Obesity in female young adults is linked to reduced methylation of IL-6

• Main Authors: Wan Omar, Wan Fatein Nabeila, Abdullah, Aszrin, A.Talib, Norlelawati
• Format: Proceeding Paper
• Language: English; English
• Published: 2023
• Subjects: QP Physiology; R Medicine (General)
• Online Access: http://irep.iium.edu.my/107847/7/107847_Obesity%20in%20female%20young%20adults.pdf; http://irep.iium.edu.my/107847/8/107847_Obesity%20in%20female%20young%20adults_Certificate.pdf; http://irep.iium.edu.my/107847/; https://2023.sicem.kr/
• Institution: Universiti Islam Antarabangsa Malaysia

Objective: Obesity is a complex condition with multiple contributing factors and is an epidemic in all population including young adults. Epigenetic modifications including DNA methylation, and inflammation has been associated with the etiology of obesity. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is a pro-inflammatory cytokine linked to obesity. However, the interrelation between IL- 6 methylation, inflammation and obesity requires further investigation. In this study, we would like to investigate the correlation between IL-6 methylation, inflammation and obesity in young adults in males and females Methods: We assessed DNA methylation level of IL-6 gene promoter in peripheral blood leukocytes using bisulphite conversion and MethyLight assay. Data normality was evaluated using histogram, skewness, and kurtosis. Bivariate correlation was assessed using Pearson and Spearman’s correlation where appropriate. Results: We found inverse correlation between IL-6 methylation and BMI in female young adults (p = 0.037, r = –0.230), but not in males (p = 0.744). Meanwhile, high sensitivity C- reactive protein (hsCRP) showed positive association with body mass index and waist circumference in both sexes, with stronger association seen in female. There was significant association between IL-6 methylation and hsCRP in female (p = 0.033, r = -0.236) but not in males (p = 0.889). Conclusion: Lower IL-6 methylation is associated with higher hsCRP and higher BMI in female young adults. This finding could help to understand the different etiology in young population and considering specific treatment modality in treating this population.