1
|
Doan TNA, Cowley JM, Phillips AL, Briffa JF, Leemaqz SY, Burton RA, Romano T, Wlodek ME, Bianco-Miotto T. Imprinted gene alterations in the kidneys of growth restricted offspring may be mediated by a long non-coding RNA. Epigenetics 2024; 19:2294516. [PMID: 38126131 PMCID: PMC10761017 DOI: 10.1080/15592294.2023.2294516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Altered epigenetic mechanisms have been previously reported in growth restricted offspring whose mothers experienced environmental insults during pregnancy in both human and rodent studies. We previously reported changes in the expression of the DNA methyltransferase Dnmt3a and the imprinted genes Cdkn1c (Cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 1C) and Kcnq1 (Potassium voltage-gated channel subfamily Q member 1) in the kidney tissue of growth restricted rats whose mothers had uteroplacental insufficiency induced on day 18 of gestation, at both embryonic day 20 (E20) and postnatal day 1 (PN1). To determine the mechanisms responsible for changes in the expression of these imprinted genes, we investigated DNA methylation of KvDMR1, an imprinting control region (ICR) that includes the promoter of the antisense long non-coding RNA Kcnq1ot1 (Kcnq1 opposite strand/antisense transcript 1). Kcnq1ot1 expression decreased by 51% in growth restricted offspring compared to sham at PN1. Interestingly, there was a negative correlation between Kcnq1ot1 and Kcnq1 in the E20 growth restricted group (Spearman's ρ = 0.014). No correlation was observed between Kcnq1ot1 and Cdkn1c expression in either group at any time point. Additionally, there was a 11.25% decrease in the methylation level at one CpG site within KvDMR1 ICR. This study, together with others in the literature, supports that long non-coding RNAs may mediate changes seen in tissues of growth restricted offspring.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thu N. A. Doan
- School of Agriculture, Food and Wine, & Waite Research Institute, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- Robinson Research Institute, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - James M. Cowley
- School of Agriculture, Food and Wine, & Waite Research Institute, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Aaron L. Phillips
- School of Agriculture, Food and Wine, & Waite Research Institute, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Jessica F. Briffa
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Shalem Y. Leemaqz
- Robinson Research Institute, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- SAHMRI Women and Kids, South Australian Health & Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA, Australia
| | - Rachel A. Burton
- School of Agriculture, Food and Wine, & Waite Research Institute, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Tania Romano
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Microbiology, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
| | - Mary E. Wlodek
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Tina Bianco-Miotto
- School of Agriculture, Food and Wine, & Waite Research Institute, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- Robinson Research Institute, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Ushida T, Cotechini T, Protopapas N, Atallah A, Collyer C, Toews AJ, Macdonald-Goodfellow SK, Tse MY, Winn LM, Pang SC, Adams MA, Othman M, Kotani T, Kajiyama H, Graham CH. Aberrant inflammation in rat pregnancy leads to cardiometabolic alterations in the offspring and intrauterine growth restriction in the F2 generation. J Dev Orig Health Dis 2022; 13:706-718. [PMID: 35593438 DOI: 10.1017/s2040174422000265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
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.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Takafumi Ushida
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Tiziana Cotechini
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Nicole Protopapas
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Aline Atallah
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Charlotte Collyer
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Alexa J Toews
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - M Yat Tse
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Louise M Winn
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Stephen C Pang
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Michael A Adams
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Maha Othman
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
- School of Baccalaureate Nursing, St. Lawrence College, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Tomomi Kotani
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Kajiyama
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Charles H Graham
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Intergenerational effects of prenatal hypoxia exposure on uterine artery adaptations to pregnancies in the female offspring. J Dev Orig Health Dis 2022; 13:794-799. [PMID: 35616050 DOI: 10.1017/s2040174422000216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Prenatal hypoxia is a common complication of pregnancy and is associated with detrimental health outcomes, such as impaired cardiac and vascular function, in adult offspring. Exposure to prenatal hypoxia reportedly impacts the reproductive system of female offspring. Whether exposure to prenatal hypoxia influences pregnancy adaptations and outcomes in these female offspring is unknown. We hypothesised that prenatal hypoxia impairs uterine artery adaptations in pregnancies of the adult offspring. Pregnancy outcomes and uterine artery function were assessed in 14-16 weeks old non-pregnant and late pregnant (gestational day 20; term = 22 days) adult female offspring born to rats exposed to prenatal normoxia (21% oxygen) or hypoxia (11% oxygen, between days 15-21 of gestation). Compared with normoxia controls, prenatal hypoxia was associated with pregnant adult offspring having reduced placental weights in their litters, and uterine artery circumferential stress that increased with pregnancy. Overall, prenatal hypoxia adversely, albeit mildly, compromised pregnancies of adult offspring.
