Early life exposure and its association with diseases in adulthood: review of longitudinal studies

Abstract

Background:We describe the evidence of the effects of early life exposures on health and aging during adulthood. Methods: A narrative review of cohorts and systematic reviews of studies initiated early in life and followed up to adulthood was conducted. Results: Most studies were carried out in developed countries. The long-term effects of birth weight and, to a lesser extent, height at birth on chronic-degenerative diseases, functionality, bone, renal and respiratory pathology, and mortality have been consistent. Breastfeeding is associated with metabolic and cardiovascular diseases and functionality. Adiposity, bone pathophysiology, functionality in old age, and high blood pressure are associated with socioeconomic status at birth. Conclusions: Several exposures from intrauterine life to adolescence that exert discrete but significant effects on adult health have been consistently described. It is necessary to carry out these studies in developing countries.

A Scoping Review of Life-Course Psychosocial Stress and Kidney Function

“…Individuals can be exposed to psychosocial stressors through different pathways, including poverty, low socioeconomic status, life events, pregnancy-related stressors, racial discrimination, and the presence of stress factors related to living conditions and the geographic area. These psychosocial stress factors have previously been associated with adverse perinatal effects that include low birth weight, small for gestational age, prematurity, neurodevelopment, metabolic, cardiovascular, and respiratory alterations [ 6 , 7 , 40 , 41 , 42 , 43 ]. Additionally, it is essential to acknowledge that exposure to chemical substances may have a synergistic effect in perinatal outcomes when pregnant women are co-exposed to psychosocial stressors and other environmental toxicants, both individually and at a community level [ 44 , 45 , 46 ].…”

Autism spectrum disorder and air pollution: A systematic review and meta-analysis

“…Late pregnancy and early postnatal periods were found to be the most at-risk periods for developing ASD following air pollution exposure. These periods are crucial in the development of the infant 13 , and can influence long-term health outcomes 76 . Late pregnancy is important for placental function, fetal growth and brain developments and is also the period when maternal and fetal complications can occur, such as gestational diabetes, pre-eclampsia, hypoxia or brain injury [77][78][79][80] .…”