Low birthweight is associated with epigenetic age acceleration in the first 3 years of life.

ABSTRACT:

Background and objectives

The Developmental Origins of Health and Disease hypothesis posits that early life adversity is associated with poor adult health outcomes. Epidemiological evidence has supported this framework by linking low birthweight with adult health and mortality, but the mechanisms remain unclear. Accelerated epigenetic aging may be a pathway to connect early life experiences with adult health outcomes, based on associations of accelerated epigenetic aging with increased morbidity and mortality.

Methodology

Sixty-seven mother-infant dyads were recruited in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. Birthweight data were collected at birth, and blood samples were collected at birth and follow-up visits up to age 3. DNA methylation data were generated with the Il

SUBMITTER: Quinn EB 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10360162 | biostudies-literature | 2023

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature