Clinical and pathophysiological aspects of the development of chronic gastrointestinal diseases as predictors of overall aging

The “origins of health and disease” hypothesis suggests that early developmental and intrauterine growth factors influence the risk of chronic diseases, including those affecting the digestive system, in later life. The role of intrauterine and early postnatal developmental factors in negatively influencing cell differentiation and tissue formation in the fetus/newborn, the development of age-related diseases (coronary heart disease, diabetes, cholelithiasis, etc.), and the onset of aging processes is discussed. Aging is viewed as a latent, preclinical stage in the onset and progression of these diseases. However, both chronic diseases and aging, as genetically programmed processes, can be partially controlled by slowing their progression through lifestyle modification, diet (calorie restriction), oxidative stress management, and hormonal influences. Potential prenatal and postnatal preventive measures, other interventions, and future research directions are discussed.

health and disease development hypotheses, prematurity, aging biomarkers, fetal growth restriction, digestive organs, predisposition to chronic diseases

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