Maternal environment and the reproductive function of the offspring

Abstract

Fetal programming of metabolic diseases is now a well established concept. The scope of the Developmental Origins of Health and Disease has, however, widened and led to the identification of new targets of fetal programming, notably effects on reproductive function. Epidemiologic studies about maternal nutrition and effects on offspring's fertility are rare, but a link between impaired fetal growth, possibly caused by maternal malnutrition, and reproductive function, has been established. The methodologic limitations inherent to human epidemiologic studies can be complemented through the use of animal models, which enable experimental studies on maternal environment and its effect on reproductive functions of the offspring. Altogether, an interaction between inappropriate maternal nutrition (excess or reduced nutritional intake, micronutrient unbalance, or alcohol intake) and reproductive maturation of the offspring has been shown in a majority of experiments as summarized in this review. The exact processes through which maternal nutrition or maternal environment affect reproductive function in the offspring remain unclear but epigenetic modifications are a clear link. Further studies are needed to better understand the mechanisms involved, identify the crucial critical periods, and prevent or treat the adverse effects.