Small Island Developing States (SIDS) are island nations that experience specific social, economic and environmental vulnerabilities associated with small populations, isolation and limited resources. Globally, SIDS exhibit exceptionally high rates of non-communicable disease (NCD) risk and incidence. Despite this, there is a lack of context-specific research within SIDS focused on life course approaches to NCD prevention, particularly the impact of the early-life environment on later disease risk as defined by the Developmental Origins of Health and Disease (DOHaD) framework. Given that globalization has contributed to significant nutritional transitions in these populations, the DOHaD paradigm is highly relevant. SIDS in the Pacific region have the highest rates of NCD risk and incidence globally. Transitions from traditional foods grown locally to reliance on importation of Western-style processed foods high in fat and sugar are common. The Cook Islands is one Pacific SIDS that reports this transition, alongside rising overweight/obesity rates, currently 91%/72%, in the adult population. However, research on early-life NCD prevention within this context, as in many low- and middle-income countries, is scarce. Although traditional research emphasizes the need for large sample sizes, this is rarely possible in the smaller SIDS. In these vulnerable, high priority countries, consideration should be given to utilizing ‘small’ sample sizes that encompass a high proportion of the total population. This may enable contextually relevant research, crucial to inform NCD prevention strategies that can contribute to improving health and well-being for these at-risk communities.

Pregnant women, children under 2 and the first thousand days of life have been principal targets for Developmental Origins of Health and Disease interventions. This paradigm has been criticized for laying responsibility for health outcomes on pregnant women and mothers and through the thousand days focus inadvertently deflecting attention from other windows for intervention. Drawing on insights from the South African context, this commentary argues for integrated and inclusive interventions that encompass broader social framings. First, future interventions should include a wider range of actors. Second, broader action frameworks should encompass life-course approaches that identify multiple windows of opportunity for intervention. Using two examples – the inclusion of men, and engagement with adolescents – this commentary offers strategies for producing more inclusive interventions by using a broader social framework.

Early life experiences could determine brain and behavioral development. Neurotrophic factors are likely to mediate the effects of the experience on brain structures and function. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) plays a central role in psychiatric disorders. To investigate the effects of early rearing condition on the amygdala – and serum – BDNF levels, we reared male Wistar rats from weaning (postnatal days 21) to adulthood (postnatal days 119) in three different rearing conditions: (1) enriched, (2) standard and (3) isolated. We found that long-term post-weaning environmental enrichment leads to lower amygdala – and serum – BDNF levels as well as lower brain weights. Grouped rearing in standard laboratory cages enhanced body weight. Thus, early rearing condition might play a crucial role in adult healthiness by predetermining individual BDNF profiles.

Early nutrition may have long-lasting metabolic impacts in adulthood. Even though breast milk is the gold standard, most infants are at least partly formula-fed. Despite obvious improvements, infant formulas remain perfectible to reduce the gap between breastfed and formula-fed infants. Improvements such as reducing the protein content, modulating the lipid matrix and adding prebiotics, probiotics and synbiotics, are discussed regarding metabolic health. Numerous questions remain to be answered on how impacting the infant formula composition may modulate the host metabolism and exert long-term benefits. Interactions between early nutrition (composition of human milk and infant formula) and the gut microbiota profile, as well as mechanisms connecting gut microbiota to metabolic health, are highlighted. Gut microbiota stands as a key actor in the nutritional programming but additional well-designed longitudinal human studies are needed.

The developmental origin of health and disease highlights the importance of the period of the first 1000 days (from the conception to the 2 years of life). The process of the gut microbiota establishment is included in this time window. Various perinatal determinants, such as cesarean section delivery, type of feeding, antibiotics treatment, gestational age or environment, can affect the pattern of bacterial colonization and result in dysbiosis. The alteration of the early bacterial gut pattern can persist over several months and may have long-lasting functional effects with an impact on disease risk later in life. As for example, early gut dysbiosis has been involved in allergic diseases and obesity occurrence. Besides, while it was thought that the fetus developed under sterile conditions, recent data suggested the presence of a microbiota in utero, particularly in the placenta. Even if the origin of this microbiota and its eventual transfer to the infant are nowadays unknown, this placental microbiota could trigger immune responses in the fetus and would program the infant’s immune development during fetal life, earlier than previously considered. Moreover, several studies demonstrated a link between the composition of placental microbiota and some pathological conditions of the pregnancy. All these data show the evidence of relationships between the neonatal gut establishment and future health outcomes. Hence, the use of pre- and/or probiotics to prevent or repair any early dysbiosis is increasingly attractive to avoid long-term health consequences.

