Authors : Pasmas Coffie; Moses Mayonu; Onuh Matthew Ijiga; Idoko David Oche

Volume/Issue : Volume 11 - 2026, Issue 5 - May

Google Scholar : https://tinyurl.com/5fysch94

Scribd : https://tinyurl.com/ycymwt8a

DOI : https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/26May1806

Note : A published paper may take 4-5 working days from the publication date to appear in PlumX Metrics, Semantic Scholar, and ResearchGate.

Abstract : Psychosocial stress is increasingly recognized as a critical modifier of neurodegenerative disease progression, yet its molecular underpinnings in African populations remain underexplored. This study investigates the relationship between chronic stress exposure and epigenetic modifications associated with neurodegeneration among individuals living with type 2 diabetes. Using a cohort derived from outpatient clinics in Kumasi, Ghana, participants were assessed for perceived stress, dietary patterns, and clinical biomarkers including glycemic status and lipid profiles. Blood samples were analyzed to identify DNA methylation patterns and histone modification markers linked to neuroinflammatory and neurodegenerative pathways. Statistical modeling was performed to evaluate associations between stress indices and epigenetic alterations while controlling for metabolic and demographic variables. Findings reveal that elevated psychosocial stress correlates with distinct epigenetic signatures, particularly in genes associated with neuronal survival, inflammation, and metabolic regulation. These modifications were more pronounced in individuals with poor glycemic control, suggesting a synergistic interaction between metabolic dysfunction and stress-induced epigenetic regulation. The study highlights the role of stress as a biologically embedded risk factor influencing neurodegenerative trajectories and underscores the need for integrated clinical approaches that incorporate mental health, metabolic care, and molecular diagnostics. This work contributes to a growing body of evidence supporting the inclusion of epigenetic biomarkers in understanding disease progression and tailoring interventions in diverse populations.

Keywords : Psychosocial Stress, Epigenetic Modifications, Type 2 Diabetes, Neurodegenerative Disease Progression, DNA Methylation.

References :

