The developmental origins of the metabolic syndrome

Effect of developmental and adult diet composition on reproductive aging in Drosophila melanogaster

Diet significantly affects reproductive outcomes across species, yet the precise effects of macronutrient compositions beyond caloric intake on reproductive aging are understudied. Existing literature presents conflicting views on the fertility impacts of nutrient-rich versus nutrient-poor developmental diets, underscoring a notable research gap. This study addresses these gaps by examining effects of isocaloric diets with varied protein-to-carbohydrate ratios during both developmental and adult stages on reproductive aging of a large, outbred Drosophila melanogaster population (n = ∼2100). Our results clearly demonstrate an age-dependent dietary impact on reproductive output, initially dominated by the developmental diet, then by a combination of developmental and adult diets in early to mid-life, and ultimately by the adult diet in later life. Importantly, we found that the effects of developmental and adult diets on reproductive output are independent, with no significant interaction. Further investigations into the mechanisms revealed that the effect of developmental diet on fecundity is regulated via ovarioles formation and vitellogenesis; while, the effect of adult diet on fecundity is mostly regulated only via vitellogenesis. These insights resolve disputes in the literature about dietary impacts on fertility and offer valuable perspectives for optimizing fertility strategies in improving public health and conservation efforts in this changing world.

A future food boom rescues the negative effects of early-life adversity on adult lifespan in a small mammal

Early-life adversity, even when transient, can have lasting effects on individual phenotypes and reduce lifespan across species. If these effects can be mitigated by a high-quality later-life environment, then differences in future resources may explain variable resilience to early-life adversity. Using data from over 1000 wild North American red squirrels, we tested the hypothesis that the costs of early-life adversity for adult lifespan could be offset by later-life food abundance. We identified six adversities that reduced juvenile survival in the first year of life, though only one-birth date-had continued independent effects on adult lifespan. We then built a weighted early-life adversity (wELA) index integrating the sum of adversities and their effect sizes. Greater weighted early-life adversity predicted shorter adult lifespans in males and females, but a naturally occurring food boom in the second year of life ameliorated this effect. Experimental food supplementation did not replicate this pattern, despite increasing lifespan, indicating that the buffering effect of a future food boom may hinge on more than an increase in available calories. Our results suggest a non-deterministic role of early-life conditions for later-life phenotype, highlighting the importance of evaluating the consequences of early-life adversity in the context of an animal's entire life course.

Birth weight and nutritional status in school-age children from Boane city, Mozambique

BACKGROUND

Birth weight is considered an important marker of inadequate maternal nutrition, and it is a critical indicator of the newborn's health and development.

OBJECTIVE

This study evaluated the influence of low birth weight (LBW) on body composition in 7-10-year-old school children from Boane City-Mozambique.

METHODS

A total of 220 children (female = 122 and male = 98) were divided into two groups according to their birth weight (LBW, n = 41; and normal birth weight, NBW, n = 179). Anthropometric indicators of nutritional status were analyzed by the indices weight-for-age, height-for-age, BMI-for-age, and weight-for-height.

RESULTS

LBW children showed reduced skinfolds, and weight-for-height when compared to NBW children. Birth weight was positively associated with all anthropometric variables, except for BMI, which was not associated with any other variable. The r2 value ranged from .09 (weight-for-age) to .72 (height-for-age). For body composition variables, older children had higher fat mass (β = .26; 95% CI = 0.05-0.48) and fat-free mass (β = 1.10; 95% CI = 0.71-1.48), and boys had lower fat percentage (β = -3.49; 95% CI = -4.35 to -2.65) and fat mass (β = -.92; 95% CI = -1.31 to -0.55) than girls. Birth weight was also positively associated with fat-free mass.

CONCLUSION

LBW seems to influence some growth indicators of children living in Boane, however, current environmental factors seem to weaken this association. Our results suggest that public policies involving healthy nutrition and physical activity can reverse the effects of low weight in children from Boane.

The impact of poor fetal growth and chronic hyperpalatable diet exposure in adulthood on hippocampal function and feeding patterns in male rats

Poor fetal growth affects eating behavior and the mesocorticolimbic system; however, its influence on the hippocampus has been less explored. Brain insulin sensitivity has been linked to developmental plasticity in response to fetal adversity and to cognitive performance following high-fat diet intake. We investigated whether poor fetal growth and exposure to chronic hyperpalatable food in adulthood could influence the recognition of environmental and food cues, eating behavior patterns, and hippocampal insulin signaling. At 60 days of life, we assigned male offspring from a prenatal animal model of 50% food restriction (FR) to receive either a high-fat and -sugar (HFS) diet or standard chow (CON) diet. Behavioral tests were conducted at 140 days, then tissues were collected. HFS groups showed a diminished hippocampal pAkt/Akt ratio. FR-CON and FR-HFS groups had higher levels of suppressor of cytokine signaling 3, compared to control groups. FR groups showed increased exploration of a novel hyperpalatable food, independent of their diet, and HFS groups exhibited overall lower entropy (less random, more predictable eating behavior) when the environment changed. Poor fetal growth and chronic HFS diet in adulthood altered hippocampal insulin signaling and eating patterns, diminishing the flexibility associated with eating behavior in response to extrinsic changes in food availability in the environment.

Mitochondrial dysfunction and epigenetics underlying the link between early-life nutrition and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

Early-life malnutrition plays a critical role in foetal development and predisposes to metabolic diseases later in life, according to the concept of 'developmental programming'. Different types of early nutritional imbalance, including undernutrition, overnutrition and micronutrient deficiency, have been related to long-term metabolic disorders. Accumulating evidence has demonstrated that disturbances in nutrition during the period of preconception, pregnancy and primary infancy can affect mitochondrial function and epigenetic mechanisms. Moreover, even though multiple mechanisms underlying non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) have been described, in the past years, special attention has been given to mitochondrial dysfunction and epigenetic alterations. Mitochondria play a key role in cellular metabolic functions. Dysfunctional mitochondria contribute to oxidative stress, insulin resistance and inflammation. Epigenetic mechanisms have been related to alterations in genes involved in lipid metabolism, fibrogenesis, inflammation and tumorigenesis. In accordance, studies have reported that mitochondrial dysfunction and epigenetics linked to early-life nutrition can be important contributing factors in the pathogenesis of NAFLD. In this review, we summarise the current understanding of the interplay between mitochondrial dysfunction, epigenetics and nutrition during early life, which is relevant to developmental programming of NAFLD.

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.

Cardiovascular Risk in Pediatrics: A Dynamic Process during the First 1000 Days of Life

The early childhood period, encompassing prenatal and early stages, assumes a pivotal role in shaping cardiovascular risk factors. We conducted a narrative review, presenting a non-systematic summation and analysis of the available literature, focusing on cardiovascular risk from prenatal development to the first 1000 days of life. Elements such as maternal health, genetic predisposition, inadequate fetal nutrition, and rapid postnatal growth contribute to this risk. Specifically, maternal obesity and antibiotic use during pregnancy can influence transgenerational risk factors. Conditions at birth, such as fetal growth restriction and low birth weight, set the stage for potential cardiovascular challenges. To consider cardiovascular risk in early childhood as a dynamic process is useful when adopting a personalized prevention for future healthcare and providing recommendations for management throughout their journey from infancy to early adulthood. A comprehensive approach is paramount in addressing early childhood cardiovascular risks. By targeting critical periods and implementing preventive strategies, healthcare professionals and policymakers can pave the way for improved cardiovascular outcomes. Investing in children's health during their early years holds the key to alleviating the burden of cardiovascular diseases for future generations.

