Developmental Origins of Health and Disease: The History of the Barker Hypothesis and Assisted Reproductive Technology

Abstract

Since Barker's publication of “The fetal and infant origins of adult disease” in 1990, significant emphasis has been placed on the intrauterine environment and its effect on adult disease. Historical events such as the Dutch Famine and the 1918 Flu Pandemic have provided organic data about the epigenetic changes that can result from famine, infection, and stress. Mechanisms that allow for intrauterine survival may predispose to adult disease states when the fetus enters a world of abundance. As the field of in vitro fertilization (IVF) has developed and evolved, little attention has been paid to subtle yet significant differences in IVF offspring. Offspring of assisted reproductive technology (ART) have been reported to have higher rates of preterm birth, abnormal fetal size, and birth defects. It is clear that epigenetic modifications may begin as early as pre-pregnancy. These differences are likely not attributable to one factor in the IVF process. Each variable likely plays a subtle role in the epigenetic manipulation of the embryo. Thus, moving forward, physicians should practice with heightened determination to follow the long-term outcomes of the offspring of ART in an effort to further modify and perfect the field.

Mmp12 Is Upregulated by in utero Second-Hand Smoke Exposures and Is a Key Factor Contributing to Aggravated Lung Responses in Adult Emphysema, Asthma, and Lung Cancer Mouse Models

“…The ‘developmental origins of health and disease’ hypothesis suggests that risk factors for the intrauterine environment can affect fetal development during critical periods, thereby increasing the risk of developing specific diseases later in life ( Barker, 1990 ; Wadhwa et al, 2009 ; Harding and Maritz, 2012 ; Carpinello et al, 2018 ). Numerous epidemiological and experimental studies have associated maternal exposures to outdoor air pollution, CS, and SHS during pregnancy with adverse effects on lung maturation and function in newborns ( Swanson et al, 2009 ; Weldy et al, 2013 ; Madhloum et al, 2017 ; Tanwar et al, 2017 ; Rumrich et al, 2020 ; Steinle et al, 2020 ); however, the long-lasting consequences of altered lung structure and function on the onset of chronic lung diseases are poorly documented.…”

Adverse Childhood Experiences Are Associated With History of Overdose Among Patients Presenting for Outpatient Addiction Care

“…Information on sex failed to distinguish gender identities outside of male/female, which could limit the understanding of the prevalence of ACEs and self-reported OD in other populations. The questionnaire did not assess the participants’ prenatal history that could have been helpful in determining whether the prenatal developmental period could have influenced adult health and behavioral outcomes (Barker hypothesis) 25,26 . Finally, these data were collected from baseline questionnaires, which are all self-report.…”

In Silico Predictions on the Productive Life Span and Theory of Its Developmental Origin in Dairy Cows

“…These adaptive shifts can create short-term positive effects on the embryo and fetus so that the newborn is better prepared for adverse environmental conditions (e.g., undernutrition). However, attempts made in the postnatal period to compensate for growth retardation through increased nutrition can cause metabolic conflicts that predispose to physiological abnormalities in adulthood that increase the risk of diseases [46,47].…”