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Global DNA Methylation in Neonatal Sepsis

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Abstract

Objective

To find out whether gDNA methylation can be used as a diagnostic/prognostic method for neonatal sepsis.

Methods

The study was conducted in the neonatal division of a tertiary care referral hospital. Fifty one newborns as cases and thirty seven newborns as controls were enrolled in the study. Using 5-mC DNA ELISA method, the percentage of genomic DNA methylated in these newborns was established.

Results

Highly significant difference in percentage of gDNA methylated was found between the cases and controls (Cases: 2.4 ± 0.39; Controls: 2.07 ± 0.35; P < 0.0001). Culture proven and possible cases were also significantly distinguishable (P < 0.05). No significant differences in methylation were observed in terms of gestational age, birth weight and outcomes such shock, thrombocytopenia, except for renal failure.

Conclusions

The index results showed that genomic DNA methylation varies significantly among newborns with sepsis (clinical, probable and culture positive) and without sepsis. Although the global DNA methylation was not a highly sensitive diagnostic method, this study reveals that DNA methylation might play a vital role in neonatal sepsis susceptibility. Identification of the specific differentially methylated genes might serve as a promising future diagnostic/prognostic marker for neonatal sepsis.

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Acknowledgments

The authors are grateful to the parents of newborns recruited in this study for their kind cooperation.

Contributions

BBD, HAA and VB initiated the idea and designed the work. BBD carried out the laboratory works with the help of BN. BBD, HAA and VB did literature search and framed the manuscript. VB and SCP reviewed the manuscript.

Conflict of Interest

None.

Source of Funding

Intramural Research Grant, Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research, Pondicherry.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Pediatrics, Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER), Pondicherry, India

    Benet Bosco Dhas & Banupriya Newton

  2. Department of Microbiology, Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER), Pondicherry, India

    Hiasindh Ashmi Antony & Subhash Chandra Parija

  3. Neonatology Division, Department of Pediatrics, Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER), Pondicherry, 605 006, India

    Vishnu Bhat

Authors
  1. Benet Bosco Dhas
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  2. Hiasindh Ashmi Antony
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  3. Vishnu Bhat
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  4. Banupriya Newton
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  5. Subhash Chandra Parija
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Vishnu Bhat.

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Dhas, B.B., Antony, H.A., Bhat, V. et al. Global DNA Methylation in Neonatal Sepsis. Indian J Pediatr 82, 340–344 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12098-014-1574-5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12098-014-1574-5

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