Epigenetics and DOHaD: how translation to predictive testing will require a better public understanding

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-7
Author(s):  
Fiona Lynch ◽  
Sharon Lewis ◽  
Ivan Macciocca ◽  
Jeffrey M. Craig
Keyword(s):  
Health Professionals ◽  
Early Life ◽  
Predictive Testing ◽  
Public Understanding ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Developmental Origins ◽  
Needed Information ◽  
Genes And Environment ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Health And Disease

Abstract Epigenetics is likely to play a role in the mediation of the effects of genes and environment in risk for many non-communicable diseases (NCDs). The Developmental Origins of Health and Disease (DOHaD) theory presents unique opportunities regarding the possibility of early life interventions to alter the epigenetic makeup of an individual, thereby modifying their risk for a variety of NCDs. While it is important to determine how we can lower the risk of these NCDs, it is equally important to understand how the public’s knowledge and opinion of DOHaD and epigenetic concepts may influence their willingness to undertake such interventions for themselves and their children. In this review, we provide an overview of epigenetics, DOHaD, NCDs, and the links between them. We explore the issues surrounding using epigenetics to identify those at increased risk of NCDs, including the concept of predictive testing of children. We also outline what is currently understood about the public’s understanding and opinion of epigenetics, DOHaD, and their relation to NCDs. In doing so, we demonstrate that it is essential that future research explores the public’s awareness and understanding of epigenetics and epigenetic concepts. This will provide much-needed information which will prepare health professionals for the introduction of epigenetic testing into future healthcare.

scholarly journals Sex Differences in the Developmental Origins of Cardiovascular Disease

Physiology ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 29 (2) ◽  
pp. 122-132 ◽  
Author(s):  
Suttira Intapad ◽  
Norma B. Ojeda ◽  
John Henry Dasinger ◽  
Barbara T. Alexander
Keyword(s):  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Cardiovascular Disease ◽  
Sex Differences ◽  
Cardiovascular Risk ◽  
Early Life ◽  
Experimental Models ◽  
Developmental Origins ◽  
Proof Of Concept ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Health And Disease

The Developmental Origins of Health and Disease (DOHaD) proposes that adverse events during early life program an increased risk for cardiovascular disease. Experimental models provide proof of concept but also indicate that insults during early life program sex differences in adult blood pressure and cardiovascular risk. This review will highlight the potential mechanisms that contribute to the etiology of sex differences in the developmental programming of cardiovascular disease.

scholarly journals Population DNA methylation studies in the Developmental Origins of Health and Disease (DOHaD) framework

2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 306-313 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. F. Felix ◽  
C. A. M. Cecil
Keyword(s):  
Dna Methylation ◽  
Health Outcomes ◽  
Early Life ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Epigenetic Mechanism ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Developmental Origins ◽  
Use Of Resources ◽  
Health And Disease

AbstractEpigenetic changes represent a potential mechanism underlying associations of early-life exposures and later life health outcomes. Population-based cohort studies starting in early life are an attractive framework to study the role of such changes. DNA methylation is the most studied epigenetic mechanism in population research. We discuss the application of DNA methylation in early-life population studies, some recent findings, key challenges and recommendations for future research. Studies into DNA methylation within the Developmental Origins of Health and Disease framework generally either explore associations between prenatal exposures and offspring DNA methylation or associations between offspring DNA methylation in early life and later health outcomes. Only a few studies to date have integrated prospective exposure, epigenetic and phenotypic data in order to explicitly test the role of DNA methylation as a potential biological mediator of environmental effects on health outcomes. Population epigenetics is an emerging field which has challenges in terms of methodology and interpretation of the data. Key challenges include tissue specificity, cell type adjustment, issues of power and comparability of findings, genetic influences, and exploring causality and functional consequences. Ongoing studies are working on addressing these issues. Large collaborative efforts of prospective cohorts are emerging, with clear benefits in terms of optimizing power and use of resources, and in advancing methodology. In the future, multidisciplinary approaches, within and beyond longitudinal birth and preconception cohorts will advance this complex, but highly promising, the field of research.

scholarly journals Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals: Current Understanding, New Testing Strategies and Future Research Needs

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (2) ◽  
pp. 933
Author(s):  
Maria E. Street ◽  
Karine Audouze ◽  
Juliette Legler ◽  
Hideko Sone ◽  
Paola Palanza
Keyword(s):  
Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals ◽  
Endocrine System ◽  
Current Understanding ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Developmental Origins ◽  
Research Needs ◽  
Important Class ◽  
Testing Strategies ◽  
Endocrine Disrupting ◽  
Health And Disease

Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are exogenous chemicals which can disrupt any action of the endocrine system, and are an important class of substances which play a role in the Developmental Origins of Health and Disease (DOHaD) [...]

scholarly journals Developmental Origins of Kidney Disease: Why Oxidative Stress Matters?

