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Sex and gender differences in developmental programming of metabolism
Laura Dearden1, Sebastien G Bouret2, Susan E Ozanne1
1University of Cambridge Metabolic Research Laboratories and MRC Metabolic Diseases Unit, Wellcome Trust-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, Addenbrooke's Treatment Centre, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Level 4, Box 289, Cambridge, CB2 0QQ, United Kingdom.
Molecular Metabolism
|May 19, 2018
Summary
Early life nutrition impacts metabolic disease risk differently in males and females. Understanding these sex-specific effects is crucial for preventing obesity and diabetes later in life.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive biology
- Metabolic health
- Developmental origins of health and disease
Background:
- Early life environment (in utero, neonatal) significantly influences later-life disease susceptibility, including obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.
- Metabolic disease incidence shows sex-specific patterns, prompting investigation into early life influences.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review how the early life environment influences metabolic disease risk in a sex-specific manner.
- To discuss mechanisms mediating sexually dimorphic effects.
- To highlight findings from animal model intervention studies.
Main Methods:
- Literature review summarizing current understanding.
- Analysis of sex-specific effects of early life nutrition.
- Examination of animal model intervention studies.
Main Results:
- Early life under- and over-nutrition predispose both sexes to metabolic disease.
- Females are susceptible to adiposity and glucose disruption from in utero undernutrition or high sugar.
- Male placenta vulnerability to nutritional insults may contribute to adult metabolic phenotypes.
Conclusions:
- Early life environment critically shapes sex-specific metabolic disease risk.
- Further research is needed to elucidate sex differences in long-term health impacts.
- Investigating both sexes is essential for comprehensive understanding.
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