Carol Pollock
Australia
Review Article
Fetal Programming of Renal Development?Influence of Maternal Smoking
Author(s): Hui Chen, Ibrahim Al-Odat, Carol Pollock and Sonia SaadHui Chen, Ibrahim Al-Odat, Carol Pollock and Sonia Saad
Smoking is a known risk factor for non-communicable illness including pulmonary disease, cardiovascular disease, and Type 2 diabetes. Smoking also contributes significantly to the rising ‘epidemic’ of chronic kidney disease. It is increasingly recognised that maternal programming of fetal development during pregnancy predisposes offspring to future disease. Maternal smoking, particularly in the first trimester, imposes a significant adverse impact on fetal renal development that determines the future risk of chronic kidney disease. Several mechanisms may contribute. Firstly, epigenetic modification of fetal nuclear or mitochondrial DNA, induced by intrauterine exposure to chemicals within the cigarette smoke, may result in an increased risk for metabolic and renal disorders. Secondly, nico.. View More»