Influences of Maternal and Paternal PTSD on Epigenetic Regulation of the Glucocorticoid Receptor Gene in Holocaust Survivor Offspring

• DOI: 10.1176/appi.ajp.2014.13121571
• Publication Date: 2014-05-16T04:31:28Z
• Authors: Rachel Yehuda; Nikolaos P. Daska...; Amy Lehrner; Frank Desarnaud; Heather N. Bader; Iouri Makotkine; Janine D. Flory; Linda M. Bierer; Michael J. Meaney
• Keywords: Male; Heredity; Hydrocortisone; Holocaust; Mothers; DNA Methylation; Middle Aged; Dexamethasone; Epigenesis, Genetic; 3. Good health; Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic; Fathers; 03 medical and health sciences; Receptors, Glucocorticoid; 0302 clinical medicine; Child of Impaired Parents; Case-Control Studies; Leukocytes, Mononuclear; Adult Children; Humans; Female; Pituitary-Adrenal Function Tests; Promoter Regions, Genetic

Differential effects of maternal and paternal posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) have been observed in adult offspring Holocaust survivors both glucocorticoid receptor sensitivity vulnerability to psychiatric disorder. The authors examined the relative influences PTSD on DNA methylation exon 1F promoter (GR-1F) gene (NR3C1) peripheral blood mononuclear cells its relationship offspring.Adult with at least one survivor parent (N=80) demographically similar participants without parental exposure or (N=15) completed clinical interviews, self-report measures, biological procedures. Blood samples were collected for analysis GR-1F cortisol levels response low-dose dexamethasone, two-way covariance was performed using as main effects. Hierarchical clustering used permit visualization compared variables methylation.A significant interaction demonstrated that absence PTSD, showed higher methylation, whereas lower methylation. Lower significantly associated greater postdexamethasone suppression. revealed differentially indicators methylation.This is first study demonstrate alterations relation neuroendocrine outcomes. moderation by suggests different mechanisms intergenerational transmission trauma-related vulnerabilities.