Implications of Epigenetics and Stress Regulation on Research and Developmental Care of Preterm Infants

Serotonin Transporter Gene (SLC6A4) Methylation Associates With Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Stay and 3‐Month‐Old Temperament in Preterm Infants

“…Recent research is highlighting that epigenetic mechanisms may shed additional light on the effects of adverse early experience on preterm infants' development (Montirosso & Provenzi, ). More specifically, a retrospective study has investigated the association between preterm birth and SLC6A4 methylation status in 7‐year‐old very preterm children (Chau et al., ).…”

“Epigenethics” in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

“…[5][6][7] Epigenetic processes may vary depending on the neurodevelopmental stage of the brain at the time of stress exposure. Thus, an interesting question is whether epigenetic changes might be developmentally time sensitive.…”

“…At the clinical level, identifying sensitive periods and protective care factors might support the development of timed and targeted interventions to reduce negative outcomes. 7 Consequently, although avoiding any deterministic approach is imperative, there is the intriguing possibility that the quality of NICU care might be effective in reducing preterm infants' stress exposure via epigenetic mechanisms. The application of epigenetics to prematurity can convey a complex ethics framework to inform research and clinical practice, helping to provide smarter and tailored care to preterm infants.…”

“…5 Preterm behavioral epigenetics (PBE) might lead to relevant findings about the biological correlates of NICU-related stressors. 5,7 Moreover, it should be noted that postnatal caregiving variations also act through epigenetic modifications in animals, leading to a reversal of DNA methylation changes due to previous stress exposure. 1 Hence, it can be speculated that DC in the NICU (eg, active engagement of parents in skinto-skin caregiving practices) might be effective in protecting preterm infants from long-lasting health consequences through epigenetic mechanisms.…”

Nurse Management of the NICU Environment Is Critical to Optimal Infant Development

“…Of importance to these concerns is the report contained in this issue of JOGNN titled, “Epigenetics and Stress Regulation Implications for Research and Developmental Care of Preterm Infants” (Montirosso & Provenzi, ). The findings of this review bring what we have witnessed at the level of neurobehavioral and EEG responses to environmental stimuli down to the molecular level.…”