Epigenetics: How a way of life affects heredity

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Epigenetics: How a way of life affects heredity

Chapter 1: Fundamentals of epigenetics – a bridge between genes and the environment

Epigenetics is the study of hereditary changes in the expression of genes that are not related to a change in the sequence of DNA. This, in fact, is the second layer of information imposed on the genome that determines which genes will be turned on or off, and to what extent. Imagine a genome as a book of recipes. Epigenetics does not change the recipes themselves (DNA sequence), but it adds notes, emphasis and notes that affect what recipes will be prepared and how they will be prepared.

In contrast to genetic changes (mutations), which are usually constant and transmitted from generation to generation, epigenetic changes are often reversible and can be influenced by environmental and lifestyle factors. This opens the doors to understand how our behavior, nutrition, stress and the effects of toxins can affect our health and the health of future generations.

1.1. Key mechanisms of epigenetics

There are several main mechanisms through which epigenetics controls the expression of genes:

  • DNA methylation: This is the process of adding a methyl group (CH3) to the base of cytosin in DNA. Methyling is usually associated with suppression of genes expression. When the gene is methylated, it becomes less accessible to transcription (processing process from DNA to RNA), which leads to a decrease or complete termination of the production of the corresponding protein. The enzymes involved in DNA methylation are called DNA methyltransferases (DNMT).

  • Modification of histones: Histons are proteins around which DNA is accused, forming a structure called chromatin. Modifications of histones, such as acetylation, methylation, phosphorylation and killing, affect the density of chromatin packaging. Acetylation of histones, for example, is usually associated with activation of genes expression, since it makes chromatin more loose and affordable for transcription factors. Methyling of histones can both activate and suppress the expression of genes, depending on the amino acid of histone, methylation occurs. The enzymes involved in the modification of histones include histone-acetyltransferases (Hats), histone deacilasis (HDACS) and histone-methyltransferase (HMTS).

  • Microrm (Markn): These are small non -leading RNA molecules that regulate genes expression by binding to MRNA (molecules that carry information from DNA to ribosomes where proteins are synthesized). The binding of Markn with MRNA can lead to the degradation of MRNA or inhibit its broadcasting, which leads to a decrease in the production of the corresponding protein. Mirnka play an important role in various biological processes, including the development, differentiation of cells and an immune response.

  • Non -diving RNA (NKRNK): This is a wide class of RNA molecules that do not encode proteins, but perform important regulatory functions. Long non -dodging RNAs (DNKRNK) can affect genes expression in various ways, including the regulation of chromatin structure, transcription and broadcast.

1.2. Epigenetic heredity: transmission of information to the following generations

One of the most exciting aspects of epigenetics is the possibility of transmitting epigenetic changes from generation to generation. This means that the experience of our ancestors can potentially affect our health and characteristics, even if we do not have direct genetic connections with certain diseases or signs.

The mechanisms through which epigenetic heredity occurs are not fully studied, but it is known that certain epigenetic marks can “slip away” the global reprogramming of the epigenoma, which occurs during gametogenesis (formation of germ cells) and the early development of the embryo.

Some researchers suggest that small RNA molecules, such as Markn, can play a role in transmitting epigenetic information through spermatozoa and eggs. Other studies show that histone modifications and DNA methylation can also be inherited.

It is important to note that epigenetic heredity is not absolutely strict or constant. Epigenetic marks can be changed or erased in subsequent generations, especially under the influence of environmental and lifestyle factors.

Chapter 2: Nutrition and epigenetics: “You are what your grandmother eats”

Food plays a key role in the formation of the epigenome. What we eat provides the necessary building blocks and signal molecules that affect DNA methylation, histone modification and Mirnka expression. Thus, a diet can have a deep effect on our health and the health of future generations.

2.1. Macronutrients and epigenetics

  • Squirrels: Amino acids obtained from proteins are the predecessors of various metabolic pathways that affect epigenetic processes. For example, methionine amino acid is the donor of the methyl groups necessary for DNA methylation. The deficiency of methionine can lead to a decrease in DNA methylation and, as a result, to a change in genes expression.

  • Carbohydrates: Carbohydrates affect the level of glucose in the blood, which, in turn, can affect the expression of genes involved in the metabolism of glucose and sensitivity to insulin. Chronic consumption of a large number of refined carbohydrates can lead to the development of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes, which are associated with epigenetic changes.

