Medium-chain TAG improve energy metabolism and mitochondrial biogenesis in the liver of intra-uterine growth-retarded and normal-birth-weight weanling piglets

Restored intestinal integrity, nutrients transporters, energy metabolism, antioxidative capacity and decreased harmful microbiota were associated with IUGR piglet's catch-up growth before weanling

BACKGROUND

Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is a major inducer of higher morbidity and mortality in the pig industry and catch-up growth (CUG) before weanling could significantly restore this negative influence. But there was limited knowledge about the underlying mechanism of CUG occurrence.

METHODS

Eighty litters of newborn piglets were divided into normal birth weight (NBW) and IUGR groups according to birth weight. At 26 d, those piglets with IUGR but over average body weight of eighty litters of weaned piglets were considered as CUG, and the piglets with IUGR still below average body weight were considered as NCUG. This study was conducted to systemically compare the intestinal difference among NBW, CUG and NCUG weaned piglets considering the crucial role of the intestine for piglet growth.

RESULTS

The results indicated that the mRNA expression of nutrients (amino acids, glucose, and fatty acids) transporters, and mitochondrial electron transport chain (ETC) I were upregulated in CUG piglets' gut with improved morphology compared with those NCUG, as well as the ratio of P-AMPK/AMPK protein expression which is the indicator of energy metabolism. Meanwhile, CUG piglet's gut showed higher antioxidative capacity with increased SOD and GSH-Px activity, decreased MDA levels, as well as higher mRNA expressions of Nrf2, Keap1, SOD, and GSH-Px. Furthermore, inflammatory parameters including TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-12 factors, and the activation of MAPK and NF-κB signaling pathways were significantly elevated in the NCUG intestine, while the protein expression of ZO-1, Occludin and Claudin-1 was reduced. The alpha diversity of fecal microbiota was higher in CUG piglets in contrast with NCUG piglets, and the increased beneficial bacteria and decreased pathogenic bacteria was also observed in CUG piglets.

CONCLUSIONS

CUG piglet's intestine showed comprehensive restoration including higher nutrients transport, energy metabolism, antioxidant capacity, and intestinal physical barrier, while lower oxidative stress, inflammatory response, and pathogenic microbiota.

Polydatin Attenuates Intra-Uterine Growth Retardation-Induced Liver Injury and Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Weanling Piglets by Improving Energy Metabolism and Redox Balance

The present study investigated the potential of polydatin to protect against liver injury and the mitochondrial dysfunction of weanling piglets suffering from intra-uterine growth retardation (IUGR). Thirty-six normal birth weight weanling piglets and an equal number of IUGR littermates were given a basal diet with or without polydatin (250 mg/kg) from 21 to 35 d of age. Plasma and liver samples were collected to measure biochemistry parameters at 35 d of age. IUGR caused hepatic apoptosis, mitochondrial dysfunction, and oxidative damage, along with a lower efficiency of energy metabolism and inferior antioxidant ability. Polydatin decreased apoptotic rate, improved the features of mitochondrial damage, inhibited mitochondrial swelling and superoxide anion formation, and preserved mitochondrial membrane potential in the liver. Concurrently, polydatin promoted mitochondrial biogenesis, increased sirtuin 1 activity, and upregulated the expression levels of several genes related to mitochondrial function and fitness. Polydatin also facilitated mitochondrial oxidative metabolism with a beneficial outcome of increased energy production. Furthermore, polydatin mitigated the IUGR-induced reduction in manganese superoxide dismutase activity and prevented the excessive accumulation of oxidative damaging products in the liver. These findings indicate that polydatin confers protection against hepatic injury and mitochondrial dysfunction in the IUGR piglets by improving energy metabolism and redox balance.

Dietary N-carbamylglutamate or l-arginine supplementation improves hepatic energy status and mitochondrial function and inhibits the AMP-activated protein kinase-peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator-1α-transcription factor A pathway in intrauterine-growth-retarded suckling lambs

