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Wu G, Bazer FW, Johnson GA, Satterfield MC, Washburn SE. Metabolism and Nutrition of L-Glutamate and L-Glutamine in Ruminants. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:1788. [PMID: 38929408 PMCID: PMC11201166 DOI: 10.3390/ani14121788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2024] [Revised: 06/02/2024] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Although both L-glutamate (Glu) and L-glutamine (Gln) have long been considered nutritionally nonessential in ruminants, these two amino acids have enormous nutritional and physiological importance. Results of recent studies revealed that extracellular Gln is extensively degraded by ruminal microbes, but extracellular Glu undergoes little catabolism by these cells due to the near absence of its uptake. Ruminal bacteria hydrolyze Gln to Glu plus ammonia and, intracellularly, use both amino acids for protein synthesis. Microbial proteins and dietary Glu enter the small intestine in ruminants. Both Glu and Gln are the major metabolic fuels and building blocks of proteins, as well as substrates for the syntheses of glutathione and amino acids (alanine, ornithine, citrulline, arginine, proline, and aspartate) in the intestinal mucosa. In addition, Gln and aspartate are essential for purine and pyrimidine syntheses, whereas arginine and proline are necessary for the production of nitric oxide (a major vasodilator) and collagen (the most abundant protein in the body), respectively. Under normal feeding conditions, all diet- and rumen-derived Glu and Gln are extensively utilized by the small intestine and do not enter the portal circulation. Thus, de novo synthesis (e.g., from branched-chain amino acids and α-ketoglutarate) plays a crucial role in the homeostasis of Glu and Gln in the whole body but may be insufficient for maximal growth performance, production (e.g., lactation and pregnancy), and optimal health (particularly intestinal health) in ruminants. This applies to all types of feeding systems used around the world (e.g., rearing on a milk replacer before weaning, pasture-based production, and total mixed rations). Dietary supplementation with the appropriate doses of Glu or Gln [e.g., 0.5 or 1 g/kg body weight (BW)/day, respectively] can safely improve the digestive, endocrine, and reproduction functions of ruminants to enhance their productivity. Both Glu and Gln are truly functional amino acids in the nutrition of ruminants and hold great promise for improving their health and productivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guoyao Wu
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA; (F.W.B.); (M.C.S.)
| | - Fuller W. Bazer
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA; (F.W.B.); (M.C.S.)
| | - Gregory A. Johnson
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA;
| | - M. Carey Satterfield
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA; (F.W.B.); (M.C.S.)
| | - Shannon E. Washburn
- Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA;
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Zhou R, Zhe L, Chen F, Gao T, Zhang X, Huang L, Zhuo Y, Xu S, Lin Y, Feng B, Che L, Wu D, Fang Z. Maternal folic acid and vitamin B 12 supplementation during medium to late gestation promotes fetal development via improving placental antioxidant capacity, angiogenesis and amino acid transport. JOURNAL OF THE SCIENCE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE 2024; 104:2832-2841. [PMID: 38018634 DOI: 10.1002/jsfa.13171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Folic acid and vitamin B12 (FV), being B vitamins, not only facilitate the remethylation of homocysteine (Hcy) but also contribute to embryonic development. This study aimed to assess the impact of FV supplementation during late pregnancy on sows' reproductive performance, amino acid metabolism, placental angiogenesis, and related parameters. Twenty primiparous sows at day 60 of gestation were randomly allocated to two groups: a basal diet (CON) group and a group receiving a basal diet supplemented with folic acid at 20 ppm and vitamin B12 at 125 ppb. RESULTS The findings revealed that dietary FV supplementation significantly reduced the incidence of intrauterine growth retardation compared to the CON group (P < 0.05). Furthermore, it led to a decrease in the Hcy levels in umbilical cord serum (P < 0.05) and activation of the placental mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) signaling pathway (P < 0.05). Additionally, FV supplementation lowered placental malondialdehyde levels (P < 0.05) and increased the expression of placental thioredoxin (P = 0.05). Moreover, maternal FV supplementation notably elevated placental vascular density (P < 0.05) and the expression of sodium-coupled neutral amino acid transporter 2 (SNAT2) (P < 0.05), as well as amino acid concentrations in umbilical cord blood (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION Maternal FV supplementation during medium to late gestation reduced Hcy levels in umbilical cord blood and positively impacted fetal development. This improvement was closely associated with increased placental antioxidant capacity and vascular density, as well as activation of the placental mTORC1-SNAT2 signaling pathway. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Zhou
- Key Laboratory for Animal Disease-Resistance Nutrition of China Ministry of Education, Animal Nutrition Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Li Zhe
- Key Laboratory for Animal Disease-Resistance Nutrition of China Ministry of Education, Animal Nutrition Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Fangyuan Chen
- Key Laboratory for Animal Disease-Resistance Nutrition of China Ministry of Education, Animal Nutrition Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Tianle Gao
- Key Laboratory for Animal Disease-Resistance Nutrition of China Ministry of Education, Animal Nutrition Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiaoling Zhang
- Key Laboratory for Animal Disease-Resistance Nutrition of China Ministry of Education, Animal Nutrition Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Lingjie Huang
- Key Laboratory for Animal Disease-Resistance Nutrition of China Ministry of Education, Animal Nutrition Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yong Zhuo
- Key Laboratory for Animal Disease-Resistance Nutrition of China Ministry of Education, Animal Nutrition Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Shengyu Xu
- Key Laboratory for Animal Disease-Resistance Nutrition of China Ministry of Education, Animal Nutrition Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yan Lin
- Key Laboratory for Animal Disease-Resistance Nutrition of China Ministry of Education, Animal Nutrition Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Bin Feng
- Key Laboratory for Animal Disease-Resistance Nutrition of China Ministry of Education, Animal Nutrition Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Lianqiang Che
- Key Laboratory for Animal Disease-Resistance Nutrition of China Ministry of Education, Animal Nutrition Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - De Wu
- Key Laboratory for Animal Disease-Resistance Nutrition of China Ministry of Education, Animal Nutrition Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Zhengfeng Fang