  • Fat: Fatty acids affect the expression of genes involved in inflammation, immune response and lipid metabolism. Omega-3 fatty acids contained in fish and other sources have anti-inflammatory properties and can have a favorable effect on the epigena. Trans-fats contained in processed foods, on the contrary, are associated with adverse epigenetic changes.

2.2. Micronutrients and epigenetics

Vitamins and minerals play an important role in epigenetic processes, acting as cofactors for enzymes involved in DNA methylation, modification of histones and expression of Mirnka.

  • Folic acid (vitamin B9): Folic acid is necessary for DNA synthesis and DNA methylation. Folic acid deficiency can lead to a decrease in DNA methylation and an increased risk of developing congenital defects, such as defects in the nervous tube.

  • Vitamin B12: Vitamin B12 is also necessary for DNA methylation. Vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to the accumulation of homocysteine, which is toxic for cells and can affect epigenetic processes.

  • Kholin: Kholin is the predecessor of betaine, which is the donor of methyl groups. Kholin is important for the development of the brain and liver, and its deficiency can lead to adverse epigenetic changes in these organs.

  • Zinc: Zinc is a cofactor for various enzymes involved in DNA methylation and histone modification. Zinc deficiency can lead to a change in genes expression and increased risk of developing various diseases.

  • Selenium: Selenium is a component of enzymes that protect cells from oxidative stress. Oxidative stress can damage DNA and influence epigenetic processes.

2.3. Biologically active compounds and epigenetics

Plants contain a wide range of biologically active compounds, such as polyphenols, flavonoids and sulforafan, which can affect the epigena.

  • Green tea (Epagallokatehin-3-Gallat, EGCG): EGCG is the main polyphenol contained in green tea. It has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and can inhibit DNA methyltransferase (DNMT), leading to DNA demethylization and activation of genes expression.

  • Curcumin: Kurkumin is a polyphenol contained in Kurkum. It has anti -inflammatory, antioxidant and anti -cancer properties. Kurkumin can affect the expression of genes by modulating the activity of histone-acetyltransferase (Hats) and histone deaculate (HDACS).

  • Sulforafan: Sulforafan is a compound contained in cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli and cabbage. It has anti-cancer properties and can inhibit histone deaculase (HDACS), leading to acetylation of histones and activating genes expression.

  • Resveratrol: Resveratrol is a polyphenol contained in red wine, grapes and berries. It has antioxidant and anti -inflammatory properties and can affect the expression of genes by modulating the activity of sirtuins, which are enzymes involved in the modification of histones.

2.4. Mother’s nutrition during pregnancy and epigenetic programming of offspring

Mother’s nutrition during pregnancy plays a decisive role in the epigenetic programming of offspring. The disadvantage or excess of certain nutrients can lead to adverse epigenetic changes that can increase the risk of diseases throughout the life of the offspring.

  • Protein deficiency: The protein deficiency during pregnancy can lead to a decrease in DNA methylation and a change in the expression of genes involved in the metabolism of glucose and lipids, which can increase the risk of obesity and diabetes of the type 2 in offspring.

  • High -fat diet: The consumption of a high -fat diet during pregnancy can lead to a change in the expression of genes involved in the development of the brain and immune system, which can increase the risk of neurological disorders and autoimmune diseases in offspring.

  • Folic acid deficiency: Folic acid deficiency during pregnancy can lead to defects in the nerve tube in the fetus.

  • Exposure to bisphenol A (BPA): BPA is a chemical used in the production of plastic products. The effect of BPA during pregnancy can lead to a change in the expression of genes involved in the development of the reproductive system, which can increase the risk of infertility in offspring.

Chapter 3: Stress and Epigenetics: the influence of emotions on the genome

Stress, especially chronic stress, has a deep effect on the epigena. It can change DNA methylation, histone modifications and the expression of Mirnka, leading to long -term changes in genes expression, which can increase the risk of mental and physical diseases.

3.1. Stress and epigenetics mechanisms

Stress activates the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (GGN) axis, which leads to the release of cortisol, the main hormone of stress. Cortisol binds to glucocorticoid receptors in various body cells, including brain cells. The binding of cortisol with glucocorticoid receptors can affect the expression of genes by modulating the activity of transcription factors and epigenetic enzymes.

