Relationships Between Alcohol Intake and Mitochondrial DNA Methylation in the Human Prefrontal Cortex and Nucleus Accumbens.

Aims: Despite the critical role of mitochondria in confronting alcohol challenges and providing energy, to date, there are no studies describing the effect of alcohol on mitochondrial epigenetics in energy-craving brain tissues. Focusing on the human nucleus accumbens (NAcc) and prefrontal cortex (PFC), we aimed to examine the effect of alcohol on mitochondrial DNA methylation.

Methods: We collected 105 brain tissue samples from 53 deceased individuals, classified into no antemortem alcohol use (n = 34), alcohol-ingested (n = 9) and alcohol-fermented (n = 10).

Benign acute childhood myositis in the COVID-19 Era: how does it compare to influenza?

Unlabelled: Benign acute childhood myositis (BACM) is a self-limiting muscle disorder affecting school-aged children, often following viral infections like influenza. Severe cases may require hospitalization, yet research in Asian populations, particularly in Taiwan, is limited. This study investigates the clinical characteristics, laboratory findings, and predictors of severity in BACM, focusing on differences between influenza and COVID-19.

Mitochondrial DNA methylation profiling of the human prefrontal cortex and nucleus accumbens: correlations with aging and drug use.

Background: Despite the brain's high demand for energy, research on its epigenetics focuses on nuclear methylation, and much of the mitochondrial DNA methylation remains seldom investigated. With a focus on the nucleus accumbens (NAcc) and the prefrontal cortex (PFC), we aimed to identify the mitochondrial methylation signatures for (1) distinguishing the two brain areas, (2) correlating with aging, and (3) reflecting the influence of illicit drugs on the brain.

Result: We collected the brain tissue in the NAcc and the PFC from the deceased individuals without (n = 39) and with (n = 14) drug use and used whole-genome bisulfite sequencing to cover cytosine sites in the mitochondrial genome.