European journal of clinical investigation
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Eur. J. Clin. Invest. · Oct 2021
ReviewRodent studies of developmental programming and aging mechanisms.
Compelling evidence exists indicating that developmental programming influences ageing. Programming alters life-course phenotype in multiple organs, predisposing to diseases such as diabetes, obesity and cardiovascular disease that shorten lifespan. This review describes studies in rodents, the most commonly studied species, addressing interactions of programming challenges with ageing. ⋯ Accelerated ageing occurs early in life. Improving knowledge on programming ageing interactions will improve health span as well as lifespan. Finally, there are considerable similarities in outcomes programmed by maternal undernutrition and overnutrition.
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There is a widespread misconception that only maternal variables affect in utero development. Epigenetic markers carried by the spermatozoon are transmitted to the zygote. ⋯ Acquired traits of metabolic disease can be inherited by the offspring via the male gamete. Health assessment of future fathers is essential to predict the offspring's health.