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of dietary administration of l-arginine (Arg) or N-carbamylglutamate (NCG) on hepatic energy status and mitochondrial functions in suckling Hu lambs with intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR). Forty-eight newborn Hu lambs of 7 d old were allocated into 4 treatment groups of 12 lambs each, in triplicate with 4 lambs per replicate (2 males and 2 females) as follows: CON (lambs of normal birth weight, 4.25 ± 0.14 kg), IUGR (3.01 ± 0.12 kg), IUGR + 1% Arg (2.99 ± 0.13 kg), or IUGR + 0.1% NCG (3.03 ± 0.11 kg). The experiment lasted for 21 d, until d 28 after birth, and all lambs were fed milk replacer as a basal diet. Compared with IUGR lambs, NCG or Arg administration increased (P < 0.05) the adenosine triphosphate (ATP) level and the activities of complexes I/III/IV, isocitrate dehydrogenase and citrate synthase in the liver. Compared with CON lambs, the relative mRNA levels of adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase α1 (AMPKα1), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator-1α (PGC1α) and transcription factor A (TFAM) were increased (P < 0.05) in the liver of IUGR lambs, but were decreased (P < 0.05) in the liver of NCG- or Arg-treated lambs compared with those in the IUGR lambs. Compared with IUGR lambs, NCG or Arg administration decreased (P < 0.05) the total AMPKα (tAMPKα)-to-phosphorylated AMPKα (pAMPKα) ratio and the protein expression of PGC1α and TFAM. The results suggested that dietary Arg or NCG supplements improved hepatic energy status and mitochondrial function and inhibited the AMPK-PGC1α-TFAM pathway in IUGR suckling lambs.

Lauric Triglyceride Ameliorates High-Fat-Diet-Induced Obesity in Rats by Reducing Lipogenesis and Increasing Lipolysis and β-Oxidation

Medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) are found in limited foods. In these medium-chain oil resources, the abundance of lauric acid (LA) is the highest among medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs), and its effects on lipid metabolism in obese rats have not been well-studied. This study aimed to determine the anti-obesity effects and mechanisms of lauric triglyceride (LT) in Sprague Dawley (SD) rats. LA and glycerin were used to synthesize LT, then LT was used to treat obese rats for 12 weeks. The results showed that LT significantly reduced the body weight, body mass index, and Lee's index in obese rats. The mRNA expression levels of the anorexic neuropeptide POMC in the hypothalamus between the LT group and the other groups were not different, while the gene expression levels of the orexigenic neuropeptides NPY and AGRP decreased significantly in the LT group. Except serum cholesterol, LT improved the serum triglyceride metabolism in the obese rats and reduced adipocyte and hepatic lipid deposition. Moreover, LT inhibited the expression of lipogenesis-related genes and proteins (SREBP-1c, ACC1, and FASN) and increased the expression of lipolysis (ATGL, HSL, and LPL) and β-oxidation (PPARα, CPT-1a, and PCG-1α) related genes and proteins in the white fat and liver. Furthermore, LT increased the mRNA expression of mitochondrial-biosynthesis-related genes (SIRT1, NRF1, and TFAM) in the liver. The results indicated that LT ameliorates diet-induced obesity in rats.

Liver transcriptome profiling and functional analysis of intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) piglets reveals a genetic correction and sexual-dimorphic gene expression during postnatal development

BACKGROUND

Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) remains a major problem associated with swine production. Thus, understanding the physiological changes of postnatal IUGR piglets would aid in improving growth performance. Moreover, liver metabolism plays an important role in the growth and survival of neonatal piglets.

RESULTS

By profiling the transcriptome of liver samples on postnatal Days 1, 7, and 28, our study focused on characterizing the growth, function, and metabolism in the liver of IUGR neonatal piglets. Our study demonstrates that the livers of IUGR piglets were associated with a series of complications, including inflammatory stress and immune dysregulation; cytoskeleton and membrane structure disorganization; dysregulated transcription events; and abnormal glucocorticoid metabolism. In addition, the abnormal liver function index in the serum [alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and total protein (TP)], coupled with hepatic pathological and ultrastructural morphological changes are indicative of liver damage and dysfunction in IUGR piglets. Moreover, these results reveal the sex-biased developmental dynamics between male and female IUGR piglets, and that male IUGR piglets may be more sensitive to disrupted metabolic homeostasis.

CONCLUSIONS

These observations provide a detailed reference for understanding the mechanisms and characterizations of IUGR liver functions, and suggest that the potential strategies for improving the survival and growth performance of IUGR offspring should consider the balance between postnatal catch-up growth and adverse metabolic consequences. In particular, sex-specific intervention strategies should be considered for both female and male IUGR piglets.

