Transcript The lifelong impact of child abuse

Early life stress changes the way our genes function
Pervasive and enduring effects of early life stress
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Obesity (ANNA)
Neurodevelopmental delays
HPA axis dysfunction (stress)
Metabolic disorder
Cardiovascular disease
Immune system dysfunction
Major depressive disorder
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
Cancer
Child Abuse and Neglect
ACE study Vincent Fellitti
Scientific Gaps
“Nature” versus “Nurture”
(Genetics versus environment)
Jean-Baptiste de Lamarck
DNA building blocks
Can be chemically modified
(the addition of a methyl group (-CH3))
by our environment,
e.g. stress!!!!
Epigenetics
(environment determines activity of genes)
ACTIVE GENE
INACTIVE GENE
e.g. a gene that reduces stress
Filling in the scientific gaps
-Studies on animal behavior (maternal care)
-Studies of CAN victims (epigenome)
Moshe Szyf
Patrick McGowan
Michael Meaney
Epigenetic interference by maternal care
•Behaviour of pup determined by care of mother.
•This is reflected in the pup’s activity of genes.
•Altering the epigenome (DNA-methylation) alters behaviour.
HPA stress respons
Fight or flight respons
GR
Glucocorticoid receptor (GR)
takes away the cortisol after
the stress event. In stressed
pups this receptor is less
active due to methylation of
this gene. Cortisol level
remains high.
What about CAN victims?
• Chronic childhood stress alters the stress response by epigenetic
changes (lifetime changes).
• Many other genes are altered in the same way especially genes
involved in the immune system, brain development, heart disease,
cancer, psychiatric and substance abuse disorders. A high risk for
Tom, Rita and Anna.
• Epigenetic changes due to stress can be transmitted to the next
generation.
Good news!
• Some children are resilient for the effect of CAN (genetic, epigenetic).
• Epigenetic changes are reversible in theory (Interference throught
medication or cognitive therapy).
Writers, readers, erasers
Take home message
• Gene function is altered by childabuse and neglect.
• This causes frequent major health problems throughout life.