Abstract
Atherosclerosis is one of the major causes of mortality in Japan. Risk factors for atherosclerosis include lifestyle factors and other noncommunicable diseases, such as dyslipidemia and diabetes mellitus. In addition, environmental factors during the fetal period, such as undernutrition, increase the risk of atherosclerosis. Therefore, in addition to during adulthood, preventative measures also need to be taken from the fetal period to adulthood, as the life course approach. Furthermore, research is required that assesses the entire life course from the perspective of the developmental origins of health and disease (DOHaD). Birth cohort studies are suggested to be important in DOHaD research. The Japan Environment and Children's Study (JECS) is a large-scale birth cohort study; the follow-up period was extended to the age of approximately 40 years. This long follow-up period allows us to obtain data regarding atherosclerosis research, which usually occurs after the age of 30 years. In terms of DOHaD mechanisms, birth cohort studies can be used to assess atherosclerosis in relation to epigenetic mechanisms. Here, we discuss the potential of birth cohorts in arteriosclerosis research.
