Biotechnology/Renorbio Graduate Program, Universidade Federal do Espirito Santo, Vitoria, ES, Brazil.
Department of Pharmacy and Nutrition, Universidade Federal do Espirito Santo, Alegre, ES, Brazil.
Sci Rep. 2021 Mar 24;11(1):6768. doi: 10.1038/s41598-021-86189-z.
The NR3C1 glucocorticoid receptor (GR) gene is a component of the stress response system, which can be regulated by epigenetic mechanisms. NR3C1 methylation has been associated with trauma and mental issues, including depression, post-traumatic stress, anxiety, and personality disorders. Previous studies have reported that stressful events are involved in NR3C1 gene methylation, suggesting that its regulation under environmental effects is complex. The present study aimed to analyze associations involving stressors such as socioeconomic status, health conditions, and lifestyle in relation to NR3C1 methylation in adults. This study included 386 individual users of the Brazilian Public Unified Health System (SUS), and evaluated socioeconomic and health conditions, body mass index, cortisol levels, and lifestyle. Data were correlated with NR3C1 methylation, determined using DNA pyrosequencing. The results showed that alcohol consumption, overweight, and high cortisol levels were related to NR3C1 demethylation, while depression was related to its methylation. Habits, lifestyle, and health status may influence NR3C1 gene regulation via methylation, revealing the complexity of environmental impacts on NR3C1 methylation.
NR3C1 糖皮质激素受体 (GR) 基因是应激反应系统的一个组成部分，可以通过表观遗传机制进行调节。NR3C1 甲基化与创伤和精神问题有关，包括抑郁、创伤后应激、焦虑和人格障碍。先前的研究报告称，应激事件涉及 NR3C1 基因甲基化，表明其在环境影响下的调节是复杂的。本研究旨在分析与社会经济地位、健康状况和生活方式相关的应激源与成年人 NR3C1 甲基化之间的关联。本研究包括 386 名巴西公共统一医疗系统 (SUS) 的个体使用者，并评估了社会经济和健康状况、体重指数、皮质醇水平和生活方式。使用 DNA 焦磷酸测序法确定了数据与 NR3C1 甲基化的相关性。结果表明，饮酒、超重和高皮质醇水平与 NR3C1 去甲基化有关，而抑郁与 NR3C1 甲基化有关。习惯、生活方式和健康状况可能通过甲基化影响 NR3C1 基因的调节，揭示了环境对 NR3C1 甲基化影响的复杂性。
