Autophagy and fetal programming

Accumulated epidemiological and experimental evidence established a link between in utero environment, and a high propensity for cardiovascular and metabolic disorders in adult life, so-called fetal programming phenomenon whereby a long-term and irreversible alteration in structure or metabolism is induced by a relatively brief exposure to adverse conditions during gestation. A range of gestational events can change the fetal development: maternal over- and undernutrition, gestational diabetes, exposure to environmental toxins, maternal and paternal lifestyle choices, and social and psychological stresses. Many of these events can be influenced by autophagy, an evolutionarily conserved form of adaptation to adverse conditions. Here, we discuss the regulation of autophagy under normal intrauterine conditions, as well as its alterations as a result of fetal programming.