Award Date

8-1-2013

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Kinesiology and Nutrition Sciences

First Committee Member

James Navalta

Second Committee Member

Richard Tandy

Third Committee Member

John Young

Fourth Committee Member

Daniel Young

Fifth Committee Member

Merrill Landers

Number of Pages

49

Abstract

Background: Global DNA Methylation (GDM), an epigenomic modification has been linked to the development of Cardiovascular Disease and its risk factors. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine if there is a significant correlation between GDM and cardiovascular fitness, as well as, measures of body composition. Methodology: 26 apparently healthy, adults (11 males) completed a physical activity and diet questionnaire, as well as, had a small blood sample (600μL) collected via finger prick for the determination of GDM. Body composition was assessed by means of a Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DEXA) scan, while cardiovascular fitness was evaluated by the completion of a maximal exertion, graded exercise test (VO2max) on a treadmill. Peasron's "r" value was used to determine the correlation GDM and various variables, while t-tests were used to determine if any differences between high and low value groups for each variable existed. Results: Body Mass Index was significantly correlated (p-value, r value; 0.031, -.556) with GDM while there was a significant difference between high and low level folate groups (p=0.034) as determined by the diet questionnaire. No significant correlations or differences were found in males. Conclusion: The results conclude that as BMI increases, GDM decreases in females. In attempts to further investigate the relationships between GDM and these variables, auxiliary research needs to be conducted with larger subject pools containing additional sedentary participants.

Keywords

Cardiovascular fitness; Cardiovascular system – Diseases – Prevention; Cardiovascular system – Diseases – Risk factors; DEXA; DNA – Methylation; Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry; Exercise; Methylation; Physical activity; Vo2max

Disciplines

Cardiovascular Diseases | Exercise Science | Genetics | Kinesiology | Medicine and Health Sciences

File Format

pdf

Degree Grantor

University of Nevada, Las Vegas

Language

English

Rights

IN COPYRIGHT. For more information about this rights statement, please visit http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/

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