Postnatal growth retardation is associated with intestinal mucosa mitochondrial dysfunction and aberrant energy status in piglets

Individuals with postnatal growth retardation (PGR) are prone to developing chronic disease. Abnormal development in small intestine is casually implicated in impaired growth performance. However, the exact mechanism is still unknown. In this present study, PGR piglets (aged 42 days) were employed as a good model to analyse changes in nutrient absorption and energy metabolism in the intestinal mucosa. The results showed lower serum concentrations of free amino acids, and lipid metabolites in PGR piglets, which were in accordance with the down‐regulated mRNA expressions involved in fatty acid and amino acid transporters in the jejunal and ileal mucosa. The decreased activities of digestive enzymes and the marked swelling in mitochondria were also observed in the PGR piglets. In addition, it was found that lower ATP production, higher AMP/ATP ratio, deteriorated mitochondrial complex III and ATP synthase, and decreased manganese superoxide dismutase activity in the intestinal mucosa of PGR piglets. Furthermore, altered gene expression involved in energy metabolism, accompanied by decreases in the protein abundance of SIRT1, PGC‐1α and PPARγ, as well as phosphorylations of AMPKα, mTOR, P70S6K and 4E‐BP1 were observed in intestinal mucosa of PGR piglets. In conclusion, decreased capability of nutrient absorption, mitochondrial dysfunction, and aberrant energy status in the jejunal and ileal mucosa may contribute to PGR piglets.

Effects of Early Resveratrol Intervention on Skeletal Muscle Mitochondrial Function and Redox Status in Neonatal Piglets with or without Intrauterine Growth Retardation

Skeletal muscle mitochondrial malfunction of offspring induced by intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) may be a contributor to growth restriction and metabolic disorder at various periods of life. This study explored the effects of IUGR and resveratrol (RSV) on mitochondrial function and redox status in the longissimus dorsi muscle (LM) of piglets during the sucking period. A total of 36 pairs of IUGR and normal birth weight male piglets were orally fed with either 80 mg RSV/kg body weight/d or 0.5% carboxymethylcellulose sodium during days 7-21 after birth. The results showed that RSV treatment improved anomalous mitochondrial morphology, increased adenosine triphosphate and glycogen contents, and enhanced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide/reduced form of nicotinamide-adenine dinucleotide ratio in the LM of IUGR piglets. Moreover, the IUGR-induced increased malondialdehyde and protein carbonyl concentrations, abnormal mtDNA number, and suppressed genes expression of mitochondrial biogenesis such as nuclear respiratory factor 1, estrogen-related receptor alpha, and polymerase gamma in the LM were restored to some extent by RSV treatment. Additionally, RSV increased mitochondrial complex V activity in the LM of piglets. Collectively, RSV administration alleviated the LM mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative damage of IUGR piglets.

Nrf2 deficiency aggravates PM2.5-induced cardiomyopathy by enhancing oxidative stress, fibrosis and inflammation via RIPK3-regulated mitochondrial disorder

PM_2.5 is a well-known air pollutant threatening public health, and long-term exposure to PM_2.5 increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Nrf2 plays a pivotal role in the amelioration of PM_2.5-induced lung injury. However, if Nrf2 is involved in PM_2.5-induced heart injury, and the underlying molecular mechanisms have not been explored. In this study, wild type (Nrf2^+/+) and Nrf2 knockout (Nrf2^-/-) mice were exposed to PM_2.5 for 6 months. After PM_2.5 exposure, Nrf2^-/- mice developed severe physiological changes, lung injury and cardiac dysfunction. In the PM_2.5-exposed hearts, Nrf2 deficiency caused significant collagen accumulation through promoting the expression of fibrosis-associated signals. Additionally, Nrf2^-/- mice exhibited greater oxidative stress in cardiac tissues after PM_2.5 exposure. Furthermore, PM_2.5-induced inflammation in heart samples were accelerated in Nrf2^-/- mice through promoting inhibitor of α/nuclear factor κB (IκBα/NF-κB) signaling pathways. We also found that Nrf2^-/- aggravated autophagy initiation and glucose metabolism disorder in hearts of mice with PM_2.5 challenge. Cardiac receptor-interacting protein kinase 3 (RIPK3) expression triggered by PM_2.5 was further enhanced in mice with the loss of Nrf2. Collectively, these results suggested that strategies for enhancing Nrf2 could be used to treat PM_2.5-induced cardiovascular diseases.

