The developmental origins of chronic adult disease

Barker, DJ

HERO ID

1332490

Reference Type

Journal Article

Subtype

Review

Year

2004

Language

English

PMID

15702667

HERO ID 1332490
Material Type Review
In Press No
Year 2004
Title The developmental origins of chronic adult disease
Authors Barker, DJ
Volume 93
Issue 446
Page Numbers 26-33
Abstract Low birthweight is now known to be associated with increased rates of coronary heart disease and the related disorders stroke, hypertension and non-insulin-dependent diabetes. These associations have been extensively replicated in studies in different countries and are not the result of confounding variables. They extend across the normal range of birthweight and depend on lower birthweights in relation to the duration of gestation rather than the effects of premature birth. The associations are thought to be consequences of developmental plasticity, the phenomenon by which one genotype can give rise to a range of different physiological or morphological states in response to different environmental conditions during development. Recent observations have shown that impaired growth in infancy and rapid childhood weight gain exacerbate the effects of impaired prenatal growth. Coronary heart disease and the disorders related to it arise through a series of interactions between environmental influences and the pathways of development that preceded them. These diseases are the product of branching pathways of development in which the branchings are triggered by the environment before and after birth.
Pmid 15702667
Is Certified Translation No
Dupe Override No
Comments Journal: Acta paediatrica (Oslo, Norway : 1992). Supplement ISSN: 0803-5326
Is Public Yes
Language Text English
Is Peer Review Yes