Published 05/28/2024
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Gulsen Meral , Elif S. Aslan , Verda Tunaligil , Neval Burkay , Esma Gökcen Alper Acar , Muhammed Yunus Alp
Published 06/26/2024
Our findings revealed a notable reduction in foxp3 gene methylation levels among HT
patients who adhered to a diet excluding casein and gluten. The control maintained normal dietary guidelines and showed no significant alterations in methylation levels.
Elif S. Aslan , Gulsen Meral , Ece Aydin , Sinan Caglayan , Aytug Altundag , Seyda Demirkol , Gizem Gormus , Mustafa Solak , Furkan Ayaz
Published 08/15/2024
Background: Nutrigenetics explores how genetic variations influence an individual's responses to nutrients, enabling personalized nutrition. As dietary supplements gain popularity, understanding genetic factors in their metabolism and effectiveness is crucial for optimal health outcomes. This study examines the role of genetic differences in the metabolism and effects of nutraceuticals, underscoring the significance of personalized nutrition within precision health. It aims to reveal how individual genetic profiles influence responses to dietary supplements, highlighting the value of nutrigenetics in optimizing health interventions. The study explores how genetic variations affect the absorption and effects of nutraceuticals, focusing on personalized supplement choices based on nutrigenetics.
Gulsen Meral , Elif S. Aslan , Neval Burkay , Esma Gökcen Alper Acar , Mustafa Fevzi Karagöz , Merve Özkaya , Esra Sahin , Muhammed Yunus Alp
Published 15 December 2024
Background/Aim: Loss of smell, also known as anosmia, is a prevalent and often prolonged
symptom following infection with SARS-CoV-2. While many patients regain olfactory function within
weeks, a significant portion experience persistent anosmia lasting over a year post-infection. The
underlying mechanisms responsible for this sensory deficit remain largely uncharacterized. Previous
studies, including genome-wide association studies (GWAS), have identified genetic variants near
the UGT2A1 and UGT2A2 genes that are linked to anosmia in COVID-19 patients. However, the role
of epigenetic changes in the development and persistence of smell loss has not been well explored.
In this study, we aimed to investigate epigenetic alterations in the form of DNA methylation in the
UGT1A1 gene, which is a locus associated with olfactory dysfunction in COVID-19 patients. Methods:
We analysed DNA methylation patterns in blood samples from two carefully matched cohorts of
20 COVID-19 patients each, which are differentiated by their olfactory function—those with normal
smell (normosmia) and those suffering from smell loss (anosmia). The cohorts were matched for
age and sex to minimize potential confounding factors. Results: Using quantitative analysis, we
found significantly lower levels of DNA methylation in the UGT1A1 locus in the anosmia group
compared to the normosmia group, with a 14% decrease in median methylation values in patients
with smell loss (p < 0.0001). These findings highlight potential epigenomic alterations in the UGT1A1
gene that may contribute to the pathogenesis of anosmia following COVID-19 infection. Our results
suggest that the methylation status at this locus could serve as a biomarker for olfactory dysfunction
in affected individuals. Conclusion: This study is among the first to describe epigenetic changes
associated with smell loss in COVID-19, providing a foundation for future research into targeted
interventions and potential therapeutic strategies aimed at reversing persistent anosmia. Further
investigations involving larger cohorts and additional loci may help elucidate the complex interaction
between genetic, epigenetic, and environmental factors influencing long-term sensory impairment
post-COVID-19.
Elif Sibel Aslan, Kenneth White, Savas Gur, Mehmet Dokur, Gulsen Meral, Zeyneb Nur Akcay, Aytug Altundag, Mehmet Akif Baktir and Lutfiye Karcioglu Batur
ABS TRACT The global phenomenon of ageing and the expectation that the number of people aged 65 and over will reach 1.5 billion by 2050 is well recognized. The challenges that an ageing population poses to health systems, social security structures and national economies are evident. In the context of the World Health Organization's “Global Action Plan on Healthy Ageing”, it is important to emphasize the impact of epigenetic mechanisms on biological ageing. Epigenetic changes, especially DNA methylation, are considered as factors that accelerate or slow down the aging process and age-related diseases (such as diabetes, cancer, cardiovascular diseases and dementia). How DNA methylation and epigenetic changes shape biological aging independent of chronological age is examined through molecular processes and single carbon metabolism. In addition, how lifestyle and environmental factors affect the epigenetic structure and the negative effects of physical activity, smoking and alcohol consumption on the epigenetic clock were discussed.In addition, the use of epigenetic clocks in biological age estimation to promote healthy aging and the role of nutrigenetics-based epigenetic approach provided by personalized medicine in this process were discussed.Nutrition, probiotics and vitamin supplements stand out as potential factors that may affect the aging process by modulating DNA methylation.Together with the influence of genetic variations and environmental factors in the aging process, it is concluded that epigenetic treatment approaches may play a role in preventing diseases and promoting healthy aging.Aging is an inevitable biological phenomenon, but this process can be delayed by a healthy lifestyle.