Gut microbiome supplementation as therapy for metabolic syndrome

The gut microbiome is defined as an ecological community of commensal symbiotic and pathogenic microorganisms that exist in our body. Gut microbiome dysbiosis is a condition of dysregulated and disrupted intestinal bacterial homeostasis, and recent evidence has shown that dysbiosis is related to chronic inflammation, insulin resistance, cardiovascular diseases (CVD), type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and obesity. It is well known that obesity, T2DM and CVD are caused or worsened by multiple factors like genetic predisposition, environmental factors, unhealthy high calorie diets, and sedentary lifestyle. However, recent evidence from human and mouse models suggest that the gut microbiome is also an active player in the modulation of metabolic syndrome, a set of risk factors including obesity, hyperglycemia, and dyslipidemia that increase the risk for CVD, T2DM, and other diseases. Current research aims to identify treatments to increase the number of beneficial microbiota in the gut microbiome in order to modulate metabolic syndrome by reducing chronic inflammation and insulin resistance. There is increasing interest in supplements, classified as prebiotics, probiotics, synbiotics, or postbiotics, and their effect on the gut microbiome and metabolic syndrome. In this review article, we have summarized current research on these supplements that are available to improve the abundance of beneficial gut microbiota and to reduce the harmful ones in patients with metabolic syndrome.

The promise of great apes as model organisms for understanding the downstream consequences of early life experiences

Early life experiences have a significant influence on adult health and aging processes in humans. Despite widespread interest in the evolutionary roots of this phenomenon, very little research on this topic has been conducted in humans' closest living relatives, the great apes. The longitudinal data sets that are now available on wild and captive great ape populations hold great promise to clarify the nature, evolutionary function, and mechanisms underlying these connections in species which share key human life history characteristics. Here, we explain features of great ape life history and socioecologies that make them of particular interest for this topic, as well as those that may limit their utility as comparative models; outline the ways in which available data are complementary to and extend the kinds of data that are available for humans; and review what is currently known about the connections among early life experiences, social behavior, and adult physiology and biological fitness in our closest living relatives. We conclude by highlighting key next steps for this emerging area of research.

Integrating evolutionary, developmental and physiological mismatch

Contemporary evolutionary medicine has unified the idea of 'evolutionary mismatch', derived from the older idea of 'adaptive lag' in evolution, with ideas about the mismatch in development and physiology derived from the Developmental Origins of Health and Disease (DOHaD) paradigm. A number of publications in evolutionary medicine have tried to make this theoretical framework explicit. The integrative theory of mismatch captures how organisms track environments across space and time on multiple scales in order to maintain an adaptive match to the environment, and how failures of adaptive tracking lead to disease. In this review, we try to present this complex body of theory as clearly and simply as possible with the aim of facilitating its application in new domains. We introduce terminology, which is as far as possible consistent with earlier usage, to distinguish the different forms of mismatch. Mismatch in its modern form is a productive organizing concept that can help researchers articulate how physiology, development and evolution interact with one another and with environmental change to explain health outcomes.

Does Ketogenic Diet Used in Pregnancy Affect the Nervous System Development in Offspring?─FTIR Microspectroscopy Study

Anti-seizure medications used during pregnancy may have transient or long-lasting impact on the nervous system of the offspring. Therefore, there is a great need to search for alternative therapies for pregnant women suffering from seizures. One of the solutions may be the use of the ketogenic diet (KD), which has been successfully applied as a treatment of drug-resistant epilepsy in children and adults. However, the risks associated with the use of this dietary therapy during pregnancy are unknown and more investigation in this area is needed. To shed some light on this problem, we attempted to determine the potential abnormalities in brain biomolecular composition that may occur in the offspring after the prenatal exposure to KD. To achieve this, the female Wistar rats were, during pregnancy, fed with either ketogenic or standard laboratory diet, and for further studies, their male offspring at 2, 6, or 14 days of age were used. Fourier transform infrared microspectroscopy was applied for topographic and quantitative analysis of main biological macromolecules (proteins, lipids, compounds containing phosphate and carbonyl groups, and cholesterol) in brain samples. Performed chemical mapping and further semi-quantitative and statistical analysis showed that the use of the KD during pregnancy, in general, does not lead to the brain biochemical anomalies in 2 and 6 days old rats. The exception from this rule was increased relative (comparing to proteins) content of compounds containing phosphate groups in white matter and cortex of 2 days old rats exposed prenatally to KD. Greater number of abnormalities was found in brains of the 14 days old offspring of KD-fed mothers. They included the increase of the relative level of compounds containing carbonyl groups (in cortex as well as multiform and molecular cells of the hippocampal formation) as well as the decrease of the relative content of lipids and their structural changes (in white matter). What is more, the surface of the internal capsule (structure of the white matter) determined for this age group was smaller in animals subjected to prenatal KD exposure. The observed changes seem to arise from the elevated exposition to ketone bodies during a fetus life and the disturbance of lipid metabolism after prenatal exposure to the KD. These changes may be also associated with the processes of compensation of mother organism, which slowly began to make up for the deficiencies in carbohydrates postpartum.

Effects of Fetal Growth Restriction on Postnatal Gut Microbiota in a Rat Model

OBJECTIVE

Fetal growth restriction (FGR) indicates increased risks of lifestyle-related diseases in adulthood. Previous studies showed the association between human gut dysbiosis and various diseases. However, reports examining the relationship between FGR and gut microbiota are scarce. Herein, we hypothesized that FGR may cause gut dysbiosis and analyzed the gut microbiota in a FGR rat model by restricting maternal protein intake during pregnancy.

METHODS

The FGR group was developed by feeding pregnant Sprague Dawley rats a diet containing 7% protein until birth. Control rats were fed 21% protein. Fecal samples of 2-11-week-old pups were collected weekly. DNA was extracted from each sample and subjected to polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification and sequencing. Additionally, short-chain fatty acids in the cecum were analyzed at 2 weeks of age, when there were differences in the occupancy of the gut microbiota.

RESULTS

Comparative analysis of the gut microbiota showed differences only at 2 weeks of age. Verrucomicrobia was significantly more abundant in the control group ( q < 0.1), whereas pathogenic bacteria, including Enterococcus and Enterobacteriaceae , tended to increase in the FGR group. The abundance of acetic and butyric acid-producing bacteria also differed between groups. Acetic acid in the cecum was considerably decreased in the FGR group, while butyric acid was increased compared to that in the control group.

CONCLUSIONS

Normalizing the alteration of FGR on postnatal gut microbiota may have beneficial effects for the host, since the FGR group caused gut dysbiosis.

