One of the research fields in which WIRF is best known nationally and internationally is the early origins of adult disease.

In recent years we have learnt that some of the major diseases in adulthood have their origins before or soon after birth, providing new opportunities to improve the general health of the community. These diseases centre on adult-onset diabetes and related conditions such as coronary heart disease, hypertension, obesity, polycystic ovarian disease and metabolic syndrome.

The field was originally known as the “Fetal Origins of Adult Disease” but is now known as the “Developmental Origins of Health and Disease”, abbreviated to DOHaD.

There are several triggers that program the unborn child for subsequent health and disease. One of these is early exposure to the major stress hormone cortisol, arising either from the mother or the fetus.

At a laboratory level, WIRF researchers, in collaboration with others, have shown that early exposure to cortisol predisposes the individual to life-long risks and some of these problems will only emerge in adulthood. Studies are now in progress to determine the extent of these risks in clinical practice.