Study of DNA Methylation in Offsprings of Individuals with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Abstract

Introduction:  Epigenetic is study of changes in gene expression that occur by changing the DNA methylation and remodeling chromatin. It may also be affected by the environment. It is an important pathogenic mechanisms in complex multifactorial diseases such as type two diabetes. Recent genome-wide association studies have identified a number of genetic variants that explain some of the inter individual variation in diabetes susceptibility. Thus keeping in view, the role of epigenetic mechanisms particularly DNA methylation, the present study was conducted to find out DNA methylation (Whole DNA) in offsprings of individuals with type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. Methods: For the present study, the families of one hundred Diabetic individuals were enrolled. All the off springs of diabetics above the age of 18 years were recruited for the present study. All the samples collected were analyzed for Fasting plasma glucose, Glycosylated Hemoglobin, Lipid profile complete and DNA methylation (5mcytosine). Results: The study included 100 diabetic individuals and their off springs in the age range of 18-35 years. DNA methylation measured as 5mc% was significantly (p<0.001) more in IFG and Diabetic offsprings as compared to normal individuals both males and females. Conclusions: Altered DNA Methylation in individuals of the age group 18-24 years indicates towards deranged metabolism in these individuals, leading to impaired fasting glucose and making them more prone to type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and its complications at a later age.