Epigenetics, Diversity & Disease

Scientists have opened discussions on the fairly modern concept of epigenetics – a mode of inheritance that involves a change in the physical properties of DNA that ultimately lead to an altered expression of genes depending on the specific chemical or environmental exposure. Epigenetic modifications are capable of being passed down through generations and are consequently called “transgenerational epigenetic inheritance”. Studies are being done to show that maternal distress can be biologically transmitted to the fetus and is ultimately capable of influencing fetal development. Throughout gestation, fetal development is thought to be shaped by these mood-associated alterations in the mother's biology. For instance, a recent epidemiological study reported a significant association between maternal stress experienced during the first trimester of pregnancy with an increased risk of schizophrenia in male offspring. Some studies trace the detrimental effects imposed on the offspring to the level of acetylcholine in the mother. Acetylcholine is released during parasympathetic action, so a reduced amount of acetylcholine present in the mother’s blood work may indicate that she has experienced stress. By adopting mindful breathing practices, pregnant women may be able to achieve a state of calmness that encourages parasympathetic activity and thus higher acetylcholine release. Simple deep breathing can ensure better maternal health, and consequently, better fetal health or at least a lower risk pregnancy.  

We start our existence as a single cell. An adult human body consists of trillions of cells. How do we get from one cell to trillions of them? The answer is cell division. Our genomeis copied exactly as our cells divide. Then, are trillions of cells that  comprise our body exactly alike? The answer is both yes and no. All of the trillions of cells are alike in their genome; the genetic code of them all is exacly the same as of the one cell that we were at conception, Yet, heart cells are different from the brain cells which are different from the skin cells and so on; the differences are because of different expressions of the same genome: epigenetics.

There is an increased understanding of the role of epigenetics in chronic disease such as insulin resistance, hypertension, depression, inflammation, heart disease, dementia and Alzheimer's. These diseases may result from epigenetic changes over a long time caused by stress, sleep disorders, lack of physical activity, digestive disorders, infections, environmental toxins, and diet.