Collapse
|
4
|
Briffa JF, Bevens W, Gravina S, Said JM, Wlodek ME. Pregnant biglycan knockout mice have altered cardiorenal adaptations and a shorter gestational length, but do not develop a pre-eclamptic phenotype. Placenta 2022; 119:52-62. [PMID: 35150975 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2022.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2021] [Revised: 01/23/2022] [Accepted: 02/03/2022] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Pre-eclampsia complicates 4.6% of pregnancies and is linked to impaired placentation; likely due to dysregulated vasculogenesis/angiogenesis. Proteoglycans, such as biglycan, are located on the endothelial surface of fetal capillaries. Biglycan is reduced in the placenta of pregnancies complicated by fetal growth restriction and pre-eclampsia. Importantly, biglycan stimulates angiogenesis in numerous tissues. Therefore, this study investigated whether biglycan knockdown in mice results in a pre-eclamptic phenotype. METHODS Wild-type (WT) and Bgn-/- mice underwent cardiorenal measurements prior to and during pregnancy. One cohort of mice underwent post-mortem on gestational day 18 (E18) and another cohort underwent post-mortem on postnatal day 1 (PN1), with maternal and offspring tissues of relevance collected. RESULTS Bgn-/- dams had increased heart rate (+9%, p < 0.037) and reduced systolic (-11%, p < 0.001), diastolic (-15%, p < 0.001), and mean arterial (-12%, p < 0.001) pressures at all ages investigated compared to WT. Additionally, Bgn-/- dams had reduced urine flow rate (-64%, p < 0.001) as well as reduced urinary excretions (-49%, p < 0.004) during late gestation compared to WT. Bgn-/- pups had higher body weight (+8%, p = 0.004; E18 only) and a higher liver-to-brain weight ratio (+43%, p < 0.001). Placental weight was unaltered with only minor changes in vasculogenic and angiogenic gene abundances detected, which did not correlate to changes in protein expression. DISCUSSION This study demonstrated that total knockdown of biglycan is not associated with features of pre-eclampsia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J F Briffa
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - W Bevens
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - S Gravina
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - J M Said
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia; Maternal Fetal Medicine, Sunshine Hospital, Western Health, St Albans, VIC, 3021, Australia
| | - M E Wlodek
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia; Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Mahizir D, Briffa JF, Anevska K, Wadley GD, Moritz KM, Wlodek ME. Exercise alters cardiovascular and renal pregnancy adaptations in female rats born small on a high-fat diet. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol 2021; 320:R404-R416. [PMID: 33326343 DOI: 10.1152/ajpregu.00260.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2020] [Accepted: 12/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Intrauterine growth restriction programs adult cardiorenal disease, which may be exacerbated by pregnancy and obesity. Importantly, exercise has positive cardiovascular effects. This study determined if high-fat feeding exacerbates the known adverse cardiorenal adaptations to pregnancy in rats born small and whether endurance exercise can prevent these complications. Uteroplacental insufficiency was induced by bilateral uterine vessel ligation (Restricted) or sham (Control) surgery on embryonic day 18 (E18) in Wistar-Kyoto rats. Female offspring consumed a Chow or high-fat diet (HFD) from weaning and were randomly allocated to either a sedentary (Sedentary) or an exercise protocol at 16 wk; exercised before and during pregnancy (Exercise), or exercised during pregnancy only (PregEx). Systolic blood pressure was measured prepregnancy and rats were mated at 20 wk. During pregnancy, systolic blood pressure (E18) and renal function (E19) were assessed. Sedentary HFD Control females had increased estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) compared with Chow. Compared with Control, Sedentary-Restricted females had increased eGFR, which was not influenced by HFD. Renal function was not affected by exercise and prepregnancy blood pressure was not altered. Restricted Chow-fed dams and dams fed a high-fat diet had a greater reduction in systolic blood pressure during late gestation, which was only prevented by Exercise. In summary, high-fat fed females born small are at a greater risk of altered cardiorenal adaptations to pregnancy. Although cardiovascular dysfunction was prevented by Exercise, renal dysfunction was not affected by exercise interventions. This study highlights that modifiable risk factors can have beneficial effects in the mother during pregnancy, which may impact fetal growth and development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dayana Mahizir
- Department of Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jessica F Briffa
- Department of Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Kristina Anevska
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Microbiology, La Trobe University, Victoria, Australia
| | - Glenn D Wadley
- Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition, School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Burwood, Victoria, Australia
| | - Karen M Moritz
- School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland, Australia
| | - Mary E Wlodek
