Neurological and Epigenetic Implications of Nutritional Deficiencies on Psychopathology: Conceptualization and Review of Evidence

International Journal of Molecular Sciences

Jianghong Liu¹  Sophie R. Zhao²  Teresa Reyes² 

[1] School of Nursing, University of Pennsylvania, 418 Curie Blvd., Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA;

关键词: molecular epigenetics;    nutrients;    brain dysfunction;    gene–environment interactions;    behavior problems;    psychopathology;    neurotoxicity;   

DOI  :  10.3390/ijms160818129

来源: mdpi

【 摘 要 】

In recent years, a role for epigenetic modifications in the pathophysiology of disease has received significant attention. Many studies are now beginning to explore the gene–environment interactions, which may mediate early-life exposure to risk factors, such as nutritional deficiencies and later development of behavioral problems in children and adults. In this paper, we review the current literature on the role of epigenetics in the development of psychopathology, with a specific focus on the potential for epigenetic modifications to link nutrition and brain development. We propose a conceptual framework whereby epigenetic modifications (e.g., DNA methylation) mediate the link between micro- and macro-nutrient deficiency early in life and brain dysfunction (e.g., structural aberration, neurotransmitter perturbation), which has been linked to development of behavior problems later on in life.

【 授权许可】

CC BY   
© 2015 by the authors; licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.