1. Ajayi-Kaffi, O., Igba, E., Azonuche, T. I., & Ijiga, O. M. (2025). Agile-Driven Digital Transformation Frameworks for Optimizing Cloud-Based Healthcare Supply Chain Management Systems. International Journal of Scientific Research and Modern Technology, 4(5), 138–156.
2. Ajiboye AS, Balogun TK, Imoh PO, Ijiga AC, Olola TM, Ahmadu EO. Enhancing adolescent suicide prevention through the implementation of trauma-informed care models in school-based mental health programs. Int J Appl Res Soc Sci. 2025;7(5).
3. Ajiboye AS, Balogun TK, Imoh PO, Ijiga AC, Olola TM, Ahmadu EO. Understanding the impact of social media on mental health in autistic youth and expanding access to culturally responsive behavioral health services in underserved communities. Int J Sci Res Humanit Soc Sci. 2025;2(3).
4. Ajiboye AS, Balogun TK, Peter-Anyebe AC, Ahmadu EO, Olola TM. Investigating the epigenetic and psychological effects of community gun violence and mass shootings on youth and families through a transgenerational trauma lens. Soc Values Soc. 2025;7(2):74–82.
5. Akello , E. F., Ijiga, O. M., Idoko, I. P., & Enyejo, L. A. (2025). Multimodal Large Language Models for Diagnostic Feedback Analytics in STEM Learning Platforms. International Journal of Scientific Research and Modern Technology, 4(1), 182–210.
6. Akunna, N. L. & Ijiga, O. M. (2025). An Artificial Intelligence Driven Framework For Predicting Project Delivery Risks Using Enterprise Resource Planning Data In Large Multinational Projects. World Journal of Advanced Multidisciplinary Research, 2(6), 07–25.
7. Akunna, N. L., & Ijiga, O. M. (2024). Development of a Machine Learning Algorithm for Tender Bid Evaluation and Contractor Selection with Comparative Analysis Against Traditional Procurement Scoring Methods. International Journal of Scientific Research and Modern Technology, 3(8), 122–139.
8. Akunna, N. L., & Ijiga, O. M. (2025). A Predictive Analytics Model for Early Detection of Budget Overruns in Large-Scale Projects Using Integrated Financial and Operational Data. International Journal of Scientific Research and Modern Technology, 4(12), 190–208.
9. Animasaun JB, Ijiga OM, Ayoola VB, Enyejo LA. Improving RT-PCR detection accuracy for respiratory virus transmission network (RVTN) models through optimized RNA extraction protocols under CDC biosafety guidelines. Int J Sci Res Sci Technol. 2025;12(6):748–768.
10. Arnold SE, Arvanitakis Z, Macauley-Rambach SL, et al. Brain insulin resistance in type 2 diabetes and Alzheimer disease: concepts and conundrums. Nat Rev Neurol. 2018;14(3):168–181.
11. Ayoola VB, Audu BA, Boms JC, Ifoga SM, Mbanugo OJ, Ugochukwu UN. Integrating industrial hygiene in hospice and home-based palliative care to enhance quality of life for respiratory and immunocompromised patients. IRE J. 2024;8(5).
12. Babatuyi PB, Imoh PO, Igwe EU, Enyejo JO. The impact of public health policy on resource distribution and health equity during epidemics in low-income U.S. populations. Int J Health Sci. 2025;13(1).
13. Babatuyi PB, Imoh PO, Igwe EU, Enyejo JO. The role of public health leadership in strengthening emergency response protocols and addressing infrastructure gaps during infectious disease outbreaks. Int J Sci Res Mod Technol. 2024;3(10):109–122.
14. Balogun TK, Enyejo JO, Ahmadu EO, Akpovino CU, Olola TM, Oloba BL. The psychological toll of nuclear proliferation and mass shootings in the U.S. and how mental health advocacy can balance national security with civil liberties. IRE J. 2024;8(4).
15. Bamigwojo OV, Ezike MCG, Owhenagbo P, et al. Mathematical analysis of hepatitis B virus transmission dynamics in the absence of therapy with Atangana-Baleanu fractional-order SPQWXY model. J Adv Math Comput Sci. 2024;39(11):1–28.
16. Biessels GJ, Staekenborg S, Brunner E, Brayne C, Scheltens P. Risk of dementia in diabetes mellitus: a systematic review. Lancet Neurol. 2006;5(1):64–74.
17. Bird A. Perceptions of epigenetics. Nature. 2007;447(7143):396–398.
18. Chatterjee S, Peters SAE, Woodward M, et al. Type 2 diabetes as a risk factor for dementia in women compared with men: a pooled analysis of 2.3 million people. Diabetes Care. 2016;39(2):300–307.
19. Darko D, Kwekutsu E, Idoko IP. Synergistic effects of phytochemicals in combating chronic diseases with insights into molecular mechanisms and nutraceutical development. Int J Innov Sci Res Technol. 2025;10(3).
20. Dayeh T, Ling C. Does epigenetic dysregulation of pancreatic islets contribute to impaired insulin secretion and type 2 diabetes? Biochem Cell Biol. 2015;93(5):511–521.
