Molecular
Utilizing DNA methylation chips to construct the epigenetic profiles among military staffs: a case-control study Yu-Shan Lin* Yu-Ching Chou Yen-Lin Li Chih-Yu Chou Jr-Tung Chou Yu-Shan Lin Chien-An Sun Yu-Ching Chou
Background: The physical health of military personnel directly impacts the fundamental combat effectiveness of the armed forces. Scientific evidence indicates that variations in genetic events and epigenetic events influence the health of military personnel. Epigenetics, defined as heritable changes in gene expression or cellular phenotypes without altering the DNA sequence, operates through mechanisms that are considered reversible. This project utilizes data from the Taiwan Biobank to compare the epigenetic profiles of military staffs with those of the general population, aiming to provide reference data for future applications in military selection medicine and personalized health management monitoring. Methods: This study utilized data from the Taiwan Biobank, selecting 67 participants from the “military staffs” category as the case group and performing 1:1 gender and age matching to select 67 controls in general population and create a total of 134 samples for epigenome-wide association studies (EWAS) analysis. Through EWAS analysis, loci with statistically significant differences between the case and control groups were identified, focusing on loci with p-values less than 10⁻²⁰. All statistical analyses were conducted using SAS version 9.4 and RStudio software. Results: The results showed no significant differences in gender and age distribution between the case group and the control group. Additionally, there were no significant differences between the two groups in health behaviors such as smoking, drinking, betel nut chewing, and exercise. The Manhattan plot identified five methylation loci (cg166430885, cg17268658, cg08979191, cg23753247, cg02067712) meeting the p-value threshold of 10⁻²⁰, located on chromosomes 1, 2, 4, 11, and 13. Conclusion: This study found significant differences in methylation profiles between military staffs and the general population in Taiwan. Five highly distinct methylation loci were identified, with gene functions potentially related to cancer suppression or progression, as well as influences on cardiac function, motor and neural functions, and mental states.