall, we could discriminate between glycemic responders/nonresponders and participants tolerant/intolerant to metformin at diagnosis by measuring blood-based epigenetic markers in drug-naïve patients with T2D. This epigenetics-based tool may be further developed to help patients with T2D receive optimal therapy.

Accelerated telomere shortening has been associated with several age-related diseases and/or decreased lifespan in humans. The Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) is considered to be 1 of the most recognized diets for disease prevention and healthy aging, partially due to its demonstrated anti-inflammatory and antioxidative properties which may impact on telomere length (TL). The aim of this meta-analysis was to determine the associations between MedDiet adherence and TL maintenance. MEDLINE-PubMed and Cochrane databases were searched up to December 2018 for studies evaluating the association between MedDiet adherence and TL in blood cells. Two reviewers, working independently, screened all titles and abstracts to identify studies that met the inclusion criteria [cross-sectional, case-control, and prospective cohort studies and randomized clinical trials (RCTs) published in English and excluded nonoriginal articles]. Data were pooled by the generic inverse variance method using the random effects model and expressed as standardized mean difference (SMD). Heterogeneity was identified using the Cochran Q test and quantified by the I(2) statistic. A total of 8 original cross-sectional studies were included for the quantitative meta-analysis, comprising a total of 13,733 participants from 5 countries. A positive association between adherence to the MedDiet and TL was observed in all meta-analyses, with the exception of those conducted only in men: SMD (95% CI) of 0.130 (0.029; 0.231) for all subjects, 0.078 (0.005; 0.152) for women, and 0.095 (–0.005; 0.195) for men. Only 1 prospective cohort study and 1 RCT were identified, therefore, we could not undertake a meta-analysis for these study designs. The present meta-analysis of cross-sectional studies demonstrates that higher MedDiet adherence is associated with longer TL. At the same time, larger and high-quality prospective studies and clinical trials are warranted to confirm this association.

Background Given that metformin is the most common pharmacological therapy for type 2 diabetes, understanding the function of this drug is of great importance. Hepatic metformin transporters are responsible for the pharmacologic action of metformin. However, epigenetics in genes encoding metformin transporters has not been fully elucidated. We examined the DNA methylation of these genes in the liver of subjects with type 2 diabetes and tested whether epigenetic alterations associate with diabetes medication, i.e., metformin or insulin plus metformin treatment. Results DNA methylation in OCT1 encoded by SLC22A1, OCT3 encoded by SLC22A3, and MATE1 encoded by SLC47A1 was assessed in the human liver. Lower average and promoter DNA methylation of SLC22A1, SLC22A3, and SLC47A1 was found in diabetic subjects receiving just metformin, compared to those who took insulin plus metformin or no diabetes medication. Moreover, diabetic subjects receiving just metformin had a similar DNA methylation pattern in these genes compared to non-diabetic subjects. Notably, DNA methylation was also associated with gene expression, glucose levels, and body mass index, i.e., higher SLC22A3 methylation was related to lower SLC22A3 expression and to insulin plus metformin treatment, higher fasting glucose levels and higher body mass index. Importantly, metformin treatment did also directly decrease DNA methylation of SLC22A1 in hepatocytes cultured in vitro. Conclusions Our study supports that metformin decreases DNA methylation of metformin transporter genes in the human liver. Moreover, higher methylation levels in these genes associate with hyperglycaemia and obesity., published version, peerReviewed

Background: Inflammation related molecules such as tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin 6 (IL-6), and cardiotrophin-1 (CT-1) are highly expressed in obese individuals and could partly explain some comorbidities associated to obesity. In obese children, lifestyle interventions are able to lower inflammation and reduce cardiovascular risk factors associated with obesity. The aim of the present work was to study changes in inflammation-related molecules serum and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) transcript levels after a 10-week lifestyle intervention in obese children and asses their potential association with glucose metabolism. Methods: Twenty-three obese children (mean age 11.5 years; 48% males) underwent a 10-week lifestyle not controlled intervention trial. Anthropometric and biochemical measurements were analyzed. Transcript analysis for CT-1, IL-6, and TNF-α in PBMC were performed by RT-PCR. Serum cytokine levels were also measured at baseline and after 10-weeks. Results: Participants achieved a significant reduction in body adiposity (0.34 decrease in body mass index-standard deviation), total cholesterol, and glucose levels after 10-weeks. A Significant decrease in serum TNF-α and C reactive protein (CRP) were observed. CT-1 transcript levels were significantly reduced (P =.005) after lifestyle intervention, and these changes were significantly correlated with changes in serum CT-1 levels (r = 0.451; P =.031). In multiple regression analysis baseline CT-1 transcript levels were positively associated with final insulin (R2 = 0.506; P =.035) and HOMA-IR values (R2 = 0.473; P =.034). Conclusions: We reported that serum CRP, TNF-α, as well as PBMC CT-1 transcript levels were reduced after lifestyle intervention in obese children. More studies are needed to clarify the role of inflammation-related molecules in glucose metabolism. (Less)

