Diet, DNA methylation and systemic lupus erythematosus: evidence and perspectives focused on personalized nutrition

Abstract

Background: The pathoetiology of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) involves a multifactorial interaction consisting of various genetic, epigenetic and environmental factors. Considering epigenetic characteristics, notable alterations in DNA methylation, particularly hypomethylation in immune-related pathways, such as T cell receptor have been observed. In turn, these alterations are associated with the overexpression of genes related to autoimmunity and a loss of immunological self-tolerance. Furthermore, DNA hypomethylation levels in SLE may contribute to disease progression and also impact disease activity and clinical manifestations. Summary: It is well-established that nutritional epigenetics elucidates the role of nutrition and dietary factors on the interactions of metabolic systems with the molecules that bind to DNA, regulating gene expression. Specific nutritional interventions may reverse initial epigenetic patterns, thereby significantly impacting the chronic disease´s treatment and prognostic. In fact, dietary nutrients and bioactive food compounds may influence DNA methylation patterns by inhibiting enzymes related to DNA methylation reactions or by altering the availability of different substrates involved in DNA methylation process (e.g methyl-donor nutrients). Key Messages: The knowledge of how diet plays a role in changing DNA methylation patterns in SLE is in the early stages. While a few studies in the literature have assessed the effects of nutrient intake, supplementation, or treatment on DNA methylation levels and have demonstrated their relevance, further research is imperative to deepen our comprehension of the interactions between epigenetics and nutrients, which is vital for the development of novel precision nutrition approaches.