MATERNAL ADVERSE CHILDHOOD EXPERIENCES AND THE INTERGENERATIONAL IMPACT ON INFANT EPIGENETICS: A REVIEW

Abstract

This paper investigates the impact of maternal adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) on the epigenome of their infants, with a particular focus on DNA methylation. ACEs, which encompass a range of traumatic experiences in childhood, have been shown to have long-term effects on physical and mental health, often persisting into adulthood. One mechanism through which ACEs may influence health outcomes is through epigenetic changes, such as DNA methylation, which regulates gene expression without altering the DNA sequence itself. This review synthesizes findings from studies exploring how maternal ACEs are linked to epigenetic modifications in infants, specifically focusing on methylation patterns. The literature reveals an association between maternal ACEs and differential methylation of genes such as FKBP5, SCG5, and COMT/TXNRD2, which are linked to mental health, stress regulation, and neurodevelopment. The paper also explores interventions that may mitigate these epigenetic effects, including prenatal home visits and psychosocial support for mothers. Overall, the findings emphasize the importance of addressing maternal ACEs through targeted interventions to potentially reduce the transmission of trauma to the next generation and support healthier epigenetic outcomes for infants. Further research is needed to explore the full scope of these mechanisms and refine intervention strategies.