Background and aims: The oxidation of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol particles is an early atherogeninic event. Obese pediatric populations have higher levels of oxidized LDL (oxLDL) than normal weight children. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a weight loss program on the biochemical profile and oxLDL levels in Spanish obese children and adolescents. Methods: Forty obese children (mean age 11 years, 51% boys) followed a 10-week weight loss program. They were dichotomized at the median of body mass index-standard deviation score (BMI-SDS) change, as high (HR) and low responders (LR) after the intervention. The intervention included a moderate energy-restricted diet, nutritional education, and family involvement. Anthropometric and biochemical measurements were performed at the beginning and during the follow up. A cardiometabolic risk score (CMS) was calculated considering metabolic risk factors. Results: Higher baseline oxLDL levels were associated with a higher CMS in obese children (P (Less)

SummaryBackground Shorter telomeres have been associated with elevated risk for age-related diseases. However, little is known about the biomarker role of telomere length (TL) for predicting inflammation and glucose alterations. Objective The objective of this research is to evaluate the association between TL, inflammatory markers and glucose levels after a 2-month weight-loss programme in obese adolescents. Methods Telomere length was measured using a quantitative polymerase chain reaction in 66 obese adolescents aged 12–17 years (51% men) from the EVASYON programme. The adolescents were genotyped for the polymorphism -174G/C (rs1800795) in the IL-6gene, and anthropometric and biochemical markers as well as inflammatory cytokines were analysed. Results Multiple-adjusted models showed that longer telomeres at baseline were associated with a higher reduction in glucose (B = −4.08, 95% confidence interval: −6.66 to −1.50) and IL-6 (B = −1.03, 95% confidence interval: −2.01 to −0.05) serum levels after 2 months of the weight-loss treatment. The -174G/C polymorphism modulated the association between basal TL and changes in IL-6 (P interaction = 0.029). Thus, subjects with the GG + GC genotype and with longer telomeres showed a higher decrease in IL-6 levels than CC homozygotes. Conclusion Longer telomeres are associated with an improvement in glucose tolerance and inflammation after a weight-loss programme in obese adolescents. Moreover, the -174G/C polymorphism may influence the relationship between TL and IL-6 changes.

Background: Dietary factors can affect telomere length (TL), a biomarker of aging, through oxidation and inflammation-related mechanisms. A Dietary Inflammatory Index (DII) could help to understand the effect of the inflammatory potential of the diet on telomere shortening. Objective: This study aimed to determine the association of the DII with TL and to examine whether diet-associated inflammation could modify the telomere attrition rate after a 5-y follow-up of a Mediterranean dietary intervention. Design: This was a prospective study of 520 participants at high cardiovascular disease risk (mean ± SD age: 67.0 ± 6.0 y, 45% males) from the PREDIMED-NAVARRA (PREvencion con DIeta MEDiterranea-NAVARRA) trial. Leukocyte TL was measured by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction at baseline and after 5 y of follow-up. The DII was calculated from self-reported data by using a validated 137-item food-frequency questionnaire. Results: Longer telomeres at baseline were found in participants who had a more anti-inflammatory diet (lowest DII score) (P-trend = 0.012). Longitudinal analyses further showed that a greater anti-inflammatory potential of the diet (i.e., a decrease in the DII) could significantly slow down the rate of telomere shortening. Moreover, the multivariable-adjusted OR for short telomeres (z score ≤20th percentile) was 1.80 (95% CI: 1.03, 3.17) in a comparison between the highest (proinflammatory) and the lowest (anti-inflammatory) DII tertiles. Similarly, a greater DII (greatest proinflammatory values) after a 5-y follow-up was associated with almost a 2-fold higher risk of accelerated telomere attrition compared with the highest decrease in DII (greatest anti-inflammatory values) during this period (P-trend = 0.025). Conclusions: This study showed both cross-sectional and longitudinal associations between the inflammatory potential of the diet and telomere shortening in subjects with a high cardiovascular disease risk. Our findings are consistent with, but do not show, a beneficial effect of adherence to an anti-inflammatory diet on aging and health by slowing down telomere shortening. These results suggest that diet might play a key role as a determinant of TL through proinflammatory or anti-inflammatory mechanisms. This trial was registered at controlled-trials.com as ISRCTN35739639.

