Epigenetics of hyper-responsiveness to allergen challenge following intrauterine growth retardation rat.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Epidemiological studies have revealed that intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) or low birth weight is linked to the later development of asthma. Epigenetic regulatory mechanisms play an important role in the fetal origins of adult disease. However, little is known regarding the correlation between epigenetic regulation and the development of asthma following IUGR.

Methods

An IUGR and ovalbumin (OVA)-sensitization/challenge rat model was used to study whether epigenetic mechanisms play a role in the development of asthma following IUGR.

Results

Maternal nutrient restriction increased histone acetylation levels of the endothelin-1 (ET-1) gene promoter in lung tissue of offspring, but did not cause significant alterations of DNA methylation. The effect was

SUBMITTER: Xu XF 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4233040 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature