Epigenetic disturbances in obesity and diabetes: Epidemiological and functional insights

BACKGROUND: Obesity and type 2 diabetes (T2D) are major public health issues worldwide, and put a significant burden on the healthcare system. Genetic variants, along with traditional risk factors such as diet and physical activity, could account for up to approximately a quarter of disease risk. Epigenetic factors have demonstrated potential in accounting for additional phenotypic variation, along with providing insights into the causal relationship linking genetic variants to phenotypes. SCOPE OF REVIEW: In this review article, we discuss the epidemiological and functional insights into epigenetic disturbances in obesity and diabetes, along with future research directions and approaches, with a focus on DNA methylation. MAJOR CONCLUSIONS: Epigenetic mechanisms have been shown to contribute to obesity and T2D disease development, as well as potential differences in disease risks between ethnic populations. Technology to investigate epigenetic profiles in diseased individuals and tissues has advanced significantly in the last years, and suggests potential in application of epigenetic factors in clinical monitoring and as therapeutic options.