Background— The gene variant Pro/Ala (rs1801282) in the PPARγ2 has been associated with lower cardiovascular risk and greater benefit from lifestyle interventions. This polymorphism also seems to be associated with longer lifespan, but no information on telomere length (TL) is available. Our aim was to study the association between the Ala allele and changes in TL in high cardiovascular risk subjects and the potential interaction with a Mediterranean dietary pattern. Methods and Results— A total of 521 subjects (55–80 years) participating in the Prevención con Dieta Mediterránea randomized trial were genotyped. Changes in TL, measured by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR), were assessed over 5 years of a nutritional intervention, which promoted adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MeDiet). Interestingly, Ala carriers showed lower telomere shortening after 5 years compared with the Pro/Pro genotype ( P =0.031). This association was modulated by MeDiet because those Ala carriers who reported better conformity to the MeDiet exhibited increased TL ( P P for interaction Conclusions— The Pro12Ala polymorphism is associated with TL homeostasis after 5 years follow-up in subjects at high cardiovascular risk. In addition, a higher adherence to the MeDiet pattern strengthens the prevention of telomere shortening among Ala carriers. Clinical Trial Registration— www.controlled-trials.com ; Unique Identifier: ISRCTN35739639.

Summary Background & aims A healthy lifestyle has been associated with longer telomeres, but whether Mediterranean Diet (MeDiet) affect telomere length (TL) has not been fully elucidated yet. Our aim was to assess the relationship between MeDiet and TL in high cardiovascular risk subjects in the context of a randomized nutritional intervention trial. Methods We assessed 520 participants (55–80 years, 55% women) from the PREDIMED-NAVARRA trial. Leukocyte TL was measured by qPCR at baseline and after 5 years of a dietary intervention program where subjects were randomly assigned to a low-fat control diet or to two MeDiets, one supplemented with extra virgin olive oil (MeDiet-EVOO) and the other with mixed nuts (MeDiet-nuts). A validated 14-item questionnaire was used to appraise baseline adherence of participants to the MeDiet. Results Better adherence to MeDiet (as appraised by the 14-item score) was associated with longer basal telomeres in women in the baseline cross-sectional analysis, whereas the opposite was observed in men (P interaction = 0.036). Female subjects who scored 10 points had longer basal telomeres (0.27, 95% CI: 0.03–0.52) than women scoring ≤6 points at the beginning of the study (−0.46, 95% CI: −0.85 to −0.7) (P = 0.003). However, allocation to the MeDiet-nuts group (−0.24, 95% CI: −0.38 to −0.01) was associated with a higher risk of telomere shortening after 5 years of intervention, whereas no differences were found for the MeDiet-EVOO group (0.14, 95% CI: 0.02–0.27), in comparison with the Control group (0.07, 95% CI: −0.08 to 0.23) (P = 0.003 and P = 0.537, respectively). Conclusion A greater baseline adherence to a Mediterranean dietary pattern was associated with longer telomeres only in women. No beneficial effect of the intervention with the MeDiet for the prevention of telomere shortening in comparison with a low-fat diet was observed.

Background: Telomeres are nucleoprotein structures that protect the ends of eukaryote chromosomes. Shorter telomere length (TL) is associated with some age-related human disorders, but its relationship with obesity or adiposity parameters remains unclear. Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between TL and changes in adiposity indices after a 5-year nutritional intervention. Design and subjects: TL was measured by quantitative real-time PCR in 521 subjects (55-80 years, 55% women). Participants were randomly selected from the PREDIMED-NAVARRA centre after they completed a 5-year intervention programme. Anthropometric parameters were directly measured by trained personnel at baseline and on a yearly basis thereafter. TL at baseline and changes in TL after a 5-year intervention were assessed. Results: Higher baseline TL significantly predicted a greater decrease in body weight (B=−1.09 kg, 95% confidence interval (CI): −2.01 to −0.16), body mass index (BMI) (B=−0.47 kg m−2, 95% CI: −0.83 to −0.11), waist circumference (B=−1.15 cm, 95% CI: −2.28 to −0.01) and waist to height ratio (B=−0.008, 95% CI: −0.010 to −0.001) in multiple-adjusted models. In addition, changes in TL during the 5-year intervention were inversely associated with changes in the four anthropometric variables. The reduction in adiposity indices during the intervention, associated with increasing TL, was even higher among subjects with the longest telomeres at baseline. Logistic regression analysis showed that the risk of remaining obese after 5 years was lower in those participants who initially had the longest telomeres and increased their TL after intervention (odds ratio=0.27, 95% CI: 0.03-2.03). Conclusions: Our research suggests that TL is inversely associated with changes in obesity parameters. The assessment of TL can provide further insights for biological pathways leading to adiposity. We show for the first time an improvement of obesity indices when an increase in TL is observed after a 5-year Mediterranean diet intervention.

