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Rogers-LaVanne MP, Bader AC, de Flamingh A, Saboowala S, Smythe C, Atchison B, Moulton N, Wilson A, Wildman DE, Boraas A, Uddin M, Worl R, Malhi RS. Association between gene methylation and experiences of historical trauma in Alaska Native peoples. Int J Equity Health 2023; 22:182. [PMID: 37679827 PMCID: PMC10485934 DOI: 10.1186/s12939-023-01967-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Historical trauma experienced by Indigenous peoples of North America is correlated with health disparities and is hypothesized to be associated with DNA methylation. Massive group traumas such as genocide, loss of land and foodways, and forced conversion to Western lifeways may be embodied and affect individuals, families, communities, cultures, and health. This study approaches research with Alaska Native people using a community-engaged approach designed to create mutually-beneficial partnerships, including intentional relationship development, capacity building, and sample and data care. METHODS A total of 117 Alaska Native individuals from two regions of Alaska joined the research study. Participants completed surveys on cultural identification, historical trauma (historical loss scale and historical loss associated symptoms scale), and general wellbeing. Participants provided a blood sample which was used to assess DNA methylation with the Illumina Infinium MethylationEPIC array. RESULTS We report an association between historical loss associated symptoms and DNA methylation at five CpG sites, evidencing the embodiment of historical trauma. We further report an association between cultural identification and general wellbeing, complementing evidence from oral narratives and additional studies that multiple aspects of cultural connection may buffer the effects of and/or aid in the healing process from historical trauma. CONCLUSION A community-engaged approach emphasizes balanced partnerships between communities and researchers. Here, this approach helps better understand embodiment of historical trauma in Alaska Native peoples. This analysis reveals links between the historical trauma response and DNA methylation. Indigenous communities have been stigmatized for public health issues instead caused by systemic inequalities, social disparities, and discrimination, and we argue that the social determinants of health model in Alaska Native peoples must include the vast impact of historical trauma and ongoing colonial violence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary P Rogers-LaVanne
- Carl R Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
| | - Alyssa C Bader
- Department of Anthropology, McGill University, Montreal, QC, H3A 2T7, Canada
- Sealaska Heritage Institute, Juneau, AK, 99801, USA
| | - Alida de Flamingh
- Carl R Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
| | - Sana Saboowala
- Program in Ecology, Evolution and Conservation Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC), Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
| | - Chuck Smythe
- Sealaska Heritage Institute, Juneau, AK, 99801, USA
| | | | - Nathan Moulton
- Hoonah Indian Association Hoonah, Hoonah, AK, 99829, USA
| | | | - Derek E Wildman
- Genomics Program, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, 33612, USA
| | - Alan Boraas
- Department of Anthropology, Kenai Peninsula College, Soldotna, AK, 99669, USA
| | - Monica Uddin
- Genomics Program, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, 33612, USA
| | - Rosita Worl
- Sealaska Heritage Institute, Juneau, AK, 99801, USA
| | - Ripan S Malhi
- Carl R Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA.
- Program in Ecology, Evolution and Conservation Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC), Urbana, IL, 61801, USA.
- Department of Anthropology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA.
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