Early origin of adult renal disease

Abstract

Observational studies in humans and experimental studies in animals have clearly shown that renal failure may start early in life. ‘Fetal programming’ is regulated by adaptations occurring in uterus including maternal nutrition, placental blood supply, and epigenetic changes. Low birth weight predisposes to hypertension and renal insufficiency. Congenital abnormalities of the kidney and urinary tract, adverse postnatal events, wrong nutritional habits may produce renal damage that will become clinically relevant in adulthood. Prevention should start early in children at risk of renal disease.

Keywords:

• Fetal programming
• renal disease
• prevention

Declaration of interest: The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.