Maternal perinatal depression exerts pervasive effects on the developing brain, as evidenced by electroencephalographic (EEG) patterns that differ between children of women who do and do not meet DSM or ICD diagnostic criteria. However, little research has examined if the same EEG pattern of right-frontal alpha asymmetry exists in newborns and thus originates in utero independent of postnatal influences, and if depressive symptoms are associated with this neural signature. Utilizing 125-lead EEG (n=18), this study considered clinician-rated maternal prenatal depressive symptoms in relation to newborn EEG. Maternal depressive symptomatology was associated with greater relative right-frontal alpha asymmetry during quiet sleep. These results suggest that even subclinical levels of maternal depression may influence infant brain development, and further support the role of the prenatal environment in shaping children’s future neurobehavioral trajectories.

A challenge for implementing DOHaD-defined health promotion is how to engage the at-risk population. The WHO Health Promoting School (HPS) model has proven success engaging youth and improving health behaviors. Hence, we introduced DOHaD concepts to 151 pupils aged 12–15 years in three HPS programs in rural Uganda, inquired what factors would make DOHaD-related health promotion resonate with them, and discussed how they recommended making learning about DOHaD acceptable to youth. Economic factors were judged the most compelling; with nutrition and responsive care elements next in importance. Suggested approaches included: teach how good health is beneficial, what works and why, and give tools to use to achieve it, and make information positive rather than linked to later harm. Involve youth in making DOHaD learning happen, make being a parent sound interesting, and include issues meaningful to boys. These are the first data from youth charged with addressing their engagement in the DOHaD agenda.

The excessive consumption of carbohydrates is related to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in infants and adults. The effect of combining maternal malnutrition and a high carbohydrate intake on the development of NAFLD in adulthood remains unknown. We therefore hypothesized that consumption of 5% sucrose by the offspring of dams fed a low-protein diet during pregnancy promotes liver fat accumulation and oxidative damage differently in females and males. To test this, 12-month-old female and male offspring of mothers fed a Control (C) or low-protein diet (Restricted, R) were provided with either tap water or 5% sucrose for a period of 10 weeks. Livers were excised to measure the fat content and 3-nitrotyrosine (3-NTyr) immunostaining; serum samples were also obtained to measure the concentration of malondialdehyde (MDA). Data were analyzed using a non-repeated measures three-way analysis of variance to determine significant differences (P<0.05) regarding to the interaction among maternal diet, sucrose consumption and sex. Results showed that the liver fat content of females from R mothers was higher than that of their male counterpart. Hepatic 3-NTyr immunostaining and serum MDA concentrations were not affected by the interaction involving maternal diet, sucrose consumption and sex. Otherwise, liver fat content was correlated with the hepatic 3-NTyr immunostaining and serum MDA concentrations only in females. Thus, sucrose intake in adulthood increases fat content in the female but not in the male rat offspring of dams fed with a low-protein diet during pregnancy. This research emphasizes the importance of a balanced diet during pregnancy and the influence of the diet on the adult offspring.

