HOMEPRODUCTSCOMPANYCONTACTFAQResearchDictionaryPharmaSign Up FREE or Login

Prenatal stress and development: beyond the single cause and effect paradigm.

Abstract
Our awareness of the causes of stress-induced developmental dysfunction has increased dramatically over the past decade, and it is becoming increasingly clear that a number of factors can have considerable impacts on the developing fetus. Although there is a tendency in investigations of developmental teratogens to attribute specific causes to adverse fetal outcomes, it is important we recognize that for most developmental dysfunctions it is unlikely a single cause, but yet a series of environmental insults combined with genetic predisposition that ultimately leads to a disease state. Nonetheless, a number of developmental teratogens, such as maternal psychological stress and chemical exposures, have been shown to increase the likelihood of developmental defects. These defects can manifest during development, leading to observable birth defects, or could become evident long after birth, even into adulthood. In addition, epigenetic mutations in the germline can alter the phenotype of successive generations through transgenerational inheritance, and in this way environmental factors can alter the developmental outcomes and disease predispositions of future generations. Understanding this complexity is essential to interpretations of causality in the studies of stress-induced developmental dysfunction and needs to be fully considered to more effectively interpret potential outcomes.
AuthorsHeather J Hamlin
JournalBirth defects research. Part C, Embryo today : reviews (Birth Defects Res C Embryo Today) Vol. 96 Issue 4 Pg. 289-98 (Dec 2012) ISSN: 1542-9768 [Electronic] United States
PMID24203918 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Review)
CopyrightCopyright © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Chemical References
  • Teratogens
Topics
  • Developmental Disabilities (etiology)
  • Environmental Exposure (adverse effects)
  • Epigenesis, Genetic
  • Female
  • Genetic Predisposition to Disease (etiology)
  • Humans
  • Mothers (psychology)
  • Pregnancy
  • Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects (etiology)
  • Stress, Physiological
  • Stress, Psychological
  • Teratogens (toxicity)

Join CureHunter, for free Research Interface BASIC access!

Take advantage of free CureHunter research engine access to explore the best drug and treatment options for any disease. Find out why thousands of doctors, pharma researchers and patient activists around the world use CureHunter every day.
Realize the full power of the drug-disease research graph!


Choose Username:
Email:
Password:
Verify Password:
Enter Code Shown: