Fetal programming: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 18:18, 23 November 2018

Revision as of 18:22, 23 November 2018

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* Changes in development that lead to greater disease risk;

* Genetic changes which alter disease risk;

* [[Epigenetics|epigeneticEpigenetic]] changes which alter disease risk of not only the child but also that of the next generation - i.e. after famine, grandchildren of women who were pregnant during the famine, are born smaller than the normal size despite nutritional deficiencies having been fulfilled.

These changes in the maternal environmental can be due to nutritional alteration,<ref name = "Fleming_2012">{{cite journal | vauthors = Fleming TP, Velazquez MA, Eckert JJ, Lucas ES, Watkins AJ | title = Nutrition of females during the peri-conceptional period and effects on foetal programming and health of offspring | journal = Animal Reproduction Science | volume = 130 | issue = 3–4 | pages = 193–7 | date = February 2012 | pmid = 22341375 | doi = 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2012.01.015 }}</ref> hormonal fluctuations<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Talge NM, Neal C, Glover V | title = Antenatal maternal stress and long-term effects on child neurodevelopment: how and why? | journal = Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, and Allied Disciplines | volume = 48 | issue = 3–4 | pages = 245–61 | date = March 2007 | pmid = 17355398 | doi = 10.1111/j.1469-7610.2006.01714.x }}</ref> or exposure to toxins.

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In the 1980’s [[David Barker (epidemiologist)|David Barker]] began a research study on this topic. The Barker Hypothesis, or [[Thrifty phenotype]], forms the basis for much of the research conducted on fetal programming. This hypothesis states that if the fetus is exposed to low nutrition, it will adapt to that particular environment. Nutrients are diverted to the heart, brain, and other essential organs of the fetus. The body also undergoes metabolic alterations that ensure survival in spite of low nutrition but may cause problems in situations with normal or high nutrition.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Remacle C, Bieswal F, Reusens B | title = Programming of obesity and cardiovascular disease | journal = International Journal of Obesity and Related Metabolic Disorders | volume = 28 Suppl 3 | issue = S3 | pages = S46–53 | date = November 2004 | pmid = 15543219 | doi = 10.1038/sj.ijo.0802800 }}</ref> This leads to increased risk of developing [[metabolic syndrome]].

== Nutritional Status ==

The developing fetus forms an impression of the world into which it will be born via its mother’s nutritional status, and its development is thus modulated to create the best chance of survival. However, excessive or insufficient nutrition in the mother can provoke maladaptive developmental responses in the fetus, which can manifest in form of post-natal diseases. It is possible that this has such a profound effect on the fetus’ adult life that it can even outweigh lifestyle factors.<ref name = "Fleming_2012" />