Early-life nutritional effects on the female reproductive system

Abstract

There is now considerable epidemiological and experimental evidence indicating that early-life environmental conditions, including nutrition, affect subsequent development in later life. These conditions induce highly integrated responses in endocrine-related homeostasis, resulting in persistent changes in the developmental trajectory producing an altered adult phenotype. Early-life events trigger processes that prepare the individual for particular circumstances that are anticipated in the postnatal environment. However, where the intrauterine and postnatal environments differ markedly, such modifications to the developmental trajectory may prove maladaptive in later life. Reproductive maturation and function are similarly influenced by early-life events. This should not be surprising, because the primordial follicle pool is established early in life and is thus vulnerable to early-life events. Results of clinical and experimental studies have indicated that early-life adversity is associated with a decline in ovarian follicular reserve, changes in ovulation rates, and altered age at onset of puberty. However, the underlying mechanisms regulating the relationship between the early-life developmental environment and postnatal reproductive development and function are unclear. This review examines the evidence linking early-life nutrition and effects on the female reproductive system, bringing together clinical observations in humans and experimental data from targeted animal models.

Neuronal basis of reproductive dysfunctions associated with diet and alcohol: From the womb to adulthood

“…Aside from primary metabolic health problems in people with obesity and diabetes, there are numerous secondary problems including disruptions of the reproductive system [11][12][13]. In the light of the early programming hypothesis, inadequate energy balance early in life may reprogram the neuroendocrine system, including the HPG axis, and manifest as obesity and diabetes later in life [14,15].…”

Effect of Age, Duration of Exposure, and Dose of Atrazine on Sexual Maturation and the Luteinizing Hormone Surge in the Female Sprague–Dawley Rat

“…Delayed puberty in girls has been associated with reduced body fat (Kaplowitz, 2008) or small weight for gestational age at birth (Ibanez and de Zegher, 2006), whereas trends toward an increased prevalence of precocious puberty (Kaplowitz, 2006) have been associated with overnutrition (Burt Solorzano and McCartney, 2010). Early‐life nutritional effects have also been reported to alter puberty onset and reproductive function postpubertally (Chan et al., 2015). …”

Developmental influences on fertility decisions by women: an evolutionary perspective

“…Rapid childhood growth in response to an adverse childhood environment may accelerate sexual maturity and increase early fertility [35]. On the other hand, childhood maltreatment is associated with an increased risk of adult obesity [140,141], which is associated with a lower probability of finding a partner and conception, a longer time to pregnancy and reduced fertility, malnutrition during pregnancy and reduced placental function [82,125,[142][143][144].…”