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Early Life Socioeconomic Disadvantage and Epigenetic Programming of a Pro-inflammatory Phenotype: a Review of Recent Evidence

  • Social Epidemiology (A Aiello, Section Editor)
  • Published:
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Abstract

Purpose of Review

A growing body of literature suggests that early life socioeconomic disadvantage (SD) may play a key role in shaping a pro-inflammatory phenotype hypothesized to result from programming of cells of the innate immune system (i.e., monocytes and macrophages) for desensitization to glucocorticoid signaling and exacerbated inflammatory response to immune stimuli, yet understanding of the biologic pathways by which such programming may occur remains limited. The purpose of this review is to discuss the current research supporting the hypothesis that early life SD is associated with a pro-inflammatory phenotype beginning in childhood and highlight recent findings regarding the role that epigenetic programming via DNA methylation (DNAm) specifically, may serve as a biologic mediator of these associations. Gaps in knowledge and recommendations for future research are also discussed.

Recent Findings

Findings regarding the association between early life SD and DNAm of genes that may be involved in shaping a pro-inflammatory phenotype are mixed, but lend some support for epigenetic alterations to genes regulating inflammatory processes as a mediator of this association. Studies which integrate data on DNAm, gene expression, and markers of a pro-inflammatory phenotype beginning early in life and over time are ultimately needed to fully understand the role of epigenetic programming in shaping this adverse immune phenotype in those born into socioeconomically disadvantaged environments.

Summary

Epigenetic programming of a pro-inflammatory phenotype represents a plausible and understudied pathway by which socioeconomic disparities in chronic disease develop across the lifecourse and are perpetuated across generations.

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  1. Joseph J. Zilber School of Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, 1240 N. 10th Street, Milwaukee, WI, 53201, USA

    Amanda M. Simanek & Paul L. Auer

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Correspondence to Amanda M. Simanek.

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Amanda M. Simanek and Paul L. Auer each declare no potential conflict of interest.

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Simanek, A.M., Auer, P.L. Early Life Socioeconomic Disadvantage and Epigenetic Programming of a Pro-inflammatory Phenotype: a Review of Recent Evidence. Curr Epidemiol Rep 5, 407–417 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40471-018-0169-5

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