- Department of Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Mangwiro YT, Cuffe JS, Vickers MH, Reynolds CM, Mahizir D, Anevska K, Gravina S, Romano T, Moritz KM, Briffa JF, Wlodek ME. Maternal exercise alters rat fetoplacental stress response: Minimal effects of maternal growth restriction and high-fat feeding. Placenta 2020; 104:57-70. [PMID: 33276236 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2020.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2020] [Revised: 11/09/2020] [Accepted: 11/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Fetal growth restriction complicates 10% of pregnancies and increases offspring (F1) risk of metabolic disorders, including obesity and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). This disease predisposition can be passed onto the next generation (F2). Importantly, the risk of pregnancy complications in obese women can be exacerbated by a stressful pregnancy. Exercise can reduce adiposity and improve health outcomes in obese women and those with GDM. This study investigated the impacts of maternal growth restriction, obesity, exercise, and stress on fetal and placental endocrine function. METHODS Uteroplacental insufficiency (Restricted) or sham (Control) surgery was induced on embryonic day (E) 18 in F0 Wistar-Kyoto rats. F1 offspring were fed a Chow or High-fat (HFD) diet from weaning and, at 16 weeks, were randomly allocated an exercise protocol; Sedentary, Exercised prior to and during pregnancy (Exercise), or Exercised only during pregnancy (PregEx). Females were mated and further randomly allocated to either undergo (Stress), or not undergo (Unstressed), physiological measurements during pregnancy. On E20, F2 fetal plasma (steroid hormones), tissues (brain, liver), and placentae (morphology, stress genes) were collected. RESULTS Maternal growth restriction and high-fat feeding had minimal impact on fetoplacental endocrine function. PregEx and Exercise increased cross-sectional labyrinth and junctional zone areas. PregEx, but not Exercise, increased fetal deoxycorticosterone concentrations and reduced placental Hsd11b2 and Nr3c2 gene abundance. Maternal stress increased fetal corticosterone concentrations in Sedentary HFD dams and increased placental cross-sectional areas in PregEx mothers. DISCUSSION PregEx and Stress independently dysregulates the endocrine status of the developing fetus, which may program future disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yeukai Tm Mangwiro
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Microbiology, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC, 3083, Australia; Department of Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - James Sm Cuffe
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Mark H Vickers
- Liggins Institute, University of Auckland, Grafton, Auckland, 1142, New Zealand
| | - Clare M Reynolds
- Liggins Institute, University of Auckland, Grafton, Auckland, 1142, New Zealand
| | - Dayana Mahizir
- Department of Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Kristina Anevska
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Microbiology, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC, 3083, Australia; Department of Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Sogand Gravina
- Department of Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Tania Romano
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Microbiology, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC, 3083, Australia
| | - Karen M Moritz
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia; Child Health Research Centre, The University of Queensland, South Brisbane, QLD, 4101, Australia
| | - Jessica F Briffa
- Department of Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Mary E Wlodek
- Department of Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Sferruzzi-Perri AN, Lopez-Tello J, Napso T, Yong HEJ. Exploring the causes and consequences of maternal metabolic maladaptations during pregnancy: Lessons from animal models. Placenta 2020; 98:43-51. [PMID: 33039031 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2020.01.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2019] [Revised: 01/20/2020] [Accepted: 01/29/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Pregnancy is a remarkable physiological state, during which the metabolic system of the mother adapts to ensure that nutrients are made available for transfer to the fetus for growth and development. Adaptations of maternal metabolism during pregnancy are influenced by the metabolic and nutritional status of the mother and the production of endocrine factors by the placenta that exert metabolic effects. Insufficient or inappropriate adaptations in maternal metabolism during pregnancy may lead to pregnancy complications with important short- and long-term effects for both the health of the child and mother. This is very evident in gestational diabetes, which is marked by greater glucose intolerance and insulin resistance above that expected of a normal pregnancy. Gestational diabetes is associated with increased fetal weight and/or increased adiposity, higher instrumented delivery rates and greater risks for both mother and child of developing type 2 diabetes in the long-term. However, despite the negative health impacts of such metabolic imbalances during pregnancy, the precise mechanisms responsible for orchestrating these changes remain largely unknown. The present review describes the dynamic pregnancy-specific changes that occur in the metabolic system of the mother during pregnancy. It also discusses findings using surgical, pharmacological, genetic and dietary methods in experimental animals that highlight the role of pathways in maternal tissues that lead to metabolic dysfunction, with a particular focus on gestational diabetes. Finally, it summarises the work largely employing gene targeting and hormone administration in rodents that have illuminated the involvement of placental endocrine function in driving maternal metabolic adaptations. While current animal models may not fully replicate what is observed in humans, these have been instrumental in showing that there is a dynamic interplay between changes in maternal metabolic physiology and the placental production of endocrine factors that govern the availability of nutrients to the growing fetus. However, more work is required to specifically identify the placenta-driven changes in maternal metabolic physiology that ensure the appropriate level of insulin production and action during pregnancy. In doing so, these studies may pave the way to understanding the development of pregnancy complications like gestational diabetes, as well as further our understanding of type-2 diabetes and the control of metabolic physiology more broadly.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amanda N Sferruzzi-Perri
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, Downing Street, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 3EG, UK.
