With the goal of investigating if epigenetic biomarkers from white blood cells (WBC) are associated with dietary, anthropometric, metabolic, inflammatory and oxidative stress parameters in young and apparently healthy individuals. We evaluated 156 individuals (91 women, 65 men; age: 23.1±3.5 years; body mass index: 22.0±2.9 kg/m²) for anthropometric, biochemical and clinical markers, including some components of the antioxidant defense system and inflammatory response. DNA methylation of LINE-1, TNF-α and IL-6 and the expression of some genes related to the inflammatory process were analyzed in WBC. Adiposity was lower among individuals with higher LINE-1 methylation. On the contrary, body fat-free mass was higher among those with higher LINE-1 methylation. Individuals with higher LINE-1 methylation had higher daily intakes of calories, iron and riboflavin. However, those individuals who presented lower percentages of LINE-1 methylation reported higher intakes of copper, niacin and thiamin. Interestingly, the group with higher LINE-1 methylation had a lower percentage of current smokers and more individuals practicing sports. On the other hand, TNF-α methylation percentage was negatively associated with waist girth, waist-to-hip ratio and waist-to-stature ratio. Plasma TNF-α levels were lower in those individuals with higher TNF-α methylation. This study suggests that higher levels of LINE-1 and TNF-α methylation are associated with better indicators of adiposity status in healthy young individuals. In addition, energy and micronutrient intake, as well as a healthy lifestyle, may have a role in the regulation of DNA methylation in WBC and the subsequent metabolic changes may affect epigenetic biomarkers.

Background: The term transgender (TRANS) may be used for people whose gender identity differs from the one assigned at birth. A large part of this population segment faces social (lack of social support, discrimination, rejection, transphobia) and psychological (anxiety, depression) challenges. These factors, in turn, may negatively impact the quality of life (QoL) of these individuals. In this context, the aim of this study is to identify the factors associated with QoL of TRANS people. Methods: Cross-sectional study with non-probability sample, conducted with TRANS and cisgender (CIS) adults living in a southeastern Brazilian state. The research questionnaire was accessed electronically and comprised sociodemographic, health, and QoL information. QoL was assessed through the Short-Form 6 dimensions (SF-6D) instrument. Multivariable linear regression analysis (forward method) was applied to determine the influence of independent variables on QoL (outcome variable). All variables that presented p < 0.10 in the bivariate analyses were included. The analyses were carried out in the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS)^® software, version 22.0, with a significance level of 5%. Results: The sample included 65 TRANS individuals and 78 CIS individuals. The CIS group showed a predominance of people with higher education (p = 0.002) and higher income (p = 0.000) when compared with the TRANS sample. TRANS participants had worse QoL score (p = 0.014) and the same was observed when QoL was assessed by all dimensions (p ≤ 0.05). In addition, the place of residence and the report of recent prejudice remained associated with QoL even after adjusting for age, gender identity, occupation, and follow-up by a health professional (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The TRANS population showed worse QoL when compared with the CIS population. Moreover, living in the state’s capital and having suffered episodes of prejudice were the factors remain statistically associated with the QoL among TRANS individuals.