title: Spontaneous Preterm Delivery, Particularly with Reduced Fetal Growth, is Associated with DNA Hypomethylation of Tumor Related Genes.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Preterm delivery and sub-optimal fetal growth are associated with each other and affect both mother and infant. Our aim was to determine (i) whether there are detectable differences in DNA methylation between early and late gestation and (ii) whether changes in DNA methylation from entry are associated with spontaneous preterm delivery with and without reduced fetal growth.
  
  
  METHODS
  We conducted a case-control study nested within a large prospective cohort. Gene specific methylation was measured by Methyl-Profiler PCR Array in a Human Breast Cancer Signature Panel of 24 genes from maternal peripheral leukocytes genomic DNA at entry and 3rdtrimester (sampled at 16 and 30 weeks of gestation, respectively). Clonal bisulfite DNA sequencing was performed to confirm the changes in selected genes (CYP1B1, GADD45A and CXCL12). Multivariable analysis was used for data analysis.
  
  
  RESULTS
  There was significantly decrease in DNA methylation in 15 of 24 genes during the 3rdtrimester in cases of spontaneous preterm delivery (n=23) as compared to the controls (n=19) (p<0.05-p<0.01 for each gene). Similar results were observed by bisulfite sequencing for 3 genes. The change in DNA methylation between late and early gestation was significantly different in cases (overall decrease in methylation was -4.0 ± 1.5%) compared to the controls (overall increase in methylation was 12.6 ± 2.19%, p<0.0001). A graded pattern of DNA methylation was observed in 15 genes. Cases who delivered preterm with reduced fetal growth had the lowest level of methylation, cases delivering preterm without reduced fetal growth were next and term controls were highest in methylation (p for trend <0.05 to p<0.01 for each gene). Cases of preterm delivery also had significantly lower dietary choline intake.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  These data suggest that epigenetic modification is associated with an increased risk of spontaneous preterm delivery, spontaneous preterm delivery with reduced fetal growth in particular.
authors: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Rowan University - School of Osteopathic Medicine, Stratford, NJ, USA.
authors: Xinhua
authors: X
authors: Chen
authors: Department of Neural and Pain Sciences, University of Maryland, School of Dentistry, Baltimore, MD, USA.
authors: Guang
authors: G
authors: Bai
authors: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Rowan University - School of Osteopathic Medicine, Stratford, NJ, USA.
authors: Theresa O
authors: TO
authors: Scholl
keywords: DNA methylation; Free choline; Reduced fetal growth; Spontaneous preterm delivery; Total choline; Tumor related genes