A community survey on knowledge of the impact of environmental and epigenetic factors on health and disease

Abstract

Aim An outreach effort was designed to survey breast cancer survivors, supporters and their families and friends with respect to their interest in, and knowledge of, the potential impact of the environment and epigenetics on health. Methods Two nearly identical questionnaires (one for adolescents and one for adults) were designed to gauge the perception of this community as to whether the environment impacts health and cancer risk through processes other than genetics. The questionnaires were filled out at casual social gatherings, fundraisers and wellness campaigns as well as in schools (730 participants). The differences among correct (scientific consensus) versus other responses (incorrect and not known) were evaluated. Each answer was first analysed individually and then grouped into one of three categories (diet, inheritance and environment) with age, race and gender. Differences for each response, question or group were compared by repeated measures analysis of variance. Results Respondents generally acknowledged that many factors could be associated with breast cancer although answers to key questions related to epigenetics based on diet, inheritance and environment were often incorrect or not known. The adult participants tended to answer more questions correctly than adolescents did. The majority of participants preferred the Internet as a major source for obtaining further information. Conclusion The growing awareness and educational needs for adolescents may bring new paradigm-related environmental risk factors, which may minimise negative epigenetic outcome in subsequent generations. There is an educational opportunity, especially using electronic media, for public education concerning the impact of the environment on human health.

Interpretation of the hygiene and microflora hypothesis for allergic diseases through epigenetic epidemiology

“…In particular, the variation in the prevalence of immune disease based on rapid environmental changes is unable to be explained by genetic factors alone [ 6 ]; instead, the gene-environment interaction should be involved in the interpretation [ 9 ]. Hence, as it has been broadly interpreted that environmental changes in early life affect lifetime disease occurrence [ 12 , 13 ], the theory of ‘The Developmental Origins of Health and Disease’ (DoHaD) was proposed [ 12 - 14 ].…”

“…Waterland & Michels [ 24 ] defined epigenetic epidemiology as ‘the study of the association between epigenetic variations and the risk of disease in humans’. Exposure factors that cause epigenetic variations include the lifestyle of parents, such as smoking, alcohol consumption, and diet [ 25 ], and the exposure to various physical, chemical, biological, and social environments during early life [ 14 , 16 , 26 , 27 ]. The resulting diseases include allergies and autoimmune diseases, as well as various complex diseases such as cancer, diabetes mellutus, obesity, arteriosclerosis, autism, and mental diseases, et cetera [ 17 , 20 , 22 ].…”

“…The resulting diseases include allergies and autoimmune diseases, as well as various complex diseases such as cancer, diabetes mellutus, obesity, arteriosclerosis, autism, and mental diseases, et cetera [ 17 , 20 , 22 ]. Furthermore, the inter-generational transmission phenomenon that inherits diseases resulted from epigenetic alteration should become another subject of study [ 14 ].…”

Electing for public health

“…8 It also raises a constant priority for public health, that of surveillance and research, covered in peer-reviewed papers on health knowledge and on alcohol use. 9,10…”

“…8 It also raises a constant priority for public health, that of surveillance and research, covered in peer-reviewed papers on health knowledge and on alcohol use. 9,10 Finally, the account of the bombing attack in Boston in 2013 is a reminder that emergency response is also a key responsibility, 11 as well as the importance of good communications. Emergency preparedness from the UK perspective continues this theme.…”