| | - Jorge Lopez-Tello
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, Downing Street, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 3EG, UK
| | - Tina Napso
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, Downing Street, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 3EG, UK
| | - Hannah E J Yong
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, Downing Street, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 3EG, UK
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Mahizir D, Briffa JF, Wood JL, Anevska K, Hill-Yardin EL, Jefferies AJ, Gravina S, Mazzarino G, Franks AE, Moritz KM, Wadley GD, Wlodek ME. Exercise improves metabolic function and alters the microbiome in rats with gestational diabetes. FASEB J 2019; 34:1728-1744. [PMID: 31914625 DOI: 10.1096/fj.201901424r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2019] [Revised: 10/08/2019] [Accepted: 10/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a common pregnancy complication, particularly prevalent in obese women. Importantly, exercise has beneficial impacts on maternal glucose control and may prevent GDM in "at-risk" women. We aimed to determine whether a high-fat diet (HFD) exacerbates metabolic dysfunction and alters gut microbiome in GDM and whether endurance exercise prevents these changes. Uteroplacental insufficiency was induced by bilateral uterine vessel ligation (Restricted) or sham (Control) surgery on E18 in Wistar-Kyoto rats. Female offspring were fed a Chow or HFD (23% fat) from weaning (5 weeks) and at 16 weeks randomly allocated to remain Sedentary or to an exercise protocol of either Exercise prior to and during pregnancy (Exercise); or Exercise during pregnancy only (PregEx). Females were mated (20 weeks) and underwent indirect calorimetry (embryonic day 16; E16), glucose tolerance testing (E18), followed by 24-hr feces collection at E19 (n = 8-10/group). HFD consumption in female rats with GDM exacerbated the adverse metabolic adaptations to pregnancy and altered gut microbial populations. Specifically, the Firmicutes-to-Bacteroidetes ratio was increased, due to an underlying change in abundance of the orders Clostridiales and Bacteroidales. Maternal Exercise, but not PregEx, prevented the development of metabolic dysfunction, increased pancreatic β-cell mass, and prevented the alteration of the gut microbiome in GDM females. Our findings suggest that maternal exercise and diet influence metabolic and microbiome dysfunction in females with GDM, which may impact long-term maternal and offspring health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dayana Mahizir
- Department of Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Jessica F Briffa
- Department of Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Jennifer L Wood
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Microbiology, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC, Australia.,Centre for Future Landscapes, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC, Australia
| | - Kristina Anevska
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Microbiology, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC, Australia
| | - Elisa L Hill-Yardin
- Department of Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia.,School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora, VIC, Australia
| | - Andrew J Jefferies
- Department of Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Sogand Gravina
- Department of Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Gisella Mazzarino
- School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD, Australia
| | - Ashley E Franks
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Microbiology, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC, Australia.,Centre for Future Landscapes, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC, Australia
| | - Karen M Moritz
- Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition, School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia
| | - Glenn D Wadley
- School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD, Australia
| | - Mary E Wlodek
- Department of Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Ruiz D, Regnier SM, Kirkley AG, Hara M, Haro F, Aldirawi H, Dybala MP, Sargis RM. Developmental exposure to the endocrine disruptor tolylfluanid induces sex-specific later-life metabolic dysfunction. Reprod Toxicol 2019; 89:74-82. [PMID: 31260803 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2019.06.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2019] [Revised: 06/16/2019] [Accepted: 06/26/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are implicated in the developmental mis-programming of energy metabolism. This study examined the impact of combined gestational and lactational exposure to the fungicide tolylfluanid (TF) on metabolic physiology in adult offspring. C57BL/6 J dams received standard rodent chow or the same diet containing 67 mg/kg TF. Offspring growth and metabolism were assessed up to 22 weeks of age. TF-exposed offspring exhibited reduced weaning weight. Body weight among female offspring remained low throughout the study, while male offspring matched controls by 17 weeks of age. Female offspring exhibited reduced glucose tolerance, markedly enhanced systemic insulin sensitivity, reduced adiposity, and normal gluconeogenic capacity during adulthood. In contrast, male offspring exhibited impaired glucose tolerance with unchanged insulin sensitivity, no differences in adiposity, and increased gluconeogenic capacity. These data indicate that developmental exposure to TF induces sex-specific metabolic disruptions that recapitulate key aspects of other in utero growth restriction models.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Ruiz
- Committee on Molecular Metabolism and Nutrition, Chicago, IL, United States; University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Shane M Regnier
- Committee on Molecular Metabolism and Nutrition, Chicago, IL, United States; Pritzker School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, United States; University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Andrew G Kirkley
- Committee on Molecular Pathogenesis and Molecular Medicine, Chicago, IL, United States; University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Manami Hara
- Section of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, Chicago, IL, United States; University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Fidel Haro
