Nutrition, DNA Methylation, and Developmental Origins of Cardiometabolic Disease: A Signal Systems Approach

Abstract

The developmental origins of health and disease (DOHaD) hypothesis posits that environmental exposures during vulnerable developmental stages have a lasting impact on adult phenotype. Early life nutrition is recognized as a key determinant of long-term health, and epigenetic mechanisms have surfaced as a potential biological mechanism. This review first provides an overview of literature regarding epigenetically mediated DOHaD phenomena within the realm of cardiometabolic disease. Next, parallels are drawn between a signal system and epigenetic programming in DOHaD; specifically, with DNA methylation acting as a signal within an individual spanning from early to later life. Finally, epige- netically mediated DOHaD phenomena are explored using life course epidemi- ology and a signal system framework to identify potential sources of error, and make suggestions for appropriate study designs and analytical strategies.