- Key Laboratory for Animal Disease-Resistance Nutrition of China Ministry of Education, Animal Nutrition Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
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Meombe Mbolle A, Thapa S, Bukiya AN, Jiang H. High-resolution imaging in studies of alcohol effect on prenatal development. ADVANCES IN DRUG AND ALCOHOL RESEARCH 2023; 3:10790. [PMID: 37593366 PMCID: PMC10433240 DOI: 10.3389/adar.2023.10790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/19/2023]
Abstract
Fetal alcohol syndrome represents the leading known preventable cause of mental retardation. FAS is on the most severe side of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders that stem from the deleterious effects of prenatal alcohol exposure. Affecting as many as 1 to 5 out of 100 children, FASD most often results in brain abnormalities that extend to structure, function, and cerebral hemodynamics. The present review provides an analysis of high-resolution imaging techniques that are used in animals and human subjects to characterize PAE-driven changes in the developing brain. Variants of magnetic resonance imaging such as magnetic resonance microscopy, magnetic resonance spectroscopy, diffusion tensor imaging, along with positron emission tomography, single-photon emission computed tomography, and photoacoustic imaging, are modalities that are used to study the influence of PAE on brain structure and function. This review briefly describes the aforementioned imaging modalities, the main findings that were obtained using each modality, and touches upon the advantages/disadvantages of each imaging approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Augustine Meombe Mbolle
- Department Medical Engineering, College of Engineering and Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, United States
| | - Shiwani Thapa
- Department Pharmacology, Addiction Science and Toxicology, College of Medicine, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, United States
| | - Anna N. Bukiya
- Department Pharmacology, Addiction Science and Toxicology, College of Medicine, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, United States
| | - Huabei Jiang
- Department Medical Engineering, College of Engineering and Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, United States
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Valenzuela I, Kinoshita M, van der Merwe J, Maršál K, Deprest J. Prenatal interventions for fetal growth restriction in animal models: A systematic review. Placenta 2022; 126:90-113. [PMID: 35796064 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2022.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Revised: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
Abstract
Fetal growth restriction (FGR) in human pregnancy is associated with perinatal mortality, short- and long-term morbidities. No prenatal therapy is currently established despite decades of research. We aimed to review interventions in animal models for prenatal FGR treatment, and to seek the next steps for an effective clinical therapy. We registered our protocol and searched MEDLINE, Embase, and The Cochrane Library with no language restrictions, in accordance with the PRISMA guideline. We included all studies that reported the effects of any prenatal intervention in animal models of induced FGR. From 3257 screened studies, 202 describing 237 interventions were included for the final synthesis. Mice and rats were the most used animals (79%) followed by sheep (16%). Antioxidants (23%), followed by vasodilators (18%), nutrients (14%), and immunomodulators (12%) were the most tested therapy. Two-thirds of studies only reported delivery or immediate neonatal outcomes. Adverse effects were rarely reported (11%). Most studies (73%), independent of the intervention, showed a benefit in fetal survival or birthweight. The risk of bias was high, mostly due to the lack of randomization, allocation concealment, and blinding. Future research should aim to describe both short- and long-term outcomes across various organ systems in well-characterized models. Further efforts must be made to reduce selection, performance, and detection bias.
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Cui C, Wu C, Wang J, Zheng X, Ma Z, Zhu P, Guan W, Zhang S, Chen F. Leucine supplementation during late gestation globally alters placental metabolism and nutrient transport via modulation of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway in sows. Food Funct 2022; 13:2083-2097. [PMID: 35107470 DOI: 10.1039/d1fo04082k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
In a previously published study we reported that sow dietary leucine supplementation during late pregnancy significantly improved newborn piglet birth weight by stimulating protein synthesis in the longissimus dorsi muscle. However, there is still limited knowledge as to whether leucine can exert its effects on the placenta, one of the most important temporal organs during pregnancy, to promote maternal-fetal nutrient supply and thus contribute to fetal intrauterine development. Therefore, we tested this hypothesis in the present study. In total, 150 sows at day 90 of gestation were divided into three groups and fed with either a control diet (CON), CON + 0.4% Leu or CON + 0.8% Leu, respectively, until parturition. Placental metabolomics, full spectrum amino acids and nutrient transporters were systematically analyzed after sample collection. The results indicated that Leu supplementation led to an altered placental metabolism with an increased number of metabolites related to glycolysis and the oxidation of fatty acids, as well as elevated levels of amino acid accumulation in the placenta. In addition, nutrient transporters of amino acids, glucose and fatty acids in the placenta were globally up-regulated and several enzymes related to energy metabolism, including hexokinase, succinate dehydrogenase, lactated hydrogenase, glycogen phosphorylase and hydroxyacyl-CoA-dehydrogenase, were also significantly increased with no change observed in the antioxidative status of those groups with Leu supplementation. Furthermore, the phosphorylation of PI3K, Akt, and mTOR was enhanced in the placenta of sows undergoing Leu treatment. Collectively, we concluded that supplementing the diets of sows with Leu during late gestation globally altered placental metabolism and promoted maternal-fetus nutrient transport (amino acids, glucose, and fatty acids) via modulation of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang Cui
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition Control, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China.
| | - Caichi Wu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition Control, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China.
| | - Jun Wang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition Control, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China.
| | - Xiaoyu Zheng
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition Control, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China.
| | - Ziwei Ma
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition Control, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China.
| | - Pengwei Zhu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition Control, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China.
| | - Wutai Guan
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition Control, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China. .,College of Animal Science and National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China.,Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Shihai Zhang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition Control, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China. .,College of Animal Science and National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China.,Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Fang Chen
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition Control, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China. .,College of Animal Science and National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China.,Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
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Affiliation(s)
- Vishal D Naik
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, C.S. Mott Center for Human Growth and Development, School of Medicine, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Jehoon Lee
- Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Guoyao Wu
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Shannon Washburn
- Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Jayanth Ramadoss
- J. Ramadoss, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Department of Physiology, 275 E Hancock St, C.S. Mott Center for Human Growth and Development, Rm 195, School of Medicine, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48201, USA. E-mail:
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Sawant OB, Meng C, Wu G, Washburn SE. Prenatal alcohol exposure and maternal glutamine supplementation alter the mTOR signaling pathway in ovine fetal cerebellum and skeletal muscle. Alcohol 2020; 89:93-102. [PMID: 32777475 DOI: 10.1016/j.alcohol.2020.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2020] [Revised: 08/04/2020] [Accepted: 08/04/2020] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Prenatal alcohol exposure causes fetal neurodevelopmental damage and growth restriction. Among regions of the brain, the cerebellum is the most vulnerable to developmental alcohol exposure. Despite vast research in the field, there is still a need to identify specific mechanisms by which alcohol causes this damage in order to design effective therapeutic interventions. The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) is known to be associated with axonal regeneration, dendritic arborization, synaptic plasticity, cellular growth, autophagy, and many other cellular processes. Glutamine and glutamine-related amino acids play a key role in fetal development and are known to alter the mTOR pathway; recent research has shown that disturbances in their bioavailability and signaling pathways may mediate adverse effects of prenatal alcohol exposure. This study investigated the role of the mTOR signaling pathway in the fetal cerebellum and skeletal muscle after third trimester-equivalent prenatal alcohol exposure and maternal l-glutamine (GLN) supplementation using a sheep model. Fetal cerebella and skeletal muscles were sampled for Western blot analysis of mTOR and its downstream targets S6 kinase and eukaryotic initiation factor 4E-bindin protein (4E-BP1). The expression of cerebellar phosphorylated mTOR relative to the total mTOR was elevated in the alcohol+GLN group compared to the saline and GLN groups. Alcohol exposure increased the ratio of phosphorylated S6K to total S6K in fetal cerebellum, and no significant effect of GLN supplementation was observed. On contrary, maternal GLN supplementation reduced the activation of mTOR and S6K in fetal skeletal muscle, possibly to make GLN and other amino acids available for use by other organs. These findings suggest prenatal alcohol exposure and maternal GLN supplementation during the third trimester-equivalent alter the mTOR signaling cascade, which plays a possible key role in alcohol-induced developmental damage.
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Baggio S, Zenki K, Martins Silva A, Dos Santos TG, Rech G, Lazzarotto G, Dias RD, Mussulini BH, Rico EP, de Oliveira DL. Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders model alters the functionality of glutamatergic neurotransmission in adult zebrafish. Neurotoxicology 2020; 78:152-160. [PMID: 32173352 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuro.2020.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2019] [Revised: 03/06/2020] [Accepted: 03/06/2020] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) describe a wide range of ethanol-induced developmental disabilities, including craniofacial dysmorphology, and neurochemical and behavioral impairments. Zebrafish has become a popular animal model to evaluate the long-lasting effects of, both, severe and milder forms of FASD, including alterations to neurotransmission. Glutamate is one of the most affected neurotransmitter systems in ethanol-induced developmental disabilities. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the functionality of the glutamatergic neurotransmitter system in an adult zebrafish FASD model. Zebrafish larvae (24 h post-fertilization) were exposed to ethanol (0.1 %, 0.25 %, 0.5 %, and 1%) for 2 h. After 4 months, the animals were euthanized and their brains were removed. The following variables were measured: glutamate uptake, glutamate binding, glutamine synthetase activity, Na+/K + ATPase activity, and high-resolution respirometry. Embryonic ethanol exposure reduced Na+-dependent glutamate uptake in the zebrafish brain. This reduction was positively modulated by ceftriaxone treatment, a beta-lactam antibiotic that promotes the expression of the glutamate transporter EAAT2. Moreover, the 0.5 % and 1% ethanol groups demonstrated reduced glutamate binding to brain membranes and decreased Na+/K + ATPase activity in adulthood. In addition, ethanol reduced glutamine synthetase activity in the 1% EtOH group. Embryonic ethanol exposure did not alter the immunocontent of the glutamate vesicular transporter VGLUT2 and the mitochondrial energetic metabolism of the brain in adulthood. Our results suggest that embryonic ethanol exposure may cause significant alterations in glutamatergic neurotransmission in the adult zebrafish brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suelen Baggio
- Laboratory of Cellular Neurochemistry, Programa De Pós-graduação Em Ciências Biológicas: Bioquímica, Departamento De Bioquímica, Instituto De Ciências Básicas Da Saúde, Universidade Federal Do Rio Grande Do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
