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Unveiling the Developmental Origins of Health and Disease: A Comprehensive Exploration of DOHaD

Diego Blair

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Published in Developmental Origins Of Health And Disease (DOHaD): From Biological Basis To Clinical Significance (Advances In Experimental Medicine And Biology 1012)

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Developmental Origins Of Health And Disease Book Cover, Featuring An Image Of A Pregnant Woman And A Fetus Developmental Origins Of Health And Disease (DOHaD): From Biological Basis To Clinical Significance (Advances In Experimental Medicine And Biology 1012)

The concept of Developmental Origins of Health and Disease (DOHaD) has emerged as a groundbreaking paradigm that explores the profound impact of early life experiences on lifelong health trajectories. This captivating book, "Developmental Origins of Health and Disease," delves deep into this fascinating field, providing a comprehensive understanding of DOHaD's implications for human health and disease.

Developmental Origins of Health and Disease (DOHaD): From Biological Basis to Clinical Significance (Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology Book 1012)

by A.W. Ansari

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	9312 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	221 pages

Historical Roots and Conceptual Framework

The book traces the historical evolution of DOHaD, beginning with the seminal work of David Barker, who observed the association between low birth weight and increased risk of chronic diseases in later life. These early observations laid the foundation for the DOHaD hypothesis, which posits that prenatal and early postnatal exposures can have long-term consequences for health and disease outcomes.

The book elucidates the underlying mechanisms of DOHaD, highlighting the role of epigenetic modifications, metabolic programming, and immune system development. It explains how these early exposures can alter gene expression patterns, leading to persistent changes in organ structure and function.

Impact on Health and Disease

The book provides a detailed examination of the impact of DOHaD on a wide range of health conditions, including:

Cardiovascular diseases, such as hypertension, stroke, and coronary heart disease
Metabolic disFree Downloads, including obesity, type 2 diabetes, and metabolic syndrome
Neurological disFree Downloads, such as schizophrenia, autism, and depression
Respiratory diseases, including asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
Immune disFree Downloads, such as allergies and autoimmune diseases

The book explores the complex interplay between early life exposures, genetic susceptibility, and environmental factors in the development of chronic diseases. It highlights the importance of considering DOHaD principles in public health policies and clinical practice to mitigate the risk of non-communicable diseases.

Early Life Exposures and DOHaD

The book discusses the various early life exposures that can influence DOHaD, including:

Nutritional factors: Maternal undernutrition, malnutrition, and excessive gestational weight gain
Environmental exposures: Air pollution, tobacco smoke, heavy metals, and endocrine disruptors
Maternal stress: Chronic psychological and physical stress during pregnancy
Infections: Maternal and neonatal infections can alter immune system development
Preterm birth and low birth weight: These factors are associated with increased risk of chronic diseases

The book emphasizes the need for targeted interventions during the critical early life period to mitigate the adverse effects of these exposures on health outcomes.

Clinical Applications and Future Directions

The book concludes with a discussion of the clinical applications and future directions of DOHaD research. It highlights the potential for using DOHaD knowledge to develop personalized preventive and therapeutic strategies. The book also calls for further research to elucidate the mechanisms of DOHaD and identify modifiable risk factors.

"Developmental Origins of Health and Disease" is a comprehensive and authoritative resource on the field of DOHaD. It provides a deep understanding of the historical, conceptual, and mechanistic aspects of DOHaD, its impact on health and disease, and its implications for clinical practice and public health. This book is essential reading for researchers, clinicians, policymakers, and anyone interested in the fascinating world of developmental origins of health and disease.

Developmental Origins of Health and Disease (DOHaD): From Biological Basis to Clinical Significance (Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology Book 1012)

by A.W. Ansari

5 out of 5