Impaired β-cell development and insulin secretion are characteristic of intrauterine growth-restricted (IUGR) fetuses. In normally grown late gestation fetal sheep pancreatic β-cell numbers and insulin secretion are increased by 7–10 days of pulsatile hyperglycemia (PHG). Our objective was to determine if IUGR fetal sheep β-cell numbers and insulin secretion could also be increased by PHG or if IUGR fetal β-cells do not have the capacity to respond to PHG. Following chronic placental insufficiency producing IUGR in twin gestation pregnancies (n=7), fetuses were administered a PHG infusion, consisting of 60 min, high rate, pulsed infusions of dextrose three times a day with an additional continuous, low-rate infusion of dextrose to prevent a decrease in glucose concentrations between the pulses or a control saline infusion. PHG fetuses were compared with their twin IUGR fetus, which received a saline infusion for 7 days. The pulsed glucose infusion increased fetal arterial glucose concentrations an average of 83% during the infusion. Following the 7-day infusion, a square-wave fetal hyperglycemic clamp was performed in both groups to measure insulin secretion. The rate of increase in fetal insulin concentrations during the first 20 min of a square-wave hyperglycemic clamp was 44% faster in the PHG fetuses compared with saline fetuses (P<0.05). There were no differences in islet size, the insulin+ area of the pancreas and of the islets, and β-cell mass between groups (P>0.23). Chronic PHG increases early phase insulin secretion in response to acute hyperglycemia, indicating that IUGR fetal β-cells are functionally responsive to chronic PHG.

An adverse early life environment can increase the risk of metabolic and other disorders later in life. Genetic variation can modify an individual’s susceptibility to these environmental challenges. These gene by environment interactions are important, but difficult, to dissect. The nucleus is the primary organelle where environmental responses impact directly on the genetic variants within the genome, resulting in changes to the biology of the genome and ultimately the phenotype. Understanding genome biology requires the integration of the linear DNA sequence, epigenetic modifications and nuclear proteins that are present within the nucleus. The interactions between these layers of information may be captured in the emergent spatial genome organization. As such genome organization represents a key research area for decoding the role of genetic variation in the Developmental Origins of Health and Disease.

Since its debut in a ground-breaking report by Barker and Osmond in 1986, the concept of the Developmental Origins of Health and Disease (DOHaD) has been further developed in several aspects. Its methodology and conclusions relating to proposed origins and outcomes of early life events have been developing and spreading internationally. Indeed, the DOHaD concept now seems to have influenced many fields of research. This article aims to briefly review why the DOHaD concept is important in biomedical science, how it has developed, is currently developing, and how it should develop in future.

S-allyl cysteine (SAC) has antioxidant, antidiabetic and antiobesity properties. We hypothesized that neonatal oral administration of SAC would protect rats against neonatal and adulthood high-fructose diet-induced adverse metabolic outcomes in adulthood. In total, 112 (males=56; females=56), 4-day-old Wistar rat pups were randomly allocated to groups and administered the following treatment regimens daily for 15 days from postnatal day (PND) 6–20: group I – 10 ml/kg distilled water, group II – 10 ml/kg 20% fructose solution (FS), group III – 150 mg/kg SAC and group IV – SAC+FS. On PND 21, the pups were weaned and allowed to grow on a standard rat chow (SRC) until PND 56. The rats from each treatment regimen were then randomly split into two subgroups: one on a SRC and plain drinking water and another on SRC and 20% FS as drinking fluid and then subjected to these treatment regimens for 8 weeks after which they were euthanized and tissues collected for analyzes. Neonatal oral administration of SAC attenuated the neonatal high-fructose diet-induced programming for hepatic lipid accretion in adulthood but not against adulthood high-fructose diet-induced visceral obesity. Neonatal oral administration of SAC programmes for protection against neonatal fructose-induced programming for hepatic lipid accumulation thus could potentially protect against fat-mediated liver derangements in adult life.

Early-life conditions influence organ growth patterns and their functions, as well as subsequent risk for non-communicable chronic diseases in later life. A limited number of studies have determined that in Bangladesh, kidney size relates to its function among children as a consequence of the maternal and postnatal conditions. The present study objectives were to determine early-life conditions in relation to childhood kidney size and to compare their influences on kidney function. The study was embedded in a population-based prospective cohort of 1067 full-term singleton live births followed from fetal life onward. Kidney volume was measured by ultrasound in children at the age of 4.5 years (range 45–64 months), and the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was assessed at the age of 9 years (range 96–116 months). The mean (s.d.) kidney volume of children at 4.5 years was 64.2 (11.3) cm3, with a significant mean difference observed between low birth weight and normal birth weight children (P<0.001). The multivariable model showed, changes in status from low birth weight to normal birth weight children, with kidney volume increases of 2.92 cm3/m2, after adjusting for the child’s age, sex, maternal age and early pregnancy body mass index, and socio-economic index variables. One-unit change in kidney volume (cm3/m2) improved the eGFR to 0.18 ml/min/1.73 m2. The eGFR in low birth weight children was 5.44 ml/min/1.73 m2 less than that in normal birth weight children after adjustments. Low birth weight leads to adverse effects on kidney size and function in children.