Bioflavonoid luteolin prevents sFlt-1 release via HIF-1α inhibition in cultured human placenta

Preeclampsia (PE) is a serious hypertensive complication of pregnancy and is a leading cause of maternal death and major contributor to maternal and perinatal morbidity, including establishment of long-term complications. The continued prevalence of PE stresses the need for identification of novel treatments which can target prohypertensive factors implicated in the disease pathophysiology, such as soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase 1 (sFlt-1). We set out to identify novel compounds to reduce placental sFlt-1 and determine whether this occurs via hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1α inhibition. We utilized a commercially available library of natural compounds to assess their ability to reduce sFlt-1 release from primary human placental cytotrophoblast cells (CTBs). Human placental explants from normotensive (NT) and preeclamptic (PE) pregnancies were treated with varying concentrations of luteolin. Protein and mRNA expression of sFlt-1 and upstream mediators were evaluated using ELISA, western blot, and real-time PCR. Of the natural compounds examined, luteolin showed the most potent inhibition of sFlt-1 release, with >95% reduction compared to vehicle-treated. Luteolin significantly inhibited sFlt-1 in cultured placental explants compared to vehicle-treated in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Additionally, significant decreases in HIF-1α expression were observed in luteolin-treated explants, suggesting a mechanism for sFlt-1 downregulation. The ability of luteolin to inhibit HIF-1α may be mediated through the Akt pathway, as inhibitors to Akt and its upstream regulator phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase (PI3K) resulted in significant HIF-1α reduction. Luteolin reduces anti-angiogenic sFlt-1 through inhibition of HIF-1α, making it a novel candidate for the treatment of PE.

Birth size, growth trajectory and later cardio-metabolic risk

There is increasing evidence of a strong association between intrauterine growth and subsequent development of chronic disease in adult life. Birth size and growth trajectory have been demonstrated to have an impact on cardio-metabolic health, both in childhood and adult life. Hence, careful observation of the children's growth pattern, starting from the intrauterine period and the first years of life, should be emphasized to detect the possible onset of cardio-metabolic sequelae. This allows to intervene on them as soon as they are detected, first of all through lifestyle interventions, whose efficacy seems to be higher when they are started early. Recent papers suggest that prematurity may constitute an independent risk factor for the development of cardiovascular disease and metabolic syndrome, regardless of birth weight. The purpose of the present review is to examine and summarize the available knowledge about the dynamic association between intrauterine and postnatal growth and cardio-metabolic risk, from childhood to adulthood.

Intergenerational transmission of height in a historical population: From taller mothers to larger offspring at birth (and as adults)

Changes in growth and height reflect changes in nutritional status and health. The systematic surveillance of growth can suggest areas for interventions. Moreover, phenotypic variation has a strong intergenerational component. There is a lack of historical family data that can be used to track the transmission of height over subsequent generations. Maternal height is a proxy for conditions experienced by one generation that relates to the health/growth of future generations. Cross-sectional/cohort studies have shown that shorter maternal height is closely associated with lower birth weight of offspring. We analyzed the maternal height and offspring weight at birth in the maternity hospital in Basel, Switzerland, from 1896 to 1939 (N = ∼12,000) using generalized additive models (GAMs). We observed that average height of the mothers increased by ∼4 cm across 60 birth years and that average birth weight of their children shows a similarly shaped and upward trend 28 years later. Our final model (adjusted for year, parity, sex of the child, gestational age, and maternal birth year) revealed a significant and almost linear association between maternal height and birth weight. Maternal height was the second most important variable modeling birth weight, after gestational age. In addition, we found a significant association between maternal height and aggregated average height of males from the same birth years at time of conscription, 19 years later. Our results have implications for public health: When (female/maternal) height increases due to improved nutritional status, size at birth-and subsequently also the height in adulthood of the next generation-increases as well. However, the directions of development in this regard may currently differ depending on the world region.

Impact of maternal protein restriction on Hypoxia-Inducible Factor (HIF) expression in male fetal kidney development

BACKGROUND

Kidney developmental studies have demonstrated molecular pathway changes that may be related to decreased nephron numbers in the male 17 gestational days (17GD) low protein (LP) intake offspring compared to normal protein intake (NP) progeny. Here, we evaluated the HIF-1 and components of its pathway in the kidneys of 17-GD LP offspring to elucidate the molecular modulations during nephrogenesis.

METHODS

Pregnant Wistar rats were allocated into two groups: NP (regular protein diet-17%) or LP (Low protein diet-6%). Taking into account miRNA transcriptome sequencing previous study (miRNA-Seq) in 17GD male offspring kidneys investigated predicted target genes and proteins related to the HIF-1 pathway by RT-qPCR and immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS

In the present study, in male 17-GD LP offspring, an increased elF4, HSP90, p53, p300, NFκβ, and AT2 gene encoding compared to the NP progeny. Higher labeling of HIF-1α CAP cells in 17-DG LP offspring was associated with reduced elF4 and phosphorylated elF4 immunoreactivity in LP progeny CAP cells. In 17DG LP, the NFκβ and HSP90 immunoreactivity was enhanced, particularly in the CAP area.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

The current study supported that the programmed reduced nephron number in the 17-DG LP offspring may be related to changes in the HIF-1α signaling pathway. Factors that facilitate the transposition of HIF-1α to progenitor renal cell nuclei, such as increased NOS, Ep300, and HSP90 expression, may have a crucial role in this regulatory system. Also, HIF-1α changes could be associated with reduced transcription of elF-4 and its respective signaling path.

The effect of resveratrol in cardio-metabolic disorders during pregnancy and offspring outcomes: a review

Resveratrol supplementation during pregnancy and lactation has been associated with a reduced risk of maternal obesity, gestational diabetes mellitus , and preeclampsia. In addition, emerging evidence has shown that maternal resveratrol supplementation diminishes cardio-metabolic disorders in offspring, highlighting its role in modulating adaptative responses involving phenotypical plasticity. Therefore, it is reasonable to infer that administration of resveratrol during pregnancy and lactation periods could be considered an important nutritional intervention to decrease the risk of maternal and offspring cardio-metabolic disorders. To highlight these new insights, this literature review will summarize the understanding emerging from experimental and clinical studies about resveratrol supplementation and its capacity to prevent or minimize maternal and offspring cardio-metabolic disorders.

Maternal Protein Restriction in Rats Alters Postnatal Growth and Brain Lipid Sensing in Female Offspring

Perinatal nutrition is a key player in the susceptibility to developing metabolic diseases in adulthood, leading to the concept of "metabolic programming". The aim of this study was to assess the impact of maternal protein restriction during gestation and lactation on glucose homeostasis and eating behaviour in female offspring. Pregnant rats were fed a normal or protein-restricted (PR) diet and followed throughout gestation and lactation. Body weight, glucose homeostasis, and eating behaviour were evaluated in offspring, especially in females. Body weight gain was lower in PR dams during lactation only, despite different food and water intakes throughout gestation and lactation. Plasma concentration of leptin, adiponectin and triglycerides increased drastically before delivery in PR dams in relation to fat deposits. Although all pups had identical birth body weight, PR offspring body weight differed from control offspring around postnatal day 10 and remained lower until adulthood. Offspring glucose homeostasis was mildly impacted by maternal PR, although insulin secretion was reduced for PR rats at adulthood. Food intake, satiety response, and cerebral activation were examined after a lipid preload and demonstrated some differences between the two groups of rats. Maternal PR during gestation and lactation does induce extrauterine growth restriction, accompanied by alterations in maternal plasma leptin and adiponectin levels, which may be involved in programming the alterations in eating behaviour observed in females at adulthood.

