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In utero exposure to the Great Depression is reflected in late-life epigenetic aging signatures

Author

Listed:
  • Lauren L. Schmitz

    (a Robert M. La Follette School of Public Affairs, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706;)

  • Valentina Duque

    (b School of Public Affairs, American University, Washington, D.C. 20016)

Abstract

Causal research on maternal-fetal epigenetic programming in humans is rare and has been hampered by a lack of data that connects early-life maternal insults to offspring health across the life course. This study examines whether early-life exposure to adverse economic conditions during the Great Depression—the worst economic downturn in US history—impacted how fast individuals aged biologically decades later according to their epigenetic aging profiles. Using a quasi-experimental strategy, results show that faster epigenetic aging later in life is associated with worse economic conditions during the prenatal period specifically, suggesting it may be a sensitive window for the development of later-life disparities in aging. As a result, early-life investments may help postpone age-related morbidity and mortality and extend healthy life span.

Suggested Citation

  • Lauren L. Schmitz & Valentina Duque, 2022. "In utero exposure to the Great Depression is reflected in late-life epigenetic aging signatures," Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, vol. 119(46), pages 2208530119-, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:nas:journl:v:119:y:2022:p:e2208530119
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