Child abuse leaves "scars" in sperm DNA – study – RT World News

"We already know that there are many behavioral mechanisms by which trauma has negative effects on the next generation., "Andrea Roberts, a Harvard scientist, told The Independent.

"Obviously, trauma really affects the behavior of traumatized people. This often makes them depressed, it gives them post-traumatic stress disorder, and these mental health issues affect their parenting and affect children. This is another possible way. "

Using sperm samples from a small group of 34 men, 22 of whom had suffered some form of child abuse, the new study from the University of British Columbia and the University Harvard revealed that 12 regions of the survivors' DNA were affected by certain molecules. scars.

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This "molecular healing" in DNA is caused by a chemical process called methylation, a process by which a methyl group is added to the DNA, which can have a "damping effect" on certain gene expressions. The impact of this process on men's health has not yet been determined because longer-term research is needed. The study of epigenetics is still in its infancy.

"Some very good mouse discoveries have shown that stressors at the beginning of life affect the marks on sperm, and that these affect the health of the offspring in particular, thus creating a kind of anxious behavior., Added Dr. Roberts.

The researchers found that eight regions of DNA had a difference of more than 10%, while one region in particular had been attenuated up to 29%.

If such research develops and is under the control of peers and eventual meta-analysis, it may open the way for greater precision in criminal investigations, targeting perpetrators who have left their DNA at the scene of the crime and helping to reduce the age of a suspect.