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Updated: Feb 15, 2026
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Electrophysiological Measurements and Analysis of Nociception in Human Infants
Published on: December 20, 2011
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Epigenetic Modifications Following Noxious Stimuli in Infants
Linda A Hatfield1, Rebecca K Hoffman2, Rosemary C Polomano3,4
11 Department of Family and Community Health, University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
Biological Research for Nursing
|January 31, 2018
Summary
This study successfully recruited infants for genetic research using noninvasive DNA sampling. However, infant stress did not alter opioid receptor gene methylation, indicating a need for further research into epigenetic pain markers.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal genetics and epigenetics research.
- Developmental neurobiology and pain response.
Background:
- Infant exposure to noxious stimuli may cause lasting epigenetic changes impacting neurodevelopment and pain reactivity.
- Parental reluctance to enroll newborns in genetic studies poses a challenge for epigenetic research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To recruit healthy infants for genetic research.
- To evaluate a noninvasive DNA sampling method for comparing infant epigenetic modifications.
Main Methods:
- A within-subject, candidate-gene DNA methylation association study was conducted.
- Buccal saliva DNA was collected from full-term and preterm infants.
- Methylation patterns of the OPRM1 gene were analyzed using bisulfite sequencing.
Main Results:
- Noninvasive DNA sampling and infant recruitment were successful.
- Infant stress did not significantly alter OPRM1 gene methylation expression.
Conclusions:
- This study demonstrates the feasibility of recruiting infants for genetic research.
- Noninvasive DNA sampling is effective for comparing infant epigenetic modifications.
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