Chilean researchers find that early life stress is related to epigenetic alterations in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, the neuroendocrine system, and serotonergic neurotransmission, as well as to an increased susceptibility to physical and mental illnesses. The authors conclude that epigenetic regulation is involved in the interplay between nature and nurture, and could explain abnormal behaviors secondary to early stress events. The article is available for free in Acta Neuropsychiatrica.
Ventura-Junca, R., Herrera, L.; Epigenetic Alterations Related to Early-Life Stressful Events. Acta Neuropsychiatrica. Online August 30, 2012.
