Epigenetics explores the impact of behaviors and environmental factors on gene function. While genes are crucial to health, epigenetics focuses on reversible changes that do not alter DNA sequences but can significantly influence how the body interprets those sequences.
How Epigenetics Works: Epigenetic changes primarily affect gene expression, determining when and how proteins are produced from genetic instructions. These changes come in various forms:
DNA Methylation: This process involves adding a chemical group to DNA, blocking proteins from reading the gene. Methylation typically turns genes “off,” and demethylation turns them “on,” showcasing the reversible nature of epigenetic changes.
Histone Modification: Histones, proteins around which DNA wraps, influence gene accessibility. Chemical group additions or removals from histones tighten or loosen their packing, respectively, impacting whether genes are turned “on” or “off.”
Non-coding RNA: Non-coding RNA regulates gene expression by interacting with coding RNA. It can break down coding RNA, preventing protein synthesis, and also influence histone modification to control gene activation or suppression.
Changes in Epigenetics Over Time: Epigenetic modifications occur during development and aging. As cells mature, epigenetics helps determine their specific functions. Additionally, an individual’s epigenetic profile changes throughout life, with distinct patterns observed at different stages.
Epigenetics and Reversibility: Unlike genetic changes, many epigenetic alterations are reversible. For instance, studies on smokers and former smokers reveal that quitting smoking can lead to increased DNA methylation, eventually reaching levels similar to non-smokers.
Epigenetics and Health: Epigenetic changes can impact health in various ways:
Infections: Pathogens can manipulate epigenetics to weaken the immune system, aiding their survival. For instance, Mycobacterium tuberculosis can turn off genes, compromising immune responses.
Cancer: Certain epigenetic changes can elevate cancer risk. While mutations in specific genes increase susceptibility, alterations in DNA methylation levels can provide insights into cancer types and aid early detection.
Nutrition During Pregnancy: A pregnant woman’s lifestyle choices can influence her baby’s epigenetics, potentially affecting disease susceptibility later in life. The Dutch Hunger Winter Famine study highlights how prenatal exposure to famine correlates with altered methylation levels and increased disease risk in adulthood.
Understanding epigenetics sheds light on the dynamic interplay between genes, behaviors, and the environment. Recognizing the reversible nature of epigenetic changes opens up possibilities for interventions that can positively impact health outcomes.
We wanted to explain this mechanism because we consider Methylation a critical factor that causes aging to the skin, and being NEREA at the forefront of skin care science and technology, we attacked this mechanism of action to curb it.
NEREA Milano, in partnership with Italian Universities, developed a proprietary Epigenetic Complex that reduces Methylation of skin cells by 30% and increases pro-Collagen maturation by 300%, resulting in a skin scientifically tested to be 15.2% more “firm” and 17.6% more “dense”.
You can find our Epigenetic Complex in NEREA FLORIDA, Organic Anti-Age cream and see for yourself the marvels of this product, which combined with our Anti-age algae extract, Replumping hyaluronic acid spheres, Goji berries extract, Pomegranate fruit oil and many other fruits and plants extracts, will reduce your wrinkles and make your skin visibly younger!