Antioxidants ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 33
Author(s):  
Chien-Ning Hsu ◽  
You-Lin Tain
Keyword(s):  
Oxidative Stress ◽  
Kidney Disease ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Antioxidant Systems ◽  
Developmental Origins ◽  
Adult Onset ◽  
Functional Changes ◽  
Health And Disease ◽  
Developing Kidney

The “developmental origins of health and disease” theory indicates that many adult-onset diseases can originate in the earliest stages of life. The developing kidney has emerged as being particularly vulnerable to adverse in utero conditions leading to morphological and functional changes, namely renal programming. Emerging evidence indicates oxidative stress, an imbalance between reactive oxygen/nitrogen species (ROS/RNS) and antioxidant systems, plays a pathogenetic role in the developmental programming of kidney disease. Conversely, perinatal use of antioxidants has been implemented to reverse programming processes and prevent adult-onset diseases. We have termed this reprogramming. The focus of this review is twofold: (1) To summarize the current knowledge on oxidative stress implicated in renal programming and kidney disease of developmental origins; and (2) to provide an overview of reprogramming effects of perinatal antioxidant therapy on renal programming and how this may prevent adult-onset kidney disease. Although early-life oxidative stress is implicated in mediating renal programming and adverse offspring renal outcomes, and animal models provide promising results to allow perinatal antioxidants applied as potential reprogramming interventions, it is still awaiting clinical translation. This presents exciting new challenges and areas for future research.

The developing world of DOHaD

2017 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 266-269 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. Suzuki
Keyword(s):  
Life Events ◽  
Early Life ◽  
Developing World ◽  
Biomedical Science ◽  
Developmental Origins ◽  
Health And Disease ◽  
Early Life Events

Since its debut in a ground-breaking report by Barker and Osmond in 1986, the concept of the Developmental Origins of Health and Disease (DOHaD) has been further developed in several aspects. Its methodology and conclusions relating to proposed origins and outcomes of early life events have been developing and spreading internationally. Indeed, the DOHaD concept now seems to have influenced many fields of research. This article aims to briefly review why the DOHaD concept is important in biomedical science, how it has developed, is currently developing, and how it should develop in future.

The establishment of DOHaD working groups in Australia and New Zealand

2016 ◽  
Vol 7 (5) ◽  
pp. 433-439 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. L. Prescott ◽  
K. Allen ◽  
K. Armstrong ◽  
C. Collins ◽  
H. Dickinson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Early Life ◽  
Developmental Origins ◽  
Effect Change ◽  
Cohort Group ◽  
Disease Outcomes ◽  
Working Groups ◽  
Health And Disease ◽  
Translational Strategies ◽  
The Impact

The evidence underpinning the developmental origins of health and disease (DOHaD) is overwhelming. As the emphasis shifts more towards interventions and the translational strategies for disease prevention, it is important to capitalize on collaboration and knowledge sharing to maximize opportunities for discovery and replication. DOHaD meetings are facilitating this interaction. However, strategies to perpetuate focussed discussions and collaborations around and between conferences are more likely to facilitate the development of DOHaD research. For this reason, the DOHaD Society of Australia and New Zealand (DOHaD ANZ) has initiated themed Working Groups, which convened at the 2014–2015 conferences. This report introduces the DOHaD ANZ Working Groups and summarizes their plans and activities. One of the first Working Groups to form was the ActEarly birth cohort group, which is moving towards more translational goals. Reflecting growing emphasis on the impact of early life biodiversity – even before birth – we also have a Working Group titled Infection, inflammation and the microbiome. We have several Working Groups exploring other major non-cancerous disease outcomes over the lifespan, including Brain, behaviour and development and Obesity, cardiovascular and metabolic health. The Epigenetics and Animal Models Working Groups cut across all these areas and seeks to ensure interaction between researchers. Finally, we have a group focussed on ‘Translation, policy and communication’ which focusses on how we can best take the evidence we produce into the community to effect change. By coordinating and perpetuating DOHaD discussions in this way we aim to enhance DOHaD research in our region.

scholarly journals Developmental origins of health and disease: a new approach for the identification of adults who suffered undernutrition in early life

