Symposium 19: Parental physical activity and effects on the child

Abstract

Maternal obesity and type 2 and gestational diabetes are recognized risk factors for the development of metabolic dysfunction in the offspring, even when the offspring follow a healthy lifestyle, as they can lead to growth and metabolic disturbances during critical windows of prenatal development. There is also emerging evidence that the metabolic status of the father can affect the health of his offspring. Epigenetic changes caused by biochemical regulators of gene expression can be transferred between generations.

Epigenetic modifications can arise from a variety of environmental exposures including malnutrition, obesity, physical activity, stress, and toxins. Multiple studies show that regular physical activity in mothers and fathers has beneficial effects on their children's health, including preventing the development of metabolic diseases as they age. Transient epigenetic changes in the genome can influence metabolic outcomes and may be heritable. Diet and exercise affect the epigenome for several generations. Epigenetic changes can be driven by DNA methylation and histone modification. Recent findings demonstrate the roles of the placenta and sperm in mediating the effects of parental exercise on offspring metabolic health, and there are hypothesized mechanisms underlying these beneficial changes.