Effect of seasonal programming on fetal development and longevity: links with environmental temperature.
Abstract
This study examined the effect of birth season on fetal development and longevity using two independent databases of all Greek citizens that were born (total: 516,874) or died (total: 554,101) between 1999 and 2003. We found significantly increased birth weight, gestational age, and longevity in individuals born during the autumn and winter seasons of the year. These individuals also demonstrated statistically significantly lower prevalence rates for fetal growth restriction and premature birth. Furthermore, we found that increased temperature at birth was associated with adverse effects on fetal development and longevity. In conclusion, our results show strong effects of season of birth on fetal development and longevity mediated, at least in part, by environmental temperature at time of birth.Citation
American journal of human biology, 21(2): 214-6Publisher
WileyJournal
American journal of human biology : the official journal of the Human Biology CouncilPubMed ID
19194861Type
Journal articleLanguage
enISSN
1520-6300ae974a485f413a2113503eed53cd6c53
10.1002/ajhb.20818