1,721,069 research outputs found
Developmental Human Behavioral Epigenetics: Principles, Methods, Evidence, and Future Directions
No full textImplications of epigenetics in developmental care of preterm infants in the NICU: Preterm behavioral epigenetics
No full textIntroduction: Epigenetics is an emerging field of research at the interface between biological and environmental sciences, and it is suggesting that early adversities might be embedded into infants’ developing biology through DNA functional processes (e.g., DNA methylation). Recent studies revealed an association between pain-related stress and epigenetic variations which can affect stress reactivity during early infancy. On the other hand, behavioral epigenetic studies on human subjects are suggesting that DNA methylation might be modified “for good” through caring interventions and protective environments. Main aim of the chapter: This chapter will review the theoretical rationale and emerging findings related to the application of epigenetics to the field of prematurity (Preterm Behavioral Epigenetics, PBE). Conclusions: The PBE research field holds promises to highlight the biological underpinnings of both NICU-related stressful and protective care in preterm infants
Epigenethics in the neonatal intensive care unit: Conveying complexity in health care for preterm children
No full textImplications of epigenetics and stress regulation on research and developmental care of preterm infants
No full textEpigenetics refers to chemical modifications leading to changes in gene expression without any alteration of the DNA structure. We suggest ways through which epigenetic mechanisms might contribute to alter developmental trajectories in preterm infants. Although theoretical and methodological issues still need to be addressed, we discuss how epigenetics might be an emergent research field with potential innovative insights for researchers and clinicians involved in the neonatal care of preterm infants
The role of protective caregiving in epigenetic regulation in human infants
No full textThe study of epigenetics’ mechanisms to human infants’ development has mainly focused on the effects of early adverse exposures, paying less attention to protective caregiving experiences. In the current chapter, we review recent findings on maternal caregiving as a potential epigenetic regulator of infants’ phenotype. The relevance of epigenetic regulation linked to variations in parental behavior is highlighted by examining variations in DNA methylation status of specific genes involved in neuroendocrinological and behavioral pathways. Open questions are discussed to guide future human developmental research in behavioral epigenetics
Applying behavioral epigenetic principles to preterm birth and early stress exposure
No full textBehavioral epigenetics is revealing biochemical pathways that contribute to the programming of later-in-life detrimental outcomes by embedding biomarkers of early adversity exposures in the developing biology and phenotype of an individual. Preterm birth and the hospitalization in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) constitute one of the major adverse events in infancy. During NICU stay, preterm infants face a number of stressful and neuroprotective exposures that may inform the epigenetic machinery and contribute to developmental post-natal programming. Here we will review the recent advances in the application of the epigenetic lens to the field of preterm studies (i.e., Preterm Behavioral Epigenetics, PBE) highlighting evidence of the epigenetic correlates of prematurity- and NICU-related stress and adversities and future directions for translational science will be discussed
Do mothers sound good? A systematic review of the effects of maternal voice exposure on preterm infants’ development
No full textPreterm infants are hospitalized in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and are precociously separated from their mothers. Although developmental care interventions are meant to facilitate mother-infant bonding, physical contact is not always possible. Maternal voice exposure has been proposed as a way to foster maternal closeness and support postnatal bonding. Here we present a systematic review on maternal voice effects on preterm infants’ development. Literature search occurred on 4 databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and CINAHL). Preferred reporting items for systematic review and meta-analysis (PRISMA) guidelines have been adopted and standardized quality appraisal has been carried on. Wide differences emerged in infants’ characteristics and maternal voice exposure methods. Inconsistency emerged for physiological outcomes (e.g., heart rate variability, oxygen saturation, number of critical alarm events), whereas a robust pattern of findings emerged for feeding behaviors, as well as cognitive and neurobehavioral development. Maternal voice appears to be a non-noxious intervention, which is consistent with developmental care and which can be embedded in developmental care strategies
Preterm behavioral epigenetics: A systematic review
No full textBehavioral epigenetics is revealing new pathways that lead individuals from early adversity exposures to later-in-life detrimental outcomes. Preterm birth constitutes one of the major adverse events in human development. Preterm infants are hospitalized in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) where they are exposed to life-saving yet pain-inducing procedures and to protective care. The application of behavioral epigenetics to the field of preterm studies (i.e., Preterm Behavioral Epigenetics, PBE) is rapidly growing and holds promises to provide valid insights for research and clinical activity. Here, the evidence of the epigenetic correlates of prenatal adversities, NICU-related environment and development of preterm infants is systematically reviewed. The findings suggest that a number of prenatal adverse (e.g., maternal depression and stress) and post-natal (e.g., NICU-related pain-related stress) events affect the developmental trajectories of preterm infants and children via epigenetic alterations of imprinted and stress-related genes. Nonetheless, the potential epigenetic vestiges of early care and protective interventions in NICU have not been investigated yet and this represents a fascinating challenge for future PBE research
Editorial: Risk and Protective Factors Associated With Early Adversity and Development: Evidence From Human and Animal Research
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