Transcriptome and morphological analysis on the heart in gestational protein-restricted aging male rat offspring

Background: Adverse factors that influence embryo/fetal development are correlated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), type-2 diabetes, arterial hypertension, obesity, insulin resistance, impaired kidney development, psychiatric disorders, and enhanced susceptibility to oxidative stress and inflammatory processes in adulthood. Human and experimental studies have demonstrated a reciprocal relationship between birthweight and cardiovascular diseases, implying intrauterine adverse events in the onset of these abnormalities. In this way, it is plausible that confirmed functional and morphological heart changes caused by gestational protein restriction could be related to epigenetic effects anticipating cardiovascular disorders and reducing the survival time of these animals.

Methods: Wistar rats were divided into two groups according to the protein diet content offered during the pregnancy: a normal protein diet (NP, 17%) or a Low-protein diet (LP, 6%). The arterial pressure was measured, and the cardiac mass, cardiomyocytes area, gene expression, collagen content, and immunostaining of proteins were performed in the cardiac tissue of male 62-weeks old NP compared to LP offspring.

Results: In the current study, we showed a low birthweight followed by catch-up growth phenomena associated with high blood pressure development, increased heart collagen content, and cardiomyocyte area in 62-week-old LP offspring. mRNA sequencing analysis identified changes in the expression level of 137 genes, considering genes with a p-value &lt; 0.05. No gene was. Significantly changed according to the adj-p-value. After gene-to-gene biological evaluation and relevance, the study demonstrated significant differences in genes linked to inflammatory activity, oxidative stress, apoptosis process, autophagy, hypertrophy, and fibrosis pathways resulting in heart function disorders.

Conclusion: The present study suggests that gestational protein restriction leads to early cardiac diseases in the LP progeny. It is hypothesized that heart dysfunction is associated with fibrosis, myocyte hypertrophy, and multiple abnormal gene expression. Considering the above findings, it may suppose a close link between maternal protein restriction, specific gene expression, and progressive heart failure.

Transcriptomic responses are sex-dependent in the skeletal muscle and liver in offspring of obese mice

Infants born to obese mothers are more likely to develop metabolic disease, including glucose intolerance and hepatic steatosis, in adult life. We examined the effects of maternal obesity on the transcriptome of skeletal muscle and liver tissues of the near-term fetus and 3-mo-old offspring in mice born to dams fed a high-fat and -sugar diet. Previously, we have shown that male, but not female, offspring develop glucose intolerance, insulin resistance, and liver steatosis at 3 mo old. Female C57BL6/J mice were fed normal chow or an obesogenic high-calorie diet before mating and throughout pregnancy. RNAseq was performed on the liver and gastrocnemius muscle following collection from fetuses on embryonic day 18.5 (E18.5) as well as from 3-mo-old offspring from obese dams and control dams. Significant genes were generated for each sex, queried for enrichment, and modeled to canonical pathways. RNAseq was corroborated by protein quantification in offspring. The transcriptomic response to maternal obesity in the liver was more marked in males than females. However, in both male and female offspring of obese dams, we found significant enrichment for fatty acid metabolism, mitochondrial transport, and oxidative stress in the liver transcriptomes as well as decreased protein concentrations of electron transport chain members. In skeletal muscle, pathway analysis of gene expression revealed sexual dimorphic patterns, including metabolic processes of fatty acids and glucose, as well as PPAR, AMPK, and PI3K-Akt signaling pathways. Transcriptomic responses to maternal obesity in skeletal muscle were more marked in female offspring than males. Female offspring had greater expression of genes associated with glucose uptake, and protein abundance reflected greater activation of mTOR signaling. Skeletal muscle and livers in mice born to obese dams had sexually dimorphic transcriptomic responses that changed from the fetus to the adult offspring. These data provide insights into mechanisms underpinning metabolic programming in maternal obesity.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Transcriptomic data support that fetuses of obese mothers modulate metabolism in both muscle and liver. These changes were strikingly sexually dimorphic in agreement with published findings that male offspring of obese dams exhibit pronounced metabolic disease earlier. In both males and females, the transcriptomic responses in the fetus were different than those at 3 mo, implicating adaptive mechanisms throughout adulthood.

Intrauterine malnutrition disrupts leptin and ghrelin milk hormones, programming rats

Herein, we assessed milk hormones, the biochemical composition of milk, and its association with neonatal body weight gain and metabolic homeostasis in weaned rats whose mothers were undernourished in the last third of pregnancy. From the 14th day of pregnancy until delivery, undernourished mothers had their food restricted by 50% (FR50), whereas control mothers were fed ad libitum. The litter size was adjusted to eight pups, and rats were weaned at 22 days old. Milk and blood from mothers, as well as blood and tissues from pups, were collected for further analyses. At birth, FR50 pups were smaller than control pups, and they exhibited hyperphagia and rapid catch-up growth during the suckling period. On day 12, the milk from FR50 mothers had higher energy content, glucose, total cholesterol, triglycerides, and acylated ghrelin but lower leptin and corticosterone levels. Interestingly, FR50 mothers were hypoglycemic and hyperleptinemic at the end of the nursing period. Weaned FR50 pups had an obese phenotype and exhibited insulin resistance, which was associated with hyperglycemia and hypertriglyceridemia; they also had high blood levels of total cholesterol, leptin, and acylated ghrelin. In addition, the protein expression of growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHSR) in the hypothalamus was increased by almost 4-fold in FR50 pups. In summary, maternal calorie restriction during the last third of pregnancy disrupts energy and metabolic hormones in milk, induces pup hyperleptinemia and hyperghrelinemia, and upregulates their hypothalamic GHSR, thus suggesting that the hypothalamic neuroendocrine circuitry may be working to address the early onset of obesity.

Evidence for Quercetin as a Dietary Supplement for the Treatment of Cardio-Metabolic Diseases in Pregnancy: A Review in Rodent Models

Quercetin supplementation during pregnancy and lactation has been linked to a lower risk of maternal cardio-metabolic disorders such as gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), dyslipidemia, preeclampsia, attenuation of malnutrition-related conditions, and gestational obesity in animal studies. Pre-clinical studies have shown that maternal supplementation with quercetin reduces cardio-metabolic diseases in dams and rodents’ offspring, emphasizing its role in modifying phenotypic plasticity. In this sense, it could be inferred that quercetin administration during pregnancy and lactation is a viable strategy for changing cardio-metabolic parameters throughout life. Epigenetic mechanisms affecting the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), and phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3 K) pathways could be associated with these changes. To highlight these discoveries, this review outlines the understanding from animal studies investigations about quercetin supplementation and its capacity to prevent or decrease maternal and offspring cardio-metabolic illnesses and associated comorbidities.

