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Updated: Feb 23, 2026

Assessment and Evaluation of the High Risk Neonate: The NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale
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Preterm behavioral epigenetics: A systematic review

Livio Provenzi1, Elena Guida1, Rosario Montirosso1

  • 10-3 Centre for the at-Risk Infant, Scientific Institute IRCCS Eugenio Medea, Bosisio Parini, LC, Italy.

Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews
|September 5, 2017
PubMed

Insights

Behavioral epigenetics links early adversity in preterm infants to later negative outcomes. NICU experiences and prenatal stress can alter gene expression, impacting development via epigenetic changes.

Area of Science:

  • Developmental Psychology
  • Behavioral Epigenetics
  • Neonatal Studies

Background:

  • Preterm birth is a significant adverse event impacting infant development.
  • Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) environments involve both beneficial and stressful exposures for preterm infants.
  • Behavioral epigenetics offers insights into how early life experiences influence long-term health.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To systematically review epigenetic correlates of prenatal adversities and NICU environments in preterm infants.
  • To understand how these factors influence developmental trajectories.
  • To identify future research directions in Preterm Behavioral Epigenetics (PBE).

Main Methods:

  • Systematic literature review.
  • Analysis of epigenetic alterations in preterm infants.
  • Examination of gene expression related to stress and imprinted genes.

Main Results:

  • Prenatal adversities (maternal stress/depression) and NICU-related stress impact preterm infant development through epigenetic modifications.
  • Epigenetic alterations affect imprinted and stress-related genes.
  • Specific epigenetic changes are linked to developmental trajectories.

Conclusions:

  • Early life adversities and NICU experiences significantly shape preterm infant development via epigenetic mechanisms.
  • Further research is needed to explore the epigenetic effects of early care and protective interventions in the NICU.
  • Preterm Behavioral Epigenetics (PBE) is a promising field for understanding and improving preterm infant outcomes.

Keywords:
Behavioral epigeneticsDNA methylationDevelopmental careEpigeneticsNR3C1Neonatal intensive care unitPreterm birthSLC6A4Stress

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