DNA methylation is an important epigenetic mechanism for repressing gene expression. However, the recent discovery of hydroxymethylation, which is associated with active gene expression, indicates the complexity of the process. It is also known that obesity affects DNA methylation, resulting in expression changes that cause inflammation, which in turn can promote the development of cardiometabolic syndrome – both of which are currently significant clinical problems.

Gomes de Melo et al. have used a Swiss mouse model to investigate whether exercise can reprogramme DNA methylation changes in adipose tissue. They compared three different groups: lean mice, obese mice and obese mice performing daily climbing. In adipose tissue obtained from these mice, obesity increased DNA hydroxymethylation at the promotor of multiple inflammation-associated genes, including the master inflammatory regulator Nfkb, and this resulted in their increased expression. This increased hydroxymethylation and inflammatory gene expression could be significantly ameliorated after strength training.

This study therefore suggests that simple interventions, such as strength training, may attenuate the abnormal epigenetic changes observed in obesity, and improve adipocyte health.

Read the full article in Journal of Endocrinology https://doi.org/10.1530/JOE-25-0283