Experienced pregnant Blizzard changed the DNA of babies

The number of days spent by pregnant ladies without electricity during the Great ice 1998 in Canada, is directly related to epigenetic inheritance among their offspring.

The snow storm has left a distinctive mark on DNA of children born in 1998-1999, learned the canadian scientists. Research on this topic was published in the journal PLoS One, and briefly with his results can be found at the press release Douglasdale Institute of mental health.

Snow storms and ice in early January 1998 cut off from electricity and transport more than 3 million inhabitants of Canada (first of all Quebecers). Researchers of the Institute of the McGill decided to take this opportunity to analyze the effects of stress on physical and mental health of pregnant ladies, and their children (at the moment they are already students). Scientists have traced the path of life 150 families.

13 years later, after the storm the researchers found in T-lymphocytes of 36 children distinctive configuration in DNA methylation. The level of methylation was directly dependent on the number of days spent without electricity. In other words epigenome baby varies from impartial stress factors, and not simply in consequence of the emotional experiences of the mother. Changes in genes associated with immunity and metabolism of sugars, can create for "children of the storm" increased risk of asthma, diabetes and excess weight.

sections: Society