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Biological features of placental programming.
Kent L Thornburg1, Kevin Kolahi2, Melinda Pierce3
1Knight Cardiovascular Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA; Department of Medicine, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA; Moore Institute for Nutrition and Wellness, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA.
Placenta
|November 8, 2016
Summary
The placenta
Area of Science:
- Developmental Biology
- Reproductive Medicine
- Chronic Disease Epidemiology
Background:
- The placenta is crucial for fetal development and influences long-term health.
- Its structural and physiological characteristics are linked to adult chronic diseases.
- Understanding placental function is vital for preventing costly and deadly diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review key placental features associated with adult-onset chronic diseases.
- To highlight the current gaps in knowledge regarding placental growth and function.
- To emphasize the importance of placental research for public health.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on placental structure and physiology.
- Analysis of studies linking placental features to adult disease risks.
- Synthesis of findings from human and non-human primate research.
Main Results:
- Placental efficiency, shape, and size are associated with cardiovascular disease risk.
- Placental plasticity decreases mid-gestation, impacting stress response.
- Lipids, inflammation, and insufficiency affect fetal growth and disease programming.
- Maternal factors and placental hormones influence offspring health outcomes.
Conclusions:
- Placental development and function are critical determinants of adult chronic disease risk.
- Further research into placental biology is essential for improving human health.
- Investing in placental research offers significant benefits for preventing major diseases.
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