The developmental origins of adult disease (Barker) hypothesis
Hendrina A. DE BOO,
Jane E. HARDING,
Hendrina A. DE BOO
Liggins Institute, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
Search for more papers by this authorJane E. HARDING
Liggins Institute, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
Search for more papers by this authorHendrina A. DE BOO,
Jane E. HARDING,
Hendrina A. DE BOO
Liggins Institute, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
Search for more papers by this authorJane E. HARDING
Liggins Institute, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
Search for more papers by this author
: Professor Jane E Harding, The Liggins Institute, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland, New Zealand. Email: [email protected]
Abstract
Many studies have provided evidence for the hypothesis that size at birth is related to the risk of developing disease in later life. In particular, links are well established between reduced birthweight and increased risk of coronary heart disease, diabetes, hypertension and stroke in adulthood. These relationships are modified by patterns of postnatal growth. The most widely accepted mechanisms thought to underlie these relationships are those of fetal programming by nutritional stimuli or excess fetal glucocorticoid exposure. It is suggested that the fetus makes physiological adaptations in response to changes in its environment to prepare itself for postnatal life. These changes may include epigenetic modification of gene expression. Less clear at this time are the relevance of fetal programming phenomena to twins and preterm babies, and whether any of these effects can be reversed after birth. Much current active research in this field will be of direct relevance to future obstetric practice.
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