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DNA methylation of imprinted genes in Mexican-American newborn children with prenatal phthalate exposure.

AIM
Imprinted genes exhibit expression in a parent-of-origin-dependent manner and are critical for child development. Recent limited evidence suggests that prenatal exposure to phthalates, ubiquitous endocrine disruptors, can affect their epigenetic dysregulation.


MATERIALS & METHODS
We quantified DNA methylation of nine imprinted gene differentially methylated regions by pyrosequencing in 296 cord blood DNA samples in a Mexican-American cohort. Fetal exposure was estimated by phthalate metabolite concentrations in maternal urine samples during pregnancy.


RESULTS
Several differentially methylated regions of imprinted genes were associated with high molecular weight phthalates. The most consistent, positive, and false discovery rate significant associations were observed for MEG3.


CONCLUSION
Phthalate exposure in utero may affect methylation status of imprinted genes in newborn children.