Intrauterine Growth Restriction - An Important Epigenetic Premise for Adult Cardiovascular Diseases

Abstract

Given multiple causalities, the fetus develops an intrauterine growth restriction that compensatory stimulates the adaptative phenomena; both, the determining cause of intrauterine growth restriction and the adaptative reactions, will initiate epigenetic changes which will affect the longterm structure and functionality of the heart and will modify the cardiovascular reactivity. The study is based on a systematic review of 20 existing studies that certifies a link between epigenetic changes and adult cardiovascular disease. Against the background of epigenetic changes, postnatal nutritional and behavioral factors are added which lead to pathologies in adult life, so the proper functioning and development of the body starts from the first moments of intrauterine life and contuse postnatal, creating the premises for a healthy life. However, it is difficult to assess the environmental factors that interact with the human body and how this combination of factors determines a predisposition to cardiovascular disease.