Defining the role of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis in the relationship between fetal growth and adult cardiometabolic outcomes.

Animal and human data demonstrate independent relationships between fetal growth, hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis function (HPA-A) and adult cardiometabolic outcomes. While the association between fetal growth and adult cardiometabolic outcomes is well-established, the role of the HPA-A in these relationships is unclear. This study aims to determine whether HPA-A function mediates or moderates this relationship.

A Life Course Approach to the Relationship Between Fetal Growth and Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis Function.

Context: Human and animal studies suggest that hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA-A) function may be programmed in utero; however, these findings are inconsistent. Given the powerful metabolic actions of cortisol, it is important to clarify the influence of early life on adult HPA-A function.

Objective: To determine the relationship between fetal growth and HPA-A stress response to a psychosocial stressor in young adults.