Tissue-specific profiling reveals modulation of cellular and mitochondrial oxidative stress in normal- and low-birthweight piglets throughout the peri-weaning period

Weaning is known to induce important nutritional and energetic stress in piglets. Low-birthweight (LBW) piglets, now frequently observed in swine production, are more likely to be affected. The weaning period is also associated with dysfunctional immune responses, uncontrolled inflammation and oxidative stress conditions that are recognized risk factors for infections and diseases. Mounting evidence indicates that mitochondria, the main cellular sources of energy in the form of adenosine 5' triphosphate (ATP) and primary sites of reactive oxygen species production, are related to immunity, inflammation and bacterial pathogenesis. However, no information is currently available regarding the link between mitochondrial energy production and oxidative stress in weaned piglets. The objective of this study was to characterize markers of cellular and mitochondrial energy metabolism and oxidative status in both normal-birthweight (NBW) and LBW piglets throughout the peri-weaning period. To conduct the study, 30 multiparous sows were inseminated and litters were standardized to 12 piglets. All the piglets were weighted at day 1 and 120 piglets were selected and assigned to 1 of 2 experimental groups: NBW (n = 60, mean weight of 1.73 ± 0.01 kg) and LBW piglets weighing less than 1.2 kg (n = 60, 1.01 ± 0.01 kg). Then, 10 piglets from each group were selected at 14, 21 (weaning), 23, 25, 29 and 35 days of age to collect plasma and organ (liver, intestine and kidney) samples. Analysis revealed that ATP concentrations were lower in liver of piglets after weaning than during lactation (P < 0.05) thus suggesting a significant impact of weaning stress on mitochondrial energy production. Oxidative damage to DNA (8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine, 8-OHdG) and proteins (carbonyls) measured in plasma increased after weaning and this coincides with a rise in enzymatic antioxidant activity of glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) (P < 0.05). Mitochondrial activities of both GPx and SOD are also significantly higher (P < 0.05) in kidney of piglets after weaning. Additionally, oxidative damage to macromolecules is more important in LBW piglets as measured concentrations of 8-OHdG and protein carbonyls are significantly higher (P < 0.05) in plasma and liver samples, respectively, than for NBW piglets. These results provide novel information about the nature, intensity and duration of weaning stress by revealing that weaning induces mitochondrial dysfunction and cellular oxidative stress conditions which last for at least 2 weeks and more severely impact smaller piglets.

ROS-induced autophagy regulates porcine trophectoderm cell apoptosis, proliferation, and differentiation

Significant embryo loss remains a serious problem in pig production. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) play a critical role in embryonic implantation and placentation. However, the potential mechanism of ROS on porcine trophectoderm (pTr) cell fate during the peri-implantation period has not been investigated. This study aimed to elucidate the effects of ROS on pTr cell phenotypes and the regulatory role in cell attachment and differentiation. Herein, results showed that exogenous H₂O₂ inhibited pTr cell viability, arrested the cell cycle at S and G2/M phases, and increased cell apoptosis and autophagy protein light chain 3B and Beclin-1, whereas these effects were reversed by different concentrations of N-acetyl-l-cysteine (NAC) posttreatment. In addition, NAC abolished H₂O₂-induced autophagic flux, inhibited intracellular and mitochondrial ROS, and restored expression of genes important for mitochondrial DNA and biogenesis, cell attachment, and differentiation. NAC reversed H₂O₂-activated MAPK and Akt/mammalian target of rapamycin pathways in dose-dependent manners. Furthermore, analyses with pharmacological and RNA interference approaches suggested that autophagy regulated cell apoptosis and gene expression of caudal-related homeobox 2 and IL-1β. Collectively, these results provide new insights into the role of the ROS-induced autophagy in pTr cell apoptosis, attachment, and differentiation, indicating a promising target for decreasing porcine conceptus loss during the peri-implantation period.

