An Overview of Epigenetics in Nursing

Abstract

Synopsis Science has evolved since the inception of the Human Genome Project to demonstrate that disease and health conditions evolve from a genetic/genomic element influenced by a multitude of factors (lifestyle, environment, etc.). Epigenetic changes to the genome are biochemical alterations to the DNA that do not change an individuals genome but do change and influence gene expression. As all nurses are trained in the biological sciences the profession is prepared to conduct and integrate epigenetic-focused nursing research into practice. The purpose of this paper is to (a) discuss current epigenetic nursing research; (b) provide an overview of how epigenetic research relates to nursing practice; (c) list recommendations; and (d) provide epigenetic online resources for nursing research. An overview of major epigenetic studies in nursing (specific to childbirth studies, preeclampsia, metabolic syndrome, immunotherapy cancer, and pain) will be provided as with recommendations on next steps.

Childbirth and consequent atopic disease: emerging evidence on epigenetic effects based on the hygiene and EPIIC hypotheses

“…Epigenetics is a rapidly developing field in biomedicine and is important for understanding the course of the human lifecycle and how resistance and susceptibility to disease develop. It is also an emerging field in nursing and midwifery science [ 23 ] with focus on topics such as hypertension and preeclampsia [ 24 ], renal disease [ 25 ] and other chronic conditions [ 19 ]. The examination of mode of birth, atopic disease, and epigenetics are timely and important, since it has been hypothesized that they may be interrelated.…”

“…Although this paper focuses on a specific hypothesis relating to epigenetic changes during childbirth and the possible consequent effects on immunity, we are aware that other mechanisms and health outcomes could be involved [ 23 ]. For example, in this paper we did not cover histone deacetylation nor the multiple other epigenetic mechanisms that may be associated with alterations in immune programming.…”

Genetic education, knowledge and experiences between nurses and physicians in primary care in Brazil: A cross‐sectional study

“…Furthermore, the introduction of next-generation sequencing technology has marked the beginning of a new era related to the analysis of human genome sequences (Mardis, 2011;Mitropoulos et al, 2015). Next generation sequencing technologies have facilitated large-scale studies that have served as a further catalyst to the application of genomics to health care, including within the fields of pharmacogenomics and epigenomics (Lea et al, 2011;Mardis, 2011;Clark et al, 2013;Mitropoulos et al, 2015).…”

A strategy for implementing genomics into nursing practice informed by three behaviour change theories

“…It is time to move beyond justifying the relevance of genomics in nursing practice and to focus on building the evidence base for practice . This is being brought into even sharper focus as epigenomics research is revealing the implications of genome–environment interactions for long term health, and precision medicine aims to tailor treatment options based on our understanding of genomics and epigenomics . Calzone et al ., 2012, used the diffusion of innovations theory to evaluate genomic competencies among the current US nursing workforce and to inform the further diffusion of such knowledge.…”

“…7,8 This is being brought into even sharper focus as epigenomics research is revealing the implications of genome-environment interactions for long term health, and precision medicine aims to tailor treatment options based on our understanding of genomics and epigenomics. 9,10 Calzone et al, 2012, 11 used the diffusion of innovations theory to evaluate genomic competencies among the current US nursing workforce and to inform the further diffusion of such knowledge. However, there is limited evidence of the process of integrating genomics into nursing practice.…”