Metals Exposures and DNA Methylation: Current Evidence and Future Directions.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose of the review

Exposure to essential and non-essential metals is widespread. Metals exposure is linked to epigenetic, particularly DNA methylation, differences. The strength of evidence with respect to the metal exposure type, timing, and level, as well as the DNA methylation association magnitude, and reproducibility are not clear. Focusing on the most recent 3 years, we reviewed the human epidemiologic evidence (n = 26 studies) and the toxicologic animal model evidence (n = 18 studies) for associations between metals exposure and DNA methylation.

Recent findings

In humans, the greatest number of studies focused on lead exposure, followed by studies examining cadmium and arsenic. Approximately half of studies considered metals exposure during the in utero period and

SUBMITTER: Elkin ER 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10082670 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature