Developmental origins of health and disease. Issue 8 (August 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: El-Heis, Sarah; Godfrey, Keith
• Is Part Of: Obstetrics, gynaecology & reproductive medicine. Volume 25:Issue 8(2015:Aug.)
• Page Start: 236
• Page End: 238
• Publication Date: 2015-08
• Subjects: Gynecology -- Periodicals; Obstetrics -- Periodicals; 618
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ogrm.2015.05.005
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1751-7214

Abstract

<abstract xml:lang="en" abstract-type="author" id="abs0010"> <title id="sectitle0010">Abstract</title> <sec> <p id="abspara0010">Patterns of health, illness and disease are influenced at different stages of the lifecourse by a combination of genetic, epigenetic and environmental factors. Substantial research has demonstrated that during early development, responses to a range of stimuli are likely to 'programme' the risk of metabolic and other non-communicable disorders, as articulated by the 'developmental origins' or 'Developmental Origins of Health and Disease (DOHaD)' concept. Subsequent environmental exposures during infancy, childhood and adult life may modify or condition this later risk of disease. In animals the environment during early life induces altered phenotypes in ways which are influenced or mediated by epigenetic mechanisms, including DNA methylation, covalent modifications of histones and non-coding RNAs. Experimental and human data indicate that efforts to improve the nutrition of young women before and during pregnancy will be central to future preventive strategies.</p> </sec> </abstract>