Intrauterine fetal growth restriction, adaptation and programming–a review

Abstract

Intrauterine fetal growth restriction (IUGR) is fetal adaptation in response to a wide range of pathophysiological factors, including an inadequate supply of oxygen, nutrients, or both. In particular, low birth weight has been associated with subsequent disorders in adult life, including cardiovascular, neuro-developmental, metabolic, and reproductive diseases, independent of adult life style. Animal models are excellent tools to study the effects of genetic, molecular and cellular events that modulate intrauterine growth and development. Various experimental approaches have been used, involving alteration of numerous metabolic and physiologic events, with substantial variations among studies in both methods and species used. Intrauterine fetal growth restriction remains a challenging problem in humans and is a major concern in agricultural animal since it affects production parameters. The objective of this manuscript is to review animal models which explore fetal adaptation, including IUGR, and evaluate their outcomes, to suggest new opportunities for further research, and the potential for interventions to reduce or eliminate gestational events with deleterious effects on fetal, neonatal, and adult health.