Introduction Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) is due to fetal alcohol exposure, and is the most serious case of the Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders1. The embryonic development period between three and eight weeks are when the most birth defects occur, but pregnant women are advised not to consume alcohol during their entire pregnancy due to the adverse effects that alcohol can have on their child2. This paper will analyze the dangers of alcohol to a developing embryo or fetus, the manifestation of FAS symptoms in children and adults, and possible treatment plans and prevention strategies.
The Effect of Alcohol on the Developing Fetus 3Alcohols is a group of molecules made of carbon atoms that contain a functional hydroxyl group. The type …show more content…
Unger et al2 noted three main components in which epigenetics are affected due to in utero alcohol exposure. DNA methylation, histone modifications, and regulation by microRNAs are three factors that may influence epigenetic modifications. Other components such as oxidative stress, prostaglandin synthesis, and neuron and endocrine health can all be affected by alcohol exposure as well4.
4Epigenetic modifications consist of changes in gene expression caused by external or internal factors without changing the DNA sequencing. Tissue specific gene expression patterns are heavily influenced by epigenetic modifications. The three factors listed above control structural chromatic modifications and RNA interactions, which work together to control tissue-specific gene …show more content…
Alcohol may also suppress various microRNAs, which could lead to a lack of inhibition when it comes to the cell cycle. When microRNAs are suppressed, there is no regulation of cell proliferation by cell apoptosis4. Unger et al2 also indicated that in pregnant mice, exposure to alcohol damaged the placenta as well. The damage to the forming placenta may result in the formation of free radicals, leading to oxidative stress in the embryo. During the timeframe of 3 to 8 weeks, or embryogenesis/organogenesis, is a vital period for the embryo since their organs are developing. Alcohol exposure during the fourth week would have an immense impact on organ formation, especially heart, skeletal, and nervous system formation
The Effect of Alcohol on the Developing Fetus 3Alcohols is a group of molecules made of carbon atoms that contain a functional hydroxyl group. The type …show more content…
Unger et al2 noted three main components in which epigenetics are affected due to in utero alcohol exposure. DNA methylation, histone modifications, and regulation by microRNAs are three factors that may influence epigenetic modifications. Other components such as oxidative stress, prostaglandin synthesis, and neuron and endocrine health can all be affected by alcohol exposure as well4.
4Epigenetic modifications consist of changes in gene expression caused by external or internal factors without changing the DNA sequencing. Tissue specific gene expression patterns are heavily influenced by epigenetic modifications. The three factors listed above control structural chromatic modifications and RNA interactions, which work together to control tissue-specific gene …show more content…
Alcohol may also suppress various microRNAs, which could lead to a lack of inhibition when it comes to the cell cycle. When microRNAs are suppressed, there is no regulation of cell proliferation by cell apoptosis4. Unger et al2 also indicated that in pregnant mice, exposure to alcohol damaged the placenta as well. The damage to the forming placenta may result in the formation of free radicals, leading to oxidative stress in the embryo. During the timeframe of 3 to 8 weeks, or embryogenesis/organogenesis, is a vital period for the embryo since their organs are developing. Alcohol exposure during the fourth week would have an immense impact on organ formation, especially heart, skeletal, and nervous system formation