21. De Jager PL, Srivastava G, Lunnon K, et al. Alzheimer’s disease: early alterations in brain DNA methylation at ANK1, BIN1, RHBDF2 and other loci. Nat Neurosci. 2014;17(9):1156–1163.
22. Eguagie, M. O., Idoko, I. P., Ijiga, O. M., Enyejo, L. A., Okafor, F. C. & Onwusi, C. N. (2025). Geochemical and Mineralogical Characteristics of Deep Porphyry Systems: Implications for Exploration Using ASTER. International Journal of Scientific Research in Civil Engineering.  2025 | IJSRCE | Volume 9 | Issue 1 | ISSN : 2456-6667. doi :
23. Frimpong, G., Peter-Anyebe, A. C., & Ijiga, O. M. (2023). Artificial Intelligence Driven Compliance Automation Improving Audit Readiness and Fraud Detection within Healthcare Revenue Cycle Management Systems. Global Journal of Engineering, Science & Social Science Studies. Volume 09, Issue 09, December 2023 ISSN- 2394-3084.
24. Frimpong, G.,  Peter-Anyebe, A. C.,  & Ijiga, O. M. (2025). Predictive compliance modeling using natural language processing for real time regulatory intelligence and policy deviation detection in hospitals. International Medical Science Research Journal, , 5(9), , November 2025.
25. Gabla, E. S.,  Peter-Anyebe, A. C., & Ijiga, O. M.  (2025). Assessing Machine Learning Enabled Anomaly Detection Models for Real Time Cyberattack Mitigation in Optical Fiber Communication Systems. World Journal of Advanced Engineering Technology and Sciences, 2025, 17(02), 001–017.
26. Gaye A. Predictive modeling and statistical analysis of hypertension cases at a small teaching hospital. ICONIC Res Eng J. 2025;8(11).
27. Hackett RA, Steptoe A. Type 2 diabetes mellitus and psychological stress — a modifiable risk factor. Nat Rev Endocrinol. 2017;13(9):547–560.
28. Ibuan OE, Igwe EU, Peter-Anyebe AC. Mindfulness-based interventions in adolescent behavioral health: a review of school-based applications and culturally responsive practices. Malays Ment Health J. 2025;4(1):13–22.
29. Idika, C. N. & Ijiga, O. M. (2025). Blockchain-Based Intrusion Detection Techniques for Securing Decentralized Healthcare Information Exchange Networks. Information Management and Computer Science, Zibeline International Publishing 8(2): 25-36. DOI:
30. Idoko DO, Adenyi M, Senejani MN, Erondu OF, Adeyeye Y. Nanoparticle-assisted cancer imaging and targeted drug delivery for early-stage tumor detection. Int J Innov Sci Res Technol. 2024;9(11).
31. Idoko DO, Agaba JA, Nduka I, et al. The role of HSE risk assessments in mitigating occupational hazards and infectious disease spread: a public health review. Open Access Res J Biol Pharm. 2024;11(02):11–30.
32. Idoko DO, Mbachu OE, Babalola INO, et al. Biostatistics for predicting health disparities in infectious disease outcomes. IRE J. 2024;8(4).
33. Idoko DO, Mbachu OE, Babalola INO, et al. Exploring the impact of obesity and community health programs on enhancing endometrial cancer detection. Int J Front Med Surg Res. 2024;6(02):1–18.
34. Idoko DO, Mbachu OE, Ijiga AC, et al. Assessing the influence of dietary patterns on preeclampsia and obesity among pregnant women in the United States. Int J Biol Pharm Sci Arch. 2024;8(01):85–103.
35. Idoko, I. P., Ijiga, O. M., Enyejo, L. A., Ugbane, S. I., Akoh, O., & Odeyemi, M. O. (2024). Exploring the potential of Elon Musk's proposed quantum AI: A comprehensive analysis and implications. *Global Journal of Engineering and Technology Advances*, 18(3), 048-065.
36. Ifiala, I. A., Ijiga, O. M. & Igba, E. (2026). Algorithmic Fairness and Demographic Representation Optimization in U.S. Clinical Trials Using Constrained Multi-Objective Learning International Journal of Healthcare Sciences Vol. 14, Issue 1, pp: (40-57) DOI:
37. Ijiga AC, Balogun TK, Ahmadu EO, et al. The role of the United States in shaping youth mental health advocacy and suicide prevention through foreign policy and media in conflict zones. Magna Sci Adv Res Rev. 2024;12(01):202–218.
38. Ijiga AC, Balogun TK, Sariki AM, et al. Investigating the influence of domestic and international factors on youth mental health and suicide prevention in societies at risk of autocratization. IRE J. 2024;8(5).
39. Ijiga AC, Igbede MA, Ukaegbu C, et al. Precision healthcare analytics: integrating ML for automated image interpretation. World J Biol Pharm Health Sci. 2024;18(01):336–354.
40. Ijiga OM, Ifenatuora GP, Olateju M. STEM-driven public health literacy: using data visualization and analytics to improve disease awareness in secondary schools. Int J Sci Res Sci Technol. 2023;10(4):773–793.
41. Ijiga, M. O., Olarinoye, H. S., Yeboah, F. A. B. & Okolo, J. N. (2025). Integrating Behavioral Science and Cyber Threat Intelligence (CTI) to Counter Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs) and Reduce Human-Enabled Security Breaches. International Journal of Scientific Research and Modern Technology, 4(3), 1–15.