- University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Hani Aldirawi
- Department of Mathematics, Statistics, and Computer Science, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Michael P Dybala
- Section of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Robert M Sargis
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Franko KL, Forhead AJ, Fowden AL. Effects of stress during pregnancy on hepatic glucogenic capacity in rat dams and their fetuses. Physiol Rep 2018; 5:5/11/e13293. [PMID: 28611150 PMCID: PMC5471435 DOI: 10.14814/phy2.13293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2017] [Accepted: 05/02/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Stress during pregnancy is associated with metabolic dysfunction in the adult offspring in human and other animals. However, little is known about the metabolic effects of pregnancy stress on the mothers and fetuses during pregnancy itself. This study aimed to determine the consequences of the common experimental procedures of injection and single housing in pregnant rats on fetal and maternal hepatic glucogenic capacities. On day (D) 20 of pregnancy, feto‐placental weights and the glycogen content and activities of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK) and glucose‐6‐phosphatase (G6Pase) of fetal and maternal liver were measured in rats pair or single housed from D1 with or without saline injection from D15 to D19. Housing and saline injection both affected hepatic glucogenic capacity. In maternal liver, saline injection but not housing reduced glycogen content and raised G6Pase activity, whereas housing but not treatment increased PEPCK activity. In fetuses, housing and injection interacted in regulating PEPCK activity and reducing hepatic glycogen content and placental weight. Body weight was decreased and hepatic G6Pase increased by injection but not housing in the fetuses. Single‐housed dams ate less than those pair‐housed near term while saline injection elevated maternal plasma corticosterone concentrations. Thus, single housing and saline injection are both stresses during rat pregnancy that alter feto‐placental weight and hepatic glucogenic capacity of the fetuses and dams near term. Routine experimental procedures per se may, therefore, have consequences for offspring hepatic phenotype as well as modifying the outcomes of dietary and other environmental challenges during pregnancy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn L Franko
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Alison J Forhead
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Abigail L Fowden
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Gatford KL. Placentas on treadmills? Exercise may be more beneficial when started before pregnancy. J Physiol 2018; 596:5499-5500. [PMID: 29968375 DOI: 10.1113/jp276679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn L Gatford
- Robinson Research Institute and Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, 5005, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Briffa JF, Wlodek ME, Moritz KM. Transgenerational programming of nephron deficits and hypertension. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2018; 103:94-103. [PMID: 29859996 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2018.05.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2018] [Revised: 05/28/2018] [Accepted: 05/29/2018] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Exposure to a sub-optimal environment in the womb can result in poor fetal growth and impair the normal development of organs. The kidney, specifically the process of nephrogenesis, has been shown to be impacted by many common pregnancy exposures including an inadequate diet, poor placental function, maternal stress as well as maternal smoking and alcohol consumption. This can result in offspring being born with a reduced nephron endowment, which places these individuals at increased risk of hypertension and chronic kidney disease (CKD). Of recent interest is whether this disease risk can be passed on to subsequent generations and, if so, what are the mechanisms and pathways involved. In this review, we highlight the growing body of evidence that a low birth weight and hypertension, which are both major risk factors for cardiovascular and CKD, can be transmitted across generations. However, as yet there is little data as to whether a low nephron endowment contributes to this disease transmission. The emerging data suggests transmission can occur both through both the maternal and paternal lines, which likely involves epigenetic mechanisms such chromatin remodelling (DNA methylation and histone modification) and non-coding RNA modifications. In addition, females who were born small and/or have a low nephron endowment are at an increased risk for pregnancy complications, which can influence the growth and development of the next generation. Future animal studies in this area should include examining nephron endowment across multiple generations and determining adult renal function. Clinically, long term follow-up studies of large birth cohorts need to be undertaken to more clearly determine the impact a sub-optimal environment in one generation has on the health outcomes in the second, and subsequent, generation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jessica F Briffa
- Department of Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Mary E Wlodek
- Department of Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Karen M Moritz
- Child Health Research Centre and School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Cuffe JSM, Briffa JF, Rosser S, Siebel AL, Romano T, Hryciw DH, Wlodek ME, Moritz KM. Uteroplacental insufficiency in rats induces renal apoptosis and delays nephrogenesis completion. Acta Physiol (Oxf) 2018; 222. [PMID: 29047216 DOI: 10.1111/apha.12982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2017] [Revised: 10/08/2017] [Accepted: 10/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
