Curr Probl Pediatr Adolesc Health Care
2011[Jul]; 41
(6
): 158-76
PMID21684471
show ga
Dr. David Barker first popularized the concept of fetal origins of adult disease
(FOAD). Since its inception, FOAD has received considerable attention. The FOAD
hypothesis holds that events during early development have a profound impact on
one's risk for development of future adult disease. Low birth weight, a surrogate
marker of poor fetal growth and nutrition, is linked to coronary artery disease,
hypertension, obesity, and insulin resistance. Clues originally arose from large
20th century, European birth registries. Today, large, diverse human cohorts and
various animal models have extensively replicated these original observations.
This review focuses on the pathogenesis related to FOAD and examines Dr. David
Barker's landmark studies, along with additional human and animal model data.
Implications of the FOAD extend beyond the low birth weight population and
include babies exposed to stress, both nutritional and nonnutritional, during
different critical periods of development, which ultimately result in a disease
state. By understanding FOAD, health care professionals and policy makers will
make this issue a high health care priority and implement preventive measures and
treatment for those at higher risk for chronic diseases.
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