DNA could be the Reason for Higher Risk of Diabetes and Heart Disease in Glasgow

Mon, 23 Jan 2012
Latest research highlights that the health of the least well off Glaswegians may be impaired prior to birth.

Scientists have found that Glasgow's least well off residents are more likely to develop diabetes and cardiovascular disease in later life as part of their DNA, than those who are better off.

Glasgow University's College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences and the Glasgow Centre for Population Health researchers tested blood samples from 239 people and discovered considerable differences in levels of methylation in the DNA of those from different ends of the socio-economic spectrum.

DNA methylation is a process which naturally controls gene expression.

Most of this methylation content is set for life in humans from a few weeks after conception when the body structure and organs begin formation.

Lower methylation levels can impair this process which enables the body's cells to express just the genes they are meant to in order for the body to function effectively and remain healthy.

Levels of DNA methylation were lower in those most deprived, also showing signs of increased elevated risk of diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

Methylation levels do decrease as we age and can be slightly affected in adulthood by external factors like, stress, diet and lifestyle.

These findings help to explain why Glaswegians are more prone to ill health than many other people across the UK.

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