The Intergenerational Effects on Fetal Programming

Abstract Earlier evidence has indicated that prenatal and early postnatal events increase the risk of chronic diseases in later life. The embryonic and fetal periods are clearly vulnerable to environmental factors, and acquired changes can persist transgenerationally, despite the lack of continued exposure. A possible explanation of such an outcome is epigenetic regulation of the human genome. Besides embryonic and fetal periods, the period of gametogenesis is an important and more vulnerable developmental stage with the programming and reprogramming process. This chapter introduces cutting-edge opinions on epigenetic modification in germ cells. It also includes evidence from the growing body of epidemiological observations as well as clinical and laboratory studies that support the intergenerational effects on fetal programming associated with the gamete and embryo-fetal origins of the diseases.