Fetal metabolic programming. General considerations for the healthcare team
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.33936/qkrcs.v8i2.6701Abstract
Fetal metabolic programming refers to lasting changes in the structure or function of the organism that occur during critical periods of life, influenced by environmental and genetic factors. This phenomenon has been widely documented in animal and human research, and it has been shown that it can be transmitted to future generations through epigenetic mechanisms that affect gene expression without altering the DNA sequence. The objective was to describe fetal metabolic programming in a way that its relevance is easily understood by the entire healthcare team. A narrative literature review was conducted. The search for studies covered the ScienceDirect, SciELO, and PubMed databases, focusing on works published in the last five years. However, older studies considered fundamental to the development of the topic were also included. It was found that fetal metabolic programming is influenced by nutritional and environmental factors during pregnancy and impacts the metabolic development of the fetus and its predisposition to chronic diseases. Studies support that these changes are heritable through epigenetic mechanisms, affecting health in adulthood. Early interventions are essential. This allows for the conclusion that fetal metabolic programming is a crucial field of study for understanding non-communicable chronic diseases, highlighting the role of genetic, environmental, maternal, fetal, and placental factors in the future health of the fetus.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Richard Ronny Mera Flores, Adrian Lazo-Reina, Pierina Monserrate Cedeño Alcívar, Carlos Eduardo Marroquin Pasquel, Pamela Rugel Campoverde , Lisbeth Gloria Salas Tomalá
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