  • DNA methylation: Chronic stress can lead to a change in DNA methylation in genes involved in the regulation of mood, stress resistance and cognitive functions. For example, stress can lead to hypermethylilation of the NR3C1 gene, which encodes a glucocorticoid receptor, which leads to a decrease in sensitivity to cortisol and increased susceptibility to depression.

  • Modification of histones: Stress can affect acetylation and methylation of histones in genes involved in the formation of memory and training. For example, stress can lead to the deification of histones in the BDNF gene, which encodes the neurotrophic factor of the brain, which leads to a decrease in neuroplasticity and increased susceptibility to anxious disorders.

  • Microornock: Stress can affect the expression of Mirn, which regulate the expression of genes involved in inflammation, immune response and stress resistance. For example, stress can lead to an increase in the expression of the MIRNC-132, which inhibits the expression of the MECP2 gene, which plays an important role in the development of the brain and cognitive functions.

3.2. The effect of stress at an early age on the epigen

Stress experienced at an early age, especially in childhood, can have a long -term effect on the epigena and increase the risk of developing mental and physical diseases in adulthood. Adverse children’s experiences (ACE), such as violence, neglect and lack of care, are associated with a change in DNA methylation, modification of histones and expression of Mirn in genes involved in the regulation of stress resistance, immune response and cognitive functions.

  • The influence of maternal care: Animal studies have shown that maternal care, such as licking and feeding offspring, can affect DNA methylation in the NR3C1 gene, which encodes the glucocorticoid receptor. The offspring, which receives more motherly care, has a lower level of methylation of the NR3C1 gene and higher sensitivity to cortisol, which makes them more resistant to stress.

  • Epigenetic heredity: School studies have shown that ACE can be associated with epigenetic changes in genes involved in the regulation of stress resistance and immune response. These epigenetic changes can be inherited and transmitted to the following generations, which can increase the risk of mental and physical diseases in offspring.

3.3. Stress management strategies and epigenetics

Strategies for stress management, such as meditation, yoga, physical exercises and social support, can have a beneficial effect on the epigena. These strategies can help reduce cortisol levels, improve mood regulation, increase stress resistance and change the expression of genes involved in these processes.

  • Meditation: Meditation can reduce the level of cortisol and change the expression of genes involved in the regulation of inflammation and an immune response.

  • Yoga: Yoga can reduce the level of cortisol, improve mood regulation and change the expression of genes involved in the regulation of stress resistance and cognitive functions.

  • Exercise: Physical exercises can reduce the level of cortisol, improve mood regulation and change the expression of genes involved in the regulation of metabolism and immune response.

  • Social support: Social support can reduce the level of cortisol, improve mood regulation and change the expression of genes involved in the regulation of stress resistance and cognitive functions.

Chapter 4: The effect of toxins and epigenetics: chemicals that change our genome

The effect of toxins, such as air pollutants, pesticides, heavy metals and industrial chemicals, can have a deep effect on the epigena. These toxins can change DNA methylation, histone modifications and the expression of Mirn, leading to long -term changes in genes expression, which can increase the risk of cancer, reproductive disorders, neurological disorders and other diseases.

4.1. The mechanisms of exposure toxins and epigenetics

Toxins can affect the epigena in various ways, including:

  • Intervention in DNA methylation: Some toxins, such as lead and cadmium, can inhibit DNA-methyltransferases (DNMT), leading to a decrease in DNA methylation and activation of genes expression. Other toxins, such as arsenic, can increase DNMT activity, leading to DNA hypermethylization and suppression of genes expression.

  • Intervention in the modification of histones: Some toxins, such as chainsaw, can affect acetylation and methylation of histones, changing the structure of chromatin and the expression of genes.

  • Mirunk expression intervention: Some toxins, such as dioxins, can affect the expression of Mirnka, which regulate the expression of genes involved in various biological processes.

4.2. Examples of toxins and their epigenetic influence

  • Air pollution (solid particles PM2.5): The impact of solid particles PM2.5 contained in the contaminated air is associated with a change in DNA methylation in genes involved in the regulation of inflammation and immune response, which can increase the risk of respiratory diseases and cardiovascular diseases.