AIM Uteroplacental insufficiency in rats reduces nephron endowment, leptin concentrations and programmes cardiorenal disease in offspring. Cross-fostering growth-restricted (Restricted) offspring onto a mother with normal lactation restores leptin concentrations and nephron endowment. This study aimed to determine whether the reduced nephron endowment in Restricted offspring is due to delayed glomerular formation and dysregulation of renal genes regulating branching morphogenesis, apoptosis or leptin signalling. Furthermore, we aimed to investigate whether cross-fostering Restricted offspring onto Control mothers could improve glomerular maturation and restore renal gene abundance. METHODS Uteroplacental insufficiency was induced by bilateral uterine vessel ligation (Restricted) or sham (Control) surgery on gestation day 18 (E18). Kidneys were collected at E20, postnatal day 1 (PN1) and PN7. An additional cohort was cross-fostered onto separate mothers at birth and kidneys collected at PN7. RESULTS Kidneys were lighter in the Restricted group, but weight was restored with cross-fostering. At E20, abundance of Bax, Flt1 and Vegfa was increased in Restricted offspring, while Ret and Bcl2 transcripts were increased only in Restricted females. At PN7, abundance of Gdnf and Ret was higher in Restricted offspring, as was Casp3. Restricted offspring had a wider nephrogenic zone with more immature glomeruli suggesting a delayed or extended nephrogenic period. Cross-fostering had subtle effects on gene abundance and glomerular maturity. CONCLUSION Uteroplacental insufficiency induced apoptosis in the developing kidney and delayed and extended nephrogenesis. Cross-fostering Restricted offspring onto Control mothers had beneficial effects on kidney growth and renal maturity, which may contribute to the restoration of nephron endowment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J. S. M. Cuffe
- School of Biomedical Sciences; The University of Queensland; St. Lucia Qld Australia
- School of Medical Science; Menzies Health Institute Queensland; Griffith University; Southport Qld Australia
| | - J. F. Briffa
- Department of Physiology; The University of Melbourne; Parkville Vic. Australia
| | - S. Rosser
- School of Biomedical Sciences; The University of Queensland; St. Lucia Qld Australia
| | - A. L. Siebel
- Department of Physiology; The University of Melbourne; Parkville Vic. Australia
| | - T. Romano
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Microbiology; La Trobe University; Bundoora Vic. Australia
| | - D. H. Hryciw
- Department of Physiology; The University of Melbourne; Parkville Vic. Australia
| | - M. E. Wlodek
- Department of Physiology; The University of Melbourne; Parkville Vic. Australia
| | - K. M. Moritz
- School of Biomedical Sciences; The University of Queensland; St. Lucia Qld Australia
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Tan WS, Mullins TP, Flint M, Walton SL, Bielefeldt-Ohmann H, Carter DA, Gandhi MR, McDonald HR, Li J, Moritz KM, Reichelt ME, Gallo LA. Modeling heart failure risk in diabetes and kidney disease: limitations and potential applications of transverse aortic constriction in high-fat-fed mice. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol 2018; 314:R858-R869. [PMID: 29443547 DOI: 10.1152/ajpregu.00357.2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
There is an increased incidence of heart failure in individuals with diabetes mellitus (DM). The coexistence of kidney disease in DM exacerbates the cardiovascular prognosis. Researchers have attempted to combine the critical features of heart failure, using transverse aortic constriction, with DM in mice, but variable findings have been reported. Furthermore, kidney outcomes have not been assessed in this setting; thus its utility as a model of heart failure in DM and kidney disease is unknown. We generated a mouse model of obesity, hyperglycemia, and mild kidney pathology by feeding male C57BL/6J mice a high-fat diet (HFD). Cardiac pressure overload was surgically induced using transverse aortic constriction (TAC). Normal diet (ND) and sham controls were included. Heart failure risk factors were evident at 8-wk post-TAC, including increased left ventricular mass (+49% in ND and +35% in HFD), cardiomyocyte hypertrophy (+40% in ND and +28% in HFD), and interstitial and perivascular fibrosis (Masson's trichrome and picrosirius red positivity). High-fat feeding did not exacerbate the TAC-induced cardiac outcomes. At 11 wk post-TAC in a separate mouse cohort, echocardiography revealed reduced left ventricular size and increased left ventricular wall thickness, the latter being evident in ND mice only. Systolic function was preserved in the TAC mice and was similar between ND and HFD. Thus combined high-fat feeding and TAC in mice did not model the increased incidence of heart failure in DM patients. This model, however, may mimic the better cardiovascular prognosis seen in overweight and obese heart failure patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wei Sheng Tan
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland , St. Lucia , Australia
| | - Thomas P Mullins
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland , St. Lucia , Australia
| | - Melanie Flint
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland , St. Lucia , Australia
| | - Sarah L Walton
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland , St. Lucia , Australia
| | | | - David A Carter
- Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland , St. Lucia , Australia
| | - Meera R Gandhi
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland , St. Lucia , Australia.,Mater Research Institute-University of Queensland, Translational Research Institute, Woolloongabba, Australia
| | - Hayley R McDonald
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland , St. Lucia , Australia
| | - Joan Li
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland , St. Lucia , Australia
| | - Karen M Moritz
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland , St. Lucia , Australia
| | - Melissa E Reichelt
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland , St. Lucia , Australia
| | - Linda A Gallo
