The impact of suboptimal maternal diet on fetal heart development: Identifying targets for intervention

This thesis utilised animal models of human pregnancy with cardiac maturation timing similar to humans (baboon, sheep, guinea pig) to understand how exposure to a suboptimal diet (under- and overnutrition) at different timings, severities, and durations impacts growth, hormonal, metabolic, and contractile profiles within the fetal heart. Across studies, it was highlighted that high-risk cardiac phenotypes are present even with normal fetal body weight, challenging the traditional view that birth weight is a predictor of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. Mechanisms underlying the fetal origins of CVD were identified that could be targeted for the development of future interventions. This included reduced cardiac thyroid hormone concentrations, increased markers of pathological hypertrophy and impaired cardiometabolic status.

Grantor dc:publisher

University of South Australia

Year dc:date.issued

2026

Author dc:creator

• Bertossa, Melanie

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Morrison, Janna

• Maternal diet
• fetal heart
• intervention targets

Language dc:language.iso

en

Handle dc:identifier.uri

https://hdl.handle.net/2440/150701

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:digital.library.adelaide.edu.au:2440/150701