Epigenetics and Its Applications to Children’s Health

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Abstract

Epigenetics represents the study of inheritable changes in the regulation of DNA expression during development. It represents a normal process by which totipotent early cells differentiate and commit to specific tissues, organs, and other structures that are properly arranged and are functional to enable optimum organizational performance. Exposure to nutritional deficits or excess, environmental toxins and endocrine disruptors, and both psychological and physiological stress can produce epigenetic reprogramming, so that affected cells and tissues alter functioning, leading to morbidity and premature mortality. Epigenetic changes in the germ line can produce transgenerational, inherited gene regulatory changes. Within an individual lifespan, altered gene regulation via hyper- or hypo-methylation, acetylation, and the action of endogenous genetic elements leads to aging and growth abnormalities, including cancer, immune dysfunction, and cardiovascular disease.

Keywords

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Epigenetic Change Endocrine Disruptor Allostatic Load 
These keywords were added by machine and not by the authors. This process is experimental and the keywords may be updated as the learning algorithm improves.
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© Springer International Publishing Switzerland 2016

Authors and Affiliations

  1. 1.Department of Health AdministrationPfeiffer UniversityMorrisvilleUSA

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