Genetics and epigenetics of the war child (Review)

Papakonstantinou,Eleni; Efthimiou,Vasiliki; Chrousos,George P.; Vlachakis,Dimitrios

doi:10.3892/ije.2024.21

Genetics and epigenetics of the war child (Review)

Authors:
- Eleni Papakonstantinou
- Vasiliki Efthimiou
- George P. Chrousos
- Dimitrios Vlachakis
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Affiliations: Laboratory of Genetics, Department of Biotechnology, School of Applied Biology and Biotechnology, Agricultural University of Athens, 11855 Athens, Greece, University Research Institute of Maternal and Child Health and Precision Medicine, and UNESCO Chair on Adolescent Health Care, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, ‘Aghia Sophia’ Children's Hospital, 11527 Athens, Greece
Published online on: May 10, 2024 https://doi.org/10.3892/ije.2024.21
Article Number: 2
Copyright : © Papakonstantinou et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of Creative Commons Attribution License [CC BY 4.0].

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Abstract

Conflicts and wars, particularly prevalent in regions such as Africa, the Middle East and Asia, have profound and multifaceted effects on individuals, spanning socioeconomic, medical and psychological realms. The present review delves into the intricate interplay between genetics, epigenetics and the experiences of individuals, particularly children, in conflict zones. Genetics, the study of inherited traits, and epigenetics, the study of how environmental factors influence gene expression, jointly shape the development and response to trauma of an individual. While traditionally, genes were considered the sole determinants of traits, epigenetic modifications reveal the significant role of environmental factors. Children in war zones are particularly vulnerable, suffering from a myriad of physical and psychological traumas, including post‑traumatic stress disorder and depression. Moreover, exposure to violence during critical developmental periods can have transgenerational effects, affecting the mental and physical health of subsequent generations. Recent research highlights epigenetic changes in individuals affected by historical traumas, such as the Holocaust, demonstrating how parental trauma can influence offspring. Interventions targeting epigenetic mechanisms show promise in mitigating the effects of trauma. Narrative exposure therapy and other psychological interventions have been shown to induce epigenetic changes associated with memory and trauma processing, offering hope for affected individuals. Additionally, environmental influences during critical periods, such as famine during adolescence, have been linked to long‑term health outcomes, including the risk of developing colorectal cancer. Herein, the intricate interplay between genetics, epigenetics and environmental factors in shaping individual responses to trauma is underscore. Further research on a larger scale is warranted to validate and expand upon these findings, offering insight into potential avenues for intervention and support for individuals affected by conflict‑related trauma.

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