WEEK 10 — Developmental Programming & Environmental Impacts - ANHB3316

What does the Barker Hypothesis propose?

Early life environment shapes later physiological function and disease risk.

What is a Predictive Adaptive Response (PAR)?

Foetal development adjusts to expected future environment; adaptive if prediction matches reality, maladaptive if not.

What is the “thrifty phenotype” concept?

Adaptation to poor prenatal nutrition, which increases disease risk in nutrient-rich postnatal environments.

What historical famine event linked early malnutrition to later disease?

The Dutch Hunger Winter (1944–45).

How does timing of gestational malnutrition affect adult disease risk?

Early malnutrition = ↑ hypertension; late malnutrition = ↑ adiposity and glucose intolerance.

What is the effect of maternal heat exposure on pregnancy outcomes?

Increased risk of preterm birth, stillbirth, low birth weight.

How much does each 1 °C increase in temperature raise the risk of preterm birth?

~5%.

How does stress affect foetal development through glucocorticoids?

Leads to early differentiation, reduced cell number, altered organ development.

What enzyme protects the foetus from excess glucocorticoids?

11β-HSD2.

How does stress impact placental vascular development?

Reduces vascularity, leading to poor cardiac outcomes in offspring.