Hexanoic, Octanoic and Decanoic Acids Promote Basal and Insulin-Induced Phosphorylation of the Akt-mTOR Axis and a Balanced Lipid Metabolism in the HepG2 Hepatoma Cell Line

Metabolic illnesses such as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) are in constant increase worldwide. Highly consumed long chain fatty acids (LCFA) are among the most obesogenic and steatogenic nutrients. Hepatic steatosis is associated with several complications such as insulin resistance. Growing evidence points to medium chain fatty acids (MCFA), more efficiently oxidized than LCFA, as a promising dietary alternative against NAFLD. However, reports on the hepatic effects of MCFA are sometimes conflicting. In this study we exposed HepG2 cells, a human hepatocellular model, to 0.25 mM of hexanoic (C6), or octanoic (C8), and decanoic (C10) acids separately or in a C8 + C10 equimolar mix reflecting commercially available MCFA-rich oils. We found that C6, a poorly studied MCFA, as well as C8 and C10 did not provoke the deleterious lipid anabolism runaway typically induced by LCFA palmitate. MCFA tended, instead, to promote a balanced metabolic profile and were generally non-cytotoxic. Accordingly, mitochondrial integrity was mostly preserved following MCFA treatment. However, treatments with C8 induced a mitochondrial membrane potential decrease, suggesting prolonged exposure to this lipid could be problematic. Finally, MCFA treatments maintained optimal insulin sensitivity and even fostered basal and insulin-dependent phosphorylation of the Akt-mTOR pathway. Overall, MCFA could constitute an effective nutritional tool to manage liver steatosis and hepatic insulin resistance.

Transcriptome Analyses Reveal Adult Metabolic Syndrome With Intrauterine Growth Restriction in Pig Models

Epidemiological data have indicated that intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) is a risk factor for the adult metabolic syndrome in pigs. However, the causative genetic mechanism leading to the phenotype in adulthood has not been well characterized. In the present study, both normal and IUGR adult pigs were used as models to survey the differences in global gene expression in livers through transcriptome sequencing. The transcriptome libraries generated 104.54 gb of data. In normal and IUGR pigs, 16,948 and 17,078 genes were expressed, respectively. A total of 1,322 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified. Enrichment analysis of the DEGs revealed that the top overrepresented gene ontology (GO) terms and pathways were related to oxidoreductase activity, ATPase activity, amino catabolic process, glucose metabolism, and insulin signaling pathway. The increased gluconeogenesis (GNG) and decreased glycogen synthesis in the liver contributed to the glucose intolerance observed in IUGR. The reduced expression of insulin signaling genes (such as PI3K and AKT) indicated an elevated risk of diabetes in adulthood. Together, these findings provide a comprehensive understanding of the molecular mechanisms of adult IUGR pigs and valuable information for future studies of therapeutic intervention in IUGR metabolic syndrome.

Distribution of Fatty Acids and Lipids During Pregnancy

Maternal fatty acid and lipid metabolism undergoes changes during pregnancy to facilitate fetal growth and development. Different types of fatty acids have different roles in maintaining a successful pregnancy and they are incorporated into different forms of lipids for the purpose of storage and transport. This chapter aims to provide an understanding of the distribution and metabolism of fatty acids and lipids in the maternal, placental, and fetal compartments. We further describe how this distribution is altered in maternal obesity, preterm birth, and pregnancy complications such as gestational diabetes mellitus, preeclampsia, and intrauterine growth restriction.

Sodium salt medium-chain fatty acids and Bacillus-based probiotic strategies to improve growth and intestinal health of gilthead sea bream (Sparus aurata)

Background

The increased demand for fish protein has led to the intensification of aquaculture practices which are hampered by nutritional and health factors affecting growth performance. To solve these problems, antibiotics have been used for many years in the prevention, control and treatment against disease as well as growth promoters to improve animal performance. Nowadays, the use of antibiotics in the European Union and other countries has been completely or partially banned as a result of the existence of antibiotic cross-resistance. Therefore, a number of alternatives, including enzymes, prebiotics, probiotics, phytonutrients and organic acids used alone or in combination have been proposed for the improvement of immunological state, growth performance and production in livestock animals. The aim of the present study was to evaluate two commercially available feed additives, one based on medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs) from coconut oil and another with a Bacillus-based probiotic, in gilthead sea bream (GSB, Sparus aurata), a marine farmed fish of high value in the Mediterranean aquaculture.

Methods

The potential benefits of adding two commercial feed additives on fish growth performance and intestinal health were assessed in a 100-days feeding trial. The experimental diets (D2 and D3) were prepared by supplementing a basal diet (D1) with MCFAs in the form of a sodium salt of coconut fatty acid distillate (DICOSAN^®; Norel, Madrid, Spain), rich on C-12, added at 0.3% (D2) or with the probiotic Bacillus amyloliquefaciens CECT 5940, added at 0.1% (D3). The study integrated data on growth performance, blood biochemistry, histology and intestinal gene expression patterns of selected markers of intestinal function and architecture.

