TY - JOUR T1 - Toxic stress, epigenetics and child development JO - Jornal de Pediatria (English Edition) T2 - AU - de Magalhães-Barbosa,Maria Clara AU - Prata-Barbosa,Arnaldo AU - da Cunha,Antonio José Ledo Alves SN - 00217557 M3 - 10.1016/j.jped.2021.09.007 DO - 10.1016/j.jped.2021.09.007 UR - https://jped.elsevier.es/en-toxic-stress-epigenetics-child-development-articulo-S0021755721001431 AB - ObjectivesTo describe the concept of toxic stress, present the basics of epigenetics and discuss their relationship with child development. Data sourceNarrative literature review through a search in the SciELO, Lilacs, Medline databases using the terms Adverse Childhood Experience OR Early Life Stress, Epigenomic OR Epigenetic, Child Development OR Infant Development. Data synthesisContinuing stress response, known as toxic stress, can occur when a child experiences intense, frequent, and/or prolonged adversity—such as physical or emotional abuse, chronic neglect, for example—without adequate adult support. This toxic stress can have harmful effects on learning, behavior, and health throughout life. Epigenetics, an emerging scientific research area​, shows how environmental influences affect gene expressions and explains how early experiences can impact throughout life. ConclusionsToxic stress causes changes in the human body response systems that can be explained in part by epigenetic changes, which can be temporary or long-lasting. Pediatricians must be aware of these mechanisms and their consequences, seeking to prevent them and thus promote the health, well-being, and quality of life of children, contributing to their full development. ER -