title: Nutrient-gene interactions in early pregnancy: a vascular hypothesis.
abstract: It is hypothesized that the following periconceptional and early pregnancy nutrient-gene interactions link vascular-related reproductive complications and cardiovascular diseases in adulthood: (1) Maternal and paternal genetically controlled nutrient status affects the quality of gametes and fertilization capacity; (2) The embryonic genetic constitution, derived from both parents, and the maternal genetically controlled nutrient environment determine embryogenesis and fetal growth; (3) Trophoblast invasion of decidua and spiral arteries is driven by genes derived from both parents as well as by maternal nutritional factors; (4) Angiogenesis, vasculogenesis and vascular function are dependent on the genetic constitution of the embryo, derived from both parents, and the maternal genetically controlled nutritional environment.Early intra-uterine programming of vessels may concern the same (in)dependent determinants of vascular-related complications during pregnancy and cardiovascular diseases in later life.
authors.forename: R P M
authors.initials: RP
authors.lastname: Steegers-Theunissen
authors.forename: E A P
authors.initials: EA
authors.lastname: Steegers
mesh_terms: D005314:Embryonic and Fetal Development / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008431:Maternal-Fetal Exchange / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology; D018919:Neovascularization, Physiologic / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D009752:Nutritional Status / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D021041:Placental Circulation / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications; D011261:Pregnancy Trimester, First / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology