The effect of characteristics of proteins fed during gestation and lactation on development of metabolic syndrome in dams and male offspring of Wistar rats

The effect of source of protein fed during pregnancy and lactation on the development of characteristics of metabolic syndrome in male offspring of obese Wistar rats

Gestational obesity has major negative impacts on both mothers and their offspring. More than two-thirds of women of reproductive age in the United States are overweight and/or obese. We previously reported that the source of protein in the maternal diet influences the phenotype of offspring born to normal-weight dams. However, whether it has the same effect in obese mothers was unclear. The casein- and soya protein-based diets were fed to obese pregnant Wistar rats and compared for their effects on characteristics of the metabolic syndrome in male offspring. Dams randomized to either a casein (CD) or soya protein (SD) diet (n 12). Pups were weaned to either a CD or SD for 16 weeks. Offspring of SD dams had higher birthweight (P < 0⋅01). Glucose metabolism was not altered at birth but fasting blood glucose (FBG) (P < 0⋅02), insulin (P < 0⋅0002), insulin/glucose ratio (P < 0⋅03), and HOMA-IR index (P < 0⋅0002) were higher in offspring of SD dams at week 17. The pulse rate was higher in dams (P < 0⋅03). Food intake and body weight of offspring were affected by interactive effects of time and dams' diet (P < 0⋅05). Food intake was not influenced by maternal diet, but it was higher in pups weaned to SD dams (P < 0⋅03) The results of this study indicate that although the source of protein in the maternal diet is still an influencing factor in the outcome of the pregnancy in obese mothers, gestational obesity may mask this effect possibly by imposing general detrimental effects on measured parameters regardless of the source of protein in maternal diet.

Maternal soy protein isolate diet during lactation programmes to higher metabolic risk in adult male offspring

Soy consumption and its components, including its protein, are related to the beneficial effects of the lipid profile, decreased insulin resistance and glycaemia. However, the safety of the consumption of products containing phytoestrogens in critical stages of development has been questioned, since they may be associated with endocrine-metabolic dysfunctions in adult life. The purpose is to evaluate the effects of maternal dietary soy protein isolate (SPI) during lactation on the breast milk composition, body composition, lipid and glycaemic profiles, and thyroid hormones of dams and offspring at weaning (21 days) and in adulthood (150 days). Lactating rats were divided into casein control (C) and SPI diet groups. At 150 days, the SPI offspring presented lower body protein mass and total mineral content, higher serum FT4, insulin, TC and TG. Maternal consumption of SPI during lactation programmes the progeny to higher metabolic risk profile.