Epigenetics of Trauma Transmission and Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder: What Does the Evidence Support?

Sarah M. Orton (), Kimberly Millis and Peter Choate
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Sarah M. Orton: Faculty of Science and Technology, Department of Biology, Mount Royal University, Calgary, AB T3E 6K6, Canada
Kimberly Millis: Faculty of Science and Technology, Department of Biology, Mount Royal University, Calgary, AB T3E 6K6, Canada
Peter Choate: Faculty of Health, Community & Education, Department of Child Studies and Social Work, Mount Royal University, Calgary, AB T3E 6K6, Canada

IJERPH, 2023, vol. 20, issue 17, 1-25

Abstract: Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) results from teratogenic impacts of alcohol consumption during pregnancy. Trauma and prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) can both cause neurodevelopmental impairment, and it has been proposed that FASD can amplify effects of trauma. Certain PAE and trauma effects are mediated via epigenetic mechanisms. The objective of this review is to present the current evidence for epigenetics in trauma transmission as it relates to FASD, to help bridge a potential knowledge gap for social workers and related health professionals. We include a primer on epigenetic mechanisms and inheritance, followed by a summary of the current biomedical evidence supporting intergenerational and transgenerational epigenetic transmission of trauma, its relevance to FASD, the intersection with social transmission, and finally the application to social work. We propose potential models of transmission, considering where social and epigenetic pathways may intersect and/or compound across generations. Overall, we aim to provide a better understanding of epigenetic-trauma transmission for its application to health professions, in particular which beliefs are (and are not) evidence-based. We discuss the lack of research and challenges of studying epigenetic transmission in humans and identify the need for public health interventions and best practices that are based on the current evidence.

Keywords: fetal alcohol spectrum disorder; FASD; prenatal alcohol exposure; PAE; epigenetics; trauma; epigenetic inheritance; intergenerational trauma; transgenerational trauma; social work (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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