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Influence of early life events on health and diseases
Jean E Robillard1, Jeffrey L Segar
1Department of Pediatrics, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa 52242, USA.
Insights
Newborns undergo critical physiological changes adapting to life outside the womb. Fetal environment conditions significantly influence these adaptations, impacting long-term adult health and disease susceptibility.
Area of Science:
- Physiology
- Developmental Biology
- Neonatal Adaptation
Background:
- The transition from fetal to extrauterine life requires complex physiological adjustments.
- The newborn's adaptation is crucial for survival and long-term health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review mechanisms of fetal to postnatal transition.
- To explore the impact of in-utero conditions on adult health.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of physiological transition mechanisms.
- Analysis of the relationship between fetal environment and adult disease.
Main Results:
- Cardiovascular, pulmonary, and metabolic systems undergo significant changes.
- Adverse fetal environment can compromise adaptation and increase disease risk.
Conclusions:
- Successful neonatal adaptation depends on integrated physiological changes.
- In-utero environment profoundly influences adult health outcomes.
Abstract:
The transition from the fetal to the extrauterine environment is associated with complex physiological adjustments and involves numerous cardiovascular, pulmonary, and metabolic adjustments to ensure successful adaptation to the postnatal life. While such changes are in response to the altered environment in which the newborn finds itself, external changes affecting the fetal environment could impact the integrity of these mechanisms and increase susceptibility to diseases later in life. The present article reviews some of the mechanisms involved in the transition from fetal to postnatal life and focuses of how our health as adults is dependent on the conditions we experienced in-utero.
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