Fetal Programming and Adult Disease.
- Author:
Min Hyoung KIM
1
Author Information
1. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cheil General Hospital and Women's Healthcare Center, Dankook University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea. obdrmhk@naver.com
- Publication Type:Review
- Keywords:
fetal programming;
disease;
adult
- MeSH:
Adult*;
Cardiovascular Diseases;
Cause of Death;
Chronic Disease;
Fetal Development*;
Fetus;
Humans;
Hypertension;
Models, Animal;
Pregnancy;
Uterus
- From:Journal of the Korean Society of Maternal and Child Health
2017;21(1):1-13
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
Chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and hypertension are leading causes of death and disability worldwide. Evidence from epidemiological and experimental studies suggests that adverse exposure in uterus, particularly with regard to nutrition, increases the risk of chronic disease in adults. Nutritional programming is the process through which variation in the quality or quantity of nutrients consumed during pregnancy exerts permanent effects upon the developing fetus. Research on programming in relation to disease processes has been facilitated by the development of animal models that utilize restriction or over-feeding. Such studies have introduced the concept of developmental origins of health and disease (DOHaD). The underlying mechanisms of DOHaD remain an area of research interest and intense investigation. Although great strides have been made in identifying the putative concepts and mechanisms relating specific exposure in early life to the risk of developing chronic diseases in adult, many aspects of these associations remain unclear. This paper discusses the potential mechanisms behind the DOHaD as they relate to maternal nutrition and implications for future research and clinical practice.
