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Body mass index, diet, and exercise: testing possible linkages to breast cancer risk via DNA methylation

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Abstract

Purpose

To examine DNA methylation as a mechanism linking diet, physical activity, weight status, and breast cancer risk.

Methods

Insufficiently active women of varying weight status, without a history of cancer, completed a maximal exercise test, clinical measurement of height and weight, and a dietary intake measure. They also provided blood samples, which were analyzed to ascertain average methylation of candidate genes related to breast cancer (BRCA1, RUNX3, GALNT9, and PAX6) and inflammation (TLR4 and TLR6).

Results

Elevated weight status (r = − .18, p < .05) and poorer aerobic fitness (r = .24, p < .01) were each associated with decreased methylation of inflammation genes. Methylation of inflammation genes statistically mediated the relationship between weight status and cancer gene methylation (standardized indirect effect = .12, p < .05) as well as between cardiorespiratory fitness and cancer gene methylation (standardized indirect effect = − .172, p < .01). However, recent dietary behavior was not associated with methylation of either inflammation or cancer genes.

Conclusions

Both weight status and cardiovascular fitness are associated with methylation of genes associated with both inflammation and cancer. Methylation of inflammatory genes might serve as a mechanistic link between lifestyle factors and methylation changes in genes that increase risk for breast cancer.

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Funding

This research was funded by a grant from NIH/NCI (Grant number R01CA179963-04) to Angela Bryan.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychology& Neuroscience, University of Colorado Boulder, Muenzinger D244, 345 UCB, Boulder, CO, 80309-0345, USA

    Arielle S. Gillman, Casey K. Gardiner, Claire E. Koljack & Angela D. Bryan

Authors
  1. Arielle S. Gillman
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  2. Casey K. Gardiner
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  3. Claire E. Koljack
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  4. Angela D. Bryan
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Arielle S. Gillman.

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The authors declared that they have no conflicts of interest.

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Gillman, A.S., Gardiner, C.K., Koljack, C.E. et al. Body mass index, diet, and exercise: testing possible linkages to breast cancer risk via DNA methylation. Breast Cancer Res Treat 168, 241–248 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10549-017-4573-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10549-017-4573-1

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