Dietary manipulations during the early postnatal period are associated with the development of metabolic disorders including non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) or long-term protection against metabolic dysfunction. We investigated the potential hepatoprotective effects of neonatal administration of oleanolic acid (OA), a phytochemical, on the subsequent development in adulthood, of dietary fructose-induced NAFLD. Male and female suckling rats (n=112) were gavaged with; distilled water (DW), OA (60 mg/kg), high fructose solution (HF; 20% w/v) and OA+HF (OAHF) for 7 days. The rats were weaned onto normal rat chow on day 21 up to day 55. From day 56, half of the rats in each treatment group were continued on plain water or HF as drinking fluid for 8 weeks. Hepatic lipid accumulation and hepatic histomorphometry were then determined. Fructose consumption in adulthood following neonatal fructose intake (HF+F) caused a 47–49% increase in hepatic lipid content of both male and female rats (P<0.05). However, fructose administered in adulthood only, caused a significant increase (P<0.05) in liver lipid content in females only. NAFLD activity scores for inflammation and steatosis were higher in the fructose-fed rats compared with other groups (P<0.05). Steatosis, low-grade inflammation and fibrosis were observed in rats that received HF+F. NAFLD area fraction for fibrosis was three times higher in rats that received fructose neonatally and in adulthood compared with the rats in the negative control group (P<0.05). Treatment with OA during a critical window of developmental plasticity in rats prevented the development of fructose-induced NAFLD.

Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) has been identified as a risk factor for adult chronic kidney disease (CKD), including hypertension (HTN). Accelerated postnatal catch-up growth superimposed to IUGR has been shown to further increase the risk of CKD and HTN. Although the impact of excessive postnatal growth without previous IUGR is less clear, excessive postnatal overfeeding in experimental animals shows a strong impact on the risk of CKD and HTN in adulthood. On the other hand, food restriction in the postnatal period seems to have a protective effect on CKD programming. All these effects are mediated at least partially by the activation of the renin–angiotensin system, leptin and neuropeptide Y (NPY) signaling and profibrotic pathways. Early nutrition, especially in the postnatal period has a significant impact on the risk of CKD and HTN at adulthood and should receive specific attention in the prevention of CKD and HTN.

Studies in urban informal settlements show widespread inappropriate infant and young child feeding (IYCF) practices and high rates of food insecurity. This study assessed the association between household food security and IYCF practices in two urban informal settlements in Nairobi, Kenya. The study adopted a longitudinal design that involved a census sample of 1110 children less than 12 months of age and their mothers aged between 12 and 49 years. A questionnaire was used to collect information on: IYCF practices and household food security. Logistic regression was used to determine the association between food insecurity and IYFC practices. The findings showed high household food insecurity; only 19.5% of the households were food secure based on Household Insecurity Access Score. Infant feeding practices were inappropriate: 76% attained minimum meal frequency; 41% of the children attained a minimum dietary diversity; and 27% attained minimum acceptable diet. With the exception of the minimum meal frequency, infants living in food secure households were significantly more likely to achieve appropriate infant feeding practices than those in food insecure households: minimum meal frequency (adjusted odds ratio (AOR)=1.26, P=0.530); minimum dietary diversity (AOR=1.84, P=0.046) and minimum acceptable diet (AOR=2.35, P=0.008). The study adds to the existing body of knowledge by demonstrating an association between household food security and infant feeding practices in low-income settings. The findings imply that interventions aimed at improving infant feeding practices and ultimately nutritional status need to also focus on improving household food security.

Insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1) is a regulator of human growth during infancy and childhood, known to promote bone and muscle growth as well as lipid accumulation. This study aimed to investigate the effects of formula milk with or without IGF1 supplementation (in the form of pure IGF1 or bovine colostrum) on growth and body composition in infant cynomolgus macaques during the first 6 months of life. Three groups of infants were nursery-reared and received formula milk with or without IGF1 or bovine colostrum supplementation for 4 months, and a fourth group consisting of breast-fed infants was included for comparison (n=6 for each group). Ranked-based analysis of covariance was used to detect differences between adjusted means for sex. No differences in weight, height, fat mass, and fat-free mass could be detected between groups. However, bone mineral density (BMD) was significantly different between groups at the end of formula feeding. Infants that received bovine colostrum supplementation displayed higher mean BMD than infants of all other groups, with no differences between the latter three groups. In conclusion, our results suggest that supplementation with bovine colostrum can enhance BMD in formula-fed infants, an effect that apparently does not depend on IGF1. Bovine colostrum supplementation could be beneficial for long-term bone health in infants with suboptimal bone growth.

Depression and anxiety in the antenatal period are of public health concern given potential adverse effects for both mother and infant. Both are under-researched in the first trimester of pregnancy, especially in Africa. We examine the prevalence of first trimester antenatal depression and anxiety in a cohort of South African women and investigate associated risk factors. Data were collected from 946 women (2014–2016) in the Soweto First 1000 Days Cohort, a prospective pregnancy cohort in Soweto, South Africa. Antenatal depression was assessed using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale with a score of ⩾13 indicating probable depression. Anxiety was assessed using the short form of the State-Trait Anxiety Index with a score ⩾12 indicating probable anxiety. Prevalence of antenatal depression was 27% [95% confidence interval (CI) 24.2–29.8] and anxiety 15.2% (95% CI 12.9–17.5). Factors associated with antenatal depression and anxiety were predominantly relationship- and family-centred. Women who perceived that their partner made life harder for them had three-fold increased odds for depression [(odds ratio (OR) 3.33 [2.28–4.85] P<0.001], whereas those with family stressors had almost double the odds for depression (OR 1.78 [1.22–2.59] P=0.003) and anxiety (OR 1.75 [1.44–2.69] P=0.0011). Antenatal depression and anxiety are common in the first trimester of pregnancy, and partner and family relationship stressors are central. Longitudinal analysis is needed to determine if this is a phase of adjustment to pregnancy or onset of persistent symptomology. Early intervention may have secondary preventative effects and should involve the partner and family.

Epidemiological and experimental observations tend to prove that environment, lifestyle or nutritional challenges influence heart functions together with genetic factors. Furthermore, when occurring during sensitive windows of heart development, these environmental challenges can induce an ‘altered programming’ of heart development and shape the future heart disease risk. In the etiology of heart diseases driven by environmental challenges, epigenetics has been highlighted as an underlying mechanism, constituting a bridge between environment and heart health. In particular, micro-RNAs which are involved in each step of heart development and functions seem to play a crucial role in the unfavorable programming of heart diseases. This review describes the latest advances in micro-RNA research in heart diseases driven by early exposure to challenges and discusses the use of micro-RNAs as potential targets in the reversal of the pathophysiology.

There is substantial evidence of an inverse association between birth weight and later blood pressure (BP) in populations from high-income countries, but whether this applies in low-income countries, where causes of low birth weight are different, is not certain. Objective: We conducted a review of the evidence on the relationship between birth weight and BP among African children and adolescents. Medline, EMBASE, Global Health and Web of Science databases were searched for publications to October 2016. Papers reporting the relationship between birth weight and BP among African children and adolescents were assessed. Bibliographies were searched for further relevant publications. Selected papers were summarized following the preferred reporting items for systematic review and meta-analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. In total, 16 papers from 13 studies conducted in nine African countries (Nigeria, Republic of Seychelles, Gambia, Democratic Republic of Congo, Cameroon, South Africa, Algeria, Zimbabwe and Angola) were reviewed. Eight studies were cohorts, while five were cross-sectional. The relationship between birth weight and later BP varied with age of the participants. Studies in neonates showed a consistently positive association, while predominantly inverse associations were seen among children, and studies in adolescents were inconsistent. Based on the limited number of studies identified, the relationship between birth weight and later BP may vary with age in African children and adolescents. Not all studies adequately controlled for confounding, notably gender or age. Whether the inverse relationship between birth weight and BP in later life observed in Western settings is also seen in Africa remains unclear.