Epigenetic Changes Associated with Different Types of Stressors and Suicide

Abstract

Stress is associated with various epigenetic changes. Some stress-induced epigenetic changes are highly dynamic, whereas others are associated with lasting marks on the epigenome. In our study, a comprehensive narrative review of the literature was performed by investigating the epigenetic changes that occur with acute stress, chronic stress, early childhood stress, and traumatic stress exposures, along with examining those observed in post-mortem brains or blood samples of suicide completers and attempters. In addition, the transgenerational effects of these changes are reported. For all types of stress studies examined, the genes Nr3c1, OXTR, SLC6A4, and BDNF reproducibly showed epigenetic changes, with some modifications observed to be passed down to subsequent generations following stress exposures. The aforementioned genes are known to be involved in neuronal development and hormonal regulation and are all associated with susceptibility to mental health disorders including depression, anxiety, personality disorders, and PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder). Further research is warranted in order to determine the scope of epigenetic actionable targets in individuals suffering from the long-lasting effects of stressful experiences.