1.
Maternal epigenetics and fetal and neonatal growth.
Kitsiou-Tzeli, S, Tzetis, M
Current opinion in endocrinology, diabetes, and obesity. 2017;(1):43-46
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The article provides an update on new insights of factors altering inherited maternal epigenome that ultimately affect fetal and neonatal growth. RECENT FINDINGS A number of new publications have identified mechanisms through which maternal nutrition, environmental exposures such as stress and toxic substances altering expression of imprinted genes during pregnancy can influence fetal and neonatal phenotype and susceptibility to disease development later in life. The possible causes of metabolic syndrome by in-utero epigenetic alterations of genes involved in energy metabolism (PPARγ and PPARα), microRNAs, arginine methyltransferases, lysine demethylases, and histone deacetylaces have been elucidated. Moreover associations between methylation of key genes (NRC31, HSD11β1/2, GFI1) involved in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis have been identified. Alcohol exposure during pregnancy was found to alter methylation patterns of several imprinted genes (H19, SLC22A18, SLC6A3, DRD4). Finally alterations in vulnerable epigenetic marks of imprinted genes such as H19/IGF2, during early stages of embryonic development result in intrauterine growth restriction. SUMMARY All these investigations continue to provide new insights for improved clinical management of in-utero development.
2.
Current thoughts on maternal nutrition and fetal programming of the metabolic syndrome.
Brenseke, B, Prater, MR, Bahamonde, J, Gutierrez, JC
Journal of pregnancy. 2013;:368461
Abstract
Chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease are the leading cause of death and disability worldwide. Although the metabolic syndrome has been defined in various ways, the ultimate importance of recognizing this combination of disorders is that it helps identify individuals at high risk for both type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Evidence from observational and experimental studies links adverse exposures in early life, particularly relating to nutrition, to chronic disease susceptibility in adulthood. Such studies provide the foundation and framework for the relatively new field of developmental origins of health and disease (DOHaD). Although great strides have been made in identifying the putative concepts and mechanisms relating specific exposures in early life to the risk of developing chronic diseases in adulthood, a complete picture remains obscure. To date, the main focus of the field has been on perinatal undernutrition and specific nutrient deficiencies; however, the current global health crisis of overweight and obesity demands that perinatal overnutrition and specific nutrient excesses be examined. This paper assembles current thoughts on the concepts and mechanisms behind the DOHaD as they relate to maternal nutrition, and highlights specific contributions made by macro- and micronutrients.