Children requiring treatment and attention after traumatic events have been identified by researchers at the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Pharmacy.
Published in Molecular Psychiatry, the researchers found epigenetic traces of childhood trauma, which may be a biomarker for the prediction of depression risks. Additionally, it can also predict alcohol use disorder, nicotine dependence, and other health concerns even seventeen years after the event.
Edwin van den Oord, director of the Center of Biomarkers Research and Precision Medicine at VSU school of pharmacy said,
If two children are exposed to the same traumatic event, one may experience much more severe consequences than the other as an adult
Our biology can sometimes respond to trauma, and by looking at DNA responses associated with trauma, we’ve developed a novel tool for predicting long-term health risks.
The research team studied the epigenetics of when molecular modifications of DNA are triggered during adverse experiences. It helped in determining if increased health risks are linked with a traumatic childhood.
Epigenetic Changes
Epigenetic changes are molecular changes, which influence gene expression without any alteration in the DNA sequence. Furthermore, the most common epigenetic change is DNA methylation (addition of methyl group to DNA molecule), which is of great interest to researchers.
Karolina Aberg, one of the co-authors said,
Changes to DNA methylation can occur at different points in our lives depending on several factors, such as our development, age, diet, health habits and other life circumstances, like trauma.
Analysis of the Epigenetic Impact
To understand the epigenetic impact of childhood trauma, blood samples, clinical data, and other assessments were analyzed. Furthermore, all of this was a part of the Great Smoky Mountain Study, which is a thirty-year project by Duke University. Moreover, the Carolina Department of Health and Human Services surveyed a large number of children and adolescents into adulthood.
Aberg said,
Most participants began their involvement in this study when they were 9 to 13 years old. These individuals are now in their 30s
There are few studies in the world that have collected this kind of data for so long
Initially, blood samples of participants were used to measure DNA methylation sites and after that, they worked on identifying the changes linked with trauma exposure. For example, sexual violence, serious injuries, and death threats.
The team then generated scores of different adverse consequences that were under the risk of methylation using machine learning. They consisted of substance abuse, physical health problems, psych disorders, social problems, and poverty. The analysis revealed that these risks can have an impact on the participant’s health even after seventeen years of exposure to trauma.
Furthermore, the results also revealed that methylation risk scores predicted the negative outcomes better compared to the traumatic experience occurrences.
Van den Oord explains,
DNA methylation has better predictive power because it’s not just saying whether a child experienced trauma, but rather it’s showing us how that child is responding to trauma
Assessment Accuracy
Since methylation risk scores have predictive power, they can be used to assess traumas that standard tools fail to assess. For example, sexual abuse or neglect that children haven’t been vocal about.
Oord said,
This study has shown that methylation biomarkers could potentially help identify those most at risk of experiencing trauma-related health issues
If we can determine who is the most in need of preventive care, we can tailor their treatments and support networks to put them on the best path to recovery.
