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Hereditas(Beijing) ›› 2019, Vol. 41 ›› Issue (2): 98-110.doi: 10.16288/j.yczz.18-206

• Reviews • Previous Articles     Next Articles

DNA methylation in adipose tissue and the development of diabetes and obesity

Xin Huang,Yongqiang Chen,Guoliang Xu,Shuhong Peng()   

  1. Research Center for Differentiation and Development of Basic Theory of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Jiangxi University of TCM, Nanchang 330004, China
  • Received:2018-09-10 Revised:2018-11-03 Online:2019-02-20 Published:2018-12-06
  • Supported by:
    [Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(81503315);[Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(81560744);China Scholarship Council](201608360175)

Abstract:

Diabetes and obesity are complicated metabolic diseases which frequently occur together and are affected by environmental, hereditary and metabolic factors. Adipose tissue is involved in various physiological and pathological processes and plays an essential role as an endocrine organ which regulates the metabolic balance of the body. DNA methylation of some genes in adipose tissue may have an impact on its function. A growing body of evidence suggests that changes in DNA methylation may alter gene expression and lead to the development of diabetes and obesity in which adipose tissue function is imbalanced. This review discusses recent advances in alterations of DNA methylation in different types of adipose tissue in individuals with diabetes and obesity. This evidence may lead to a greater understanding of the pathogenesis of these diseases and lead to potential therapeutic interventions and management strategies for diabetes and obesity.

Key words: diabetes, adipose tissue, DNA methylation