Maternal diet and epigenetics

Epidemiological studies have revealed an association between poor maternal diet and cardiometabolic disease risk in adult life. Suggested mechanisms include foetal glucocorticoid overexposure and reduced growth factor exposure. Animal studies reveal an epigenetic involvement in this association, but studies in humans have been inconclusive. This study by Drake and colleagues found alterations in DNA methylation at genes involved in cortisol regulation, tissue glucocorticoid action, blood pressure and foetal growth, in a cohort of 34 individuals. This work suggests a persistent epigenetic link between maternal diet, foetal growth, and adult cardiometabolic risk. Drake et al. (2012) Clinical Endocrinology 77, 808–815.

Read the full article in DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2265.2012.04453.x.