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The birth and future health of DOHaD

Part of: Sir David Barker Symposium

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  25 May 2015

M. Hanson
M. Hanson*
Affiliation:
Institute of Developmental Sciences and NIHR Nutrition Biomedical Research Centre, University of Southampton and University Hospital Southampton, Southampton, UK
*
*Address for correspondence: Professor M. Hanson, Academic Unit of Human Development and Health, University of Southampton, IDS Building, MP887 Southampton General Hospital, Tremona Road, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK. (Email m.hanson@soton.ac.uk)
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Abstract

Professor David Barker, CBE, FRS, made an enormous contribution to biomedical research, which helped to change its direction and assisted translation to clinical medicine in the area of non-communicable disease (NCD). In this paper, I briefly note some of the studies, which led to his work, and describe how the underlying mechanisms came to be investigated by fetal physiologists. This is a unique aspect of the change in scientific emphasis, from a gene-centric and adult lifestyle view of NCD to a more holistic perspective, which placed emphasis on the importance of development that took place in the late 20th century. Early this century, the DOHaD Society was formed: I discuss some aspects of the formation of the Society and note the important role it is now playing in addressing the need to find early-life interventions to reduce NCD. This forms part of the unique legacy that David Barker has left to science and medicine.

Keywords

Barkerfetushumanphysiology
Type
Review
Information
Journal of Developmental Origins of Health and Disease , Volume 6 , Issue 5: Themed Issue: David Barker commemorative meeting, September 2014; Prenatal Exposures and Health Outcomes , October 2015 , pp. 434 - 437
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Copyright
© Cambridge University Press and the International Society for Developmental Origins of Health and Disease 2015 

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