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Research on epigenetics has surged in the past two decades as it has become apparent that changes in gene function aside from those related to DNA mutations or natural variations may be integral factors in numerous perplexing health disorders. But much remains unknown about this relatively new field. Of the thousands of epigenetics studies published,1 a few hundred have addressed behavioral and mental health outcomes, but only a fraction of those have dealt with fetal or childhood exposures or outcomes. However, early results in the niche field of behavioral epigenetics suggest such studies could provide insights into behavioral and mental health conditions such as autism spectrum disorders (ASDs), attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depression, and anxiety.
Examining Endocrine Disruptors
Studies of certain substances - including a variety of metals, solvents, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), particulate matter, pesticides, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and more ' ' ' - have indicated they may trigger epigenetic changes of one kind or another. Frederica Perera, director of the Columbia Center for Children's Environmental Health at Columbia University, and her colleagues have investigated several chemicals for potential effects on neurodevelopmental outcomes, with a focus on endocrine disruption that may involve epigenetic pathways.3 "The ability of chemicals to disrupt endocrine systems is a red flag for potential risk," she says. "Epigenetics is being considered an important mechanism through which various stressors can operate. Many lines of evidence point to their being a special concern during rapid fetal development."
Bisphenol A (BPA), an endocrine-disrupting compound used in many plastics and resins, has been assessed in a few behavioral studies. Published evidence, mainly from nonbrain tissues, indicates BPA may have the ability to affect the epigenome, leading to long-lasting changes in gene expression.6
At least one animal study suggests that prenatal BPA exposure may affect social behavior and brain gene expression and that the effects may extend to future generations.7 Although the authors of this study hypothesize that epigenetic mechanisms may be involved, they did not investigate epigenetic changes induced by BPA. However, they did examine associations across multiple generations, exposing dams to BPA before and during pregnancy at concentrations relevant to typical human exposure, then analyzing behavioral outcomes extending out to the fourth generation.
Both males and females in the generation...