A High-Fat Diet Modifies Brain Neurotransmitter Profile and Hippocampal Proteome and Morphology in an IUGR Pig Model

Intrauterine Growth Restriction (IUGR) hinders the correct growth of the fetus during pregnancy due to the lack of oxygen or nutrients. The developing fetus gives priority to brain development ("brain sparing"), but the risk exists of neurological and cognitive deficits at short or long term. On the other hand, diets rich in fat exert pernicious effects on brain function. Using a pig model of spontaneous IUGR, we have studied the effect on the adult of a long-term high-fat diet (HFD) on the neurotransmitter profile in several brain areas, and the morphology and the proteome of the hippocampus. Our hypothesis was that animals affected by IUGR (born with low birth weight) would present a different susceptibility to an HFD when they become adults, compared with normal birth-weight animals. Our results indicate that HFD affected the serotoninergic pathway, but it did not provoke relevant changes in the morphology of the hippocampus. Finally, the proteomic analysis revealed that, in some instances, NBW and LBW individuals respond to HFD in different ways. In particular, NBW animals presented changes in oxidative phosphorylation and the extracellular matrix, whereas LBW animals presented differences in RNA splicing, anterograde and retrograde transport and the mTOR pathway.

Sex-dependent differential transcript expression in the placenta of growth restricted infants

INTRODUCTION

The pathological decrease of fetal growth during gestation can lead to subsequent poor health outcomes for the fetus. This process is commonly controlled by the placenta, the interface between mother and baby during gestation. Sex-specific gene expression has been implicated in placental function, therefore, there is a need to determine if it is important during reduced fetal growth. We therefore aimed to characterise placental gene expression at term to evaluate sex-specific genetic changes that occur in small for gestational age (SGA) infants.

METHODS

RNA-sequencing of twelve human placental tissue samples collected from pregnancies yielding either term appropriate for gestational age (AGA) or SGA infants identified at delivery. Candidate genes associated with fetal size and fetal sex were identified using differential gene expression and weighted gene co-expression network analyses. Single-cell sequencing data was used for candidate validation and to estimate candidate transcript expression in specific placental cell populations.

RESULTS

Differential gene expression and weighted gene co-expression network analyses identified 403 candidate transcripts associated with SGA infants. One hundred and three of these transcripts showed sex-specific expression. . Published placental sequencing datasets were used to validate the key expression results from the twelve placental samples initially studied; the sex-independent transcript expression for genes involved in cell cycle processes in males (7 transcripts) and endoplasmic reticulum stress in females (17 transcripts).

DISCUSSION

This study identified the activation of multiple molecular mechanisms involved in the placental response to an adverse environmental stressor. Mechanisms such as disrupted protein synthesis were shared between infant biological sex when comparing AGA to SGA, whilst other pathways such as cell cycle and endoplasmic reticulum stress appear as independent/specific to either males or females when investigating reduced fetal growth. This data suggests that sexual dimorphism is an important consideration when examining placental dysfunction and poor fetal growth.

Aberrant inflammation in rat pregnancy leads to cardiometabolic alterations in their offspring and intrauterine growth restriction in the F2 generation

Children of women with pre-eclampsia have increased risk of cardiovascular (CV) and metabolic disease in adult life. Furthermore, the risk of pregnancy complications is higher in daughters born to women affected by pre-eclampsia than in daughters born after uncomplicated pregnancies. While aberrant inflammation contributes to the pathophysiology of pregnancy complications, including pre-eclampsia, the contribution of maternal inflammation to subsequent risk of CV and metabolic disease as well as pregnancy complications in the offspring remains unclear. Here, we demonstrate that 24-week-old female rats (F1) born to dams (F0) exposed to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) during pregnancy (to induce inflammation) exhibited mild systolic dysfunction, increased cardiac growth-related gene expression, altered glucose tolerance, and coagulopathy; whereas male F1 offspring exhibited altered glucose tolerance and increased visceral fat accumulation compared with F1 sex-matched offspring born to saline-treated dams. Both male and female F1 offspring born to LPS-treated dams had evidence of anemia. Fetuses (F2) from F1 females born to LPS-treated dams were growth restricted, and this reduction in fetal growth was associated with increased CD68 positivity (indicative of macrophage presence) and decreased expression of glucose transporter-1 in their utero-placental units. These results indicate that abnormal maternal inflammation can contribute to increased risk of CV and metabolic disease in the offspring, and that the effects of inflammation may cross generations. Our findings provide evidence in support of early screening for CV and metabolic disease, as well as pregnancy complications in offspring affected by pre-eclampsia or other pregnancy complications associated with aberrant inflammation.

Adverse weather during in utero development is linked to higher rates of later-life herpesvirus reactivation in adult European badgers, Meles meles

Maternal immune and/or metabolic conditions relating to stress or nutritional status can affect in utero development among offspring with subsequent implications for later-life responses to infections. We used free-ranging European badgers as a host-pathogen model to investigate how prenatal weather conditions affect later-life herpesvirus genital tract reactivation. We applied a sliding window analysis of weather conditions to 164 samples collected in 2018 from 95 individuals born between 2005-2016. We test if the monthly mean and variation in rainfall and temperature experienced by their mother during the 12 months of delayed implantation and gestation prior to parturition subsequently affected individual herpes reactivation rates among these offspring. We identified four influential prenatal seasonal weather windows that corresponded with previously identified critical climatic conditions affecting badger survival, fecundity and body condition. These all occurred during the pre-implantation rather than the post-implantation period. We conclude that environmental cues during the in utero period of delayed implantation may result in changes that affect an individual's developmental programming against infection or viral reactivation later in life. This illustrates how prenatal adversity caused by environmental factors, such as climate change, can impact wildlife health and population dynamics-an interaction largely overlooked in wildlife management and conservation programmes.

Resistance to glycation in the zebra finch: Mass spectrometry-based analysis and its perspectives for evolutionary studies of aging

In humans, hyperglycemia is associated with protein glycation, which may contribute to aging. Strikingly, birds usually outlive mammals of the same body mass, while exhibiting high plasma glucose levels. However, how birds succeed in escaping pro-aging effects of glycation remains unknown. Using a specific mass spectrometry-based approach in captive zebra finches of known age, we recorded high glycaemia values but no glycated hemoglobin form was found. Still, we showed that zebra finch hemoglobin can be glycated in vitro, albeit only to a limited extent compared to its human homologue. This may be due to peculiar structural features, as supported by the unusual presence of three different tetramer populations with balanced proportions and a still bound cofactor that could be inositol pentaphosphate. High levels of the glycated forms of zebra finch plasma serotransferrin, carbonic anhydrase 2, and albumin were measured. Glucose, age or body mass correlations with either plasma glycated proteins or hemoglobin isoforms suggest that those variables may be future molecular tools of choice to monitor glycation and its link with individual fitness. Our molecular advance may help determine how evolution succeeded in associating flying ability, high blood glucose and long lifespan in birds.

In Silico Predictions on the Productive Life Span and Theory of Its Developmental Origin in Dairy Cows

Simple Summary

Dairy cows are susceptible to a range of welfare factors, which lead to worsening health problems and shorten their productive life span. The health and welfare status of dairy cows could be improved if unwanted abnormalities and risk factors are detected in a timely manner, i.e., before diseases start to occur. Therefore, in addition to veterinary monitoring, quantitative parameters are necessary to predict the risks of early culling of cows. In the study of the age dynamics of culling rate in dairy cow populations, it was found that the average productive life span can be predicted by registration of the reciprocal relative disposal rate (culling for sum of reasons + death). This indicator represents the viability index, which has a maximal value at the first lactation and decreases in subsequent lactations with an inverse exponential trend. According to available scientific information, the structural prerequisites for this index are laid down during prenatal development and in the early periods of postnatal life; therefore, it is necessary to create a system of continuous monitoring of the physiological status of mothers and young animals.

