Understanding the Role of Methylation in Human Health

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Methylation

Understanding the Role of Methylation

Methylation is a critical process that happens trillions of times in every cell each minute.  It is one of the most essential metabolic functions of the body and is dependent upon a variety of enzymes.  Adapting to stress and the challenges of life is an aspect that methylation provides the body.  Without adequate methylation processes the individual cannot adapt effectively and will suffer the deleterious effects of accelerated aging (1).

Methylation is a controlled transfer of a methyl group (one carbon and three hydrogen atoms) onto proteins, amino acids, enzymes and DNA in every cell and tissue of the body to regulate healing, cell energy, genetic expression of DNA, liver detoxification, immunity and neurology.

MethylationProcessesInfo_1024x1024

Inadequate Methylation Symptoms:

Cardiovascular Disease (2)                Diabetes (3)

Multiple Sclerosis (4)                        Psychiatric Disorders (5)

Chronic Inflammation (6)                 NeuroTransmitter Imbalances (7)

Abnormal Immune Function (8)       Dementia (9)

Autism (10)                                                Fertility & Miscarriages (11)

Cancer (12)                                       Chronic Fatigue (13)

Alzheimers (14)                                Down’s Syndrome (15)

Pregnancy Problems (16)

Why is Methylation Important for Health?

Methylation is involved in almost every bodily biochemical reaction, and occurs billions of times every second in our cells. That’s why figuring out where there are challenges in the cycle and how to help it perform better will significantly improve our health.

There are many key functions of methylation, for example methylation is intimately involved in all of the following processes:

Turn on and off genes (gene regulation) – this is important in cancer for example (17)
Process chemicals and toxins (bio transformation) helping to reduce our toxic load (18)
Builds neurotransmitters (dopamine, serotonin, epinephrine) (19)
Processes and metabolizes hormones (estrogen) (20)
Build immune cells (T cells and NK cells) (21)
Synthesis of DNA and RNA (thymine is formed from uracil) (22)
Produce energy (CoQ10, Carnitine and ATP) (23)
Produce protective coating on our nerves (via myelination) (24)

Homocysteine biochemical pathways_2

Elevated Homocysteine Levels: 

Homocysteine is a metabolic byproduct of protein metabolism and in particular the metabolism of methionine.  Methionine is found in meats, seafood, dairy products, eggs, sesame seeds and Brazil nuts.

Homocysteine is metabolized through two pathways: remethylation and transsulfuration.  Remethylation requires folate and B12 coenzymes while transsulfuration requires pyridoxal-5-phosphate, the B6 coenzyme.

Homocysteine levels, What are Your Homocysteine Levels?

Control Homocysteine Levels

Elevated homocysteine causes excessive clotting which diminishes blood flow to major regions of the body.  The lack of blood supply to the heart may cause heart attacks and the lack of blood supply to the brain accelerates the development of dementia and may lead to strokes.

High homocysteine is also associated with blood clots in other major regions of the body.  This includes the veins in such conditions as deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism.  In some studies, even moderate levels of homocysteine levels showed higher rates of incidence of blood clot formation

Homocysteine levels, What are Your Homocysteine Levels?

What Influences the Methylation Process?

Methylation is regulated by key enzymes and cofactors for activation (25).  This process is dependent upon certain vitamins and minerals.  When we are deficient in the necessary substrates and cofactors it compromises the methylation processes.

There are many key nutrients that play a role in methylation.  These include zinc, magnesium, B2, B6, folate, B12, niacin and others (26).  Many people consume diets that are deficient or deplete their bodies of these key nutrients.  Other individuals have genetic polymorphisms that reduce their ability to absorb and utilize these nutrients (27).

Medications such as birth control pills, NSAID’s and antacids deplete these nutrients and consume massive quantities of methyl groups for proper detoxification.   Heavy metal exposure, chronic infections, alcohol consumption and heavy emotional stress also deplete methyl groups and put us at risk (28, 29).

methylation

Testing for Methylation Imbalances:

Methylation imbalances are often not considered by most doctors and health coaches.  Most health care practitioners and health coaches have little to no education in methylation.  Those who are well educated in this subject are the premium when it comes to getting to the underlying cause of your health problems.

