Understanding the Interplay Between Health Disparities and Epigenomics

Abstract

Social epigenomics has emerged as an integrative field of research focused on identification of socio-environmental factors, their influence on human biology through epigenomic modifications, and how they contribute to current health disparities. Several health disparities studies have been published using genetic-based approaches; however, increasing accessibility and affordability of molecular technologies have allowed for an in-depth investigation of the influence of external factors on epigenetic modifications (e.g., DNA methylation, micro-RNA expression). Currently, research is focused on epigenetic changes in response to environment, as well as targeted epigenetic therapies and environmental/social strategies for potentially minimizing certain health disparities. Here, we will review recent findings in this field pertaining to conditions and diseases over life span encompassing prenatal to adult stages.

NURR1 Alterations in Perinatal Stress: A First Step towards Late-Onset Diseases? A Narrative Review

“…Social determinants of health, such as local neighborhood, social environment, exposure to chronic stress, education levels, socioeconomic status and access to health care, can cause epigenetic perturbations that influence disease susceptibility throughout life [ 34 ]. Social inequalities such as lower parental income/wealth, educational attainment, occupational social class, parental unemployment and lack of housing have been linked to unfavorable child health and development [ 35 ].…”

“…Social inequalities such as lower parental income/wealth, educational attainment, occupational social class, parental unemployment and lack of housing have been linked to unfavorable child health and development [ 35 ]. Poor housing conditions impact indoor air quality, leading, for example, to worsening asthma by epigenetic modulation [ 34 ]. Furthermore, in disadvantaged areas, the intake of healthy food is limited, with an excess of regular consumption of ultra-processed food, alcohol and tobacco, which contribute to the development of unhealthy phenotypes [ 34 ].…”

“…Poor housing conditions impact indoor air quality, leading, for example, to worsening asthma by epigenetic modulation [ 34 ]. Furthermore, in disadvantaged areas, the intake of healthy food is limited, with an excess of regular consumption of ultra-processed food, alcohol and tobacco, which contribute to the development of unhealthy phenotypes [ 34 ]. A low socioeconomical status, increased maternal weight and physical inactivity have been found to be related to children’s weight and height [ 36 , 37 ].…”

Epigenome-wide association studies of three social determinants of health and implications for lung functions among survivors of childhood cancer

“…Social and behavioral epigenomics is an emerging transdisciplinary field studying social and the relevant health behavioral factors that can influence health outcomes through an epigenetic mechanism and how they may contribute to health disparities. 5,6 Among a variety of epigenetic modifications, DNA methylation (DNAm) has been the most widely studied, reporting significant associations with overall socio-economic status (SES), 5,7-11 educational attainment, 12,13 and health behaviors. 14 The epigenetic signatures may further link SES to chronic disease risk.…”

Avaliação da idade epigenética e padrão de metilação do DNA em dependentes de crack

“…Drogas de abuso, como o crack, são capazes de alterar o padrão de metilação de DNA do genoma 3 . A dependência de crack, assim como a maquinaria epigenética, também é afetada por fatores ambientais como condições socioeconômicas, adversidades sociais, qualidade de vida, exposição à estresse e comorbidades psiquiátricas 4,5 . No entanto, poucos estudos avaliaram em conjunto a influência dos fatores ambientais em alterações na metilação do DNA e dependência de crack.…”