The Consequences of Being Born Small – An Adaptive Perspective

Vol. 65, Suppl. 3, 2006

Free Abstract Article (Fulltext) Article (PDF 148 KB)

Understanding the Biology and Therapeutic Consequences of Being Born SGA.
Editor(s): Czernichow, P. (Paris), Dunger, D. (Cambridge), Lévy-Marchal, C. (Paris)

Introductory Lecture

The Consequences of Being Born Small - An Adaptive Perspective
P.D. Gluckman^a, M.A. Hanson^b

^aLiggins Institute and National Research Centre for Growth and Development, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand;
^bCentre for Developmental Origins of Health and Disease, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK

Address of Corresponding Author

Horm Res 2006;65 (Suppl. 3):5-14 (DOI: 10.1159/000091500)

Key Words

Adaptation
Fetus
Intrauterine growth retardation
Small for gestational age

Abstract

Absolute definitions of fetal growth are being replaced by definitions that focus on an optimal life-course trajectory. The fetus makes responses to its environment that are determined by the maternal macro-environment, health and physiology. The processes of maternal constraint create significant variations within the normal range of maternal environments and function, and in the fetal environment, which are reflected in different patterns of growth. Deficient nutrient provision may induce immediate adaptation in the form of fetal growth impairment, but will also induce adaptive responses that have evolved for predictive advantage; that is, for a later phase of the life cycle. This latter class of response, probably mediated by epigenetic processes, explains many outcomes of a less-than-optimal pregnancy, including impaired growth, increased visceral obesity, impaired cognitive development, advanced maturation and a greater risk of metabolic and related disease in later life. While these adaptive processes evolved and were appropriate in the environments of prehistory, they are increasingly mismatched with modern environments. Such considerations suggest different approaches to intervention and prevention in population-specific contexts.

Author Contacts

P.D. Gluckman, Liggins Institute and National Research Centre for
Growth and Development, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences
University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland (New Zealand)
Tel. +64 9 373 7599 ext. 86475, Fax +64 9 373 7497
E-Mail pd.gluckman@auckland.ac.nz

Article Information

Published online: April 10, 2006
Number of Print Pages : 10
Number of Figures : 0, Number of Tables : 2, Number of References : 70

Medline Abstract (ID 16612108)

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