The hidden pandemic: COVID-19-related stress, SLC6A4 methylation, and infants’ temperament at 3 months

The COVID-19 pandemic represents a collective trauma that may have enduring stress effects during sensitive periods, such as pregnancy. Prenatal result in epigenetic signatures of stress-related genes (e.g., the serotonin transporter gene, SLC6A4) turn influence infants’ behavioral development. In April 2020, we launched longitudinal cohort study to assess and vestiges COVID-19-related prenatal exposure mothers infants. was retrospectively assessed at birth. SLC6A4 methylation buccal cells. Infants’ temperament 3-month-age. Complete data were available from 108 mother-infant dyads. Greater significantly associated with higher (RR =.07, p =.007, B =.16 [.05;.29]). these sites predicted 3 months =.05, =.027, = -.45 [-.92;-.06]). Indirect alter trajectories development Appropriate prevention care acts need be adopted by healthcare systems.