Research Progress on the Impact of Prenatal Stress on Offspring Respiratory System

Prenatal stress (PS), as an important intrauterine adversity, has attracted significant attention for its long-term impact on offspring health. In recent years, numerous studies have highlighted the interference of PS on offspring development, particularly concerning the respiratory system, and its close association with an increased risk of diseases such as asthma. However, the specific mechanisms underlying these effects remain unclear. This article focuses on the effects of prenatal stress on the structure and function of the offspring's respiratory system. It systematically reviews potential mechanisms, including activation of the HPA axis, immune imbalance, abnormalities in the Wnt signaling pathway, and epigenetic modifications, and explores their interactions. The aim is to provide a theoretical basis for early interventions.