Concerning Findings – Substance Found in Common Household and Cosmetic Products Can Change the Epigenetics of Cells

Regarding the Discovery – A Substance Found in Common Household and Cosmetic Products Can Alter Cell Epigenetics

Fresh research brings to light the perils associated with formaldehyde, a ubiquitous chemical substance found in various household and cosmetic items. It disrupts critical processes that govern gene activity, potentially leading to the development of conditions such as cancer and other diseases. This study underscores the imperative need for more stringent policies aimed at curtailing formaldehyde exposure, given its prevalence across numerous industries and environmental sources.

Epigenetics encompasses the chemical mechanisms that oversee gene activity, enabling our cells, tissues, and organs to adapt to changing environmental conditions. However, while this adaptability is advantageous, it comes with a drawback: epigenetic regulation is more susceptible to disruption by toxins compared to the relatively stable genetic sequence encoded in DNA.

A recent article, jointly authored with contributions from Dr. Manel Esteller, Director of the Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute (IJC-CERCA), ICREA Research Professor, and Chairman of Genetics at the University of Barcelona, and Dr. Lucas Pontel, Ramon y Cajal Fellow at the Josep Carreras Institute, sheds light on the profound impact of formaldehyde. This chemical, commonly found in various household and cosmetic products, polluted air, and extensively used in construction, has emerged as a potent modifier of typical epigenetic patterns.

The lead author of this publication is Dr. Christopher J. Chang from the University of California Berkeley in the United States, a pioneer in researching the effects of various chemical substances on cell metabolism. The primary focus of this research was the examination of the consequences of high concentrations of formaldehyde within the body. Formaldehyde has previously been associated with an elevated risk of developing cancer, particularly nasopharyngeal tumors and leukemia, as well as hepatic degeneration due to fatty liver (steatosis) and asthma.

Contributors to this study include researchers Lucas Pontel, Manel Esteller, and Carlos García-Prieto from the Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute.

Dr. Esteller underscores the relevance of this research, noting that “formaldehyde primarily enters our bodies through inhalation and, due to its high solubility in water, it ultimately reaches every cell within our body.”

The Ubiquity of Formaldehyde and Its Health Hazards

Dr. Esteller further emphasizes that “formaldehyde is particularly concentrated in various products used in construction, furniture manufacturing, the textile industry, and certain hair products.”

Taking it a step further, Dr. Pontel highlights a crucial point, stating that “formaldehyde not only poses a significant environmental hazard, often present in polluted emissions, but it can also be generated within our bodies through the metabolism of common dietary substances like the sweetener aspartame. Moreover, our cells continuously produce formaldehyde, a well-known mutagen that can lead to cancer.”

Formaldehyde’s Epigenetic Consequences

In summarizing the research, Dr. Esteller points out that “our findings reveal that formaldehyde acts as an inhibitor of the MAT1A protein, which is the primary producer of S-Adenosyl-L-Methionine (SAM). This molecule serves as the universal donor of the ‘methyl’ chemical group, crucial for regulating epigenetic activity. Specifically, our research demonstrates that exposure to formaldehyde leads to a decrease in SAM levels and results in the loss of histone methylation. Histones are proteins responsible for packaging our DNA and controlling the function of thousands of genes.”

Collectively, this study unveils a worrisome aspect of formaldehyde’s toxicity. Dr. Pontel encapsulates it by stating, “We have discovered that formaldehyde possesses the capability to reshape the epigenetic landscape of our cells, potentially contributing to the well-documented carcinogenic properties of formaldehyde.”

The epigenetic changes induced by this toxic agent could directly contribute to the onset of the aforementioned diseases, going beyond its established mutagenic properties. In light of this, Dr. Esteller stresses that “International health authorities are already taking measures to limit the use of formaldehyde as much as possible. However, there are still sectors where it is heavily utilized, such as in resin production, plastic manufacturing, industrial foundries, and the cosmetics industry. Additionally, formaldehyde is generated during the combustion of automobile gasoline and is present in tobacco smoke. Therefore, it is imperative to promote environmental and health policies aimed at reducing our exposure to this well-characterized substance.”

Reference: “Formaldehyde regulates S-adenosylmethionine biosynthesis and one-carbon metabolism” by Vanha N. Pham, Kevin J. Bruemmer, Joel D. W. Toh, Eva J. Ge, Logan Tenney, Carl C. Ward, Felix A. Dingler, Christopher L. Millington, Carlos A. Garcia-Prieto, Mia C. Pulos-Holmes, Nicholas T. Ingolia, Lucas B. Pontel, Manel Esteller, Ketan J. Patel, Daniel K. Nomura and Christopher J. Chang, 3 November 2023, Science.
DOI: 10.1126/science.abp9201

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More about Formaldehyde’s Epigenetic Impact

• Science: “Formaldehyde regulates S-adenosylmethionine biosynthesis and one-carbon metabolism”