Identification of the Relationship Between DNA Methylation of Circadian Rhythm Genes and Obesity

In children, teenagers, and young adults, environmental factors and genetic modifications have contributed to the development of obesity. There is a close relationship between obesity and circadian rhythm. To understand the role of CLOCK and BMAL1 in obesity, we analyzed the methylation status of CLOCK and BMAL1 in obese and control subjects. In this paper, we analyzed the methylation status of the CLOCK and BMAL1 genes by using MS-HRM in a total of 55 obese and 54 control subjects. In our study, we demonstrated that the level of fasting glucose and the level of HDL-cholesterol were associated with CLOCK methylation in obesity. We also showed a significant association between BMAL1 gene methylation and waist and hip circumference in obese subjects. This is the first study that shows the methylation of BMAL1 is associated with the obese phenotype. However, we could not show a direct association between CLOCK methylation and the obese phenotype. In this paper, a novel epigenetic interaction between circadian clock genes and obesity was demonstrated.

Automated summary

Environmental factors and genetic modifications contribute to the development of obesity in children, teenagers, and young adults. There is a close relationship between obesity and circadian rhythm. The methylation status of CLOCK and BMAL1 genes were analyzed in obese and control subjects, revealing an association between CLOCK methylation and fasting glucose and HDL-cholesterol levels in obesity, as well as a significant association between BMAL1 methylation and waist and hip circumference in obese subjects. This study demonstrates a novel epigenetic interaction between circadian clock genes and obesity.