Perinatal morphine exposure induces chromatin and transcriptomic remodeling to alter immune and metabolic function

1

Perinatal opioid exposure increases the risk of Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome (NOWS) in infants, characterized by various acute withdrawal symptoms.
2

Rodent models of NOWS show variability in outcomes, complicating the understanding of long-term effects of perinatal opioid exposure.
3

A multi-omic approach revealed that morphine exposure alters chromatin structure and gene expression in hypothalamic neurons, affecting immune and metabolic pathways.
4

Cytokine levels were suppressed in morphine-exposed mice, indicating altered immune responses both at baseline and during immune challenges.
5

The study suggests that perinatal opioid exposure creates lasting changes in gene expression and regulatory responses, potentially impacting long-term health.

1