Epigenetic alteration of BDNF gene, social and health status as predictors of food and nutrition insecurity among familiar coffee farmers

Authors

  • Wagner Miranda Barbosa a Departamento de Farmácia e Nutrição, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo, Alegre, Espírito Santo, Brasil
  • Carlos César Jorden Almança b Programa de Biotecnologia/ RENORBIO, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo, Vitória, Espírito Santo, Brasil
  • Flavia Vitorino Fretias a Departamento de Farmácia e Nutrição, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo, Alegre, Espírito Santo, Brasil
  • Catarine Conti b Programa de Biotecnologia/ RENORBIO, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo, Vitória, Espírito Santo, Brasil
  • Julia de Assis Pinheiro b Programa de Biotecnologia/ RENORBIO, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo, Vitória, Espírito Santo, Brasil
  • Alcemi Almeida de Barros a Departamento de Farmácia e Nutrição, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo, Alegre, Espírito Santo, Brasil
  • Joaquim Gasparini dos Santos b Programa de Biotecnologia/ RENORBIO, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo, Vitória, Espírito Santo, Brasil
  • Aline Ribeiro Borçoi b Programa de Biotecnologia/ RENORBIO, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo, Vitória, Espírito Santo, Brasil
  • João Batista Pavesi Simão b Programa de Biotecnologia/ RENORBIO, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo, Vitória, Espírito Santo, Brasil
  • Luciane Daniele Cardoso a Departamento de Farmácia e Nutrição, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo, Alegre, Espírito Santo, Brasil
  • Juliana Krüger Arpini b Programa de Biotecnologia/ RENORBIO, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo, Vitória, Espírito Santo, Brasil
  • Mayara Mota de Oliveira b Programa de Biotecnologia/ RENORBIO, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo, Vitória, Espírito Santo, Brasil
  • Juliana Dalbó b Programa de Biotecnologia/ RENORBIO, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo, Vitória, Espírito Santo, Brasil
  • Anderson Barros Archanjo b Programa de Biotecnologia/ RENORBIO, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo, Vitória, Espírito Santo, Brasil
  • Suzanny Oliveira Mendes b Programa de Biotecnologia/ RENORBIO, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo, Vitória, Espírito Santo, Brasil
  • Lucas de Lima Maia b Programa de Biotecnologia/ RENORBIO, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo, Vitória, Espírito Santo, Brasil
  • Iúri Louro b Programa de Biotecnologia/ RENORBIO, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo, Vitória, Espírito Santo, Brasil
  • Adriana Madeira Álvares-da-Silva b Programa de Biotecnologia/ RENORBIO, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo, Vitória, Espírito Santo, Brasil

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.36311/jhgd.v32.13846

Keywords:

coffee farmers, food and nutrition insecurity, BDNF, DNA methylation

Abstract

Introduction: state of Food and Nutritional Security (FNS) is one that should guarantee the right of permanent access to quality food and in sufficient quantity without prejudicing access to other basic rights. In Brazil, rural family farming establishments represent 84.4% of total agricultural establishments and contribute to more than 70% of all food consumed by Brazilians. In this context, the production of the coffee commodity stands out. However, despite being food producers, they do not earn a good income. Slow economic activity can lead to loss of wages and income, illness, as well as food insecurity (FNiS). In addition, the molecular effects of FNiS are poorly studied, especially epigenetic.

Objective: the objective of the present study is to analyze the association between Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) DNA methylation and socio demographic, lifestyle, and epigenetic factors, among coffee farmers in the Caparaó zone, in Espirito Santo, Southeast Brazil.

Methods: the study was carried out in 22 randomly selected coffee producing communities in Zona Caparaó, an area that produces coffee of recognized quality. A total of 570 coffee farming households, 18 to 60 years of age, were included in the study by answering a questionnaire about socioeconomic characteristics, land use and ownership, behavior, health, and working conditions. FNiS evaluation was carried out using the Brazilian Food Insecurity Scale. BDNF exon I methylation was examined by methylation-specific PCR. Body mass index and biochemical analyses were performed. Logistic regression models were used to verify factors associated with FNiS (p<0.05). Data were analyzed using the Stata® statistical software package version 14.

Results: the FNiS prevalence found was 23.68%. In multivariable logistic regression, the occurrence of FNiS was associated with hypermethylation of exon I of the BDNF promoter exon I [ORa = 5.03 (95% (1.98, 12.82)] when compared to the unmethylated gene. Moreover, FNiS was associated with excessive workload [ORa = 3.36 (1.23, 9.22)], possession of less land (hectares) [ORa = 0.77 (0.67, 0.90)] and greater number symptoms and / or illnesses in real life [ORa = 1.12 (1.04.1.20)].

Conclusion: there is a high prevalence of Food Insecurity in the studied region. This phenomenon was associated with epigenetic factors (BDNF methylation), excessive workload, small land ownership and a greater number of diseases / symptoms. Food insecurity is a psychosocial stressor that can lead to epigenetic changes in the BDNF gene, responsible for regulating cognitive functions, neuronal survival and involved in the genesis of psychiatric diseases.

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Published

2022-10-31

Issue

Vol. 32 No. 3 (2022)

Section

ORIGINAL ARTICLES

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Copyright (c) 2022 Barbosa WM, Almança CCJ, Fretias FV, Conti C, Pinheiro JA, Barros AA, Santos JG, Borçoi AR, Simão JBP, Cardoso LD, Arpini JK, Oliveira MM, Dalbó J, Archanjo AB, Mendes SO, Maia LL, Louro I, Álvares-da-Silva AM.

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