Obstet Gynecol Sci.  2017 Nov;60(6):506-519. 10.5468/ogs.2017.60.6.506.

What is fetal programming?: a lifetime health is under the control of in utero health

• Kwon EJ
• Kim YJ

• KMID: 2418351
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5468/ogs.2017.60.6.506

Abstract

The "Barker hypothesis" postulates that a number of organ structures and associated functions undergo programming during embryonic and fetal life, which determines the set point of physiological and metabolic responses that carry into adulthood. Hence, any stimulus or insult at a critical period of embryonic and fetal development can result in developmental adaptations that produce permanent structural, physiological and metabolic changes, thereby predisposing an individual to cardiovascular, metabolic and endocrine disease in adult life. This article will provide evidence linking these diseases to fetal undernutrition and an overview of previous studies in this area as well as current advances in understanding the mechanism and the role of the placenta in fetal programming.

Keyword

Fetal development; Fetal nutrition disorders; Chronic disease

MeSH Terms

Adult
Chronic Disease
Critical Period (Psychology)
Embryonic and Fetal Development
Endocrine System Diseases
Fetal Development*
Fetal Nutrition Disorders
Humans
Malnutrition
Placenta