  • Pesticides (chlorpyricthos): The effect of chlorpyrifose, organophosphate pesticide is associated with a change in DNA methylation in genes involved in the development of the brain, which can increase the risk of neurological disorders in children.

  • Heavy metals (lead): The impact of lead is associated with a change in DNA methylation in genes involved in the development of the brain and cognitive functions, which can lead to a decrease in intelligence and learning problems.

  • Industrial chemicals (bisphenol A, BPA): The effect of BPA is associated with a change in DNA methylation in genes involved in the development of the reproductive system, which can increase the risk of infertility and breast cancer.

4.3. Strategies for reducing the effects of toxins and protecting the epigenome

There are various strategies that can be used to reduce the effects of toxins and protect the epigenoma:

  • Improving air quality: The use of air filters in the room, avoiding polluted areas and supporting a policy aimed at reducing air pollution.

  • The choice of organic foods: Organic foods do not contain synthetic pesticides and herbicides, which reduces the effects of these toxic substances.

  • Avoiding plastic products containing BPA: The use of glass or stainless containers for storing food and drinks, and avoiding the use of plastic bottles and containers containing BPA.

  • Limiting the effects of heavy metals: Avoiding the use of fish containing high levels of mercury, and testing the level of lead in water and paint in the house.

  • Maintaining a healthy lifestyle: A healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, regular physical exercises and stress control, can help protect the epigen from the effects of toxins.

Chapter 5: Physical activity and epigenetics: the movement that changes our genome

Physical activity has a beneficial effect on the epigena, changing DNA methylation, modifications of histones and the expression of Mirn in genes involved in metabolism, immune response, cognitive functions and stress resistance.

5.1. Mechanisms of physical activity and epigenetics

During physical activity, the muscles distinguish myokines, which are signal molecules that affect other tissues and organs, including the brain, liver and adipose tissue. Myokins can affect genes by modulating the activity of transcription factors and epigenetic enzymes.

  • DNA methylation: Physical activity can affect DNA methylation in genes involved in glucose and lipid metabolism, which can improve insulin sensitivity and reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes.

  • Modification of histones: Physical activity can affect acetylation and methylation of histones in genes involved in the formation of memory and training, which can improve cognitive functions.

  • Microornock: Physical activity can affect the expression of Markn, which regulate the expression of genes involved in inflammation, immune response and stress resistance.

5.2. The influence of physical activity on the epigena in various diseases

  • Obesity and diabetes of type 2: Physical activity can improve insulin sensitivity and reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes by changing DNA methylation in genes involved in glucose and lipid metabolism.

  • Cardiovascular diseases: Physical activity can reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases by changing the expression of genes involved in the regulation of inflammation and blood pressure.

  • Neurological disorders: Physical activity can improve cognitive functions and reduce the risk of developing neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease, by changing the modifications of histones in the genes involved in the formation of memory and training.

  • Cancer: Physical activity can reduce the risk of developing some types of cancer, such as colon cancer and breast cancer, by changing the expression of genes involved in the regulation of cellular growth and apoptosis (programmable cell death).

5.3. Physical activity recommendations to optimize the epigenome

It is recommended to engage in moderate physical activity of at least 150 minutes a week or intensive physical activity of at least 75 minutes a week. This may include walking, running, swimming, cycling or other activities that increase heart and breathing frequency. It is also recommended to perform strength exercises at least twice a week to strengthen muscles and bones. It is important to start slowly and gradually increase the intensity and duration of physical activity.

Chapter 6: Sleep and Epigenetics: Rest that regulates our genome

Sleep plays an important role in the regulation of the epigenome. The lack of sleep or a violation of the sleeping cycle can change DNA methylation, histone modifications and the expression of Mirn in the genes involved in metabolism, immune response, cognitive functions and mood regulation.

6.1. Sleep and epigenetics mechanisms

During sleep, the brain consolidates memories, restores energy and is cleansed of toxins. Dream also affects the release of hormones, such as melatonin and cortisol, which can modulate the expression of genes.

  • DNA methylation: The lack of sleep can lead to a change in DNA methylation in genes involved in the metabolism of glucose and lipids, which can increase the risk of the development of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.

  • Modification of histones: The lack of sleep can affect acetylation and methylation of histones in the genes involved in the formation of memory and training, which can worsen cognitive functions.

