Epigenetic gestational age and trajectories of weight and height during childhood: a prospective cohort study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Differences between an individual's estimated epigenetic gestational age (EGA) and their actual gestational age (GA) are defined as gestational age acceleration (GAA). GAA is associated with increased birthweight and birth length. Whether these associations persist through childhood is yet to be investigated.

Methods

We examined the association between GAA and trajectories of height and weight from birth to 10 years (n = 785) in a British birth cohort study, the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC). EGA of participants was estimated using DNA methylation data from cord blood using a recently developed prediction model. GAA of participants, measured in weeks, was calculated as the residuals from a regression model of EGA on actual GA. Analyses w

SUBMITTER: Bright HD 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6916215 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature