A study recently published in Science, led by researchers at the University of California Berkeley, in collaboration with a team at the Josep Carreras Leukemia Research Institute, demonstrates the significant impact of formaldehyde, a common chemical present in household and cosmetic products, on cellular epigenetics.
The research highlights that formaldehyde, found in products ranging from construction materials to furniture, textiles, and hair care items, can disrupt normal epigenetic patterns, thereby affecting how genes are regulated. This poses health risks as epigenetic regulation is more susceptible to alteration by toxins than the genetic DNA sequence.
Formaldehyde exposure has previously been linked to an increased risk of developing various conditions such as cancer (including nasopharyngeal tumors and leukemia), liver degeneration due to fatty liver (steatosis), and asthma. It's particularly concerning since it can enter the body through inhalation and has the capacity to reach all cells due to its high solubility in aqueous media.
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The study reveals that formaldehyde inhibits the MAT1A protein, a primary producer of S-Adenosyl-L-Methionine (SAM). SAM is a universal donor of methyl groups that regulate epigenetic activity. Formaldehyde exposure leads to a reduction in SAM levels and a loss of methylation of histones, proteins that package DNA and govern the function of thousands of genes.
These findings demonstrate that formaldehyde has the ability to modify the epigenetic landscape in cells, which may contribute to its well-documented carcinogenic properties. Beyond its mutagenic effects, the epigenetic changes induced by formaldehyde could play a significant role in the development of various diseases. As a result, the study emphasizes the importance of reducing human exposure to formaldehyde through measures such as regulatory restrictions, especially in industries where its use is prevalent, such as resin manufacturing, plastic production, industrial foundries, and cosmetics.