From the Guidelines
Overmethylation refers to the aberrant hypermethylation of CpG islands, which can alter the expression patterns of critical tumor suppressors and oncogenes, influencing malignant transformation, as seen in lung cancer 1. This condition is characterized by the excessive attachment of methyl groups (CH3) to DNA, proteins, and other molecules, leading to changes in gene expression and potentially contributing to the development of various diseases. Some key points to consider about overmethylation include:
- Aberrant hypermethylation of CpG islands is a common finding in lung cancer, affecting genes such as CDKN2A, FHIT, APC, p16, and RASSF1A 1
- Methylation patterns can be used as noninvasive biomarkers for early detection and prognosis of lung cancer, and may also guide therapeutic decisions 1
- Overmethylation can have significant implications for morbidity, mortality, and quality of life, particularly in the context of cancer diagnosis and treatment
- While the concept of overmethylation is recognized in functional and integrative medicine, testing and treatment approaches vary, and any suspected methylation issues should be addressed with qualified healthcare providers who can develop personalized treatment plans It's worth noting that the term "overmethylation" is not explicitly mentioned in the provided evidence, but rather the concept of aberrant hypermethylation is discussed in the context of lung cancer 1. However, based on the available information, it is clear that aberrant hypermethylation can have significant consequences for human health, and further research is needed to fully understand its implications.
From the Research
Definition of Overmethylation
- Overmethylation refers to an excessive amount of methylation in the body, which can lead to disturbances in various biological processes 2, 3.
- Methylation is a crucial epigenetic modification that plays a role in transcriptional gene silencing, and both excessive and reduced methylation can contribute to the development of various diseases 2, 3.
Causes of Overmethylation
- Overmethylation can be caused by an excessive intake of methyl nutrients, such as folate, vitamin B12, and methionine, which are involved in the one-carbon metabolism pathway 2, 4.
- An imbalance in the metabolism of these nutrients can affect DNA methylation patterns and contribute to the development of various diseases, including cancer and cardiovascular disease 5, 3.
Effects of Overmethylation
- Overmethylation can lead to the silencing of tumor suppressor genes, contributing to the development and progression of cancer 3.
- It can also contribute to the development of other diseases, such as neurological and immunological disorders, atherosclerosis, and osteoporosis 3.
- Additionally, overmethylation can affect the methionine remethylation cycle, leading to disruptions in cellular methylation processes and potentially contributing to various diseases 4.
Relationship with Methyl Nutrients
- Methyl nutrients, such as folate, vitamin B12, and methionine, play a crucial role in the methylation process, and an imbalance in their metabolism can contribute to overmethylation 2, 4.
- The intake of these nutrients can affect DNA methylation patterns, and an excessive intake can lead to overmethylation 2, 5.
- A combination of omega-3 fatty acids, folic acid, and B-group vitamins may be effective in lowering homocysteine levels, which can help reduce the risk of overmethylation 6.