Epigenetic mechanisms of perinatal programming of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal function and health.
Environmental effects on the materno-foetal interaction determine birth outcomes that predict health over the lifespan. Thus, maternal undernutrition or stress associate with low birth weight, leading to an increased risk of metabolic and cardiovascular illness in the offspring. We argue that these effects are, in part, mediated by direct and indirect effects on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis such that (i) the effect of maternal adversity on foetal growth is mediated by adrenal glucocorticoids and (ii) environmental adversity alters maternal physiology and behaviour, which then programs HPA activity in the offspring.
Meaney
Michael J
MJ
McGill Program for Study of Genes, Environment and Health, McGill University, Montreal, Canada. michael.meaney@mcgill.ca
Szyf
Moshe
M
Seckl
Jonathan R
JR
D043209:11-beta-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase Type 2 / Q000378:metabolism; D000311:Adrenal Glands / Q000378:metabolism; D000818:Animals; D002843:Chromatin / Q000378:metabolism; D019175:DNA Methylation; D004194:Disease / Q000209:etiology; D044127:Epigenesis, Genetic / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D047109:Fetal Development; D005333:Fetus / Q000378:metabolism; D005938:Glucocorticoids / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D007030:Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal System / Q000196:embryology* / Q000378:metabolism; D007230:Infant, Low Birth Weight; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008431:Maternal-Fetal Exchange; D010641:Phenotype; D010913:Pituitary-Adrenal System / Q000196:embryology* / Q000378:metabolism; D011247:Pregnancy; D013312:Stress, Physiological / Q000150:complications
D002843:Chromatin; D005938:Glucocorticoids; D043209:11-beta-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase Type 2