The “Barker hypothesis” postulates that a number of organ structures and associated
functions undergo programming during embryonic and fetal life, which determines the set …

Genomic imprinting is an epigenetic phenomenon that results in monoallelic gene
expression according to parental origin. It has long been established that imprinted genes …

Plasticity in developmental programming has evolved in order to provide the best chances of
survival and reproductive success to the organism under changing environments …

Both human and animal studies indicate that environmental exposures experienced during
early life can robustly influence risk for adult disease. Moreover, environmental exposures …

BACKGROUND The placenta is of utmost importance for intrauterine fetal development and
growth. Deregulation of placentation can lead to adverse outcomes for both mother and …

Autistic-spectrum conditions and psychotic-spectrum conditions (mainly schizophrenia,
bipolar disorder, and major depression) represent two major suites of disorders of human …

Background. There has been a rise in the prevalence of large newborns over a few decades
in many parts of the world. There is ample evidence that fetal macrosomia is associated with …

Adverse influences during fetal life alter the structure and function of distinct cells, organ
systems or homoeostatic pathways, thereby 'programming'the individual for an increased …

Depending on the definitions used, up to 10% of all live-born neonates are small for
gestational age (SGA). Although the vast majority of these children show catch-up growth by …

Fetal programming occurs when the normal pattern of fetal development is disrupted by an
abnormal stimulus or 'insult'applied at a critical point in in utero development. This then …