This Review describes effects of maternal factors such as diet and glucocorticoid levels on disease development later in the child's life. In particular, the barrier function of placental 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 in controlling fetal glucocorticoid exposure, and mechanisms that affect glucocorticoid receptor promoter usage and gene methylation are discussed.
- Jonathan R Seckl
- Megan C Holmes