| | - Kamila Zenki
- Laboratory of Cellular Neurochemistry, Programa De Pós-graduação Em Ciências Biológicas: Bioquímica, Departamento De Bioquímica, Instituto De Ciências Básicas Da Saúde, Universidade Federal Do Rio Grande Do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Alberto Martins Silva
- Laboratory of Cellular Neurochemistry, Programa De Pós-graduação Em Ciências Biológicas: Bioquímica, Departamento De Bioquímica, Instituto De Ciências Básicas Da Saúde, Universidade Federal Do Rio Grande Do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Thainá Garbino Dos Santos
- Laboratory of Cellular Neurochemistry, Programa De Pós-graduação Em Ciências Biológicas: Bioquímica, Departamento De Bioquímica, Instituto De Ciências Básicas Da Saúde, Universidade Federal Do Rio Grande Do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Giovana Rech
- Laboratory of Cellular Neurochemistry, Programa De Pós-graduação Em Ciências Biológicas: Bioquímica, Departamento De Bioquímica, Instituto De Ciências Básicas Da Saúde, Universidade Federal Do Rio Grande Do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Gabriela Lazzarotto
- Laboratory of Cellular Neurochemistry, Programa De Pós-graduação Em Ciências Biológicas: Bioquímica, Departamento De Bioquímica, Instituto De Ciências Básicas Da Saúde, Universidade Federal Do Rio Grande Do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Renato Dutra Dias
- Laboratory of Cellular Neurochemistry, Programa De Pós-graduação Em Ciências Biológicas: Bioquímica, Departamento De Bioquímica, Instituto De Ciências Básicas Da Saúde, Universidade Federal Do Rio Grande Do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Ben Hur Mussulini
- Centre of New Technologies, University of Warsaw, Banacha 2C, Warsaw 02-097, Poland; ReMedy International Research Agenda Unit, University of Warsaw, Banacha 2C, Warsaw 02-097, Poland
| | - Eduardo Pacheco Rico
- Programa De Pós-Graduação Em Ciências Da Saúde, Universidade Do Extremo Sul Catarinense - UNESC, Av. Universitária, 1105, Bairro Universitário, 88806-000 Criciúma, SC, Brazil
| | - Diogo Losch de Oliveira
- Laboratory of Cellular Neurochemistry, Programa De Pós-graduação Em Ciências Biológicas: Bioquímica, Departamento De Bioquímica, Instituto De Ciências Básicas Da Saúde, Universidade Federal Do Rio Grande Do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
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Sawant OB, Birch SM, Goodlett CR, Cudd TA, Washburn SE. Maternal choline supplementation mitigates alcohol-induced fetal cranio-facial abnormalities detected using an ultrasonographic examination in a sheep model. Alcohol 2019; 81:31-38. [PMID: 31082506 DOI: 10.1016/j.alcohol.2019.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2019] [Revised: 05/05/2019] [Accepted: 05/06/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Early detection of prenatal alcohol exposure is critical for designing and testing effectiveness of interventional therapeutics. Choline supplementation during and after prenatal alcohol exposure has shown promising benefits in improving outcomes in rodent models and clinical studies. A sheep model of first trimester-equivalent binge alcohol exposure was used in this study to model the dose of maternal choline supplementation used in an ongoing prospective clinical trial involving pregnancies at risk for FASD. Pregnant sheep were randomly assigned to six groups: Saline + Placebo control, Saline + Choline, binge Alcohol + Placebo (light binging), binge Alcohol + Choline, Heavy binge Alcohol + Placebo (heavy binging), and Heavy binge Alcohol + Choline. Ewes received intravenous alcohol or saline on three consecutive days per week from gestation day (GD) 4-41 to mimic a first trimester-equivalent weekend binge-drinking paradigm. Choline (10 mg/kg in the daily food ration) was administered from GD 4 until term. On GD 76, 11 fetal ultrasonographic measurements were collected transabdominally. Heavy binge alcohol exposure reduced fetal Frontothalamic Distance (FTD), Mean Orbital Diameter (MOD), and Mean Lens Diameter (MLD), and increased Interorbital Distance (IOD) and Thalamic Width (TW). Maternal choline supplementation mitigated most of these alcohol-induced effects. Maternal choline supplementation also improved overall fetal femur and humerus bone lengths, compared to their respective placebo groups. Taken together, these results indicate a potential dose-dependent effect that could impact the sensitivity of these ultrasonographic measures in predicting prenatal alcohol exposure. This is the first study in the sheep model to identify biomarkers of prenatal alcohol exposure in utero with ultrasound and co-administration of maternal choline supplementation.
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Impact of Arginine Nutrition and Metabolism during Pregnancy on Offspring Outcomes. Nutrients 2019; 11:nu11071452. [PMID: 31252534 PMCID: PMC6682918 DOI: 10.3390/nu11071452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2019] [Revised: 06/24/2019] [Accepted: 06/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
By serving as a precursor for the synthesis of nitric oxide, polyamines, and other molecules with biological importance, arginine plays a key role in pregnancy and fetal development. Arginine supplementation is a potential therapy for treating many human diseases. An impaired arginine metabolic pathway during gestation might produce long-term morphological or functional changes in the offspring, namely, developmental programming to increase vulnerability to developing a variety of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in later life. In contrast, reprogramming is a strategy that shifts therapeutic interventions from adulthood to early-life, in order to reverse the programming processes, which might counterbalance the rising epidemic of NCDs. This review presented the role of arginine synthesis and metabolism in pregnancy. We also provided evidence for the links between an impaired arginine metabolic pathway and the pathogenesis of compromised pregnancy and fetal programming. This was followed by reprogramming strategies targeting the arginine metabolic pathway, to prevent the developmental programming of NCDs. Despite emerging evidence from experimental studies showing that targeting the arginine metabolic pathway has promise as a reprogramming strategy in pregnancy to prevent NCDs in the offspring, these results need further clinical application.
