Alcohol-induced epigenetic mechanisms in the expression of genes influencing suicidal behavior: fact or coincidence?
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.25118/2236-918X-5-4-5Keywords:
Suicide, epigenetic repression, alcoholism, methylationAbstract
The objective of this article was to shed light on a very common topic in our society as well as in our globalized world, namely, the relationship between suicide and alcohol. The high number of suicides currently observedcan be considered a public health problem. At the same time, alcohol abuse has been shown to precede several organic and mental disorders, acting as a facilitator of bizarre behaviors, erroneous judgments, and impulsive acts. Epigenetics explains the possible relationship between the two events (suicidal behavior and alcohol abuse) through the activation of specific genes that would be involved in the process. Current research can help improve the treatment of severe psychiatric disorders through the study and use of psychotropic drugs that will act on specific pharmacological targets or even prevent risky behaviors that may have fatal consequences.
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