Predominant DNMT and TET mediate effects of allergen on the human bronchial epithelium in a controlled air pollution exposure study

Background

Epidemiological data show that traffic-related air pollution contributes to the increasing prevalence and severity of asthma. DNA methylation (DNAm) changes may elucidate adverse health effects of environmental exposures.

Objectives

We sought to assess the effects of allergen and diesel exhaust (DE) exposures on global DNAm and its regulation enzymes in human airway epithelium.

Methods

A total of 11 participants, including 7 with and 4 without airway hyperresponsiveness, were recruited for a randomized, double-blind crossover study. Each participant had 3 exposures: filtered air + saline, filtered air + allergen, and DE + allergen. Forty-eight hours postexposure, endobronchial biopsies and bronchoalveolar lavages were collected. Levels of DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs) and ten-eleven translocation (TET) enzymes, 5-methylcytosine, and 5-hydroxymethylcytosine were determined by immunohistochemistry. Cytokines and chemokines in bronchoalveolar lavages were measured by electrochemiluminescence multiplex assays.

Results

Predominant DNMT (the most abundant among DNMT1, DNMT3A, and DNMT3B) and predominant TET (the most abundant among TET1, TET2, and TET3) were participant-dependent. 5-Methylcytosine and its regulation enzymes differed between participants with and without airway hyperresponsiveness at baseline (filtered air + saline) and in response to allergen challenge (regardless of DE exposure). Predominant DNMT and predominant TET correlated with lung function. Allergen challenge effect on IL-8 in bronchoalveolar lavages was modified by TET2 baseline levels in the epithelium.

Conclusions

Response to allergen challenge is associated with key DNAm regulation enzymes. This relationship is generally unaltered by DE coexposure but is rather dependent on airway hyperresponsiveness status. These enzymes therefore warranted further inquiry regarding their potential in diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of asthma.