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Fetal programming of sexual development and reproductive function.

Elena Zambrano¹, Carolina Guzmán², Guadalupe L Rodríguez-González¹

¹Departamento de Biología de la Reproducción, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, México.

Molecular and Cellular Endocrinology

|September 19, 2013

Summary

Early life challenges can impair reproductive function in offspring. This review examines evidence for developmental programming affecting female and male reproductive capacity across the lifespan.

Keywords:

11β-HSD2 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 ACTH AMH AR DES DHT ER FSH Fetal GR Glucocorticoids GnRH HPA IUGR LH Maternal obesity Maternal undernutrition Neonatal P450 side chain cleavage P450scc PR Sex steroids StAR adrenocorticotropic hormone androgen receptor antimullerian hormone diethylstilbestrol dihydrotestosterone estrogen receptor follicle-stimulating hormone glucocorticoid receptor gonadotropin-releasing hormone hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal intrauterine growth restriction luteinizing hormone progesterone receptor steroid acute regulatory protein

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Area of Science:

Reproductive Biology
Developmental Programming
Endocrinology

Background:

Developmental programming research has primarily focused on cardiovascular and metabolic systems.
Emerging evidence indicates that reproductive function is also significantly impacted by early life exposures.
Altered reproductive phenotypes are observed across various species, including rodents, sheep, and nonhuman primates.

Purpose of the Study:

To review experimental evidence on the developmental programming of female and male reproductive function.
To explore the life-course effects of early developmental challenges on reproductive capacity.
To consolidate findings across commonly studied experimental models.

Main Methods:

Literature review of experimental studies.
Examination of evidence from rats, sheep, and nonhuman primates.
Analysis of reproductive function across different life stages.

Main Results:

Prenatal and early postnatal exposures can lead to altered reproductive outcomes.
Reproductive capacity is affected from puberty through aging.
Evidence spans both female and male reproductive systems.

Conclusions:

Developmental programming is a critical factor influencing reproductive health throughout life.
Understanding these programming effects is essential for reproductive medicine.
Further research is needed to elucidate mechanisms and potential interventions.