Abstract

Animal welfare includes health but also concerns the need for natural factors that contribute to the increase in viability. Therefore, quantitative parameters are necessary to predict the risks of early culling of cows. In the study of the age dynamics of the disposal rate (culling for sum of reasons + death) in dairy cow populations, it was found that the average productive life span can be predicted by the value of the reciprocal culling/death rate (reciprocal value of Gompertz function) at the first lactation. This means that this potential of viability is formed during the developmental periods preceding the onset of lactation activity. Therefore, taking into account current data in the field of developmental biology, it can be assumed that the structural prerequisites for viability potential are laid down during prenatal development and in the early periods of postnatal life. To prevent unfavorable deviations in these processes due to negative welfare effects, it is advisable to monitor the physiological status of mothers and young animals using biosensors and Big Data systems.

Maternal age and maternal environment affect egg composition, yolk testosterone, offspring growth and behaviour in laying hens

Maternal effects have been reported to alter offspring phenotype in laying hens. In this study, we investigated the effects of maternal environment and maternal age on egg traits and offspring development and behaviour. For this, we ran two experiments. First (E1), commercial hybrid hens were reared either in aviary or barren brooding cages, then housed in aviary, conventional cages or furnished (enriched) cages, thus forming different maternal housing treatments. Hens from each treatment were inseminated at three ages, and measures of egg composition, yolk testosterone concentration and offspring’s development, anxiety and fearfulness were assessed. In experiment 2 (E2), maternal age effects on offspring's growth and behaviour were further investigated using fertile eggs from commercial breeder flocks at three different ages. Results from E1 showed that Old hens laid heavier eggs with less yolk testosterone and produced offspring with fewer indicators of anxiety and fearfulness. Maternal rearing and housing affected egg traits, offspring weight and behaviour, but not in a consistent way. Effects of maternal age were not replicated in E2, possibly due to differences in management or higher tolerance to maternal effects in commercial breeders. Overall, our research confirms that maternal age and maternal environment affects egg composition, with maternal age specifically affecting yolk testosterone concentration, which may mediate physical and behavioural effects in offspring.

Therapeutic advances in overcoming intrauterine growth restriction induced metabolic syndrome

Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) remains a great public health challenge as it affects neonatal survival and influences their normal biological development and metabolism. Several clinical researches have revealed the occurrence of metabolic syndrome, such as insulin resistance, obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus, oxidative stress, dyslipidemia, as direct results of IUGR. Therefore, it is essential to understand its underlying mechanism, impact and develop effective therapies. The purpose of this work is to review the current knowledge on IUGR induced metabolic syndrome and relevant therapies. Here in, we elaborate on the characteristics and causes of IUGR by pointing out recent research findings. Furthermore, we discuss the impact of IUGR on different organs of the body, followed by preclinical studies on IUGR using suitable animal models. Additionally, various metabolic disorders with their genetic implications, such as insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, obesity are detailed. Finally, the current therapeutic options used in the treatment of IUGR are summarized with some prospective therapies highlighted.

Birth Weight Is Associated With Kidney Size in Middle-Aged Women

Introduction

Low birth weight (LBW) is associated with increased risk of kidney disease due to lower nephron endowment leading to hyperfiltration and subsequent nephron loss. Kidney size is commonly used as a proxy for nephron number. We compared kidney volume measured by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with measured glomerular filtration rate (mGFR) in adults with either normal birth weight (NBW) or low birth weight (LBW).

Methods

Healthy individuals aged 42 to 52 years with LBW (1100−2300 g) and NBW (3500 −4000 g) were invited to participate. The GFR was measured using plasma clearance of iohexol. Kidney volume was measured on magnetic resonance images using axial T2 images and coronal T1 images with fat saturation without contrast enhancement; calculations were performed according to the ellipsoid formula π/6 × length × width × depth.

Results

We included 102 individuals (54 LBW and 48 NBW). Total kidney volume was 302 ± 51 ml for female NBW vs 258 ± 48 ml for female LBW individuals (P = 0.002). For male individuals, total kidney volume was 347 ± 51 ml vs. 340 ± 65 ml (P = 0.7). The mGFR was significantly associated with kidney volume, with r = 0.52 (P < 0.001) for women and r = 0.39 (P = 0.007) for men. A mediation analysis showed that the association between birth weight and mGFR (significant in total sample and women) was mediated by kidney volume.

Conclusion

Healthy female individuals born with LBW have smaller kidneys than healthy females born with NBW. The previously shown associations between LBW and lower mGFR in adult women might be explained by smaller kidney volume.

Mechanistic Target of Rapamycin Complex 2 Regulation of the Primary Human Trophoblast Cell Transcriptome

Mechanistic Target of Rapamycin Complex 2 (mTORC2) regulates placental amino acid and folate transport. However, the role of mTORC2 in modulating other placental functions is largely unexplored. We used a gene array following the silencing of rictor to identify genes regulated by mTORC2 in primary human trophoblast (PHT) cells. Four hundred and nine genes were differentially expressed; 102 genes were down-regulated and 307 up-regulated. Pathway analyses demonstrated that inhibition of mTORC2 resulted in increased expression of genes encoding for pro-inflammatory IL-6, VEGF-A, leptin, and inflammatory signaling (SAPK/JNK). Furthermore, down-regulated genes were functionally enriched in genes involved in angiogenesis (Osteopontin) and multivitamin transport (SLC5A6). In addition, the protein expression of leptin, VEGFA, IL-6 was increased and negatively correlated to mTORC2 signaling in human placentas collected from pregnancies complicated by intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). In contrast, the protein expression of Osteopontin and SLC5A6 was decreased and positively correlated to mTORC2 signaling in human IUGR placentas. In conclusion, mTORC2 signaling regulates trophoblast expression of genes involved in inflammation, micronutrient transport, and angiogenesis, representing novel links between mTOR signaling and multiple placental functions necessary for fetal growth and development.

Early-Life Origins of Metabolic Syndrome: Mechanisms and Preventive Aspects

One of the leading global public-health burdens is metabolic syndrome (MetS), despite the many advances in pharmacotherapies. MetS, now known as "developmental origins of health and disease" (DOHaD), can have its origins in early life. Offspring MetS can be programmed by various adverse early-life conditions, such as nutrition imbalance, maternal conditions or diseases, maternal chemical exposure, and medication use. Conversely, early interventions have shown potential to revoke programming processes to prevent MetS of developmental origins, namely reprogramming. In this review, we summarize what is currently known about adverse environmental insults implicated in MetS of developmental origins, including the fundamental underlying mechanisms. We also describe animal models that have been developed to study the developmental programming of MetS. This review extends previous research reviews by addressing implementation of reprogramming strategies to prevent the programming of MetS. These mechanism-targeted strategies include antioxidants, melatonin, resveratrol, probiotics/prebiotics, and amino acids. Much work remains to be accomplished to determine the insults that could induce MetS, to identify the mechanisms behind MetS programming, and to develop potential reprogramming strategies for clinical translation.

