How Methadone Changes DNA
Advances in science allow researchers to understand how prenatal exposures affect health and disease outcomes later in life. Studying DNA from the umbilical cord blood of babies revealed differences in those whose mothers used methadone for their opioid use disorder.
This pilot study found that there are changes in cells involving multiple areas of body function. Keep reading to learn which systems are affected.
The Study:
Title: DNA methylation patterns in umbilical cord blood from infants of methadone maintained opioid dependent mothers
The Science in Plain English :
Data from this study of 16 infants (8 infants in the Methadone group and 8 infants in the Control group) may explain neonatal outcomes seen from prenatal methadone exposure. DNA changes were observed in a variety of systems within the methadone-exposed infants.
Brain and Behavior
Babies born to mothers who used methadone during pregnancy may have changes in brain function, behavior, and growth. Methadone can affect genes that can lead to issues with how the brain develops and functions.
Research also shows that babies might be born early, smaller than expected, or have developmental problems, such as difficulty with learning or behavior.
Vision and Thinking
Methadone exposure can affect genes involved in vision problems and cognitive delays. Some babies have issues with seeing clearly or with intellectual development.
Immune System
Babies of mothers who use methadone may be at a higher risk of developing immune problems like asthma or eczema.
Heart Problems
Methadone exposure is linked to heart issues, like heart failure, arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats), and other cardiac problems in babies. Genes related to how the heart functions can be affected.
Liver and Kidney
Methadone can also affect the liver and kidneys, causing inflammation or other damage. This could lead to liver problems or kidney failure in some babies.
Growth Problems
Babies exposed to methadone in the womb may not grow as expected, especially in the later stages of pregnancy. This could be due to problems with the hormones that control growth.
Damage to Brain Development
Exposure to methadone can increase stress on the brain cells, which can harm brain development and make it harder for babies to develop the right connections in the brain. This can lead to problems with myelination (the process of covering nerve fibers with protective layers) and overall brain function.
Changes in DNA
Methadone exposure causes changes in the DNA of babies, affecting genes that control brain function, heart health, and the body’s stress response. These changes could explain why babies of mothers using methadone have problems with development, heart function, and growth.
In short, this study shows that methadone use during pregnancy affects the development of babies in many ways, including their brain, immune system, heart, liver, kidneys, and growth. More research is needed to fully understand how these changes affect babies in the long run.
Many thanks to the authors of this article: Oluwatobi Adegboyega, Suhita Gayen nee’ Betal, Pedro Urday, Rachel Huang, Katherine Bodycot, Huda B. Al-Kouatly, Kolawole Solarin, Joanna S. Y. Chan, Sankar Addya, Rupsa C. Boelig & Zubair H. Aghai 