That's the goal of epigenetics researchers. That is why epigenetics is becoming a subject of interest for an increasing number of individuals. Epigenetics is a relatively young branch of research that investigates how various substances inside your body's cells regulate how your genes function. Scientists refer to these substances as epigenetic markers or chemical signatures. These chemical markers may help your body grow stronger or more resilient. Other times, they endanger your health.
Scientists have long recognised that our environment and individual behaviours influence our health. For example:
- Certain pollutants may increase your chance of developing cancer
- Air pollution has been linked to asthma
- Exercise strengthens the heart
- Eating healthy meals benefits both your brain and your body
Genes and DNA
Genes are the fundamental units of DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid). People frequently compare your entire DNA sequence to a recipe or instruction manual. That's because your DNA contains the instructions required for all of your body's cells to function properly. Your cells "read" DNA to determine what to do and how to do it.Your body has trillions of cells at any given time. And they are continually multiplying to replace dead cells (creating copies of themselves). That's because the same cells aren't supposed to stay in your body forever; they die and are replaced by new ones. This is part of your body's natural functioning. And those trillions of cells rely on your DNA to determine how to grow, when to duplicate themselves, and when to quit multiplying.
Within your body, each cell performs its unique function. To accomplish this, they read certain portions of your DNA. Those sections correspond to your unique genes. Think of your genes as chapters in an instruction manual or recipes in a cookbook. Genes are the tiny portions that collectively form your genome.
However, each cell does not read the complete set of instructions (your entire DNA sequence or genome). This is because each cell only requires a subset of the instructions, rather than the entire set. Cells in your body perform specialised duties, and they just need to know enough to execute their responsibilities.
What Is The Epigenome?
Your epigenome includes all of your genes as well as everything that controls how you utilise them. Furthermore, your epigenome is always changing. It evolves with time. This may be both beneficial and negative. It's beneficial in the sense that things like a healthy diet, exercise, and managed stress may cause epigenetic modifications that improve health. However, other variables such as processed meals, smoking, and high levels of stress may create epigenetic modifications that are harmful to one's health.However, current data shows that what we put into our bodies and how we interact with our surroundings may have a significant impact on our epigenomes. We don't always have control over these parts of our lives, but we can regulate them in certain cases, which is more than we can say about the genes we inherit.
Epigenetic Implications For Infertility
Several scientific investigations have examined several genomic areas and shown that epigenetic alterations, including DNA methylation and histone modifications, are connected with male infertility. Even in cases when semen parameters (count, morphology, and motility) are normal, there seems to be a connection between the epigenetic profile and infertility. Reading the epigenetic pattern in sperm DNA offers a very intriguing prospect for detecting male infertility in situations of unexplained infertility.Transgenerational epigenetic inheritance suggests that epigenetic changes may be passed down from generation to generation.
Epigenetic modifications in gametes (i.e., sperm and eggs) may be passed down across generations in addition to having substantial effects on a person. This shows that chronic stress, toxicant exposure, and the timing of childbearing (i.e., ageing) might all have a significant influence on our children's health.
What Disorders Are Related To Epigenetics?
Scientists are learning more about how epigenetic modifications affect the body and disease development. They also believe that certain physiological and disease-related alterations can alter your epigenome.According to recent studies, epigenetic alterations play a role in:
- How does your metabolism operate?
- Ageing and its accompanying disorders
- Brain disorders include Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, and syndromes that induce intellectual incapacity
- The development of cancer
- Substance abuse disorders
What Can Affect The Epigenome?
Countless forces influence your epigenome, some of which begin before you are born. Here are a few examples:- The foods your biological mother consumed when pregnant with you (pregnancy diet).
- Your biological mother's general health and well-being during pregnancy.
- The nutrients you received as a baby and toddler.
- Early childhood trauma
- As a young child, you learnt from and interacted with adults.
- Toxin exposure can include air pollution, diesel exhaust, and cigarette smoke.
- Exposure to chemicals such as plastics and BPA (Bisphenol A), as well as heavy metals such as lead and cadmium.
- Use of specific prescribed medications
- Use of alcohol, tobacco, and recreational drugs
- The foods you consume as an adult
- Your current level of physical activity
- The amount of stress in your daily existence
- Your relationships and social interactions
- The community you live in, and how it supports (or does not support) you.
- Access to healthcare and resources to help you meet your health needs.
For example, epigenetic markers may prohibit cells from reading specific portions of your genome. This means that a specific gene is switched off — or silenced — while it should be active. As a result, your cells are unable to read those genes (recipes), and they may fail to perform all of the activities required to keep you healthy, such as preventing tumour growth. Some damaging epigenetic modifications are temporary and reversible. Others survive a long period, if not their entire lives.
However, epigenetic markers can be both beneficial and protective. For example, providing a baby with numerous learning chances can result in good epigenetic alterations that benefit their mental and physical health for many years.
You cannot pick your parents' genes, and you have little control over many parts of your environment. However, understanding all of the elements that "nurture" you and your children can help you do everything necessary to support a healthy epigenome.
Can You Positively Impact Your Epigenome?
Yes. There is no one plan to achieve it, but experts think that some decisions we make may promote favourable epigenetic modifications while reducing the chance of negative alterations. Here are a few tips:- Eat healthy meals: A dietician can help you develop an eating plan that is tailored to your specific health requirements and lifestyle.
- Plan physical exercise into your day: Before beginning any new workout program, consult with your physician. They will ensure that any workout is safe for you.
- Limit your alcohol consumption and avoid tobacco products
- To handle stress, try to rest and unwind whenever possible
You can work on all of these things on your own. However, research reveals that our epigenome is most adaptable during the first few years of life. So, as a parent or carer, it is crucial to:
- Ensure that your child is receiving the proper nourishment. Your paediatrician can provide you with advice on how to achieve this.
- Give your child the opportunity to learn from an early age. This might include providing your child with toys that help them learn and remember, as well as chatting and reading to them and teaching them new words.
- Surround your child with people who are supportive and kind, making them feel at ease and protected.
- Contact a healthcare practitioner if you are experiencing food hardship, housing insecurity, or domestic abuse. They will help you in obtaining the necessary resources to support and protect yourself and your children.
Epigenetics, in comparison to other fields of research, is still in its early stages. There is a lot that we do not know. However, this means there is still plenty to explore. Your healthcare practitioner can explain the function of your genes and epigenome in your health. They may also direct you to more resources.
FAQs on What To Know About Epigenetics?
- What is epigenetics in IVF?
When someone uses a donor egg, the baby's genes are from the donor and cannot be modified. However, the person who bears the baby also influences how those genes are utilised (or "expressed"). - What role does epigenetics play during pregnancy?
Epigenetic processes in the placenta are effective transmitters of maternal and environmental cues to the developing foetus. Furthermore, variations in placental gene expression and signalling throughout foetal development may substantially modify the developmental program, especially in relation to brain development.
