title: Programming effects of glucocorticoids.
abstract: Fetal glucocorticoid overexposure is a key potential mechanism underlying the link between low birthweight and later life diseases. The fetus is protected from high maternal glucocorticoid levels by the placental enzyme 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2. Antenatal glucocorticoid administration to women at threat of preterm labor, and high endogenous maternal glucocorticoid levels during pregnancy associate with lower birthweight. Long-term consequences for offspring include hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis activation, increased metabolic and cardiovascular disorders, and neurodevelopmental sequelae. Strategies are needed to limit antenatal glucocorticoid use to those most at risk of preterm labor and to identify those most at risk of future disease.
authors.affiliation: Endocrinology Unit, University/BHF Centre for Cardiovascular Science, Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh, UK. r.reynolds@ed.ac.uk
authors.forename: Rebecca M
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: Reynolds
mesh_terms: D043209:11-beta-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase Type 2 / Q000502:physiology*; D001724:Birth Weight / Q000187:drug effects; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000196:embryology*; D050171:Dyslipidemias / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000196:embryology*; D005260:Female; D047109:Fetal Development / Q000187:drug effects; D005938:Glucocorticoids / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D006943:Hyperglycemia / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000196:embryology*; D007030:Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal System / Q000187:drug effects*; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007752:Obstetric Labor, Premature; D010913:Pituitary-Adrenal System / Q000187:drug effects*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011297:Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects
chemical_list: D005938:Glucocorticoids; D043209:11-beta-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase Type 2