Recent progress in the genetics and epigenetics of paraoxonase: why it is relevant to children's environmental health.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose of review

Children are more susceptible to exposures in utero and during early childhood that may result in developmental problems and chronic diseases. Novel discoveries in the field of molecular epidemiology that can help explain susceptibility to exposures and disease will be demonstrated using the multifunctional enzyme paraoxonase 1 (PON1) as an example.

Recent findings

The broad PON1 variability in humans, partly due to differences in genetics and age, can confer differential susceptibility because this enzyme can detoxify organophosphate pesticides and has antioxidant properties. Epigenetics plays a significant role in the mediation of the effects of environmental exposure on human health and is hypothesized to be a major contributing factor to the early-life

SUBMITTER: Holland N 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4431624 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature