Poverty is a pressing problem worldwide. The World Bank estimates that 700 million people lived below the extreme poverty line in 2015.

The impacts of poverty are evident in multiple aspects, including health, education, social welfare, and economic growth. While the factors contributing to poverty are complex, it is a reality that can affect an individual’s life in many ways. One of the lesser-known impacts of poverty includes the effects it has on genetic makeup.

What is genetic makeup?

Genetic makeup refers to the unique combination of DNA in an individual’s cells. DNA contains the genetic instructions for an organism’s development, growth, and function.

DNA sequences follow a specific pattern that determines an individual’s physical and behavioral traits that vary from person to person. However, certain DNA sequences can be passed down from one generation to another, offering a glimpse into an individual’s family history. It is essential to note that genetic makeup is not the same as genetic destiny.

Although genes play a significant role in an individual’s life, environmental factors influence how genes are expressed and could modify them.

What is epigenetics?

Epigenetics refers to the study of how environmental factors can modify gene expression. It is an essential area of research as it helps explain the mechanisms by which environmental factors influence human development.

The environment is known to have a significant impact on how genes are expressed, which could alter an individual’s predisposition to certain traits. Epigenetic changes can occur during an individual’s lifetime and pass down these changes to future generations. Epigenetic changes are reversible and can occur in response to environmental factors such as diet, exercise, stress, or even poverty.

How does poverty affect genetics?

Poverty is a significant environmental factor that can influence an individual’s genetic makeup. Studies have shown that poverty can cause epigenetic changes that lead to genetic predispositions for certain illnesses.

Poverty can affect an individual’s health by exposure to poor living conditions, stressful events, inadequate nutrition, and poor access to healthcare. These environmental factors can cause epigenetic changes that modify an individual’s gene expression, leading to a higher risk for diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.

The effects of poverty on epigenetic changes can even pass down to future generations.

Childhood poverty and genetics

Childhood poverty has a direct impact on an individual’s genetic makeup. Poverty during the developmental stage of life can cause epigenetic changes that can lead to a higher risk of chronic illnesses.

It can alter the expression of genes that control metabolism, immune function, and stress response. For instance, studies have shown that children from low-income families have lower DNA methylation patterns, which can change the expression of genes associated with inflammation and immunity.

This modification can lead to a higher risk of illness during adulthood.

Poverty and DNA Methylation

DNA methylation refers to a process that regulates gene expression by adding a molecule called the methyl group to DNA molecules. DNA methylation plays an essential role in determining an individual’s predisposition to developing certain traits.

Studies have shown that poverty can alter DNA methylation patterns, leading to epigenetic changes that modify gene expression to increase the risk of developing chronic illnesses. A study conducted in new-borns showed that infants from mothers who lived in poverty had high DNA methylation levels, which increased the risk of infant respiratory illnesses.

Related Article Genetic impact of poverty

Other studies have also linked poverty to high DNA methylation levels, which increase the risk of obesity and Type 2 diabetes.

Poverty and Telomere Length

Telomeres are repeating DNA sequences that protect the ends of chromosomes from damage. Telomere length is an essential indicator of cellular age and health. The shorter the telomere, the more likely an individual is to develop age-related diseases.

Telomeres are known to shorten over time as cells divide, leading to cell death and aging. However, studies have shown that poverty can accelerate telomere shortening, leading to premature aging.

The stress of living in poverty causes telomeres to shorten at a faster rate, leading to an increased risk of developing age-related diseases such as heart disease, dementia, and diabetes.

Poverty and Stress Response

Living in poverty can cause chronic stress that can lead to epigenetic changes that modify stress response genes. Chronic stress can cause dysregulation of genes that control stress response, leading to long-lasting physiological changes.

For instance, studies have shown that stress caused by poverty can cause DNA methylation changes in genes associated with the body’s stress response. Moreover, these changes can lead to an increased risk of developing mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder.

The effects of poverty on brain development

Poverty has a direct impact on brain development, leading to cognitive and behavioral differences between individuals from low-income families and their wealthier counterparts.

Children from low-income families often have smaller brain volumes, reduced gray matter and white matter, and differences in brain structure and connectivity. Poverty causes stress that can lead to lower cortical thickness, a reduction in the hippocampus size, and reduced connectivity between various brain regions.

Moreover, these differences in cognitive development can persist into adulthood, leading to reduced educational attainment and lower income earning potential.

Poverty Reduction and Epigenetics

Poverty reduction and epigenetics are interrelated phenomena. The reduction of poverty can cause changes in the epigenetic profile that can lead to an improvement in individual health.

Programs such as conditional cash transfers, nutrition, and social welfare programs can lead to epigenetic changes that can promote better health outcomes. For instance, a study conducted in Washington showed that children who participated in childhood education programs had better epigenetic profiles when compared to their peers who did not participate.

The effect of poverty reduction programs on epigenetic changes offers valuable insights into the potential of social interventions to mitigate the adverse effects of poverty on health.

Conclusion

Poverty affects an individual’s genetic makeup in many ways.

Environmental factors such as inadequate nutrition, exposure to stress, and poor living conditions can lead to epigenetic changes that modify gene expression and increase the risk of developing chronic illnesses. Epigenetic changes can occur in response to various environmental factors, providing insights into the mechanisms by which environmental factors can change human development.

Poverty reduction programs offer valuable insights into the potential of mitigating the effects of poverty on health through social interventions.