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Role of fetal programming in the development of hypertension

Norma B Ojeda1, Daniela Grigore, Barbara T Alexander

  • 1University of Mississippi Medical Center, Department of Physiology & Biophysics, The Center for Excellence in Cardiovascular-Renal Research, 2500 North State Street, Jackson, MS 39216-4505, USA. nojeda@physiology.umsmed.edu

Future Cardiology
|August 13, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Fetal growth impacts adult cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. Impaired fetal development may program hypertension and CVD through altered sodium and volume regulation.

Area of Science:

  • Physiology
  • Developmental Biology
  • Cardiovascular Health

Background:

  • Epidemiological studies link birth size to later-life cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk.
  • Experimental research is elucidating mechanisms connecting fetal growth and adult CVD/hypertension.
  • Fetal development plays a critical role in long-term health outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To summarize the potential mechanisms of fetal programming for hypertension and CVD.
  • To explore how impaired fetal growth influences adult cardiovascular health.
  • To identify key organs and regulatory systems involved in this programming.

Main Methods:

  • Review of epidemiological and experimental findings.
  • Synthesis of current knowledge on fetal programming.
  • Focus on mechanisms related to sodium and volume homeostasis.

Main Results:

  • Impaired fetal growth can initiate pathways leading to adult hypertension and CVD.
  • Alterations in key organs (e.g., kidneys) and regulatory systems are implicated.
  • These changes affect the body's ability to manage sodium and fluid balance.

Conclusions:

  • Fetal development significantly influences the risk of developing hypertension and CVD later in life.
  • Understanding these programming mechanisms is crucial for preventative strategies.
  • Targeting fetal development may offer novel approaches to cardiovascular disease prevention.

Keywords:
glucocorticoidskidneyrenin-angiotensin systemsex hormonessympathetic nervous systemvascular function

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