Systemic steroid exposure is associated with differential methylation in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

ABSTRACT:

Rationale

Systemic glucocorticoids are used therapeutically to treat a variety of medical conditions. Epigenetic processes such as DNA methylation may reflect exposure to glucocorticoids and may be involved in mediating the responses and side effects associated with these medications.

Objectives

To test the hypothesis that differences in DNA methylation are associated with current systemic steroid use.

Methods

We obtained DNA methylation data at 27,578 CpG sites in 14,475 genes throughout the genome in two large, independent cohorts: the International COPD Genetics Network (n(discovery) = 1,085) and the Boston Early Onset COPD study (n(replication) = 369). Sites were tested for association with current systemic steroid use using generalized linear mixed models.

Mea

SUBMITTER: Wan ES 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3622442 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature