Developmental mismatch: consequences for later cardiorespiratory health

Area of Science:

• Developmental origins of health and disease (DOHaD)
• Epidemiology
• Public Health

Background:

• Studies link small birth size and poor infant growth to increased adult cardiovascular and respiratory disease risk.
• This association is observed across the normal range of infant size.
• Accelerated childhood weight gain following restricted early growth exacerbates this risk.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the relationship between early growth patterns and adult disease risk.
• To investigate the 'mismatch hypothesis' in the context of developmental plasticity.
• To understand how early environmental predictions influence later health outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Review of clinical and epidemiological studies.
• Analysis of growth trajectories from birth through childhood.
• Examination of disease incidence in adulthood.

Main Results:

• A graded relationship exists between infant size and adult disease risk.
• Restricted early growth followed by rapid weight gain significantly elevates disease risk.
• Developmental plasticity in response to early environments plays a crucial role.

Conclusions:

• Early life growth patterns are critical determinants of adult cardiovascular and respiratory health.
• The 'mismatch hypothesis' provides a framework for understanding how early developmental adaptations to perceived environments can lead to adult disease.
• Interventions targeting early growth and weight gain may mitigate long-term disease risk.