Human Growth and Development: Developmental Origins of Health & Disease (DOHaD)

A collection of vocabulary flashcards summarizing the key concepts related to Human Growth and Development, particularly focusing on the Developmental Origins of Health & Disease (DOHaD).

Developmental Origins of Health & Disease (DOHaD)

The premise that in utero environmental interactions with genomic factors influence health and disease risk later in life.

Fetal Programming

A hypothesis where environmental influences during critical periods of development have lasting impacts on health.

Thrifty Phenotype Hypothesis

Proposes that fetuses adapt to deprived environments, potentially increasing later risk of diabetes and obesity under richer diets.

Predictive Adaptive Response (PAR) Hypothesis

The idea that the early developmental environment prepares the organism for expected future conditions.

Epigenetics

The study of how gene activity is regulated without changing the DNA sequence, impacting long-term health outcomes.

DNA Methylation

A process where methyl groups are added to the DNA, affecting gene expression and potentially influenced by maternal nutrition.

Glucocorticoids (GCs)

Steroid hormones that, when excessively exposed during pregnancy, can lead to negative outcomes in offspring.

Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) Axis

The major neuroendocrine system controlling stress reactions, which can be dysregulated by early environmental factors.

Maternal Obesity

A condition where excessive maternal weight during pregnancy increases risks for type 2 diabetes and other metabolic disorders in offspring.

Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM)

A form of diabetes that occurs during pregnancy, characterized by high blood sugar levels that can affect both mother and child.