Delayed parenthood and its influence on offspring health: What have we learned from the mouse model

Delayed parenthood is constantly increasing worldwide due to various socio-economic factors. In the last decade, a growing number of epidemiological studies have suggested a link between advanced parental age and an increased risk of diseases in the offspring. Also, poor reproductive outcome has been described in pregnancies conceived by aged parents. Similarly, animal studies showed that aging negatively affects gametes, early embryonic development, pregnancy progression and the postnatal phenotype of resulting offspring. However, how and to what extent parental age is a risk factor for the health of future generations is still subject to debate. Notwithstanding the limitation of an animal model, the mouse model represents a useful tool to understand not only the influence of parental age on offspring phenotype but also the biological mechanisms underlying the poor reproductive outcome and the occurrence of diseases in the descendants. The present review aims at i) providing an overview of the current knowledge from mouse model about the risks associated with conception at advanced age (e.g. neurodevelopmental and metabolic disorders), ii) highlighting the candidate biological mechanisms underlying this phenomenon, and iii) discussing on how murine-derived data can be relevant to humans.

Metabolic programming in offspring of mice fed fructose during pregnancy and lactation

Fructose (C6H12O6), also known as levulose, is a hexose. Chronic consumption of fructose may be associated with increased intrahepatic fat concentration and the development of insulin resistance as well as an increase in the prevalence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and hyperlipidemia during pregnancy. Despite the existence of many studies regarding the consumption of fructose in pregnancy, its effects on fetuses have not yet been fully elucidated. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the genetic and biochemical effects in offspring (male and female) of female mice treated with fructose during pregnancy and lactation. Pairs of 60-day-old Swiss mice were used and divided into three groups; negative control and fructose, 10%/l and 20%/l doses of fructose groups. After offspring birth, the animals were divided into six groups: P1 and P2 (males and females), water; P3 and P4 (males and females) fructose 10%/l; and P5 and P6 (males and females) fructose 20%/l. At 30 days of age, the animals were euthanized for genetic and biochemical assessments. Female and male offspring from both dosage groups demonstrated genotoxicity (evaluated through comet assay) and oxidative stress (evaluated through nitrite concentration, sulfhydril content and superoxide dismutase activity) in peripheral and brain tissues. In addition, they showed nutritional and metabolic changes due to the increase in food consumption, hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia, and metabolic syndrome. Therefore, it is suggested that high consumption of fructose by pregnant female is harmful to their offspring. Thus, it is important to carry out further studies and make pregnant women aware of excessive fructose consumption during this period.

Maternal age and maternal environment affect stress reactivity and measures of social behaviour in laying hens

Maternal effects can shape the phenotypes of offspring, but the extent to which a layer breeder's experience can affect commercial laying hens remains unclear. We aimed to investigate the effects of maternal age and maternal environment on laying hens' behaviour and stress response. In our first experiment (E1), commercial hybrid hens were reared either in aviary or barren brooding cages, then housed in aviary, conventional cages or furnished (enriched) cages, thus forming different maternal housing treatments. Hens from each treatment were inseminated at three ages, and measures of response to manual restraint and social stress were assessed in offspring. In experiment 2 (E2), maternal age effects on offsprings' stress response were further investigated using fertile eggs from commercial breeder flocks at three ages. In E1, maternal age affected struggling and corticosterone during manual restraint, feather pecking and pulling and comb wounds. Additionally, maternal rearing and housing in aviary systems showed positive effects on measures of behaviour and stress response in offspring. Effects of maternal age were not replicated in E2, possibly due to methodological differences or higher tolerance to maternal effects in commercial breeders. Overall, we recommend researchers report parent stock age to increase comparison across studies and thus our understanding of maternal age effects.

Food restriction during development delays puberty but does not affect adult seasonal reproductive responses to food availability in Siberian hamsters (Phodopus sungorus)

Seasonally breeding animals respond to environmental cues to determine optimal conditions for reproduction. Siberian hamsters (Phodopus sungorus) primarily rely on photoperiod as a predictive cue of future energy availability. When raised in long-day photoperiods (>14 h light), supplemental cues such as food availability typically do not trigger the seasonal reproductive response of gonadal regression, which curtails reproduction in unsuitable environments. We investigated whether recognition of food availability as a cue could be altered by a nutritional challenge during development. Specifically, we predicted that hamsters receiving restricted food during development would be sensitized to food restriction (FR) as adults and undergo gonadal regression in response. Male and female hamsters were given either ad libitum (AL) food or FR from weaning until d60. The FR treatment predictably limited growth and delayed puberty in both sexes. For 5 weeks after d60, all hamsters received an AL diet to allow FR hamsters to gain mass equal to AL hamsters. Then, adult hamsters of both juvenile groups received either AL or FR for 6 weeks. Juvenile FR had lasting impacts on adult male body mass and food intake. Adult FR females exhibited decreased estrous cycling and uterine horn mass indiscriminately of juvenile food treatment, but there was little effect on male reproductive measurements. Overall, we observed a delay in puberty in response to postweaning FR, but this delay appeared not to affect seasonal reproductive responses in the long term. These findings increase our understanding of seasonal reproductive responses in a relevant environmental context.

Mismatch between obesogenic intrauterine environment and low-fat postnatal diet may confer offspring metabolic advantage

OBJECTIVE

Mismatch between a depleted intrauterine environment and a substrate-rich postnatal environment confers an increased risk of offspring obesity and metabolic syndrome. Maternal diet-induced obesity (MATOB) is associated with the same outcomes. These experiments tested the hypothesis that a mismatch between a nutrient-rich intrauterine environment and a low-fat postnatal environment would ameliorate offspring metabolic morbidity.

METHODS

C57BL6/J female mice were fed either a 60% high-fat diet (HFD) or a 10% fat control diet (CD) for 14-week pre-breeding and during pregnancy/lactation. Offspring were weaned to CD. Weight was evaluated weekly; body composition was determined using EchoMRI. Serum fasting lipids and glucose and insulin tolerance tests were performed. Metabolic rate, locomotor, and sleep behavior were evaluated with indirect calorimetry.

RESULTS

MATOB-exposed/CD-weaned offspring of both sexes had improved glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity compared to controls. Males had improved fasting lipids. Females had significantly increased weight and body fat percentage in adulthood compared to sex-matched controls. Females also had significantly increased sleep duration and reduced locomotor activity compared to males.

CONCLUSIONS

Reduced-fat dietary switch following intrauterine and lactational exposure to MATOB was associated with improved glucose handling and lipid profiles in adult offspring, more pronounced in males. A mismatch between a high-fat prenatal and low-fat postnatal environment may confer a metabolic advantage. The amelioration of deleterious metabolic programming by strict offspring adherence to a low-fat diet may have translational potential.

Prenatal and Early Postnatal Behavioural Programming in Laying Hens, With Possible Implications for the Development of Injurious Pecking

Injurious pecking (IP) represents a serious concern for the welfare of laying hens (Gallus gallus domesticus). The risk of IP among hens with intact beaks in cage-free housing prompts a need for solutions based on an understanding of underlying mechanisms. In this review, we explore how behavioural programming via prenatal and early postnatal environmental conditions could influence the development of IP in laying hens. The possible roles of early life adversity and mismatch between early life programming and subsequent environmental conditions are considered. We review the role of maternal stress, egg conditions, incubation settings (temperature, light, sound, odour) and chick brooding conditions on behavioural programming that could be linked to IP. Brain and behavioural development can be programmed by prenatal and postnatal environmental conditions, which if suboptimal could lead to a tendency to develop IP later in life, as we illustrate with a Jenga tower that could fall over if not built solidly. If so, steps taken to optimise the environmental conditions of previous generations and incubation conditions, reduce stress around hatching, and guide the early learning of chicks will aid in prevention of IP in commercial laying hen flocks.

