Molecular Mechanism of Developmental Origins of Health and Disease (DOHaD)

Abstract

Epigenetic modification takes place in many types of environment. Undesirable epigenetic changes for the postnatal life at the developmental stage are induced in utero by exposure to harsh environment such as endocrine disruptors, severe psychological stress and insufficient or excessive nutrition. Some of these changes continues even for a long time after birth from womb to tomb. Under these circumstances with an unhealthy life style, such as higher caloric intake, insufficient exercise, or stress, there is a higher risk of developing various illnesses including lifestyle-related diseases, such as essential hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, psychological disorders and cancers. An illness goes through these two steps, first having origins in the early stage of life and secondary exposure of unhealthy life. In addition, some of these modifications have a tendency to be transmitted to the next generations, (transgenerational effect). This is the concept of Developmental Origins of Health and Disease theory (DOHaD). The incidence of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) have been markedly increasing, especially in developing countries, and the prevention of these diseases is a high-profile objective for world economic growth. In addition to birth weight, specific epigenetic modifications are expected to be good marks for developing illness in later life. With analysis of these makers, even for the individuals with a higher risk, the illness development will be expected to be effectively controlled through intervention in the early stage. Research on predicting markers, and intervention supplements, and pharmacological materials for higher risk individuals has been progressing considerably. This DOHaD theory is expected to be highly beneficial for the prevention of many illnesses.