Specific blood work can evaluate the plasma levels of methionine, cysteine, SAMe, SAH, Homocysteine and cystathione.  These tests also give the important “methylation index” (ratio of SAMe to SAH).  The results of this test can guide the nutritional support to improve methionine metabolism, reducing homocysteine and the consequences of inadequate methylation and transsulfuration capacity (30).

methylationprofile

Genetic Influences and on Methylation:

Genetic variations play a very important role in the methylation process.  The presence of SNP (single nucleotide polymorphisms) is often a major factor in identifying the underlying cause of imbalanced methylation.  A SNP may be present in one or both of the genes.   When it is present on one of the genes it is called a heterozygous polymorphism and when it is on both of the genes it is a homozygous polymorphism.

Every part of the methylation pathway can be influenced by SNP’s.  The most popular and well-studied one is MTHFR or methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase.  This enzyme converts 5,10 methylene Tetrahydrofolate to 5-methyltetrahydrofolate (5 methyl THF).  5-methyl THF then passes its methyl group to hydroxyl-B12.  Hydroxy-B12 then becomes methyl B12 by methylating homocysteine.  This process converts a potentially dangerous substance (homocysteine) into a very important molecule called SAMe.

methylation

MTHFR Polymorphisms:

There are two key MTHFR polymorphisms – A1298C and C677T.  The effect these have on the methylation cycle and overall health are different between the two.  C677T SNP’s are associated with elevated homocysteine levels (31).  Elevated homocysteine is a major risk factor for heart disease and neurodegenerative states such as Alzheimer’s disease (32, 33).

A1298C SNP’s do not lead to elevated homocysteine but instead play an important role in neurotransmitter function.  The 1298C is important in the conversion of BH2 to BH4 which plays a huge role in mood regulation and addictive behavior (34).

methylation

Nutrigenomics and 21st Century Health

The field of Nutrigenomics or the science of how nutrition interacts with our genes is revolutionizing our understanding of how to apply specific supplementation to meet an individual’s needs.  As we continue to develop our understanding of these SNP’s and the methylation cycle we will be even better at addressing the underlying cause of variant health issues.

Epigenetics is a term that is used to identify how the environment interacts with our genes.  Epigenetic research has shown that our environment can change our genetic structure far beyond what we inherited from our parents.  Our lifestyle habits, environmental conditions and toxic exposure can change our genes to the point where those changes are passed onto our offspring (35).

One supplement that I use for special cases in need of methylation is Methyl Power.  Check it out here

methylation

Sources For This Article Include:

