Inflammatory and Epigenetic Pathways for Perinatal Depression Journal Article

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Authors: Garfield, Lindsey; Mathews, Herbert L.; Janusek, Linda Witek
Article Title: Inflammatory and Epigenetic Pathways for Perinatal Depression
Abstract: Depression during the perinatal period is common and can have adverse consequences for women and their children. Yet, the biobehavioral mechanisms underlying perinatal depression are not known. Adverse early life experiences increase the risk for adult depression. One potential mechanism by which this increased risk occurs is epigenetic embedding of inflammatory pathways. The purpose of this article is to propose a conceptual model that explicates the linkage between early life adversity and the risk for maternal depression. The model posits that early life adversity embeds a proinflammatory epigenetic signature (altered DNA methylation) that predisposes vulnerable women to depression during pregnancy and the postpartum period. As proposed, women with a history of early life adversity are more likely to exhibit higher levels of proinflammatory cytokines and lower levels of oxytocin in response to the demands of pregnancy and new motherhood, both of which are associated with the risk for perinatal depression. The model is designed to guide investigations into the biobehavioral basis for perinatal depression, with emphasis upon the impact of early life adversity. Testing this model will provide a better understanding of maternal depressive risk and improve identification of vulnerable women who would benefit from targeted interventions that can reduce the impact of perinatal depression on maternal-infant health.
Journal Title: Biological research for nursing
Volume: 18
Issue: 3
ISSN: 1099-8004
Publisher: Sage Publications Inc  
Journal Place: Thousand Oaks, California
Date Published: 2016
Start Page: 331
End Page: 343 13p
Language: English
DOI/URL:

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Notes: ID: 114529915