What causes epigenetics change?

Environmental factors such as physical activity, tobacco smoking, diet, obesity, stressors and alcohol consumption can contribute to changing the epigenome. For example, diet can influence DNA methylation patterns, while stress hormones can affect histone modifications. Studies have also shown that lifestyle choices can affect microRNA expression. Aging is associated with alterations in epigenetic patterns. The accumulation of epigenetic changes over time has been linked to age-related diseases and changes in gene expression. Certain epigenetic modifications can also be passed from one generation to the next.