1. Weidner CI, Lin Q, Koch CM, Eisele L, Beier F, Ziegler P, Bauerschlag DO, Jöckel KH, Erbel R, Mühleisen TW, Zenke M, Brümmendorf TH, Wagner W. Aging of blood can be tracked by DNA methylation changes at just three CpG sites. Genome Biol. 2014 Feb 3;15(2):R24. PMID: 24490752
2. Guay SP, Légaré C, Houde AA, Mathieu P, Bossé Y, Bouchard L. Acetylsalicylic acid, aging and coronary artery disease are associated with ABCA1 DNA methylation in men. Clin Epigenetics. 2014 Jul 29;6(1):14. PMID: 25093045
3. Tang L, Wang L, Ye H, Xu X, Hong Q, Wang H, Xu L, Bu S, Zhang L, Cheng J, Liu P, Ye M, Mai Y, Duan S. BCL11A gene DNA methylation contributes to the risk of type 2 diabetes in males. Exp Ther Med. 2014 Aug;8(2):459-463. PMID: 25009601
4. Graves M, Benton M, Lea R, Boyle M, Tajouri L, Macartney-Coxson D, Scott R, Lechner-Scott J. Methylation differences at the HLA-DRB1 locus in CD4+ T-Cells are associated with multiple sclerosis. Mult Scler. 2013 Dec 12;20(8):1033-1041. PMID: 24336351
5. Dell’Osso B, D’Addario C, Carlotta Palazzo M, Benatti B, Camuri G, Galimberti D, Fenoglio C, Scarpini E, Di Francesco A, Maccarrone M, Altamura AC. Epigenetic modulation of BDNF gene: differences in DNA methylation between unipolar and bipolar patients. J Affect Disord. 2014 Sep;166:330-3. PMID: 25012449
6. Pan Z, Zhu LJ, Li YQ, Hao LY, Yin C, Yang JX, Guo Y, Zhang S, Hua L, Xue ZY, Zhang H, Cao JL. Epigenetic modification of spinal miR-219 expression regulates chronic inflammation pain by targeting CaMKIIγ. J Neurosci. 2014 Jul 16;34(29):9476-83. PMID: 25031391
7. Alelú-Paz R, González-Corpas A, Ashour N, Escanilla A, Monje A, Guerrero Márquez C, Algora Weber M, Ropero S. DNA methylation pattern of gene promoters of major neurotransmitter systems in older patients with schizophrenia with severe and mild cognitive impairment. Int J Geriatr Psychiatry. 2015 Jun;30(6):558-65. PMID: 25044034
8. Simar D, Versteyhe S, Donkin I, Liu J, Hesson L, Nylander V, Fossum A, Barrès R.Metabolism. DNA methylation is altered in B and NK lymphocytes in obese and type 2 diabetic human. 2014 Sep;63(9):1188-97. PMID: 24996265
9. Pezzi JC, Ens CM, Borba EM, Schumacher-Schuh AF, de Andrade FM, Chaves ML, Fiegenbaum M, Camozzato AL. DNA methyltransferase haplotype is associated with Alzheimer’s disease. Neurosci Lett. 2014 Sep 5;579:70-4. PMID: 25038421
10. Lesseur C, Paquette AG, Marsit CJ. Epigenetic Regulation of Infant Neurobehavioral Outcomes. Med Epigenet. 2014 May;2(2):71-79. PMID: 25089125
11. Consales C, Leter G, Bonde JP, Toft G, Eleuteri P, Moccia T, Budillon A, Jönsson BA, Giwercman A, Pedersen HS, Ludwicki JK, Zviezdai V, Heederik D, Spanò M. Indices of methylation in sperm DNA from fertile men differ between distinct geographical regions. Hum Reprod. 2014 Sep;29(9):2065-72. PMID: 25035434
12. Lindqvist BM, Wingren S, Motlagh PB, Nilsson TK. Whole genome DNA methylation signature of HER2-positive breast cancer. Epigenetics. 2014 Aug;9(8):1149-62. PMID: 25089541
13. Paquette AG, Marsit CJ. The developmental basis of epigenetic regulation of HTR2A and psychiatric outcomes. J Cell Biochem. 2014 Dec;115(12):2065-72. PMID: 25043477
14. Coppedè F. The potential of epigenetic therapies in neurodegenerative diseases. Front Genet. 2014 Jul 14;5:220. PMID: 25071843
15. Iacobazzi V, Infantino V, Castegna A, Andria G. Hyperhomocysteinemia: related genetic diseases and congenital defects, abnormal DNA methylation and newborn screening issues. Mol Genet Metab. 2014 Sep-Oct;113(1-2):27-33. PMID: 25087163
16. Anderson CM, Ralph JL, Johnson L, Scheett A, Wright ML, Taylor JY, Ohm JE, Uthus E. First trimester vitamin D status and placental epigenomics in preeclampsia among Northern Plains primiparas. Life Sci. 2015 May 15;129:10-5. PMID: 25050465
17. Epigenomics – Link Here
18. Baccarelli A, Bollati V. Epigenetics and environmental chemicals. Current opinion in pediatrics. 2009;21(2):243-251.
19. Miller AL. The methylation, neurotransmitter, and antioxidant connections between folate and depression. Altern Med Rev. 2008 Sep;13(3):216-26. PMID: 18950248
20. Widschwendter M, Siegmund KD, Müller HM, Fiegl H, Marth C, Müller-Holzner E, Jones PA, Laird PW. Association of breast cancer DNA methylation profiles with hormone receptor status and response to tamoxifen. Cancer Res. 2004 Jun 1;64(11):3807-13. PMID: 15172987
21. DNA Methylation Regulates Differentiation of Naive Immune Cells into Effector Cells Link Here
22. RNA-directed DNA methylation: an epigenetic pathway of increasing complexity Link Here
23. Global DNA methylation levels are modulated by mitochondrial DNA variants. Link Here
24. Kim S, Lim IK, Park GH, Paik WK. Biological methylation of myelin basic protein: enzymology and biological significance. Int J Biochem Cell Biol. 1997 May;29(5):743-51. PMID: 9251242
25. Malanovic N, Streith I, Wolinski H, Rechberger G, Kohlwein SD, Tehlivets O. S-adenosyl-L-homocysteine hydrolase, key enzyme of methylation metabolism, regulates phosphatidylcholine synthesis and triacylglycerol homeostasis in yeast: implications for homocysteine as a risk factor of atherosclerosis. J Biol Chem. 2008 Aug 29;283(35):23989-99. PMID: 18591246
26. Choi SW, Friso S. Epigenetics: A New Bridge between Nutrition and Health. Adv Nutr. 2010 Nov;1(1):8-16. PMID: 22043447
27. Pongtheerat T, Pakdeethai S, Purisa W, Chariyalertsak S, Petmitr S. Promoter methylation and genetic polymorphism of glutathione S-transferase P1 gene (GSTP1) in Thai breast- cancer patients. Asian Pac J Cancer Prev. 2011;12(10):2731-4. PMID: 22320983
28. Huffington Post – The Nutritional Cost of Birth Control Pills Link Here
29. A Practical Guide to Avoiding Drug-Induced Nutrient Depletion Link Here
30. Methylation Index Link Here
31. MTHFR Link Here
32. NIH – High Homocysteine Levels May Double Risk of Dementia, Alzheimer’s Disease, New Report Suggests Link Here
33. Wierzbicki AS. Homocysteine and cardiovascular disease: a review of the evidence. Diab Vasc Dis Res. 2007 Jun;4(2):143-50. PMID: 17654449
34. MTHFR A1298C Polymorphism Link Here
35. Lim U, Song MA. Dietary and lifestyle factors of DNA methylation. Methods Mol Biol. 2012;863:359-76. PMID: 22359306

