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NEW YORK (Reuters Health) – A new study suggests that a child's risk of obesity can begin with genetic changes to the uterus caused by the mother's diet.
The researchers found that embryos suffered "genetic changes" (changes in their DNA) when pregnant women weighed more than the recommended weight during pregnancy.
These changes push the embryo to develop cell types that may affect how the body stores fat for the rest of its life, the researchers said.
The researchers explain that the results show the importance of testing embryos, infants and young children on these changes, to help them manage their weight sooner than expected.
"Our findings add to the growing evidence that detectable genetic changes at birth are related to the health of the child as they grow," said lead author Karen Lillicrop. from the University of Southampton.
In addition, "it also reinforces evidence that maternal health during pregnancy can affect the health of her child in the future and may allow us to more accurately predict future risks."
To carry out this study, Dr. Lillicrupp's team took blood samples from the secret cords of 1,500 children and followed them periodically for six years, taking more samples.
They examined the gene "SLC6A4", which regulates mood and appetite. The team tried to understand when and how these mutations could radically change the functioning of our body.
"Current research seeks to determine whether dietary interventions and lifestyle before and during pregnancy can address childhood obesity epidemic, or even reverse it," said the Professor Keith Godfrey, member of the research team and director of the global EpiGen consortium.
Source: Russia today
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