Childhood abuse, promoter methylation of leukocyte NR3C1 and the potential modifying effect of emotional support

Abstract

Aim: To investigate childhood abuse victimization in relation to adult DNA methylation levels in a novel region of NR3C1, with emotional support as a possible modifier. Materials & methods: 295 participants from the Black Women's Health Study. Multivariable linear regression models were used to compute differences in mean percent methylation levels. Results: Women reporting childhood abuse victimization exhibited higher mean NR3C1 methylation levels than nonabused women, with a clear dose–response relationship. Childhood emotional support appeared to attenuate associations only among women with the highest levels of physical and sexual abuse. Conclusion: NR3C1 mean methylation was higher among women who reported childhood abuse. Further research is warranted to clarify whether or the extent to which childhood emotional support buffers the association.