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<p>This review article summarizes the available data about the potential link between war-related trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and epigenetic alterations that could manifest in future generations. DNA methylation variations in stress-related genes such <i>FKBP5</i>, <i>NR3C1</i>, <i>NR3C2</i>, <i>BDNF</i>, and <i>SLC6A4</i> have been seen in parents and/or their offspring in populations exposed to genocide, conflict, or combat. Certain results point to timing-dependent or parent-specific patterns, especially when maternal stress occurs during pregnancy. Results, however, are not consistent; some studies have found no significant differences in methylation, and the effects that are seen vary depending on the tissues, methods, and populations. Conclusions about causality or genuine inheritance are limited by the majority of existing studies’ small sample sizes, cross-sectional designs, and inadequate control of environmental and psychosocial variables. Overall, existing research suggests potential links between epigenetic variation and war-related trauma, but clear evidence for transgenerational inheritance is still unconclusive, underscoring the need for more thorough and longitudinal studies.</p>

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Genetic heritage of war: exploring transgenerational inheritance of PTSD and its molecular background

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年1月12日

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  • Nerma Džaferović,
  • Adna Ašić

摘要

This review article summarizes the available data about the potential link between war-related trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and epigenetic alterations that could manifest in future generations. DNA methylation variations in stress-related genes such FKBP5, NR3C1, NR3C2, BDNF, and SLC6A4 have been seen in parents and/or their offspring in populations exposed to genocide, conflict, or combat. Certain results point to timing-dependent or parent-specific patterns, especially when maternal stress occurs during pregnancy. Results, however, are not consistent; some studies have found no significant differences in methylation, and the effects that are seen vary depending on the tissues, methods, and populations. Conclusions about causality or genuine inheritance are limited by the majority of existing studies’ small sample sizes, cross-sectional designs, and inadequate control of environmental and psychosocial variables. Overall, existing research suggests potential links between epigenetic variation and war-related trauma, but clear evidence for transgenerational inheritance is still unconclusive, underscoring the need for more thorough and longitudinal studies.