Intra-uterine origins of type 2 diabetes.
Epidemiological studies have linked low birth weight with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes in later life. This finding has been observed in many populations worldwide, in many different ethnic and socio-economic groups. These studies led to the proposal of the 'thrifty phenotype hypothesis' that suggests that the foetal environment plays a major role in mediating this relationship. Here we review the human studies and those in animal models which support the 'thrifty phenotype hypothesis'. Molecular pathways underlying the mechanisms by which a suboptimal foetal environment leads to increased risk of type 2 diabetes are discussed, along with future directions outlining how these pathways and programming events can be further dissected to discover plausible intervention strategies to reduce type 2 diabetes.
Jones
R Huw
RH
Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Addenbrookes Hospital, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
Ozanne
Susan E
SE
D000818:Animals; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology* / Q000235:genetics / Q000473:pathology*; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D005333:Fetus / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D007230:Infant, Low Birth Weight; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D010920:Placenta / Q000473:pathology