Certain genetic and epigenetic changes are thought to increase the risk of developing postpartum depression. These detectable markers in the blood could help identify mothers at risk.
American researchers claim to have identified biological markers of postpartum depression in mothers. This psychiatric disorder, which occurs after the birth of a child, is a common manifestation. In France, 10 to 15% of mothers suffer from it. A very difficult episode that can harm the relationship between mother and baby, but also the future mental health of the child.
“We know that women who suffered from depression before pregnancy are more likely to develop depression after childbirth. However, women who have never had depression are not spared. The markers that we have identified will make it possible to identify them early, ”explains Jessica Connelly, assistant professor of psychology at the University of Virginia (Charlottesville, United States) who led these jobs published last July in the newspaper Frontiers in Genetics.
Oxytocin, an essential hormone
To find these biomarkers detectable in a blood sample, the researchers were interested in the hormone oxytocin, called “the hormone of love”. This is particularly involved in creating the bond of attachment between mother and child and promotes social bonding. In fact, too little oxytocin after childbirth is associated with postpartum depression.
In view of its implication, the researchers speculated that the receptor for this hormone must also play a role. They then studied the gene encoding this receptor in nearly 270 depressed mothers and as many mothers without symptoms of depression. Result: Scientists have identified genetic and epigenetic changes that increase the risk of developing depression.
Epigenetic regulation
“Our work accentuates the role of oxytocin in women and puts epigenetic regulation of the oxytocin receptor at the forefront,” says Sue Carter, study co-author and director of the Kinsey Institute of Indiana University. Unlike genetic mutations, epigenetics do not involve modification of DNA and its mechanisms are reversible. These therefore cannot be passed on to future generations.
The authors of this work stress the importance of reproducing these results on a larger sample of women. If so, they hope these markers will be used by doctors to identify women at risk and prevent postpartum depression.
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