Many people do not know that genetic changes occur in response to environmental factors — even as early as a fetus. This video discusses the role of long-lasting epigenetic effects related to poor nutrient environment for the fetus. It also presents information about the first developmental origins of health and disease (DOHaD) study looking at obesity rates related to the Dutch Famine of 1944-1945.
This video was made by 4DM3 students Akshay Venkatesh, Cindy Li, Archita Srinath, Haider Abed and Kyra Posterski.
Copyright McMaster University 2016
References
Schulz, L. C. (2010). The Dutch Hunger Winter and the developmental origins of health and disease. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences , 107 (39), 16757—16758.
Reynolds, L. P., Borowicz, P. P., Caton, J. S., Vonnahme, K. A., Luther, J. S., Hammer, C. J., & Redmer, D. A. (2010). Developmental programming: the concept, large animal models, and the key role of uteroplacental vascular development. Journal of animal science , 88 (13), E61—E72.
Silveira, P. P., Portella, A. K., Goldani, M. Z., & Barbieri, M. A. (2007). Developmental origins of health and disease (DOHaD). Jornal de pediatria , 83 (6), 494—504.