2018 ◽  
Vol Volume 11 ◽  
pp. 543-551
Author(s):  
Haroldo da Silva Ferreira ◽  
Antonio Fernando Silva Xavier Junior ◽  
Monica Lopes Assunção ◽  
Tainá Cardoso Caminha Uchôa ◽  
Abel Barbosa Lira-Neto ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Early Life ◽  
Developmental Origins ◽  
New Approach ◽  
Health And Disease

Developmental origins of health and disease

2018 ◽  
pp. 36-39
Author(s):  
Caroline Fall ◽  
Kalyanaraman Kumaran
Keyword(s):  
Early Life ◽  
Infant Development ◽  
Animal Experiments ◽  
Environmental Pollutants ◽  
Adult Life ◽  
Maternal Diabetes ◽  
Observational Research ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Health And Disease ◽  
And Function

Sub-optimal nutrition during foetal and infant development is associated with an increased risk of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in adult life. Animal experiments show that this results from permanent effects on the structure and function of tissues and hormone systems (‘metabolic programming’), probably mediated by epigenetic changes. NCD risk is increased further by adiposity and/or unhealthy lifestyles in childhood or adulthood. Apart from nutrition, other early life environmental influences can programme later disease, including foetal ‘over-nutrition’ (maternal diabetes or obesity) and exposure to maternal smoking, environmental pollutants, and pregnancy complications. The concept that improving the nutrition and health of mothers pre-conceptionally and during pregnancy could prevent common NCDs has huge public health implications. However, unlike the robust demonstration of programming in experimental animals, the evidence in humans rests mainly on observational research. Intervention studies are ongoing to strengthen the evidence and to identify ways to improve early development and prevent NCDs.

scholarly journals Prenatal Developmental Origins of Future Psychopathology: Mechanisms and Pathways

2019 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
pp. 317-344 ◽  
Author(s):  
Catherine Monk ◽  
Claudia Lugo-Candelas ◽  
Caroline Trumpff
Keyword(s):  
Maternal Distress ◽  
Developmental Origins ◽  
Neurodevelopmental Outcomes ◽  
Fetal Origins ◽  
Behavior Development ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Health And Disease ◽  
Brain And Behavior ◽  
And Behavior ◽  
The Impact

The developmental origins of health and disease hypothesis applied to neurodevelopmental outcomes asserts that the fetal origins of future development are relevant to mental health. There is a third pathway for the familial inheritance of risk for psychiatric illness beyond shared genes and the quality of parental care: the impact of pregnant women's distress—defined broadly to include perceived stress, life events, depression, and anxiety—on fetal and infant brain–behavior development. We discuss epidemiological and observational clinical data demonstrating that maternal distress is associated with children's increased risk for psychopathology: For example, high maternal anxiety is associated with a twofold increase in the risk of probable mental disorder in children. We review several biological systems hypothesized to be mechanisms by which maternal distress affects fetal and child brain and behavior development, as well as the clinical implications of studies of the developmental origins of health and disease that focus on maternal distress. Development and parenting begin before birth.

scholarly journals Maternal nutrition and the developmental origins of osteoporosis in offspring: Potential mechanisms and clinical implications

2018 ◽  
Vol 243 (10) ◽  
pp. 836-842 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jia Zheng ◽  
Qianyun Feng ◽  
Sheng Zheng ◽  
Xinhua Xiao
Keyword(s):  
Early Life ◽  
Theoretical Basis ◽  
Complex Disease ◽  
Maternal Nutrition ◽  
Developmental Origins ◽  
Early Prevention ◽  
Environment Exposure ◽  
Prevention Of Osteoporosis ◽  
Health And Disease ◽  
Underlying Mechanisms

Osteoporosis, the most frequent metabolic disorder of bone, is a complex disease with a multifactorial origin that is influenced by genes and environments. However, the pathogenesis of osteoporosis has not been fully elucidated. The theory of “Developmental Origins of Health and Disease” indicates that early life environment exposure determines the risks of cardiometabolic diseases in adulthood. However, investigations into the effects of maternal nutrition and nutrition exposure during early life on the development of osteoporosis are limited. Recently, emerging evidence has strongly suggested that maternal nutrition has long-term influences on bone metabolism in offspring, and epigenetic modifications maybe the underlying mechanisms of this process. This review aimed to address maternal nutrition and its implications for the developmental origins of osteoporosis in offspring. It is novel in providing a theoretical basis for the early prevention of osteoporosis. Impact statement Our review aimed to address maternal nutrition and its implications for the developmental origins of osteoporosis in offspring, that can novelly provide a theoretical basis for the early prevention of osteoporosis.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document