Researchers have found that children can inherit mitochondrial dysfunction from parents who abuse substances, leading to early signs of age-related diseases, often showing up in their 40s.
Scientists at Texas A&M School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences (VMBS) have identified that parents with alcohol use disorders can pass symptoms of premature aging to their children, which can impact them long into adulthood.
The signs of accelerated aging—such as high cholesterol, heart issues, arthritis, and early dementia—can be transmitted from either parent. However, the effects are amplified when both parents struggle with alcohol, particularly in male children.
“Researchers have been curious about why children from families with alcohol abuse are more likely to develop health problems,” stated Dr. Michael Golding, a professor in VMBS’ Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology. “It’s known that these children often face behavioral challenges that can lead to difficulties in stress management and conflicts with schools or law enforcement.”
However, the underlying reason for the early aging and susceptibility to diseases remained unclear—was it due to stress or genetic factors from their parents?
“Research now shows that these children inherit mitochondrial dysfunction linked to their parents’ substance abuse,” Golding noted. “This dysfunction leads to early manifestations of age-related diseases in individuals who are still relatively young, particularly those in their 40s.”
Golding hopes this newfound knowledge will enable healthcare professionals to assist patients in improving their mitochondrial health, thereby potentially delaying the effects of inherited dysfunction through lifestyle choices such as physical activity and dietary adjustments.
Alcohol And Aging
As individuals age, they experience a biological process known as senescence, characterized by the slowing down of cell division, which hinders the body’s capacity to replace aging cells.
“Senescence is a significant indicator of aging, particularly in the brain, where it can result in cognitive decline and memory issues,” explained Golding. “It has long been understood that excessive alcohol consumption can trigger early senescence in adults.”
Using a mouse model, Golding’s research team discovered that senescence is also one of the early-aging traits that children can inherit from parents who regularly consume alcohol at or above the legal limit.
“We observed increases in liver fat, which leads to the formation of scar tissue,” Golding remarked. “This tendency is notably prevalent in male offspring. In fact, when both parents have alcohol-related problems, the likelihood of male children developing liver disease rises significantly.”
Parental Drinking And Child Health
Golding’s laboratory investigates the biological connections between parental alcohol consumption and child development. Their recent findings revealed that fathers can also contribute to the occurrence of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) in children, prompting Golding to advocate for reducing alcohol intake prior to conception.
“Children can face various complications from FAS immediately after birth,” Golding said. “However, we’ve only now begun to understand how the drinking habits of parents may continue to impact their children into adulthood and determine their healthspan—the duration of life lived in good health without ongoing severe health issues.”
“FAS leads to birth defects such as distinct facial characteristics, low birth weight, and attention-related issues, all of which create significant challenges. Additionally, any environmental factors these children encounter, including adoption or foster care, play a role,” he explained. “Now we recognize another aspect—early aging—that is directly inherited from one or both parents.”
Understanding Multi-Generational Health
This recent finding also indicates that parents can pass the advantages of a healthy lifestyle to their children. Golding notes that positive lifestyle choices create generational benefits, making efforts to counteract aging—through diet and exercise—advantageous for future generations.
“The health of both parents prior to conception is essential for their children’s well-being,” he said. “The more prospective parents can engage in a healthy lifestyle and mindset, the greater positive impact they will have on their children’s health from birth and into their 20s and 40s.”
