Biological Embedding of Child Maltreatment, a Systematic Review: Biomarkers and Resilience in Children and Youth

• In Event: Poster Session 02
  In Poster Session: PS 02 Topic - Family Context & Processes

Abstract

Objective: Child maltreatment is a widespread problem associated with poor mental and physical health outcomes. The underlying mechanisms of this link are not always well understood, however certain biological changes observed in maltreated individuals may play a role in connecting experience and outcome. Many researchers have posited that early experience “gets under the skin” to cause biological changes - a phenomenon referred to as biological embedding. This review specifically focuses on two markers of biological embedding, DNA methylation and telomere length in maltreated children and youth. As biomarker changes are not uniform among maltreated children, we additionally discuss biological and environmental resilience factors that may contribute to variability.

Methods: We conducted a systematic review of Medline, Embase and PsycInfo databases for studies examining DNA methylation and/or telomere length in maltreated children and youth. Two criteria were required for inclusion: 1) studies needed to report child maltreatment experience; and 2) biomarker measurement of DNA methylation and/or telomere length must have been taken before a mean age of 18 years. Standardized systematic review procedures were followed.

Results: The initial search returned 1777 results after deduplication. 280 were sent through to full text review. Twenty-six papers from 17 studies will ultimately be included, of which 8 examine telomere length and 18 examine DNA methylation. Data extraction focused on various factors including population characteristics, maltreatment type, chronicity, severity, and duration of maltreatment exposure on biomarker outcomes. While some heterogeneity of findings was found, evidence supports differential changes in both biomarkers associated with CM. As biomarker changes are not uniform among maltreated children, we additionally discuss biological and environmental factors that may confer resilience.

Conclusions: This review enhances understanding of the constellation of biological changes related to child maltreatment and the important role of resilience factors in mitigating risk. Elucidating these factors may highlight targets for future study and intervention development.

Keywords: child maltreatment, telomere length, epigenetics, resilience

Authors

• Taylor Nelles-McGee, McMaster University
  Presenting Author

• Jennifer E. Khoury, McMaster University
  Non-Presenting Author

• Divya Joshi, McMaster University
  Non-Presenting Author

• Meghan Kenny, McMaster University
  Non-Presenting Author

• Andrea Gonzalez, McMaster University
  Non-Presenting Author