Results

MCFAs in the form of a coconut oil increased feed intake, growth rates and the surface of nutrient absorption, promoting the anabolic action of the somatotropic axis. The probiotic (D3) induced anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant effects with changes in circulating cortisol, immunoglobulin M, leukocyte respiratory burst, and mucosal expression levels of cytokines, lymphocyte markers and immunoglobulin T.

Discussion

MCFA supplementation showed positive effects on GSB growth and intestinal architecture acting mainly in the anterior intestine, where absorption takes place. The probiotic B. amyloliquefaciens CECT 5940 exhibited key effects in the regulation of the immune status inducing anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant effects which can be potentially advantageous upon infection or exposure to other stressors. The potential effects of these feed additives in GSB are very promising to improve health and disease resistance in aquaculture.

Effects of dietary leucine supplementation on the hepatic mitochondrial biogenesis and energy metabolism in normal birth weight and intrauterine growth-retarded weanling piglets

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

The study was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary leucine supplementation on mitochondrial biogenesis and energy metabolism in the liver of normal birth weight (NBW) and intrauterine growth-retarded (IUGR) weanling piglets.

MATERIALS/METHODS

A total of sixteen pairs of NBW and IUGR piglets from sixteen sows were selected according to their birth weight. At postnatal day 14, all piglets were weaned and fed either a control diet or a leucine-supplemented diet for 21 d. Thereafter, a 2 × 2 factorial experimental design was used. Each treatment consisted of eight replications with one piglet per replication.

RESULTS

Compared with NBW piglets, IUGR piglets had a decreased (P < 0.05) hepatic adenosine triphosphate (ATP) content. Also, IUGR piglets exhibited reductions (P < 0.05) in the activities of hepatic mitochondrial pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH), citrate synthase (CS), α-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase (α-KGDH), malate dehydrogenase (MDH), and complexes I and V, along with decreases (P < 0.05) in the concentration of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and the protein expression of hepatic peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator 1α (PGC-1α). Dietary leucine supplementation increased (P < 0.05) the content of ATP, and the activities of CS, α-KGDH, MDH, and complex V in the liver of piglets. Furthermore, compared to those fed a control diet, piglets given a leucine-supplemented diet exhibited increases (P < 0.05) in the mtDNA content and in the mRNA expressions of sirtuin 1, PGC-1α, nuclear respiratory factor 1, mitochondrial transcription factor A, and ATP synthase, H⁺ transporting, mitochondrial F1 complex, β polypeptide in liver.

CONCLUSIONS

Dietary leucine supplementation may exert beneficial effects on mitochondrial biogenesis and energy metabolism in NBW and IUGR weanling piglets.

Resveratrol attenuates mitochondrial dysfunction in the liver of intrauterine growth retarded suckling piglets by improving mitochondrial biogenesis and redox status

SCOPE

Emerging evidence has identified mitochondrial biogenesis and oxidative phosphorylation as potential targets for the prevention and treatment of metabolic syndrome. This study investigated the effect of resveratrol (RSV) on hepatic mitochondrial function in intrauterine growth-retarded (IUGR) suckling piglets.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Seven normal birth weight (NBW) and fourteen IUGR neonatal male piglets were selected. Piglets were fed control diets supplemented with 0 (NBW-CON), 0 (IUGR-CON), and 1.0 (IUGR-RSV) g RSV per kg of milk dry matter from 7 to 21 days of age (n = 7), respectively. Mitochondrial function, swelling, and redox status in the liver were assessed. Compared with NBW, IUGR impaired hepatic mitochondrial biogenesis and energy homeostasis of the control piglets. IUGR control piglets showed overproduction of superoxide radicals, increased concentration of malondialdehyde, and marked swelling in the mitochondria. RSV improved mitochondrial DNA content, ATP production, and fatty acid oxidation in the liver of IUGR piglets, along with an increased activity of sirtuin 1. RSV inhibited mitochondrial superoxide anion accumulation, increased complex III and manganese superoxide dismutase activities, and ameliorated mitochondrial swelling and lipid peroxidation in the IUGR piglets.

CONCLUSION

RSV may have beneficial effects in improving hepatic mitochondrial function and redox status in the IUGR piglets.