title: Epigenetics and neonatal nutrition.
abstract: Epigenetic changes have long-lasting effects on gene expression and are related to, and often induced by, the environment in which early development takes place. In particular, the period of development that extends from pre-conception to early infancy is the period of life during which epigenetic DNA imprinting activity is the most active. Epigenetic changes have been associated with modification of the risk for developing a wide range of adulthood, non-communicable diseases (including cardiovascular diseases, metabolic diseases, diseases of the reproductive system, etc.). This paper reviews the molecular basis of epigenetics, and addresses the issues related to the process of developmental programming of the various areas of human health.
authors.affiliation: Division of Pediatrics & DOHaD Laboratory, CHUV & University of Lausanne Switzerland. Electronic address: umberto.simeoni@chuv.ch.
authors.forename: Umberto
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Simeoni
authors.affiliation: Division of Pediatrics & DOHaD Laboratory, CHUV & University of Lausanne Switzerland.
authors.forename: Catherine
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Yzydorczyk
authors.affiliation: Division of Pediatrics & DOHaD Laboratory, CHUV & University of Lausanne Switzerland.
authors.forename: Benazir
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Siddeek
authors.affiliation: Division of Pediatrics & DOHaD Laboratory, CHUV & University of Lausanne Switzerland; INSERM U1065 Nice France.
authors.forename: Mohamed
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Benahmed
mesh_terms: D044127:Epigenesis, Genetic; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007227:Infant Nutritional Physiological Phenomena / Q000235:genetics*; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D054647:Nutrigenomics
keywords: Developmental; Epigenetics; Immune system; Neonate; Nutrition; Programming