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The effect of fetal growth and nutrient stresses on steroid pathways

Laura I Stirrat1, Rebecca M Reynolds2

  • 1MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, United Kingdom; Tommy's Centre for Maternal and Fetal Health, University of Edinburgh, United Kingdom.

The Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
|July 22, 2015
PubMed

Insights

Early life nutrition impacts future health. Low birth weight, linked to in utero stress, may cause lifelong HPA axis activation, increasing cardio-metabolic disease risk.

Area of Science:

  • Developmental biology
  • Endocrinology
  • Public health

Background:

  • Early life environment critically shapes long-term health trajectories.
  • Low birth weight signifies adverse in utero conditions, predisposing individuals to cardio-metabolic diseases.
  • Glucocorticoids and lifelong Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) axis activation are proposed mediators.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review evidence supporting the hypothesis that in utero factors influence HPA axis activity and future health.
  • To emphasize the impact of fetal growth and nutrient stress on HPA axis steroid pathways.
  • To identify mechanisms for optimizing in utero health and disease risk prediction.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review focusing on studies examining fetal development, nutrient stress, and HPA axis function.
  • Analysis of steroid pathways within the HPA axis in relation to early life conditions.
  • Synthesis of evidence linking in utero environment to long-term cardio-metabolic health.

Main Results:

  • Evidence suggests a strong correlation between adverse in utero environments, including low birth weight, and altered HPA axis programming.
  • Fetal growth and nutrient availability significantly impact the development of steroid pathways regulating the HPA axis.
  • These early-life alterations are associated with an increased predisposition to cardio-metabolic diseases later in life.

Conclusions:

  • The in utero environment profoundly influences HPA axis development and function, with lasting health consequences.
  • Understanding these mechanisms is key to mitigating future disease risk associated with early life adversity.
  • Optimizing in utero health presents a critical opportunity for preventative medicine.

Keywords:
CortisolFetal programmingHPA axisPregnancy

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