Epigenetics, Resilience, Protective Factors and Factors Promoting Positive Outcomes: A Scoping Review

IF 1.6 4区医学 Q3 DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY

International Journal of Developmental Neuroscience Pub Date : 2025-10-20 DOI:10.1002/jdn.70042

Simone G. Assis, Pedro H. Tavares, Nayara Oliveira, Fernanda Serpeloni, Joviana Q. Avanci

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Introduction

While several studies have examined the relationship between adverse social exposures and epigenetic mechanisms, the association between DNA methylation, resilience, protective factors and factors that promote positive outcomes remains underexplored.

Goals

This study aims to analyse scientific publications on epigenetics, specifically focusing on DNA methylation in relation to resilience and individual/social protective/positive factors.

Method

A scoping review was conducted using the descriptors DNA methylation, resilience, self-esteem, emotional regulation, social support and social and emotional functioning, covering the years 2008–2019. The databases used included Web of Science, PubMed and Embase. The analysis included 110 articles, reviewed for identification and profile, article focus, objectives, epidemiological and epigenetic methods, protective/positive factors and impacts on physical and mental health.

Results

There has been a significant, gradual increase in publications over the years, particularly regarding epidemiological studies involving human participants. Most studies utilized a candidate gene approach to assess DNA methylation, while broader genome-wide methylation profiles were less frequently examined. Histone modifications and noncoding RNAs were also discussed, especially in review articles. Resilience was identified as the most studied topic, with analyses focusing on (1) mental disorders, (2) parental mental health, (3) early life stress, (4) biological age and development, (5) clinical and physiological conditions and (6) environmental/socioeconomic factors. A wide variety of genes associating resilience and epigenetics were pointed out, for example, NR3C1, SLC6A4, BDNF, and FKBP5. Additionally, individual and social bonds and competencies such as social and emotional functioning, maternal care and social interaction among others were grouped as protective factors or that promote positive outcomes and were linked to genes such as OXTR, followed by FKBP5 and NR3C1.

Discussion

The significance of epigenetics in neuroscience and its potential public health applications is still emerging. This field invites reflection on prevention and health promotion strategies and highlights growing evidence that social inequalities, adversities and early-life experiences may have lasting effects on gene expression throughout the lifespan.

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表观遗传学，弹性，保护因素和促进积极结果的因素：范围综述

虽然一些研究已经研究了不良社会暴露与表观遗传机制之间的关系，但DNA甲基化、恢复力、保护因素和促进积极结果的因素之间的关系仍未得到充分探讨。本研究旨在分析表观遗传学的科学出版物，特别关注DNA甲基化与恢复力和个人/社会保护/积极因素的关系。方法采用DNA甲基化、弹性、自尊、情绪调节、社会支持、社会和情绪功能等描述词进行范围综述，涵盖2008-2019年。使用的数据库包括Web of Science、PubMed和Embase。该分析包括110篇文章，审查了文章的鉴定和概况、文章的重点、目的、流行病学和表观遗传学方法、保护/积极因素以及对身心健康的影响。结果：近年来，出版物的数量显著而逐渐增加，特别是涉及人类参与者的流行病学研究。大多数研究使用候选基因方法来评估DNA甲基化，而更广泛的全基因组甲基化谱较少被检查。组蛋白修饰和非编码rna也进行了讨论，特别是在综述文章中。复原力被确定为研究最多的主题，重点分析(1)精神障碍，(2)父母心理健康，(3)早期生活压力，(4)生物年龄和发育，(5)临床和生理状况，(6)环境/社会经济因素。研究指出了多种与韧性和表观遗传学相关的基因，如NR3C1、SLC6A4、BDNF和FKBP5。此外，个人和社会联系和能力，如社会和情感功能，产妇护理和社会互动等，被归类为保护因素或促进积极结果的因素，并与OXTR等基因相关，其次是FKBP5和NR3C1。表观遗传学在神经科学中的重要性及其潜在的公共卫生应用仍在不断涌现。这一领域引起人们对预防和促进健康战略的思考，并强调越来越多的证据表明，社会不平等、逆境和早期生活经历可能对整个生命周期的基因表达产生持久影响。

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来源期刊

International Journal of Developmental Neuroscience 医学-发育生物学

CiteScore

3.30

自引率

5.60%

发文量

审稿时长

6-12 weeks

期刊介绍： International Journal of Developmental Neuroscience publishes original research articles and critical review papers on all fundamental and clinical aspects of nervous system development, renewal and regeneration, as well as on the effects of genetic and environmental perturbations of brain development and homeostasis leading to neurodevelopmental disorders and neurological conditions. Studies describing the involvement of stem cells in nervous system maintenance and disease (including brain tumours), stem cell-based approaches for the investigation of neurodegenerative diseases, roles of neuroinflammation in development and disease, and neuroevolution are also encouraged. Investigations using molecular, cellular, physiological, genetic and epigenetic approaches in model systems ranging from simple invertebrates to human iPSC-based 2D and 3D models are encouraged, as are studies using experimental models that provide behavioural or evolutionary insights. The journal also publishes Special Issues dealing with topics at the cutting edge of research edited by Guest Editors appointed by the Editor in Chief. A major aim of the journal is to facilitate the transfer of fundamental studies of nervous system development, maintenance, and disease to clinical applications. The journal thus intends to disseminate valuable information for both biologists and physicians. International Journal of Developmental Neuroscience is owned and supported by The International Society for Developmental Neuroscience (ISDN), an organization of scientists interested in advancing developmental neuroscience research in the broadest sense.