Research Progress of Maternal Metabolism on Cardiac Development and Function in Offspring

Abstract

The developmental origin of health and disease (DOHaD) hypothesis refers to the adverse effects of suboptimal developmental environments during embryonic and early fetal stages on the long-term health of offspring. Intrauterine metabolic perturbations can profoundly impact organogenesis in offspring, particularly affecting cardiac development and giving rise to potential structural and functional abnormalities. In this discussion, we contemplate the existing understanding regarding the impact of maternal metabolic disorders, such as obesity, diabetes, or undernutrition, on the developmental and functional aspects of the offspring’s heart. This influence has the potential to contribute to the susceptibility of offspring to cardiovascular health issues. Alteration in the nutritional milieu can influence mitochondrial function in the developing hearts of offspring, while also serving as signaling molecules that directly modulate gene expression. Moreover, metabolic disorders can exert influence on cardiac development-related genes epigenetically through DNA methylation, levels of histone modifications, microRNA expression, and other factors. However, the comprehensive understanding of the mechanistic underpinnings of these phenomena remains incomplete. Further investigations in this domain hold profound clinical significance, as they can contribute to the enhancement of public health and the prevention of cardiovascular diseases.

Gestational intermittent hypoxia reduces mandibular growth with decreased Sox9 expression and increased Hif1a expression in male offspring rats

“…Fetal development is susceptible to maternal exposure to environmental stressors such as hypoxia, metabolic stress, and malnutrition ( Nalivaeva et al, 2018 ; Ren et al, 2023 ). Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a sleep disorder with a prevalence of 10.5% and 26.7% in pregnant women in the early and late stages of pregnancy, respectively ( Pien et al, 2013 ).…”

Childhood Obesity and Congenital Heart Disease: A Lifelong Struggle

“…Alterations in the availability of glucose, lipids, and proteins over the course of foetal development have the potential to impact the formation of the heart and elevate the susceptibility to cardiovascular disorders in the future. Nevertheless, the specific impacts of these associations remain uncertain and this requires further studies [17].…”