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Epigenetic Modifications at the Center of the Barker Hypothesis and Their Transgenerational Implications

Author

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  • Rebecca Jean Ryznar

    (Molecular Biology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Rocky Vista University, Parker, CO 80134, USA)

  • Lacie Phibbs

    (College of Osteopathic Medicine, Rocky Vista University, Parker, CO 80134, USA)

  • Lon J. Van Winkle

    (Department of Medical Humanities, Rocky Vista University, Parker, CO 80134, USA)

Abstract

Embryo/fetal nutrition and the environment in the reproductive tract influence the subsequent risk of developing adult diseases and disorders, as formulated in the Barker hypothesis. Metabolic syndrome, obesity, heart disease, and hypertension in adulthood have all been linked to unwanted epigenetic programing in embryos and fetuses. Multiple studies support the conclusion that environmental challenges, such as a maternal low-protein diet, can change one-carbon amino acid metabolism and, thus, alter histone and DNA epigenetic modifications. Since histones influence gene expression and the program of embryo development, these epigenetic changes likely contribute to the risk of adult disease onset not just in the directly affected offspring, but for multiple generations to come. In this paper, we hypothesize that the effects of parental nutritional status on fetal epigenetic programming are transgenerational and warrant further investigation. Numerous studies supporting this hypothesis are reviewed, and potential research techniques to study these transgenerational epigenetic effects are offered.

Suggested Citation

  • Rebecca Jean Ryznar & Lacie Phibbs & Lon J. Van Winkle, 2021. "Epigenetic Modifications at the Center of the Barker Hypothesis and Their Transgenerational Implications," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(23), pages 1-12, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:23:p:12728-:d:693684
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Hongshan Guo & Ping Zhu & Liying Yan & Rong Li & Boqiang Hu & Ying Lian & Jie Yan & Xiulian Ren & Shengli Lin & Junsheng Li & Xiaohu Jin & Xiaodan Shi & Ping Liu & Xiaoye Wang & Wei Wang & Yuan Wei & , 2014. "The DNA methylation landscape of human early embryos," Nature, Nature, vol. 511(7511), pages 606-610, July.
    2. Henry J. Leese & Paul J. McKeegan & Roger G. Sturmey, 2021. "Amino Acids and the Early Mammalian Embryo: Origin, Fate, Function and Life-Long Legacy," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(18), pages 1-19, September.
    3. Lon J. Van Winkle & Vasiliy Galat & Philip M. Iannaccone, 2020. "Lysine Deprivation during Maternal Consumption of Low-Protein Diets Could Adversely Affect Early Embryo Development and Health in Adulthood," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(15), pages 1-9, July.
    4. Tom P. Fleming & Congshan Sun & Oleg Denisenko & Laura Caetano & Anan Aljahdali & Joanna M. Gould & Pooja Khurana, 2021. "Environmental Exposures around Conception: Developmental Pathways Leading to Lifetime Disease Risk," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(17), pages 1-19, September.
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