Barker’s in utero hypothesis, Biology

Assignment Help:

Barker’s in Utero Hypothesis

The developmental origins of adult disease, often called as the ‘Barker hypothesis’ states that adverse influences early in development, particularly during the intrauterine life, can result in permanent changes in the physiology and metabolism of adults Such changes could result in increased disease risk in adulthood. This hypothesis originally evolved from observations made in some regions of England which had the highest rates of infant mortality in the early twentieth century. Follow-up of adults from the region decades later revealed that a number of them suffered from highest rates of mortality from coronary heart diseases. As the most commonly registered cause of infant death at the start of the twentieth century was low birth weight, these observations led to the hypothesis that low birth weight babies who survived infancy and childhood might be at increased risk of coronary heart disease later in life. These results have since been replicated in other studies from many different countries, some of them specifically focused on women.

In the 1980s, the ‘foetal origins of adult disease’ hypothesis got a new impetus when a link between the low birth weight and the incidence of cardiovascular disease was noted in many middle-aged men and women of U.K. Following this there has been an emerging body of evidence from physiological, clinical and epidemiological studies. They support the ‘Barker Hypothesis’ that what happens during foetal development may be as important as the genetic makeup in determining the health of the infant. This evidence has led to the understanding that malnutrition in utero carries a far reaching impact on the future health of the newborn.

The Barker hypothesis outlines a mechanism by which the undernourished foetus adapts to its environment by undergoing changes in the body’s structure, metabolism, hormonal sensitivity and physiology. While it thereby ensures the continued survival and growth of the foetus, there is also a compromise in the process. The disturbance in the nutrient balance results in intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR). In developing countries, the major determinants of IUGR are identified as:
(i)  Inadequate nutritional status of the mother before conception;
(ii) Short stature of mothers indicating under-nutrition and infection during childhood;
(iii)Low gestational weight of the foetus/child primarily due to inadequate diet of the mother particularly during the pregnancy  period.

The causes of IUGR are also attributed to:
(i) Deep rooted causes related to status of women in society;
(ii) Access to quality health care;
(iii) Sanitation;
(iv) Household food security;
(v) Education;
(vi) Poverty.

The foetal origin of disease theory has thus major implications on how nutritional interventions targeting towards specifically identified women should be approached. Investment in intervention to improve foetal growth and development not only will decrease the prevalence of IUGR, but will also prevent negative health outcomes throughout the life cycle. However, the intergenerational and intra-generational effects of longstanding poverty and nutritional deprivation on maternal and foetal health cannot be addressed by narrowly focussing on single nutritional interventions during a few months in pregnancy. It needs a strategy that comprehensively addresses targeting at different points in the life cycle.


Related Discussions:- Barker’s in utero hypothesis

Symptoms of botulism, Adult Botulism The symptoms of botulism may deve...

Adult Botulism The symptoms of botulism may develop between 12 and 72 hours after the ingestion of toxin containing foods. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, fatigue, dizzine

How to evaluate blanching efficiency, How to evaluate blanching efficiency?...

How to evaluate blanching efficiency? Finally, let us learn how to evaluate blanching efficiency? Normally, two of the more heat resistant plant enzymes, namely peroxidase and

Why waste considered major environmental issues, Q. Why is waste considered...

Q. Why is waste considered one of the major environmental issues? The environmental problem regarding waste worsens with industrial development and the global growth of consump

Tracheae - respiration, Tracheae - Respiration Insects that have succe...

Tracheae - Respiration Insects that have successfully colonised the terrestrial environment have evolved a respiratory system very different from other land animals - the trac

What progeny are expected in the f1, Cut wings (ct) is an X chromosome (sex...

Cut wings (ct) is an X chromosome (sex linked) recessive mutant of D melanogaster. Antennaless (al) is an autosomal recessive mutant. A cut, antennaless (homozygous) female is mate

Bone marrow transplant, BON E MARROW TRANSPLANT - It is transplante...

BON E MARROW TRANSPLANT - It is transplanted to treat leukemia. Here, graft itself causes immune rejection. Before transplant, the recipient's bone marrow cells, incl

Implantable cardioverter defibrillator, Patients with aborted sudden death,...

Patients with aborted sudden death, hemodynamically unstable ventricular arrhythmias, and unexplained cardiogenic syncope are at high risk for fatal ventricular arrhythmias. If the

Describe the benefits of neuropsychological test, Describe the benefits of ...

Describe the benefits of Neuropsychological test The tests can be helpful in the assessment of: Change in mental status Abnormalities in function before abnormalitie

Salmonellosis in poultry, Salmonellosis in poultry A wide variety of se...

Salmonellosis in poultry A wide variety of serovars are prevalent among chicken, turkeys, ducks and geese. The poultry is an important reservoir of salmonellae. The common dise

What are the grasslands of north america, What are the grasslands of North ...

What are the grasslands of North America and of South America respectively called? The steppe grasslands of North America are known as prairies. The grasslands of South America

Write Your Message!

Captcha
Free Assignment Quote

Assured A++ Grade

Get guaranteed satisfaction & time on delivery in every assignment order you paid with us! We ensure premium quality solution document along with free turntin report!

All rights reserved! Copyrights ©2019-2020 ExpertsMind IT Educational Pvt Ltd