Impact of oxidative stress in fetal programming

Loren P Thompson; Yazan Al-Hasan

doi:10.1155/2012/582748

Impact of oxidative stress in fetal programming

J Pregnancy. 2012:2012:582748. doi: 10.1155/2012/582748. Epub 2012 Jul 11.

Authors

Loren P Thompson¹, Yazan Al-Hasan

Affiliation

¹ Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 11-029 Bressler Research Building, 655 W. Baltimore Street, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA. lthompson@umm.edu

Abstract

Intrauterine stress induces increased risk of adult disease through fetal programming mechanisms. Oxidative stress can be generated by several conditions, such as, prenatal hypoxia, maternal under- and overnutrition, and excessive glucocorticoid exposure. The role of oxidant molecules as signaling factors in fetal programming via epigenetic mechanisms is discussed. By linking oxidative stress with dysregulation of specific target genes, we may be able to develop therapeutic strategies that protect against organ dysfunction in the programmed offspring.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Biomarkers / metabolism
Epigenesis, Genetic / physiology*
Female
Fetal Development / genetics
Fetal Development / physiology*
Fetal Hypoxia / metabolism
Fetal Hypoxia / physiopathology
Humans
Oxidative Stress / genetics
Oxidative Stress / physiology*
Pregnancy
Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects / etiology*
Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects / genetics
Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects / metabolism
Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects / physiopathology
Prenatal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena
Reactive Oxygen Species / metabolism

Substances

Biomarkers
Reactive Oxygen Species