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Zhu Y, Li T, Huang S, Wang W, Dai Z, Feng C, Wu G, Wang J. Maternal L-glutamine supplementation during late gestation alleviates intrauterine growth restriction-induced intestinal dysfunction in piglets. Amino Acids 2018; 50:1289-1299. [PMID: 29961143 DOI: 10.1007/s00726-018-2608-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2018] [Accepted: 06/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Maternal dietary supplementation with L-glutamine (Gln) has been considered as an option to improve fetal growth and to prevent the occurrence of intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). This study investigated whether maternal Gln supplementation could improve fetal growth as well as the intestinal development during late pregnancy. Sixty pregnant Landrace × Large White multiparous sows were assigned to two groups, either the group fed the control diet or the group with the diet supplemented with 1% Gln from d 85 of gestation until farrowing. One normal body weight piglet and one IUGR piglet were obtained from six litters in each group. Reproductive performance, plasma concentrations of free amino acids and related metabolites as well as piglet growth and tissue indexes were determined. Maternal Gln supplementation during late gestation increased the average birth weight, while decreasing the within-litter variation of newborn piglets. The concentrations of Gln in plasma were lower in IUGR piglets than in normal piglets. Glutamine supplementation enhanced Gln concentrations in maternal and piglet plasma and the piglet jejunum, compared with the Control group. Supplementing Gln suppressed intestinal miR-29a levels, and increased the abundance of extracellular matrix (ECM) and tight junction (TJ) proteins, resulting in increased intestinal weight and improved morphologies of the piglets. Collectively, Gln supplementation to the sow's diet increased fetal growth, decreased the within-litter variation of newborn piglets, and alleviated the IUGR-induced intestinal impairment. These findings suggest the possibility of maternal glutamine supplementation in the prevention and treatment of IUGR in animal production and human medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuhua Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
- Research Institute of Shenzhen Jinxinnong Technology CO., LTD., Shenzhen, 518106, China
| | - Tiantian Li
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Shimeng Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Wei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Zhaolai Dai
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Cuiping Feng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Guoyao Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - Junjun Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China.
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Video-based data acquisition system for use in eye blink classical conditioning procedures in sheep. Behav Res Methods 2018; 49:1838-1851. [PMID: 27815865 DOI: 10.3758/s13428-016-0826-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Pavlovian eye blink conditioning (EBC) has been extensively studied in humans and laboratory animals, providing one of the best-understood models of learning in neuroscience. EBC has been especially useful in translational studies of cerebellar and hippocampal function. We recently reported a novel extension of EBC procedures for use in sheep, and now describe new advances in a digital video-based system. The system delivers paired presentations of conditioned stimuli (CSs; a tone) and unconditioned stimuli (USs; an air puff to the eye), or CS-alone "unpaired" trials. This system tracks the linear distance between the eyelids to identify blinks occurring as either unconditioned (URs) or conditioned (CRs) responses, to a resolution of 5 ms. A separate software application (Eye Blink Reviewer) is used to review and autoscore the trial CRs and URs, on the basis of a set of predetermined rules, permitting an operator to confirm (or rescore, if needed) the autoscore results, thereby providing quality control for accuracy of scoring. Learning curves may then be quantified in terms of the frequencies of CRs over sessions, both on trials with paired CS-US presentations and on CS-alone trials. The latency to CR onset, latency to CR peak, and occurrence of URs are also obtained. As we demonstrated in two example cases, this video-based system provides efficient automated means to conduct EBC in sheep and can facilitate fully powered studies with multigroup designs that involve paired and unpaired training. This can help extend new studies in sheep, a species well suited for translational studies of neurodevelopmental disorders resulting from gestational exposure to drugs, toxins, or intrauterine distress.
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13
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Huebner SM, Helfrich KK, Saini N, Blohowiak SE, Cheng AA, Kling PJ, Smith SM. Dietary Iron Fortification Normalizes Fetal Hematology, Hepcidin, and Iron Distribution in a Rat Model of Prenatal Alcohol Exposure. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2018; 42:1022-1033. [PMID: 29672865 DOI: 10.1111/acer.13754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2017] [Accepted: 04/04/2018] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) causes neurodevelopmental disability. Clinical and animal studies show gestational iron deficiency (ID) exacerbates PAE's behavioral and growth deficits. In rat, PAE manifests an inability to establish iron homeostasis, increasing hepcidin (maternal and fetal), and fetal liver iron while decreasing brain iron and promoting anemia. Here, we hypothesize dietary iron fortification during pregnancy may mitigate alcohol's disruption of fetal iron homeostasis. METHODS Pregnant Long-Evans rats, fed iron-sufficient (100 ppm iron) or iron-fortified (IF; 500 ppm iron) diets, received either 5 g/kg alcohol (PAE) or isocaloric maltodextrin daily on gestational days (GD) 13.5 through 19.5. Maternal and fetal outcomes were evaluated on GD20.5. RESULTS PAE reduced mean fetal weight (p < 0.001) regardless of maternal iron status, suggesting iron fortification did not improve fetal growth. Both PAE (p < 0.01) and IF (p = 0.035) increased fetal liver iron. In fetal brain, PAE (p = 0.015) affected total (p < 0.001) and nonheme iron (p < 0.001) such that iron fortification normalized (p = 0.99) the alcohol-mediated reductions in brain iron and nonheme iron. Iron fortification also improved fetal hematologic indices in PAE including hemoglobin, hematocrit, and mean cell volume (ps<0.001). Iron fortification also normalized hepcidin expression in alcohol-exposed maternal and fetal liver. Neither diet nor PAE affected transferrin (Tf) and ferritin (FTN) content in fetal liver, nor Tf or transferrin receptor in fetal brain. However, IF-PAE fetal brains trended to less FTN content (p = 0.074), suggesting greater availability of nonstorage iron. In PAE, hepcidin levels were linearly related to increased liver iron stores and decreased red blood cell count and brain iron. CONCLUSIONS Maternal oral iron fortification mitigated PAE's disruption of fetal iron homeostasis and improved brain iron content, hematologic indices, and hepcidin production in this rat PAE model. Clinical studies show maternal ID substantially enhances fetal vulnerability to PAE, and our work supports increased maternal dietary iron intake may improve fetal iron status in alcohol-exposed pregnancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shane M Huebner
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Kaylee K Helfrich