Effect of perinatal administration of flavonoid-rich extract from Hibiscus sabdariffa to feed-restricted rats, on offspring postnatal growth and reproductive development

Developmental programming is a process where stimulus or insult acting during critical periods of growth and development might permanently alter tissue anatomy and physiology so as to produce adverse effects in adult life. Most forms of exposure include maternal nutrient deprivation, nutrient excess, exogenous glucocorticoid excess and endogenous glucocorticoid due to maternal stress. Hibiscus sabdariffa (Hs) are highly rich in phenolic compounds with marked physiological activities, the sweetened aqueous extract of Hs, commonly known as “Zobo’ in Nigeria, is consumed by humans including pregnant and lactating mothers. This study aimed at determining effects of perinatal administration of flavonoid-rich extract from Hs to feed-restricted rats, on offspring postnatal growth and reproductive development. Twenty-five pregnant female rats were used. Rats were randomly placed into five groups of five rats per group (one animal per cage): Group I (Normal control); Group II (feed-restricted control); Group III (5 mg/kg extract + 70% feed-restricted diet); Group IV (10 mg/kg extract + 70% feed-restricted diet); Group V (20 mg/kg extract + 70% feed-restricted diet). Dams were allowed to nurse only 8 pups. Pups were weaned to ad libitum feed and water and were observed daily for puberty onset. Weights, lengths and body mass index (BMI) of pups were measured at delivery, weaning and puberty onset. At onset of puberty in each of the rats, blood samples were collected for determination of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), estradiol and testosterone. Reproductive organs were excised and weighed for histology. The extract caused significant increase in postnatal weight, length and BMI of offspring at birth, weaning and puberty onset and significantly delayed puberty onset in both sexes. There was significant increase in absolute and relative weights of testes and ovaries with alterations in histology. This study has shown that maternal consumption of flavonoid-rich extract of Hs during pregnancy and lactation may accelerate offspring postnatal growth with delay in onset of puberty.

Analysis of Both Lipid Metabolism and Endocannabinoid Signaling Reveals a New Role for Hypothalamic Astrocytes in Maternal Caloric Restriction-Induced Perinatal Programming

Maternal malnutrition in critical periods of development increases the risk of developing short- and long-term diseases in the offspring. The alterations induced by this nutritional programming in the hypothalamus of the offspring are of special relevance due to its role in energy homeostasis, especially in the endocannabinoid system (ECS), which is involved in metabolic functions. Since astrocytes are essential for neuronal energy efficiency and are implicated in brain endocannabinoid signaling, here we have used a rat model to investigate whether a moderate caloric restriction (R) spanning from two weeks prior to the start of gestation to its end induced changes in offspring hypothalamic (a) ECS, (b) lipid metabolism (LM) and/or (c) hypothalamic astrocytes. Monitorization was performed by analyzing both the gene and protein expression of proteins involved in LM and ECS signaling. Offspring born from caloric-restricted mothers presented hypothalamic alterations in both the main enzymes involved in LM and endocannabinoids synthesis/degradation. Furthermore, most of these changes were similar to those observed in hypothalamic offspring astrocytes in culture. In conclusion, a maternal low caloric intake altered LM and ECS in both the hypothalamus and its astrocytes, pointing to these glial cells as responsible for a large part of the alterations seen in the total hypothalamus and suggesting a high degree of involvement of astrocytes in nutritional programming.

Placental endocrine insufficiency programs anxiety, deficits in cognition and atypical social behaviour in offspring

Abnormally elevated expression of the imprinted PHLDA2 gene has been reported in the placenta of human babies that are growth restricted in utero in several studies. We previously modelled this gene alteration in mice and found that just 2-fold increased expression of Phlda2 resulted in placental endocrine insufficiency. In addition, elevated Phlda2 was found to drive fetal growth restriction (FGR) of transgenic offspring and impaired maternal care by their wildtype mothers. Being born small and being exposed to suboptimal maternal care have both been associated with the increased risk of mental health disorders in human populations. In the current study we probed behavioural consequences of elevated Phlda2 for the offspring. We discovered increased anxiety-like behaviours, deficits in cognition and atypical social behaviours, with the greatest impact on male offspring. Subsequent analysis revealed alterations in the transcriptome of the adult offspring hippocampus, hypothalamus and amygdala, regions consistent with these behavioural observations. The inclusion of a group of fully wildtype controls raised in a normal maternal environment allowed us to attribute behavioural and molecular alterations to the adverse maternal environment induced by placental endocrine insufficiency rather than the specific gene change of elevated Phlda2. Our work demonstrates that a highly common alteration reported in human FGR is associated with negative behavioural outcomes later in life. Importantly, we also establish the experimental paradigm that placental endocrine insufficiency can program atypical behaviour in offspring highlighting the under-appreciated role of placental endocrine insufficiency in driving disorders of later life behaviour.

Praegnatio Perturbatio-Impact of Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals

The burden of adverse pregnancy outcomes such as preterm birth and low birth weight is considerable across the world. Several risk factors for adverse pregnancy outcomes have been identified. One risk factor for adverse pregnancy outcomes receiving considerable attention in recent years is gestational exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs). Humans are exposed to a multitude of environmental chemicals with known endocrine-disrupting properties, and evidence suggests exposure to these EDCs have the potential to disrupt the maternal-fetal environment culminating in adverse pregnancy and birth outcomes. This review addresses the impact of maternal and fetal exposure to environmental EDCs of natural and man-made chemicals in disrupting the maternal-fetal milieu in human leading to adverse pregnancy and birth outcomes-a risk factor for adult-onset noncommunicable diseases, the role lifestyle and environmental factors play in mitigating or amplifying the effects of EDCs, the underlying mechanisms and mediators involved, and the research directions on which to focus future investigations to help alleviate the adverse effects of EDC exposure.

Gestational high-fat diet impaired demethylation of Pparα and induced obesity of offspring

Gestational and postpartum high‐fat diets (HFDs) have been implicated as causes of obesity in offspring in later life. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of gestational and/or postpartum HFD on obesity in offspring. We established a mouse model of HFD exposure that included gestation, lactation and post‐weaning periods. We found that gestation was the most sensitive period, as the administration of a HFD impaired lipid metabolism, especially fatty acid oxidation in both foetal and adult mice, and caused obesity in offspring. Mechanistically, the DNA hypermethylation level of the nuclear receptor, peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor‐α (Pparα), and the decreased mRNA levels of ten‐eleven translocation 1 (Tet1) and/or ten‐eleven translocation 2 (Tet2) were detected in the livers of foetal and adult offspring from mothers given a HFD during gestation, which was also associated with low Pparα expression in hepatic cells. We speculated that the hypermethylation of Pparα resulted from the decreased Tet1/2 expression in mothers given a HFD during gestation, thereby causing lipid metabolism disorders and obesity. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that a HFD during gestation exerts long‐term effects on the health of offspring via the DNA demethylation of Pparα, thereby highlighting the importance of the gestational period in regulating epigenetic mechanisms involved in metabolism.