Fetal programming of neuropsychiatric disorders

Area of Science:

• Developmental Origins of Health and Disease (DOHaD)
• Neuroscience
• Epigenetics

Background:

• The Developmental Origins of Health and Disease (DOHaD) hypothesis highlights fetal programming's role in long-term health.
• Epigenetic factors during intrauterine and perinatal periods are increasingly recognized for their impact on health from infancy to adulthood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the recent literature on epigenetic factors influencing fetal brain development.
• To analyze the role of these factors in the pathogenesis of neuropsychiatric disorders, including bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder, and schizophrenia.

Main Methods:

• Literature review focusing on epigenetic mechanisms.
• Categorization of perinatal epigenetic factors into maternal and fetal groups.

Main Results:

• Maternal factors include diet, smoking, stress, diabetes, and environmental toxicants.
• Fetal factors include hypoxia, placental insufficiency, prematurity, low birth weight, and intrauterine growth restriction.
• These factors can epigenetically influence brain development and increase the risk of neuropsychiatric disorders.

Conclusions:

• A deeper understanding of the mechanisms underlying fetal programming and epigenetics is essential.
• This knowledge can aid in developing novel diagnostic tools and personalized treatments for neuropsychiatric disorders.
• Improving patient quality of life through tailored medical strategies is a key objective.