Figure 2. . The HRAS oncogene methylation in offspring without parents with alcohol dependence was compared with those with one or both parents with alcohol dependence.

Statistical analysis controlled for the age that DNA was obtained from offspring, prenatal use of substances by mothers (alcohol, drugs and cigarettes), and the personal use by the offspring up to the time that DNA was obtained. Hypomethylation of HRAS in offspring is seen in association with increased loading of parental AD (p = 0.022). This hypomethylation suggests increased expression of the oncogene.

AD: Alcohol dependence.