Developmental origins of disease - Effects of iron deficiency in the rat developing kidney and beyond.

ABSTRACT: Iron is an essential cofactor in metabolic and developmental processes. Iron deficiency (ID) is the most common micronutrient deficiency in pregnancy, especially impacting medically underserved populations worldwide. Iron deficiency (ID) in pregnancy predisposes neonates to poor iron status, i.e., congenital ID and associated adverse effects. The role of congenital ID on human kidney development is unstudied, but impaired fetal kidney development is possible. Both vascular and global nutrient restriction rat models report impaired fetal kidney development, as well as induce hypertension, supporting the developmental origins of health and disease (DOHaD) hypothesis. This review compiles findings from 17 published studies in rats examining congenital or early postnatal ID, showing the same.

SUBMITTER: Babu A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12686096 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature