In Utero Alcohol Exposure and the Alteration of Histone Marks in the Developing Fetus: An Epigenetic Phenomenon of Maternal Drinking

Abstract

Ethanol is well known for its teratogenic effects during fetal development. Maternal alcohol consumption allows the developing fetus to experience the detrimental effects of alcohol exposure. Alcohol-mediated teratogenic effects can vary based on the dosage and the length of exposure. The specific mechanism of action behind this teratogenic effect is still unknown. Previous reports demonstrated that alcohol participates in epigenetic alterations, especially histone modifications during fetal development. Additional research is necessary to understand the correlation between major epigenetic events and alcohol-mediated teratogenesis such as that observed in fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD). Here, we attempted to collect all the available information concerning alcohol-mediated histone modifications during gestational fetal development. We hope that this review will aid researchers to further examine the issues associated with ethanol exposure.

Murine Models for the Study of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders: An Overview

“…PAE influences the activity of enzymes such as histone acetyltransferase and histone deacetylase, which modify the composition of the amino-terminal tails in histones (225). Moreover, the acetylation of histones H3 and H4 has been directly related to alterations in the development of the cerebellum, cardiac defects, and hepatic damage (226,227).…”

Low birth weight in a subnormal urban cluster under Family Health Strategy’s care

“…This substance not only harms the cell divisions but also inhibits the retinoic acid synthesis, an embryonic development regulator, producing negative effects to the fetus development and health, including serious complications as fetal alcohol syndrome. 9,15,16 Regarding the complications caused by alcohol consumption, and since this habit is still practiced in pregnancy, 26,27 we emphasize the importance of actions and orientations during prenatal care. Preventing and avoiding alcohol consumption is an action taken while still in preconception care, as well as the use of medicaments, tabagism, and illegal drugs.…”

“…[3][4][5] According to the United Nations (UN), the rate of low birth weight (LBW) is 16% on a world scale and 9% in Brazil, 6 and is influenced by assistential, environmental and socioeconomic conditions that the mother experienced in the gestation period. [7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19] Thus, the following risk factors to LBW emerge: poverty, [7][8][9] low educational attainment with consequent lack of information, 10,11 habits in pregnancy such as the consumption of cigarettes 12,13 and alcoholic beverages, [14][15][16] and assistance in healthcare. [17][18][19] It is, in fact, a field open to more consistent studies on the reality of maternal and infant health in Brazil, notably in regard to the populations from subnormal urban clusters.…”

Dissemination of Prenatal Drinking Guidelines: A Preliminary Study Examining Personal Alcohol Use Among Midwives in a Southwestern US State

“…1 Accordingly, fetuses exposed to alcohol in utero could experience a continuum of teratogenic effects, collectively known as the fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD). [2][3][4][5] Children who are born with FASD exhibit a range of alcohol-induced neuropsychologic deficits in overall cognitive skills, executive functioning, academic learning, attention and memory, and behavioral impairments. 5 Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS), the most severe form of FASD, is recognized as the foremost, nonheritable cause of avoidable birth defects and mental retardation in the United States.…”

“…8 FASD is 100% preventable when maternal alcohol use is avoided during pregnancy. 11 Given that any prenatal alcohol exposure could cause harm to the fetus in utero, [2][3][4] the US Surgeon General (USSG) issued a health advisory in 2005 urging women to abstain from all forms of alcohol use when pregnant. 12 Furthermore, the US Prevention Services Task force (USPSTF), 13,14 National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, 15 and American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) 16 recommend that health professionals routinely screen all pregnant women for alcohol use.…”