  • Microornock: The lack of sleep can affect the expression of Mirn, which regulate the expression of genes involved in inflammation, immune response and mood regulation.

6.2. The effect of circus rhythms impaired on the epigen

Circat rhythms are internal biological watches that regulate the sleeping cycle and other physiological processes within a 24-hour period. Violation of circadian rhythms, caused, for example, by changing time zones or working in a night shift, can have a negative impact on the epigena.

  • Changing the expression of watches: Violation of circadian rhythms can lead to a change in the expression of clock genes that regulate the sleeping cycle and other circus rhythms.

  • Increased risk of developing diseases: Violation of circadian rhythms is associated with an increased risk of developing obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, cancer and mental disorders.

6.3. Tips for improving sleep and supporting a healthy epigenome

  • Observe sleep mode: Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, even on weekends.

  • Create a relaxing atmosphere before going to bed: Take a warm bath, read a book or listen to soothing music.

  • Avoid caffeine and alcohol before bedtime: Caffeine and alcohol can disrupt sleep.

  • Limit the use of electronic devices before bedtime: Blue light emitted by electronic devices can suppress the production of melatonin.

  • Provide the darkness, silence and coolness in the bedroom: Darkness, silence and coolness contribute to good sleep.

Chapter 7: The future of epigenetics: therapeutic approaches and prevention of diseases

Epigenetics opens up new opportunities for the development of therapeutic approaches to the treatment of various diseases. Understanding how environmental factors and lifestyle affect the epigena can help develop strategies for the prevention of diseases and improve health.

7.1. Epigenetic drugs

There are drugs that can modulate the activity of epigenetic enzymes, such as DNA methyltransferase (DNMT) and histone deanelase (HDAC). These drugs are used to treat some types of cancer and other diseases.

  • DNA-methyltransferase inhibitors (DNMTI): DNMTI, such as Azacitidine and Decitabin, are used to treat myelodisplay syndrome and acute myeloid leukemia.

  • Inhibitors histone deacilasis (HDACI): HDACI, such as a militaric and romidepsin, are used to treat skin T-cell lymphoma.

7.2. Epigenetic diagnosis

Epigenetic markers can be used to diagnose diseases and predict the risk of their development. For example, DNA methylation in certain genes can be used to diagnose breast cancer and colon cancer.

7.3. Epigenetic prevention

Changes in the lifestyle, such as balanced nutrition, regular physical exercises, stress management and avoiding the effects of toxins, can have a beneficial effect on the epigenic and reduce the risk of various diseases.

7.4. Personalized medicine based on epigenetics

Epigenetics can play an important role in the development of personalized approaches to the treatment and prevention of diseases. Information about the epigenetic status of a person can help doctors choose the most effective treatment and develop individual recommendations on lifestyle.

7.5. Ethical issues of epigenetics

Epigenetics raises a number of ethical issues related to the use of epigenetic information in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of diseases. It is important to consider potential risks and advantages of epigenetic technologies and ensure their fair and equal use.

Chapter 8: Studies in the field of epigenetics: new discoveries and prospects

Studies in the field of epigenetics are actively developing, and new discoveries constantly expand our understanding of how a lifestyle affects heredity.

8.1. Epigenetics and aging

Studies show that epigenetic changes play an important role in the aging process. With age, epigenetic errors accumulate in cells, which can lead to a decrease in tissue and organs and an increase in the risk of developing age diseases.

8.2. Epigenetics and development of the nervous system

Epigenetic mechanisms play an important role in the development of the nervous system and the formation of cognitive functions. Studies show that epigenetic changes can be associated with the development of autism, schizophrenia and other neurological disorders.

8.3. Epigenetics and immunity

Epigenetic changes affect the function of the immune system and can be associated with the development of autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus.

8.4. Epigenetics and reproductive health

Epigenetic changes can affect the reproductive health of men and women and be associated with infertility and other reproductive disorders.

8.5. Epigenome research technologies

New technologies are being developed for the study of the epigenome, such as sequencing of methylated DNA and analysis of histone modifications. These technologies allow scientists to study epigenetic changes in more detail and their role in the development of diseases.

Epigenetics is a rapidly developing area of ​​science, which promises to revolutionize our understanding of how a way of life affects heredity and health. Understanding the epigenetic mechanisms can help develop new strategies for the prevention of diseases, improve health and extend life.

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