Epigenetics and human ontogeny, invaluable bulkward in health promotion and disease prevention

Abstract

Human ontogeny is based in genetic and epigenetic fundaments. 37 bibliographic references were reviewed with the objective of structuring the theoretical referents on the relevant role of epigenetics in normal and defective ontogeny to contribute to health promotion and disease prevention. Epigenetics is the whole of chemical processes depending from the environment that modify the deoxyribonucleic acid expression without modifying its sequence. Its action is present during all lifetime, especially at pre-natal times; when due to intrauterine environmental modifications the epigenetic programming takes place, making humans susceptible to defects in ontogeny, even to subsequently suffer non-communicable chronic diseases. Environmental factors inducing epigenetic marks have been reported: food, toxic habits, stress, folic acid inadequate intake and assisted reproduction techniques, all modifiable. Its knowledge is an invaluable bulkward in health promotion and disease prevention.