methylation

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Dr. Jockers

Dr David Jockers is passionate about seeing people reach their health potential in mind, body and spirit. He is the host of the popular “Dr Jockers Functional Nutrition” podcast and the author of the best-selling books, “The Keto Metabolic Breakthrough” and “The Fasting Transformation.”

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  1. Tests show I’m a low methylator…so, I take 2 balanced B’s to help speed up detox. Since i increased the B’s, I feel unwell: nauseous and frequent BMs…and of course, as you know I have adrenal fatigue to deal with, and am on an SSRI. My question is: is there a link between detoxing and feeling lousy?

  2. Hello, Dr. J.
    I had a question about your Methyl Power. Would you pls be good enough to tell me how many mcg or mg of each B vitamin is in it. I want to compare to the one i take.
    Thanks a lot!
    R:-)

      1. Thanks a lot, Dr. J…i’m taking Advanced B Complex by AOR…have you heard of it? If you want to check it out…it’s got methylcobalamin.

    1. Yes Natalia, and this is why I am a huge fan of testing for B12 and I only advise giving folate in combination with other methylation nutrients such as methyl-B12, B6 (P-5-P) and B2.

  3. Thank you for the answer
    Dr. Jockers! I am a huge fan of your work and appreciate the information you provide 🙂

    We all should be careful when taking supplements… I’ve also read that taking too much
    vitamin B2 (riboflavin) can cause eyefloaters in some people
    because it is a
    retinal photosensitizer…

    For this reason, I believe that we as patients should avoid taking more than five times the recommended daily allowance of B2 and limit the exposure to light when taking them.

    Keep up with your great work!

  4. Dr. Jockers,
    I am positive for compound heterozygous for C677T and A1298C. My vitamin b6 has been very high, but other vitamins and homocysteine look in normal range (mostly). Is it true that you can be deficient in b6 even though blood work shows you are high? How can you tell if you need more or less in that case? Any advice on a good multivitamin that is methylated, or can you take a regular multi (that still has b vitamins etc) and add in a methylfolate? Thank you so much!

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