Epigenetic Modifications Following Noxious Stimuli in Infants

Purpose:To recruit healthy full- and preterm infants into genetic research and determine the effectiveness of a noninvasive DNA sampling technique for comparing epigenetic modifications.Background:Noxious stimuli during a vulnerable period of infant neuronal plasticity may trigger long-term epigenetic changes affecting neurodevelopment, pain modulation, and reactivity. Recognizing epigenetic pain findings is problematic because parents are reluctant to enroll newborns into genetic research.Methods:Design: Within-subject change over time candidate-gene DNA methylation association study. Setting/sample: Urban teaching hospital’s neonatal intensive care unit and newborn nursery. Convenience sample of healthy full- (>37 weeks, n = 6) and preterm (<37 weeks, n = 6) infants. Procedure: Parents participated in a genetic presentation prior to informed consent. Infant buccal saliva was collected after admission to the unit and prior to discharge. Analysis: The methylation pattern at the 5′ end of µ-opioid receptor...