DNA methylation is altered by environmental factors. We hypothesized that DNA methylation is altered in skeletal muscle in response to either insulin or glucose exposure. We performed a genome-wide DNA methylation analysis in muscle from healthy men before and after insulin exposure. DNA methylation of selected genes was determined in muscle from healthy men and men with type 2 diabetes before and after a glucose tolerance test. Insulin altered DNA methylation in the 3′ untranslated region of the calcium pump ATP2A3 gene. Insulin increased DNA methylation in the gene body of DAPK3, a gene involved in cell proliferation, apoptosis, and autophagy. DAPK3 methylation was reduced in patients with type 2 diabetes. Carbohydrate ingestion reduced DAPK3 DNA methylation in healthy men and men with type 2 diabetes, suggesting glucose may play a role. Supporting this, DAPK3 DNA methylation was inversely correlated with the 2-h glucose concentration. Whereas glucose incorporation to glycogen was unaltered by small interfering RNA against DAPK3, palmitate oxidation was increased. In conclusion, insulin and glucose exposure acutely alter the DNA methylation profile of skeletal muscle, indicating that DNA methylation constitutes a rapidly adaptive epigenetic mark. Furthermore, insulin and glucose modulate DAPK3 DNA methylation in a reciprocal manner, suggesting a feedback loop in the control of the epigenome.

The oxidation of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol particles is an early atherogeninic event. Obese pediatric populations have higher levels of oxidized LDL (oxLDL) than normal weight children. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a weight loss program on the biochemical profile and oxLDL levels in Spanish obese children and adolescents.Forty obese children (mean age 11 years, 51% boys) followed a 10-week weight loss program. They were dichotomized at the median of body mass index-standard deviation score (BMI-SDS) change, as high (HR) and low responders (LR) after the intervention. The intervention included a moderate energy-restricted diet, nutritional education, and family involvement. Anthropometric and biochemical measurements were performed at the beginning and during the follow up. A cardiometabolic risk score (CMS) was calculated considering metabolic risk factors.Higher baseline oxLDL levels were associated with a higher CMS in obese children (P .001). After the intervention, oxLDL significantly decreased in the HR group. Moreover, a positive correlation between changes in oxLDL and BMI-SDS (r = 0.385, P = .015) was found after the weight loss program. Interestingly, multiple-adjusted regression models showed an association between changes in total cholesterol [B: 0.127, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.06 to 0.20] and LDL-cholesterol (B: 0.173, 95% CI: 0.08 to 0.26) with changes in oxLDL.Higher baseline oxLDL levels were associated with a higher CMS in obese children. After the weight loss program, a decrease in oxLDL levels was found in HR subjects and the oxLDL levels were associated with BMI-SDS and cholesterol levels.

The present study analyses the gene expression profile of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from obese boys. The aims of the present study were to identify baseline differences between low responders (LR) and high responders (HR) after 10 weeks of a moderate energy-restricted dietary intervention, and to compare the gene expression profile between the baseline and the endpoint of the nutritional intervention. Spanish obese boys (age 10–14 years) were advised to follow a 10-week moderate energy-restricted diet. Participants were classified into two groups based on the association between the response to the nutritional intervention and the changes in BMI standard deviation score (BMI-SDS): HR group (n 6), who had a more decreased BMI-SDS; LR group (n 6), who either maintained or had an even increased BMI-SDS. The expression of 28 869 genes was analysed in PBMC from both groups at baseline and after the nutritional intervention, using the Affymetrix Human Gene 1.1 ST 24-Array plate microarray. At baseline, the HR group showed a lower expression of inflammation and immune response-related pathways, which suggests that the LR group could have a more developed pro-inflammatory phenotype. Concomitantly, LEPR and SIRPB1 genes were highly expressed in the LR group, indicating a tendency towards an impaired immune response and leptin resistance. Moreover, the moderate energy-restricted diet was able to down-regulate the inflammatory ‘mitogen-activated protein kinase signalling pathway’ in the HR group, as well as some inflammatory genes (AREG and TNFAIP3). The present study confirms that changes in the gene expression profile of PBMC in obese boys may help to understand the weight-loss response. However, further research is required to confirm these findings.

