Childhood trauma has life-long effect on genes and the brain

Childhood trauma has life-long effect on genes and the brain

from http://ritualabuse.us

Childhood trauma has life-long effect on genes and the brain 2/22/09 - McGill Newsroom - Study confirms effects of early environment in brains of suicide victims - McGill University and Douglas Institute scientists have discovered that childhood trauma can actually alter your DNA and shape the way your genes work. This confirms in humans earlier findings in rats, that maternal care plays a significant role in influencing the genes that control our stress response. Using a sample of 36 brains; 12 suicide victims who were abused; 12 suicide victims who were not abused and 12 controls, the researchers discovered different epigenetic markings in the brains of the abused group. These markings influence the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) function, a stress-response which increases the risk of suicide. This research builds upon findings published last May that showed how child abuse can leave epigenetic marks on DNA.....The all-McGill study is set to be published in the February 22, issue of the journal Nature Neuroscience."We know from clinical experience that a difficult childhood can have an impact on the course of a person's life", said Dr. Turecki. "Now we are starting to understand the biological implications of such psychological abuse," added Dr. Szyf. "The function of our DNA is not as fixed as previously believed, said Dr. Meaney. "The interaction between the environment and the DNA plays a crucial role in determining our resistance to stress thus the risk for suicide. Epigenetic marks are the product of this interaction."
http://www.mcgill.ca/newsroom/news/item/?item_id=104667