Summary: Fleming et al. (2012)

Extensive cytological and molecular changes occur at conception, particularly at the time of ovulation, fertilization and embryonic development. While this progression is generally programmed by intrinsic processes, environmental factors impart important information on the metabolic process, influencing the developmental programme. Fleming et al. (2012) review a variety of mammalian models and suggest that maternal nutrition modifies this developmental process throughout the gestatory period through its mediation of the peri-conceptual environment and that this can affect the physiological and metabolic health of the offspring when they reach adulthood. They indicate that the origin of adult disease risk might be a function of the quality of the mother's nutrition prior to parturition and suggest that more research on the mechanisms are required if preventative strategies for managing disease risk are to be implemented.