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland , St. Lucia , Australia.,Mater Research Institute-University of Queensland, Translational Research Institute, Woolloongabba, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Anevska K, Cheong JN, Wark JD, Wlodek ME, Romano T. Maternal stress does not exacerbate long-term bone deficits in female rats born growth restricted, with differential effects on offspring bone health. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol 2018; 314:R161-R170. [DOI: 10.1152/ajpregu.00215.2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Females born growth restricted have poor adult bone health. Stress exposure during pregnancy increases risk of pregnancy complications. We determined whether maternal stress exposure in growth-restricted females exacerbates long-term maternal and offspring bone phenotypes. On gestational day 18, bilateral uterine vessel ligation (restricted) or sham (control) surgery was performed on Wistar-Kyoto rats. At 4 mo, control and restricted females were mated and allocated to unstressed or stressed pregnancies. Stressed pregnancies had physiological measurements performed; unstressed females were not handled. After birth, mothers were aged to 13 mo. Second-generation (F2) offspring generated four experimental groups: control unstressed, restricted unstressed, control stressed and restricted stressed. F2 offspring were studied at postnatal day 35 (PN35), 6, 12, and 16 mo. Peripheral quantitative computed tomography was performed on maternal and F2 offspring femurs. Restricted females, irrespective of stress during pregnancy, had decreased endosteal circumference, bending strength, and increased osteocalcin concentrations after pregnancy at 13 mo. F2 offspring of stressed mothers were born lighter. F2 male offspring from stressed pregnancies had decreased trabecular content at 6 mo and decreased endosteal circumference at 16 mo. F2 female offspring from growth-restricted mothers had reduced cortical thickness at PN35 and reduced endosteal circumference at 6 mo. At 12 mo, females from unstressed restricted and stressed control mothers had decreased trabecular content. Low birth weight females had long-term bone changes, highlighting programming effects on bone health. Stress during pregnancy did not exacerbate these programmed effects. Male and female offspring responded differently to maternal growth restriction and stress, indicating gender-specific programming effects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kristina Anevska
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Microbiology, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Australia
- Department of Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Jean N. Cheong
- Department of Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - John D. Wark
- Department of Medicine, The University of Melbourne and Bone and Mineral Medicine, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, Australia
| | - Mary E. Wlodek
- Department of Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Tania Romano
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Microbiology, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Briffa JF, Hosseini SS, Tran M, Moritz KM, Cuffe JS, Wlodek ME. Maternal growth restriction and stress exposure in rats differentially alters expression of components of the placental glucocorticoid barrier and nutrient transporters. Placenta 2017; 59:30-38. [DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2017.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2017] [Revised: 08/23/2017] [Accepted: 09/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
|
17
|
Paauw ND, van Rijn BB, Lely AT, Joles JA. Pregnancy as a critical window for blood pressure regulation in mother and child: programming and reprogramming. Acta Physiol (Oxf) 2017; 219:241-259. [PMID: 27124608 DOI: 10.1111/apha.12702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2015] [Revised: 02/06/2016] [Accepted: 04/25/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Pregnancy is a critical time for long-term blood pressure regulation in both mother and child. Pregnancies complicated by placental insufficiency, resulting in pre-eclampsia and intrauterine growth restriction, are associated with a threefold increased risk of the mother to develop hypertension later in life. In addition, these complications create an adverse intrauterine environment, which programmes the foetus and the second generation to develop hypertension in adult life. Female offspring born to a pregnancy complicated by placental insufficiency are at risk for pregnancy complications during their own pregnancies as well, resulting in a vicious circle with programmed risk for hypertension passing from generation to generation. Here, we review the epidemiology and mechanisms leading to the altered programming of blood pressure trajectories after pregnancies complicated by placental insufficiency. Although the underlying mechanisms leading to hypertension remain the subject of investigation, several abnormalities in angiotensin sensitivity, sodium handling, sympathetic activity, endothelial function and metabolic pathways are found in the mother after exposure to placental insufficiency. In the child, epigenetic modifications and disrupted organ development play a crucial role in programming of hypertension. We emphasize that pregnancy can be viewed as a window of opportunity to improve long-term cardiovascular health of both mother and child, and outline potential gains expected of improved preconceptional, perinatal and post-natal care to reduce the development of hypertension and the burden of cardiovascular disease later in life. Perinatal therapies aimed at reprogramming hypertension are a promising strategy to break the vicious circle of intergenerational programming of hypertension.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- N. D. Paauw
- Department of Obstetrics; Wilhelmina Children's Hospital Birth Center; University Medical Center Utrecht; Utrecht the Netherlands
| | - B. B. van Rijn
- Department of Obstetrics; Wilhelmina Children's Hospital Birth Center; University Medical Center Utrecht; Utrecht the Netherlands
- Academic Unit of Human Development and Health; University of Southampton; Southampton UK
| | - A. T. Lely
- Department of Obstetrics; Wilhelmina Children's Hospital Birth Center; University Medical Center Utrecht; Utrecht the Netherlands
| | - J. A. Joles