- Nutrition Research Institute, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Kannapolis, North Carolina
| | - Nipun Saini
- Nutrition Research Institute, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Kannapolis, North Carolina
| | - Sharon E Blohowiak
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Adrienne A Cheng
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Pamela J Kling
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Susan M Smith
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin.,Nutrition Research Institute, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Kannapolis, North Carolina
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14
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Myrie SB, Pinder MA. Skeletal muscle and fetal alcohol spectrum disorder. Biochem Cell Biol 2018; 96:222-229. [DOI: 10.1139/bcb-2017-0118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Skeletal muscle is critical for mobility and many metabolic functions integral to survival and long-term health. Alcohol can affect skeletal muscle physiology and metabolism, which will have immediate and long-term consequences on health. While skeletal muscle abnormalities, including morphological, biochemical, and functional impairments, are well-documented in adults that excessively consume alcohol, there is a scarcity of information about the skeletal muscle in the offspring prenatally exposed to alcohol (“prenatal alcohol exposure”; PAE). This minireview examines the available studies addressing skeletal muscle abnormalities due to PAE. Growth restriction, fetal alcohol myopathy, and abnormalities in the neuromuscular system, which contribute to deficits in locomotion, are some direct, immediate consequences of PAE on skeletal muscle morphology and function. Long-term health consequences of PAE-related skeletal abnormalities include impaired glucose metabolism in the skeletal muscle, resulting in glucose intolerance and insulin resistance, leading to an increased risk of type 2 diabetes. In general, there is limited information on the morphological, biochemical, and functional features of skeletal abnormalities in PAE offspring. There is a need to understand how PAE affects muscle growth and function at the cellular level during early development to improve the immediate and long-term health of offspring suffering from PAE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Semone B. Myrie
- Department of Human Nutritional Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2, Canada
- Richardson Centre for Functional Foods and Nutraceuticals, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2, Canada
| | - Mark A. Pinder
- Department of Human Nutritional Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2, Canada
- Richardson Centre for Functional Foods and Nutraceuticals, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2, Canada
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15
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Lépiz ML, Sayre R, Sawant O, Barr J, Pashmakova M, Washburn K, Washburn S. Maternal and fetal effects of dexmedetomidine infusion in pregnant ewes anesthetized with sevoflurane. Am J Vet Res 2017; 78:1255-1263. [DOI: 10.2460/ajvr.78.11.1255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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16
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Tobiasz AM, Duncan JR, Bursac Z, Sullivan RD, Tate DL, Dopico AM, Bukiya AN, Mari G. The Effect of Prenatal Alcohol Exposure on Fetal Growth and Cardiovascular Parameters in a Baboon Model of Pregnancy. Reprod Sci 2017; 25:1116-1123. [PMID: 28982294 DOI: 10.1177/1933719117734317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Prenatal alcohol exposure often results in an array of fetal developmental abnormalities termed fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs). Despite the high prevalence of FASDs, the pathophysiology of fetal damage by alcohol remains poorly understood. One of the major obstacles in studying fetal development in response to alcohol exposure is the inability to standardize the amount, pattern of alcohol consumption, and peak blood alcohol levels in pregnant mothers. In the present study, we used Doppler ultrasonography to assess fetal growth and cardiovascular parameters in response to alcohol exposure in pregnant baboons. Baboons were subjected to gastric alcohol infusion 3 times during the second trimester equivalent to human pregnancy, with maternal blood alcohol levels reaching 80 mg/dL within 30 to 60 minutes following alcohol infusion. The control group received a drink that was isocaloric to the alcohol-containing one. Doppler ultrasonography was used for longitudinal assessment of fetal biometric parameters and fetal cardiovascular indices. Fetal abdominal and head circumferences, but not femur length, were significantly decreased in alcohol-exposed fetuses near term. Peak systolic velocity of anterior and middle cerebral arteries decreased during episodes of alcohol intoxication, but there was no difference in Doppler indices between groups near term. Acute alcohol intoxication affected fetal cerebral blood flow independent of changes in the fetal cardiac output. Unlike fetal growth parameters, changes in vascular indices did not persist over gestation. In summary, alcohol effects on fetal growth and on fetal vascular function have different time courses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana M Tobiasz
- 1 Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Jose R Duncan
- 1 Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Zoran Bursac
- 2 Department of Preventive Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Ryan D Sullivan
- 3 Department of Comparative Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Danielle L Tate
- 1 Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Alex M Dopico
- 4 Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Anna N Bukiya
- 4 Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Giancarlo Mari
- 1 Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA
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17
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Wu G, Bazer FW, Johnson GA, Herring C, Seo H, Dai Z, Wang J, Wu Z, Wang X. Functional amino acids in the development of the pig placenta. Mol Reprod Dev 2017; 84:870-882. [PMID: 28390193 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.22809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2017] [Accepted: 03/29/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The mammalian placenta is essential for supplying nutrients (e.g., amino acids and water) and oxygen from the mother to fetus and for removing fetal metabolites (e.g., ammonia and CO2 ) from fetus to mother. Thus, placental growth and development are determinants of fetal survival, growth, and development. Indeed, low birth weight is closely associated with reduced placental growth. Providing gestating gilts or sows with dietary supplementation of arginine and glutamine, increases placental growth (including vascular growth), improves embryonic/fetal growth and survival, and reduces the large variation in birth weight among litters. These two amino acids serve as building blocks for tissue protein as well as substrates for the production of polyamines and nitric oxide, which stimulate DNA and protein synthesis and angiogenesis and vascular growth in the placenta. These recent findings not only greatly advance the field of mammalian amino acid metabolism and nutrition, but also provide practical, mechanism-based methods to enhance reproductive efficiency in swine. These results may also help improve embryonic/fetal survival and growth in other livestock species (e.g., sheep and cattle) and in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guoyao Wu