42. Ijiga, O. M., Idoko, I. P., Ebiega, G. I., Olajide, F. I., Olatunde, T. I., & Ukaegbu, C. (2024). Harnessing adversarial machine learning for advanced threat detection: AI-driven strategies in cybersecurity risk assessment and fraud prevention. Open Access Research Journals. Volume 13, Issue.
43. Ijiga, O. M., Ifenatuora, G. P., & Olateju, M. (2023). STEM-Driven Public Health Literacy : Using Data Visualization and Analytics to Improve Disease Awareness in Secondary Schools. International Journal of Scientific Research in Science and Technology. Volume 10, Issue 4 July-August-2023 Page Number : 773-793.
44. Imoh PO, Adeniyi M, Ayoola VB, Enyejo JO. Advancing early autism diagnosis using multimodal neuroimaging and AI-driven biomarkers. Int J Sci Res Mod Technol. 2024;3(6):40–56.
45. Imoh PO, Ajiboye AS, Balogun TK, et al. Exploring the integration of psychedelic-assisted therapy and digital mental health interventions in trauma recovery. Magna Sci Adv Res Rev. 2025.
46. Imoh PO, Idoko IP. Gene-environment interactions and epigenetic regulation in autism etiology. Int J Sci Res Mod Technol. 2022;1(8):1–16.
47. Imoh PO. Impact of gut microbiota modulation on autism-related behavioral outcomes. Int J Sci Res Mod Technol. 2023;2(8).
48. International Diabetes Federation. IDF Diabetes Atlas. 10th ed. Brussels: IDF; 2021.
49. Kwarteng, R. A., Idoko, I. P., Ijiga, O. M. & Enyejo, L. A. (2020). Integrating Cybersecurity Awareness and Access Control into Organizational IT Operations for Risk Reduction International Journal of Scientific Research in Computer Science, Engineering and Information Technology Volume 6, Issue 1 pg. 243-261 doi :
50. Lupien SJ, McEwen BS, Gunnar MR, Heim C. Effects of stress throughout the lifespan on the brain, behaviour and cognition. Nat Rev Neurosci. 2009;10(6):434–445.
51. McEwen BS. Protective and damaging effects of stress mediators. N Engl J Med. 1998;338(3):171–179.
52. Miller GE, Chen E, Parker KJ. Psychological stress in childhood and susceptibility to chronic diseases of aging. Psychol Bull. 2011;137(6):959–997.
53. Nwatuzie, G. A., Ijiga, O. M., Idoko, I. P., Enyejo, L. A. & Ali, E. O. (2025).  Design and Evaluation of a User-Centric Cryptographic Model Leveraging Hybrid Algorithms for Secure Cloud Storage and Data Integrity. American Journal of Innovation in Science and Engineering (AJISE).  Volume 4 Issue 1, SSN: 2158-7205
54. Nwokocha, C. R., Peter-Anyebe, A. C., & Ijiga, O. M. (2021). Evaluating FHIR-Driven Interoperability Frameworks for Secure System Migration and Data Exchange in U.S. Health Information Networks. International Journal of Scientific Research in Science and Technology Print ISSN: 2395-6011 | Online ISSN: 2395-602X (www.ijsrst.com)
55. Okeme ABK, Akeju O, Enyejo LA, Ibrahim AI. Exploring the impact of wearable health devices on chronic disease management. Int J Adv Res Publ Rev. 2025;2(2):43–69.
56. Okpanachi AT, Igba E, Imoh PO, et al. Leveraging digital biomarkers and advanced data analytics in medical laboratory. Int J Sci Res Sci Technol. 2025;12.
57. Onmonya OM, Igwe EU, Imoh PO. Pastoral counseling as a trauma-informed response to intimate partner violence. Malays Ment Health J. 2025.
58. Onuh JE, Idoko IP, Igbede MA, et al. Harnessing synergy between biomedical and electrical engineering. World J Adv Eng Technol Sci. 2024;11(2):628–649.
59. Oyebanji,  O. S., Apampa, A. R., Idoko, P. I., Babalola, A.,  Ijiga, O. M.,  Afolabi, O. & Michael, C. I. (2024). Enhancing breast cancer detection accuracy through transfer learning: A case study using efficient net. World Journal of Advanced Engineering Technology and Sciences, 2024, 13(01), 285–318.
60. Palma-Gudiel H, Córdova-Palomera A, Leza JC, Fañanás L. Glucocorticoid receptor gene (NR3C1) methylation processes. J Psychiatr Res. 2015;60:52–66.
61. Perry VH, Holmes C. Microglial priming in neurodegenerative disease. Nat Rev Neurol. 2014;10(4):217–224.
62. Raphael FO, Boafo A. Improving communication outcomes for veterans with traumatic brain injury (TBI). Malays Ment Health J. 2025.
63. Sapolsky RM. Glucocorticoids and hippocampal atrophy in neuropsychiatric disorders. Arch Gen Psychiatry. 2000;57(10):925–935.
64. Sirugo G, Williams SM, Tishkoff SA. The missing diversity in human genetic studies. Cell. 2019;177(1):26–31.
65. Uwabor, H. S., Emmanuel, I., & Ijiga, O. M. (2025). AI Powered Predictive Frameworks for Risk Modeling and Regulatory Compliance in Decentralized Finance Investment Systems. International Journal of Scientific Research and Modern Technology, 4(11), 95–112.