Evaluation of the DNA methylation pattern in healthy, sarcopenic, obese and obese sarcopenic older adults: a cross-cross-cross study

• Grant number: 23/09554-0
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Support Program for Fixating Young Doctors
• Effective date (Start): August 01, 2023
• Effective date (End): June 30, 2025
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Physical Education
• Acordo de Cooperação: CNPq
• Principal Investigator: Ellen Cristini de Freitas
• Grantee: Ana Claudia Rossini Venturini
• Host Institution: Escola de Educação Física e Esporte de Ribeirão Preto (EEFERP). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Ribeirão Preto , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 23/01611-5 - Evaluation of the DNA methylation pattern in healthy, sarcopenic, obese and obese sarcopenic older adults: a cross-cross-cross study, AP.R

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Sarcopenic obesity (SO), a functional and clinical condition, is characterized by the coexistence of obesity, marked by excess fat mass and sarcopenia, characterized by reduced strength and muscle mass. SO is associated with a greater risk of health-related adverse clinical outcomes than older adults with obesity and sarcopenia alone. Aging promotes genome hypomethylation and seems to be related to complex epigenetic changes. Thus, understanding how aging, specifically sarcopenia, obesity and SO, is regulated by epigenetic factors favors the development of new treatment therapies. Thus, the objective of this project will be to evaluate the pattern of DNA methylation in peripheral blood of healthy, sarcopenic, obese and sarcopenic obese older women. METHODS: This cross-sectional study will include 60 older women who will be classified as healthy, with sarcopenia, obesity and sarcopenic obesity living in the city of Ribeirão Preto - SP. The older adults will perform total and regional body scan using iDXA, anthropometric assessment, functional capacity tests, peripheral blood collection for analysis of biochemical markers and genetics (DNA methylation). For statistical analysis will be used t test, ANOVA, linear regression models and Pearson's correlation. Analyzes of the complete methylome will be performed using bioinformatics tools, including specific software. EXPECTED RESULTS: Difference in the methylation patterns are expected. In addition, it is expected to clarify how epigenetic changes occur throughout this process.