Epigenetic changes produced in women victims of intimate partner violence: A systematic review

Abstract

Background: Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a prevalent form of violence against women that encompasses physical, sexual, and emotional abuse, as well as controlling behaviors by intimate partners, and predisposes the victims to multiple diseases. Objective: This systematic review aims to identify epigenetic marks associated with IPV and the resultant stress experienced by victims. Design: This study is a systematic review conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020 guidelines. The review includes a comprehensive search and analysis of relevant literature to identify epigenetic changes associated with IPV. Data Sources and Methods: A systematic search was conducted across four databases: PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and ProQuest, using keywords related to IPV and epigenetics. The inclusion criteria were studies published in scientific journals with an experimental approach, focused on female survivors of gender-based violence, and providing information on epigenetic changes. The review included studies published up to June 15, 2024, with no time limits imposed, focusing on female victims of IPV. The inclusion criteria were studies published in scientific journals with an experimental approach, focused on female survivors of gender-based violence, and providing information on epigenetic changes. Results: The results revealed that epigenetic changes associated with IPV predominantly affect genes related to the glucocorticoid receptor, insulin-like growth factors, BDNF, and CPLX genes. These observations suggest that IPV is linked to significant epigenetic modifications in both victims and their offspring. Conclusion: It is concluded that IPV is associated with epigenetic changes both in the woman and in her offspring. These findings underscore the importance of understanding the biological embedding of IPV through epigenetic research to better address the long-term health consequences for women. However, more studies are necessary to validate these results.