Developmental Origins of Health and Disease

Description

The concept of the early life developmental origins of health and disease (DOHaD) in adults has stimulated a new approach to understanding disease trajectories, with major public health implications. Indeed, the principle of the 'lifecourse of disease' now influences health policies internationally. Environmental influences during pregnancy and early life that affect lifelong health are well documented, but there is a new focus on the preconception period and the significance of paternal health on the fetus. This fully revised second edition highlights scientific and clinical advances in the field, exploring new understanding of mechanisms such as epigenetics and the increasingly recognised role of external influences, including pollution. The book is structured logically, covering environment, clinical outcomes, mechanisms of DOHaD, interventions throughout the lifespan and finally implications for public health and policy. Clinicians and scientists alike will improve their understanding of the developmental origins of health and disease with this essential text.

Lucilla Poston is Tommy's Charity Professor of Maternal and Fetal Health in the Department of Women and Children's Health and Head of the School of Life Course and Population Sciences at King's College London, UK. Keith M. Godfrey is Nutrition, Lifestyle and Metabolism Theme Lead in the National Institute for Health and Care Research Southampton Biomedical Research Centre. He is Professor of Epidemiology & Human Development at the University of Southampton and Director of the Centre for Developmental Origins of Health & Disease, UK. Peter D. Gluckman holds a Distinguished University Professorship at the Liggins Institute of the University of Auckland, Australia. Mark A. Hanson is Emeritus Professor of Human Development and Health and British Heart Foundation Professor at The University of Southampton, UK.