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas
| | - Fuller W Bazer
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas
| | - Gregory A Johnson
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas
| | - Cassandra Herring
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas
| | - Heewon Seo
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas
| | - Zhaolai Dai
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Junjun Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhenlong Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaolong Wang
- Henan Yinfa Animal Husbandry Co., Ltd., Xinzheng, Henan, China
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18
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Morris CR, Hamilton-Reeves J, Martindale RG, Sarav M, Ochoa Gautier JB. Acquired Amino Acid Deficiencies: A Focus on Arginine and Glutamine. Nutr Clin Pract 2017; 32:30S-47S. [PMID: 28388380 DOI: 10.1177/0884533617691250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Nonessential amino acids are synthesized de novo and therefore not diet dependent. In contrast, essential amino acids must be obtained through nutrition since they cannot be synthesized internally. Several nonessential amino acids may become essential under conditions of stress and catabolic states when the capacity of endogenous amino acid synthesis is exceeded. Arginine and glutamine are 2 such conditionally essential amino acids and are the focus of this review. Low arginine bioavailability plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of a growing number of varied diseases, including sickle cell disease, thalassemia, malaria, acute asthma, cystic fibrosis, pulmonary hypertension, cardiovascular disease, certain cancers, and trauma, among others. Catabolism of arginine by arginase enzymes is the most common cause of an acquired arginine deficiency syndrome, frequently contributing to endothelial dysfunction and/or T-cell dysfunction, depending on the clinical scenario and disease state. Glutamine, an arginine precursor, is one of the most abundant amino acids in the body and, like arginine, becomes deficient in several conditions of stress, including critical illness, trauma, infection, cancer, and gastrointestinal disorders. At-risk populations are discussed together with therapeutic options that target these specific acquired amino acid deficiencies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia R Morris
- 1 Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Emory-Children's Center for Cystic Fibrosis and Airways Disease Research, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Jill Hamilton-Reeves
- 2 Department of Dietetics and Nutrition, University of Kansas, Kansas City, Kansas, USA
| | - Robert G Martindale
- 3 Department of Surgery, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Menaka Sarav
- 4 Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology, Northshore University Health System, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
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19
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Dimasuay KG, Aitken EH, Rosario F, Njie M, Glazier J, Rogerson SJ, Fowkes FJI, Beeson JG, Powell T, Jansson T, Boeuf P. Inhibition of placental mTOR signaling provides a link between placental malaria and reduced birthweight. BMC Med 2017; 15:1. [PMID: 28049467 PMCID: PMC5209943 DOI: 10.1186/s12916-016-0759-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2016] [Accepted: 11/30/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Placental Plasmodium falciparum malaria can trigger intervillositis, a local inflammatory response more strongly associated with low birthweight than placental malaria infection alone. Fetal growth (and therefore birthweight) is dependent on placental amino acid transport, which is impaired in placental malaria-associated intervillositis. Here, we tested the hypothesis that mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling, a pathway known to regulate amino acid transport, is inhibited in placental malaria-associated intervillositis, contributing to lower birthweight. METHODS We determined the link between intervillositis, mTOR signaling activity, and amino acid uptake in tissue biopsies from both uninfected placentas and malaria-infected placentas with and without intervillositis, and in an in vitro model using primary human trophoblast (PHT) cells. RESULTS We demonstrated that (1) placental mTOR activity is lower in cases of placental malaria with intervillositis, (2) placental mTOR activity is negatively correlated with the degree of inflammation, and (3) inhibition of placental mTOR activity is associated with reduced placental amino acid uptake and lower birthweight. In PHT cells, we showed that (1) inhibition of mTOR signaling is a mechanistic link between placental malaria-associated intervillositis and decreased amino acid uptake and (2) constitutive mTOR activation partially restores amino acid uptake. CONCLUSIONS Our data support the concept that inhibition of placental mTOR signaling constitutes a mechanistic link between placental malaria-associated intervillositis and decreased amino acid uptake, which may contribute to lower birthweight. Restoring placental mTOR signaling in placental malaria may increase birthweight and improve neonatal survival, representing a new potential therapeutic approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kris Genelyn Dimasuay
- Department of Medicine at Royal Melbourne Hospital, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, 3004, VIC, Australia. .,Centre for Biomedical Research, Burnet Institute, 85 Commercial Road, Melbourne, 3004, VIC, Australia.
| | - Elizabeth H Aitken
- Department of Medicine at Royal Melbourne Hospital, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, 3004, VIC, Australia
| | - Fredrick Rosario
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Madi Njie
- Department of Medicine at Royal Melbourne Hospital, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, 3004, VIC, Australia
| | - Jocelyn Glazier
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Division of Developmental Biology & Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine & Health, University of Manchester, St. Mary's Hospital, Manchester, UK
| | - Stephen J Rogerson
- Department of Medicine at Royal Melbourne Hospital, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, 3004, VIC, Australia.,Victorian Infectious Diseases Service, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Freya J I Fowkes
- Centre for Biomedical Research, Burnet Institute, 85 Commercial Road, Melbourne, 3004, VIC, Australia.,Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Department of Infectious Diseases, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - James G Beeson
- Department of Medicine at Royal Melbourne Hospital, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, 3004, VIC, Australia.,Centre for Biomedical Research, Burnet Institute, 85 Commercial Road, Melbourne, 3004, VIC, Australia.,Department of Microbiology and Central Clinical School, Monash University, Clayton, 3800, VIC, Australia
| | - Theresa Powell
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Thomas Jansson
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Philippe Boeuf
- Department of Medicine at Royal Melbourne Hospital, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, 3004, VIC, Australia. .,Centre for Biomedical Research, Burnet Institute, 85 Commercial Road, Melbourne, 3004, VIC, Australia. .,Victorian Infectious Diseases Service, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, VIC, Australia.
