Lehane, D., Cunliffe, V., Mitchell, C. orcid.org/0000-0002-4790-0095 et al. (1 more author) (2018) Epigenetics and primary care. British Journal of General Practice, 68 (666). pp. 8-9. ISSN 0960-1643
Abstract
Epigenetics is the study of how changes to chromosome structure record and/ or transmit changes in the expression of genes. Epigenetic mechanisms act during development to control mechanisms such as cell proliferation and differentiation, tissue formation, organogenesis, and the emergence of physiological function. They also act throughout life to regulate gene expression over the long term. Epigenetic mechanisms respond to a wide range of biological signals, including stimuli from the external and social environments. So, why should this matter to general practice?
We know that poverty and socioeconomic deprivation are directly linked to premature mortality and morbidity.1 We also know that, despite universal access to free health care, inequitable healthcare outcomes persist in socioeconomically deprived populations.2 Although some of the disease-causing effects of poverty and deprivation are biologically direct, such as inadequate diet or exposure to alcohol, tobacco, and other toxins, there may also be later-emerging effects, in which epigenetic mechanisms play a part.
Metadata
Item Type: | Article |
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Authors/Creators: |
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Copyright, Publisher and Additional Information: | © British Journal of General Practice 2018. This is an author produced version of a paper subsequently published in British Journal of General Practice. Uploaded in accordance with the publisher's self-archiving policy. |
Dates: |
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Institution: | The University of Sheffield |
Academic Units: | The University of Sheffield > Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health (Sheffield) > The Medical School (Sheffield) |
Depositing User: | Symplectic Sheffield |
Date Deposited: | 20 Jul 2017 15:57 |
Last Modified: | 28 Dec 2018 01:38 |
Published Version: | https://doi.org/10.3399/bjgp17X693977 |
Status: | Published |
Publisher: | Royal College of General Practitioners |
Refereed: | Yes |
Identification Number: | 10.3399/bjgp17X693977 |
Open Archives Initiative ID (OAI ID): | oai:eprints.whiterose.ac.uk:119183 |