Cos’è EpiWE

EpiWE – Epigenetics for Women is a research project designed to explore whether, and how, violence can alter gene expression. Specifically, it investigates whether epigenetic modifications

caused by traumatic experiences of physical, sexual, or relational abuse may be linked to a higher risk of developing certain diseases.

EpiWE is rooted in a core idea: if a positive environment and healthy lifestyle choices can enhance well-being and increase longevity, then prolonged exposure to a negative environment, such as chronic violence within the family, may do the opposite. It can compromise health, accelerate aging, and promote the early onset of chronic, non-communicable, and debilitating diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular disorders, and psychiatric conditions.

The pilot study (see below and in the in-depth section), conducted during the COVID years, examined only 10 genes associated with PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) and found that 3 of them showed altered methylation (an excess of chemical methyl groups –CH₃ attached to their structure—see glossary).

The second phase of the study, currently underway thanks to the Central Action “Violence Against Women: Long-Term Health Effects for Precision Prevention,” will expand the research to analyze the entire epigenome of the women participating in this multicenter study.

Today: The Multicenter Study

Thanks to community-based healthcare, through outpatient clinics, emergency rooms, anti-violence centers, and local health authorities (ASLs), women who have experienced relational or sexual violence will be informed about the possibility of donating a biological sample (7 ml of blood) and returning periodically for follow-up collections. This will allow researchers to monitor possible epigenomic changes in a follow-up study, aiming to detect early health impacts and intervene with preventive measures.

To achieve this, the study requires the participation of as many women as possible, with blood samples collected over a period of at least 18 months, four samples in total, one every six months. This will allow researchers to examine potential “scars” across the entire genome and track their evolution in a prospective study.

At the time of each blood draw and during follow-up visits, biological samples will be accompanied by a set of data on the participants' physical and psychological well-being. This will be collected via an electronic questionnaire, with data centralized at the Istituto Superiore di Sanità (ISS). The questionnaire includes validated tests for stress-related disorders (see the section How and Why to Participate in EpiWE).

EpiWE involves seven operational units across five Italian regions: Lazio, Lombardy, Campania, Puglia, and Liguria.

The results of EpiWE will be published in international scientific journals and made available in the Further Reading section.

Further Reading Section ABOUT EpiWE – The Rai News Spot

The Background: The Pilot Study Published in 2023

The EpiWE pilot study (see the Further Reading section) was promoted by the Istituto Superiore di Sanità (ISS) in collaboration with the University of Milan and the Cà Granda Foundation of the Policlinico Hospital of Milan. This initial research, based on the analysis of about ten genes, showed that violence can epigenetically alter at least three specific genes known to be involved in learning and memory.

Specifically, the BDNF, DRD2, and IGF2 genes were found to be hypermethylated (meaning they had an excess of methyl groups –CH₃ attached to their structure—see glossary). This hypermethylation could represent a biological response to trauma and possibly mark the onset of PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) and other stress-related conditions.

The pilot study involved 62 women aged between 18 and 65, all of whom had experienced a traumatic event and had turned to the emergency room following the violence. After providing informed consent, these women donated a blood sample for epigenetic analysis.

The study also included a control group of 50 women, randomly selected among patients diagnosed with minor trauma not related to violence, who had accessed the same emergency department.