DNA methylation is associated with hair trace elements in female adolescents from two vulnerable populations in the Colombian Caribbean

Exposure to trace elements influences DNA methylation patterns, which may be associated with disease development. Vulnerable populations, such as adolescents undergoing maturity, are susceptible to the effects of trace element exposure. The aim of this study was to analyze the association of hair trace elements concentration with DNA methylation in a sample from female adolescents living in two communities in the Colombian Caribbean coast. Hair and blood samples were obtained from 45 females, between 13 and 16 years of age. Seventeen trace elements were quantified in hair samples. DNA methylation was measured in leukocytes using the Infinium MethylationEPIC BeadChip. Linear models were employed to identify differentially methylated positions (DMPs) adjusting for age, body mass index, mother’s education, and cell type composition. Among the tested elements, vanadium, chromium, nickel, copper, zinc, yttrium, tin and barium were significantly associated with DMPs (FDR < 0.05), registering 225, 1, 2, 184, 1, 209,189 and 104 hits, respectively. Most of the DMPs were positively associated with trace elements and located in open sea regions. The greatest number of DMPs were annotated to the HOXA3 and FOXO3 genes, related to regulation of gene expression and oxidative stress, respectively. These findings suggest that DNA methylation may be involved in linking exposure to trace elements among female adolescents to downstream health risks.