Research Square · Oct 20, 2026
A scoping review of maternal adverse childhood experiences and offspring epigenetic aging
By Ni J, Xu Z, Wei R et al.
Background Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are traumatic events before age 18. They are prevalent and can be transmitted across generations. Recent studies suggest that parental ACEs are associated with offspring epigenetic aging. This scoping review aims to synthesize evidence on the association between maternal ACEs and offspring epigenetic aging. Methods Four English-language databases were searched for studies published from 1995 to 2026 on maternal ACEs and offspring epigenetic aging. Two independent reviewers screened titles, abstracts, and full texts. Content analysis was used to synthesize the findings of the included studies. Results Four studies were included. Maternal ACEs were associated with offspring epigenetic age acceleration, but the association was highly conditional, depending on the epigenetic clock, offspring age, sex, and maternal race. Positive findings were most consistent for the Horvath clock in childhood and the Bohlin clock in male newborns. Sex and race were key moderators; prenatal restless sleep acted as a “second hit”. Conclusion Evidence suggests maternal ACEs may accelerate offspring epigenetic aging, yet the field is nascent with high heterogeneity. Large, prospective, diverse cohort studies with standardized clocks are needed.