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20
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Gupta KK, Gupta VK, Shirasaka T. An Update on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome-Pathogenesis, Risks, and Treatment. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2016; 40:1594-602. [PMID: 27375266 DOI: 10.1111/acer.13135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2016] [Accepted: 05/23/2016] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Alcohol is a well-established teratogen that can cause variable physical and behavioral effects on the fetus. The most severe condition in this spectrum of diseases is known as fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS). The differences in maternal and fetal enzymes, in terms of abundance and efficiency, in addition to reduced elimination, allow for alcohol to have a prolonged effect on the fetus. This can act as a teratogen through numerous methods including reactive oxygen species (generated as by products of CYP2E1), decreased endogenous antioxidant levels, mitochondrial damage, lipid peroxidation, disrupted neuronal cell-cell adhesion, placental vasoconstriction, and inhibition of cofactors required for fetal growth and development. More recently, alcohol has also been shown to have epigenetic effects. Increased fetal exposure to alcohol and sustained alcohol intake during any trimester of pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of FAS. Other risk factors include genetic influences, maternal characteristics, for example, lower socioeconomic statuses and smoking, and paternal chronic alcohol use. The treatment options for FAS have recently started to be explored although none are currently approved clinically. These include prenatal antioxidant administration food supplements, folic acid, choline, neuroactive peptides, and neurotrophic growth factors. Tackling the wider impacts of FAS, such as comorbidities, and the family system have been shown to improve the quality of life of FAS patients. This review aimed to focus on the pathogenesis, especially mechanisms of alcohol teratogenicity, and risks of developing FAS. Recent developments in potential management strategies, including prenatal interventions, are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Vinay K Gupta
- School of Medicine, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Tomohiro Shirasaka
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, School of Medicine, Sapporo Medical University, Sapporo, Japan
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21
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Catabolism and safety of supplemental L-arginine in animals. Amino Acids 2016; 48:1541-52. [PMID: 27156062 DOI: 10.1007/s00726-016-2245-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2016] [Accepted: 04/25/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
L-arginine (Arg) is utilized via multiple pathways to synthesize protein and low-molecular-weight bioactive substances (e.g., nitric oxide, creatine, and polyamines) with enormous physiological importance. Furthermore, Arg regulates cell signaling pathways and gene expression to improve cardiovascular function, augment insulin sensitivity, enhance lean tissue mass, and reduce obesity in humans. Despite its versatile roles, the use of Arg as a dietary supplement is limited due to the lack of data to address concerns over its safety in humans. Data from animal studies are reviewed to assess arginine catabolism and the safety of long-term Arg supplementation. The arginase pathway was responsible for catabolism of 76-85 and 81-96 % Arg in extraintestinal tissues of pigs and rats, respectively. Dietary supplementation with Arg-HCl or the Arg base [315- and 630-mg Arg/(kg BW d) for 91 d] had no adverse effects on male or female pigs. Similarly, no safety issues were observed for male or female rats receiving supplementation with 1.8- and 3.6-g Arg/(kg BW d) for at least 91 d. Intravenous administration of Arg-HCl to gestating sheep at 81 and 180 mg Arg/(kg BW d) is safe for at least 82 and 40 d, respectively. Animals fed conventional diets can well tolerate large amounts of supplemental Arg [up to 630-mg Arg/(kg BW d) in pigs or 3.6-g Arg/(kg BW d) in rats] for 91 d, which are equivalent to 573-mg Arg/(kg BW d) for humans. Collectively, these results can help guide studies to determine the safety of long-term oral administration of Arg in humans.
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22
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Hou Y, Yao K, Yin Y, Wu G. Endogenous Synthesis of Amino Acids Limits Growth, Lactation, and Reproduction in Animals. Adv Nutr 2016; 7:331-42. [PMID: 26980816 PMCID: PMC4785480 DOI: 10.3945/an.115.010850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Amino acids (AAs) are building blocks of protein. Eight AAs (Ala, Asn, Asp, Glu, Gln, Gly, Pro, and Ser) are formed by all animals, whereas de novo synthesis of Arg occurs in a species-specific manner in most mammals (e.g., humans, pigs, and rats). Synthesizable AAs were traditionally classified as nutritionally nonessential for animals, because they were thought to be formed in sufficient amounts. However, this assumption is not supported by evidence showing that 1) rats grow slowly when their diets do not contain Arg, Glu, or Gln despite adequate provision of all other proteinogenous AAs; 2) pigs cannot achieve maximum growth, lactation, or reproduction performance when fed corn- and soybean meal-based diets meeting National Research Council-recommended requirements of protein and AAs without supplemental Arg, Glu, Gln, Gly, or Pro; 3) chickens exhibit increases in lean tissue gain and feed efficiency when their diets are supplemented with Glu, Gln, Gly, and Pro; 4) lactating cows cannot obtain maximum milk protein production without a postruminal supply of Gln or Pro; 5) fish cannot achieve maximum growth when diets do not contain Gln or Pro; and 6) men fail to sustain spermatogenesis when fed an Arg-deficient diet. Quantitative analysis of nitrogen metabolism showed that AA synthesis in animals is constrained by both precursor availability and enzyme activity. Taken together, these findings support the conclusion that the endogenous synthesis of AAs limits growth, lactation, and reproduction in animals. This new knowledge can guide the optimization of human nutrition for improving health and well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongqing Hou
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science, Hubei Collaborative Innovation Center for Animal Nutrition and Feed Safety, Wuhan Polytechnic University, Wuhan, China
| | - Kang Yao
- Institute of Subtropical Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changsha, Hunan, China; and
| | - Yulong Yin
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science, Hubei Collaborative Innovation Center for Animal Nutrition and Feed Safety, Wuhan Polytechnic University, Wuhan, China;,Institute of Subtropical Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changsha, Hunan, China; and
| | - Guoyao Wu
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science, Hubei Collaborative Innovation Center for Animal Nutrition and Feed Safety, Wuhan Polytechnic University, Wuhan, China; Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX
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