V-021 | Mothers with a history of childhood abuse and their emotional states during pregnancy: study of genetic and epigenetic components as potential mediators

Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology
Author: Lucila Rios | Email: lulirios09@hotmail.com

Lucila Rios^1°, Sergio I. Nemirovsky^2°,Eduardo T. Cánepa^1°, Bruno G. Berardino^1°

^1° Laboratorio Epigenética y Adversidades Tempranas, Departamento de Química Biológica, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires – IQUIBICEN, CONICET
^2° IQUIBICEN, CONICET

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) increase the risk of mental health disorders, such as depression and anxiety, which can affect a child’s developmental trajectories. This study examined the role of polymorphisms in serotonin and dopamine pathway genes (SLC6A4, MAOA, DRD4) and their interaction with DNA methylation as potential moderators/mediators of ACEs impact on maternal mental health.
Blood samples from pregnant women were analyzed for genetic variants and DNA methylation to assess their association with maternal depression and anxiety. Through the method CoMeBack, we identified co-methylated regions (CMRs) in our target genes. A linear model revealed a tendency between maternal ACEs and one CMR in the MAOA gene. Investigating further, we found that the genotype load of the MAOA risk allele showed a trending significant moderating effect on this relationship.
A linear model between ACEs and the values obtained for both depression and anxiety as traits show a significant association. Although no significant results were found when considering CMR methylation as a mediator or genotype load as a moderator, a polygenic score showed a tendency in moderating the association between ACEs and depression, but not anxiety. These findings underscore the complex interplay between genetic, epigenetic, and environmental factors, warranting further research into their combined impact on maternal mental health.