Discrimination Against Immigrant Latina Mothers Associated With Pro-Inflammatory Gene Expression in Their Preschool-Aged Children.

Abstract

Background: For immigrant mothers navigating the challenges of an unfamiliar sociopolitical landscape, the burden of discrimination extends beyond their personal experiences. Over time, cumulative exposure to discrimination may shape the environments in which young children grow and develop, with potential biological effects across the lifespan. Objectives: This cross-sectional observational study examined (1) whether maternal experiences of post-migration discrimination in the past year are associated with pro-inflammatory gene expression in their preschool-aged children, and (2) the potential contributing roles of maternal depressive symptoms and child body mass index (BMI). Methods: Immigrant Latina mothers completed sociodemographic and psychosocial measures (acculturation, discrimination, depressive symptoms). Buccal swabs were collected from children to assess mRNA expression of pro-inflammatory genes (IL-8, IL-1β), and child BMI was measured. Analyses included 70 mother-child dyads with ≥1 valid biomarker. We fit a multivariate model with correlated residuals across biomarkers to test associations between experiences of maternal discrimination and child gene expression. Results: Most mothers (69%) reported experiencing discrimination in the past year, primarily due to race or ancestry. Children whose mothers reported more frequent experiences of discrimination had higher IL-8 (B = .05, SE = .01, p < .001) and IL-1β (Β = .03, SE = .01, p = .03) mRNA expression. Associations persisted after adjusting for maternal depressive symptoms and child BMI. Conclusions: Early life experiences that devalue immigrants and their children may be critical predictors of health disparities that develop after migration. Cultivating welcoming environments for immigrant families may help support children's potential and broader community resilience.