Background Human skeletal muscle stem cells are important for muscle regeneration. However, the combined genome-wide DNA methylation and expression changes taking place during adult myogenesis have not been described in detail and novel myogenic factors may be discovered. Additionally, obesity is associated with low relative muscle mass and diminished metabolism. Epigenetic alterations taking place during myogenesis might contribute to these defects. Methods We used Infinium HumanMethylation450 BeadChip Kit (Illumina) and HumanHT-12 Expression BeadChip (Illumina) to analyze genome-wide DNA methylation and transcription before versus after differentiation of primary human myoblasts from 14 non-obese and 14 obese individuals. Functional follow-up experiments were performed using siRNA mediated gene silencing in primary human myoblasts and a transgenic mouse model. Results We observed genome-wide changes in DNA methylation and expression patterns during differentiation of primary human muscle stem cells (myoblasts). We identified epigenetic and transcriptional changes of myogenic transcription factors (MYOD1, MYOG, MYF5, MYF6, PAX7, MEF2A, MEF2C, and MEF2D), cell cycle regulators, metabolic enzymes and genes previously not linked to myogenesis, including IL32, metallothioneins, and pregnancy-specific beta-1-glycoproteins. Functional studies demonstrated IL-32 as a novel target that regulates human myogenesis, insulin sensitivity and ATP levels in muscle cells. Furthermore, IL32 transgenic mice had reduced insulin response and muscle weight. Remarkably, approximately 3.7 times more methylation changes (147,161 versus 39,572) were observed during differentiation of myoblasts from obese versus non-obese subjects. In accordance, DNMT1 expression increased during myogenesis only in obese subjects. Interestingly, numerous genes implicated in metabolic diseases and epigenetic regulation showed differential methylation and expression during differentiation only in obese subjects. Conclusions Our study identifies IL-32 as a novel myogenic regulator, provides a comprehensive map of the dynamic epigenome during differentiation of human muscle stem cells and reveals abnormal epigenetic changes in obesity. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12916-017-0792-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Objective: Cardiotrophin-1 (CT-1) shares some similarities with other cytokines, and participates in the control of energy metabolism. Higher circulating levels are observed in obese humans, but little information is gathered in weight loss (WL) programs. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the association of serum CT-1 levels with metabolic variables and the risk of developing metabolic syndrome (MetS) after a WL program in overweight/obese children. Subjects and Methods: Forty-four overweight/obese children (mean age 11.5 yr; 50% males) undergoing a 10-week WL program were enrolled. Subjects were dichotomized at the median of Body Mass Index-Standard Deviation Score (BMI-SDS) change, as high and low responders after intervention. Results: CT-1 levels were significantly reduced (-48 fmol/mL, p=0.043) in the high responder group after the WL program. They had significantly lower body weight (-3.7 kg, p

Context Epigenetics may contribute to sex-specific differences in human liver metabolism. Objective To study the impact of sex on DNA methylation and gene expression in human liver. Design/Setting Cross-sectional, Kuopio Obesity Surgery Study. Participants/Intervention We analyzed DNA methylation with the Infinium HumanMethylation450 BeadChip in liver of an obese population (34 males, 61 females). Females had a higher high-density lipoprotein (HDL)–cholesterol levels compared with males. Gene expression was measured with the HumanHT-12 Expression BeadChip in a subset of 42 participants. Results Females displayed higher average methylation in the X-chromosome, whereas males presented higher methylation in autosomes. We found 9455 CpG sites in the X-chromosome and 33,205 sites in autosomes with significant methylation differences in liver between sexes (q < 0.05). When comparing our findings with published studies, 95% of the sex-specific differences in liver methylation in the X-chromosome were also found in pancreatic islets and brain, and 26 autosomal sites showed sex-specific methylation differences in the liver as well as in other human tissues. Furthermore, this sex-specific methylation profile in liver was associated with hepatic gene expression changes between males and females. Notably, females showed higher HDL-cholesterol levels, which were associated with higher KDM6A expression and epigenetic differences in human liver. Accordingly, silencing of KDM6A in cultured liver cells reduced HDL-cholesterol levels and APOA1 expression, which is a major component of HDL particles. Conclusions Human liver has a sex-specific methylation profile in both the X-chromosome and autosomes, which associates with hepatic gene expression changes and HDL-cholesterol. We identified KDM6A as a novel target that regulates HDL-cholesterol levels., Epigenetics is an important mechanism for sex-specific differences in the transcriptome in the human liver. KDM6A contributes to the differences in HDL-cholesterol between females and males.