​Abstract

Maternal trauma influences infant and adult health outcomes and may impact future generations through epigenetic modifications such as DNA methylation (DNAm).

Based on an epigenome-wide association study (EWAS), we identified differentially methylated regions (DMPs): 14 were associated with germline and 21 with direct exposure to violence.  .  .  .

Most DMPs showed the same directionality in DNAm change across germline, prenatal, and direct exposures, suggesting a common epigenetic response to violence.

Additionally, we identified epigenetic age acceleration in association with prenatal exposure to violence in children, highlighting the critical period of in utero development.

This is the first report of an intergenerational epigenetic signature of violence, which has important implications for understanding the inheritance of trauma.

Abstract

​According to the World Health Organization, psychiatric disorders affect a significant portion of the global population, with an estimated one in four individuals experiencing a mental health condition at some point in their lives.
 
In light of this pressing need, this comprehensive literature review delves into the field of translational psychiatry, examining the challenges, advancements, and future directions in bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application. 


It explores various subtopics, including neurobiological research, biomarkers, interventions, precision psychiatry, implementation science, and ethical considerations, to shed light on the progress and limitations in translating fundamental insights into innovative diagnostic tools, novel treatments, and personalized approaches for psychiatric disorders.

By critically analyzing recent research findings, this review aims to provide valuable insights and recommendations to accelerate the translation of research findings into effective clinical interventions, ultimately striving to improve mental healthcare delivery and outcomes for individuals affected by psychiatric disorders.
​
New Understandings MatterPictureFrom Theory to Practice: Bridging the Gap in Translational Psychiatry Research​ (2023)
​*​ Helwan University, Egypt
Abstract
​According to the World Health Organization, psychiatric disorders affect a significant portion of the global population, with an estimated one in four individuals experiencing a mental health condition at some point in their lives. In light of this pressing need, this comprehensive literature review delves into the field of translational psychiatry, examining the challenges, advancements, and future directions in bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application. 

It explores various subtopics, including neurobiological research, biomarkers, interventions, precision psychiatry, implementation science, and ethical considerations, to shed light on the progress and limitations in translating fundamental insights into innovative diagnostic tools, novel treatments, and personalized approaches for psychiatric disorders.
By critically analyzing recent research findings, this review aims to provide valuable insights and recommendations to accelerate the translation of research findings into effective clinical interventions, ultimately striving to improve mental healthcare delivery and outcomes for individuals affected by psychiatric disorders.

​Parental health is increasingly recognized as one of the strongest predictors of childhood health outcomes (Jawaid et al., 2021).

Over the last three decades, researchers have made considerable progress understanding how maternal health contributes to children’s health.

For example, maternal immune alterations (such as infections or autoimmunity) can act as a primer for a range of psychiatric and neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) in offspring (Kentner et al., 2019).

Animal models of maternal immune activation (MIA) have helped to uncover the mechanisms which may underlie this increased susceptibility, and the sex differences in their presentation.

These advancements have resulted in novel diagnostic and therapeutic tools (Kentner et al., 2019).

Nevertheless, maternal health is only half of the story – what about paternal health? In a recent paper in Brain, Behavior, and Immunity, Liao et al. (2024) demonstrate that paternal immune activation (PIA) has multigenerational and sex-specific effects on offspring behaviors.

They further highlight paternal epigenetic changes that may underlie these developmental alterations, paving promising directions for future research.

​Due to the duality of possible effects, the potential benefits of a ketogenic diet in pregnancy should be considered carefully.

​ Moreover, there is a need for more human studies determining the safety of the ketogenic diet for both the fetus and the mother.