Epigenetics of iPTS
This model remains the intellectual property of Dr Kenneth J. O'Brien. Permission to use or promote this model must be granted in writing from its author under international law.
Epigenetics involves the study of whether genes get activated or not by events in the gene's environment. This includes the world around us, as well as the world within us. It refers to all the things we see, do, experience, feel, and think, as well as what we eat, drink, breathe, inject and absorb through our skin.
It offers the plausible suggestion that the environment can provide the stimulus to force changes in genetic expression and involves complexities well beyond DNA (Paterson, 2006). It asserts that a protein or gene segment can be switched on or off by the presence or attachment of a specific chemical or hormone or even another gene (Ridley, 2003) and opens the suggestion that we may all be genetically capable of developing any condition or characteristic possible in the entire human genome, depending on whether the protein or gene sequence responsible for that trait is turned on or off by our reaction to an environmental event.
It is the fundamental mechanism that drives evolution. Changes in our climate, air and water quality and food are forcing changes in the expressions in our genes. The
dramatic rise of Diabetes in Western cultures is a classic result of additives and processed foods we now consume.
Once a gene is activated or deactivated, it may be difficult to reverse this process. Some studies suggest that for some conditions it may take up to six generations.
MTN helps you to understand your inherent qualities and develop highly specific individualised strategies to help you do your Best, Better.
PTS is multi-genomic: It involves many segments of several genes
The illustrations below show where the qualities of iPTS "resides" in certain Chromosomes of our DNA.
For example, the first illustration of the tip of chromosome 5 shows that, out of its 181,000,000 base pairs of amino acids, a small number of them are responsible for the production of the transporter for Dopamine, and a susceptibility to Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD is a genetic byproduct of PTS in a previous generation. ADHD is also an emotional-management disorder.
There are several chromosomes involved in the intergenerational transmission of post-traumatic stress (iPTS). The other illustrations are but a portion of these, each with heritable qualities.
As this illustration of chromosome 5 shows, there are several regions that are intimately involved with the genetics of traumatic stress. They either directly moderate the expression of corticosteroids or a heritable byproduct of traumatic stress. There are numerous genes implicated, each with numerous regions of susceptibility. These Studies have conclusively demonstrated that our DNA can change the instant the significant trauma is experienced, and the more intense the trauma, the faster the change (Yehuda, 2002). This is a survival strategy for the person as a complete organism interacting with its environment. When the environment rapidly changes to become hostile and threatening to the survival of the person, their DNA changes to maximise the person's chances of survival in that hostile environment.
However, when that person leaves that hostile environment they bring their altered genetics with them... insidiously embedded within them, dormant until triggered by another perceived threat to their safety and wellbeing.
This is the case for the police officer returning home after a severe domestic violence incident that went horribly wrong.
This is the case for the fire and rescue officer after pulling the charred remains of a young girl from a pile of rubble after a bushfire.
This is the case for the ambulance officer in a rural town when he could not save the life of a friend he grew up with.
This is the case for the soldier who's friend was blown to pieces by an improvised explosive device in front of his eyes while on patrol.
These common stories have genetic links. The PTS that often surfaces as a result of these traumatic experiences impact on that person's ability to concentrate, remember, interact appropriately in social settings, sleep, raise their kids, go to work, and much more that we take for granted as mundane daily events.
...and these genetic changes are passed on to the next generations, because the DNA don't know they are no longer under threat.