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Preterm birth in evolutionary context: a predictive adaptive response?

Thomas C Williams1, Amanda J Drake2

  • 11 MRC Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh , Edinburgh EH4 2XU , UK.

Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London. Series B, Biological Sciences
|April 11, 2019
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Preterm birth may be an adaptive trait, potentially triggered by environmental factors. This evolutionary perspective explores its long-term effects on infant health and development.

Keywords:
early life effectsevolutionpredictive adaptive responsepreterm birth

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Area of Science:

  • Evolutionary Medicine
  • Developmental Biology

Background:

  • Preterm birth is a major global health issue with significant neonatal mortality and long-term complications.
  • Its high prevalence and population variations suggest potential adaptive roles.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review evolutionary explanations for preterm birth.
  • To examine the predictive adaptive response hypothesis within the Developmental Origins of Health and Disease framework.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of evolutionary explanations for preterm birth.
  • Analysis of the predictive adaptive response hypothesis and its predictions.
  • Examination of environmental triggers and long-term phenotypic changes.

Main Results:

  • Preterm birth can be initiated by adverse environmental factors like poor nutrition, stress, and socioeconomic status.
  • Evidence suggests reprogramming of cardiovascular, endocrine, and neurodevelopmental systems.
  • No strong evidence for shifts in reproductive life-history trajectories was found.

Conclusions:

  • Preterm birth might be a predictive adaptive response to environmental challenges.
  • Further research is needed to demonstrate positive effects on reproductive fitness to confirm its adaptive nature.