- Department of Nephrology and Hypertension; University Medical Center Utrecht; Utrecht the Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Cheong JN, Cuffe JSM, Jefferies AJ, Anevska K, Moritz KM, Wlodek ME. Sex-Specific Metabolic Outcomes in Offspring of Female Rats Born Small or Exposed to Stress During Pregnancy. Endocrinology 2016; 157:4104-4120. [PMID: 27571133 DOI: 10.1210/en.2016-1335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Low birth weight increases adult metabolic disease risk in both the first (F1) and second (F2) generation. Physiological stress during pregnancy in F1 females that were born small induces F2 fetal growth restriction, but the long-term metabolic health of these F2 offspring is unknown. Uteroplacental insufficiency (restricted) or sham (control) surgery was performed in F0 rats. F1 females (control, restricted) were allocated to unstressed or stressed pregnancies. F2 offspring exposed to maternal stress in utero had reduced birth weight. At 6 months, F2 stressed males had elevated fasting glucose. In contrast, F2 restricted males had reduced pancreatic β-cell mass. Interestingly, these metabolic deficits were not present at 12 month. F2 males had increased adrenal mRNA expression of steroidogenic acute regulatory protein and IGF-1 receptor when their mothers were born small or exposed to stress during pregnancy. Stressed control F2 males had increased expression of adrenal genes that regulate androgen signaling at 6 months, whereas expression increased in restricted male and female offspring at 12 months. F2 females from stressed mothers had lower area under the glucose curve during glucose tolerance testing at 12 months compared with unstressed females but were otherwise unaffected. If F1 mothers were either born small or exposed to stress during her pregnancy, F2 offspring had impaired physiological outcomes in a sex- and age-specific manner. Importantly, stress during pregnancy did not exacerbate disease risk in F2 offspring of mothers born small, suggesting that they independently program disease in offspring through different mechanisms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jean N Cheong
- Department of Physiology (J.N.C., A.J.J., K.A., M.E.W.), Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia; School of Biomedical Sciences (J..S.M.C., K.M.M.), University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia; School of Medical Science (J.S.M.C.), Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast Campus, Southport, Queensland 4222, Australia; and Department of Physiology (K.A.), Anatomy and Microbiology, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, 3086, Australia
| | - James S M Cuffe
- Department of Physiology (J.N.C., A.J.J., K.A., M.E.W.), Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia; School of Biomedical Sciences (J..S.M.C., K.M.M.), University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia; School of Medical Science (J.S.M.C.), Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast Campus, Southport, Queensland 4222, Australia; and Department of Physiology (K.A.), Anatomy and Microbiology, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, 3086, Australia
| | - Andrew J Jefferies
- Department of Physiology (J.N.C., A.J.J., K.A., M.E.W.), Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia; School of Biomedical Sciences (J..S.M.C., K.M.M.), University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia; School of Medical Science (J.S.M.C.), Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast Campus, Southport, Queensland 4222, Australia; and Department of Physiology (K.A.), Anatomy and Microbiology, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, 3086, Australia
| | - Kristina Anevska
- Department of Physiology (J.N.C., A.J.J., K.A., M.E.W.), Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia; School of Biomedical Sciences (J..S.M.C., K.M.M.), University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia; School of Medical Science (J.S.M.C.), Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast Campus, Southport, Queensland 4222, Australia; and Department of Physiology (K.A.), Anatomy and Microbiology, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, 3086, Australia
| | - Karen M Moritz
- Department of Physiology (J.N.C., A.J.J., K.A., M.E.W.), Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia; School of Biomedical Sciences (J..S.M.C., K.M.M.), University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia; School of Medical Science (J.S.M.C.), Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast Campus, Southport, Queensland 4222, Australia; and Department of Physiology (K.A.), Anatomy and Microbiology, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, 3086, Australia
| | - Mary E Wlodek
- Department of Physiology (J.N.C., A.J.J., K.A., M.E.W.), Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia; School of Biomedical Sciences (J..S.M.C., K.M.M.), University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia; School of Medical Science (J.S.M.C.), Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast Campus, Southport, Queensland 4222, Australia; and Department of Physiology (K.A.), Anatomy and Microbiology, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, 3086, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Cheong JN, Cuffe JSM, Jefferies AJ, Moritz KM, Wlodek ME. Adrenal, metabolic and cardio-renal dysfunction develops after pregnancy in rats born small or stressed by physiological measurements during pregnancy. J Physiol 2016; 594:6055-6068. [PMID: 27291586 PMCID: PMC5063931 DOI: 10.1113/jp272212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2016] [Accepted: 04/28/2016] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
KEY POINTS Women born small are at an increased risk of developing pregnancy complications. Stress may further increase a woman's likelihood for an adverse pregnancy. Adverse pregnancy adaptations can lead to long-term diseases even after her pregnancy. The current study investigated the effects of stress during pregnancy on the long-term adrenal, metabolic and cardio-renal health of female rats that were born small. Stress programmed increased adrenal Mc2r gene expression, a higher insulin secretory response to glucose during intraperitoneal glucose tolerance test (+36%) and elevated renal creatinine clearance after pregnancy. Females that were born small had increased homeostatic model assessment-insulin resistance and elevated systolic blood pressure after pregnancy, regardless of stress exposure. These findings suggest that being born small or being stressed during pregnancy programs long-term adverse health outcomes after pregnancy. However, stress in pregnancy does not exacerbate the long-term adverse health outcomes for females that were born small. ABSTRACT Females born small are more likely to experience complications during their pregnancy, including pregnancy-induced hypertension, pre-eclampsia and gestational diabetes. The risk of developing complications is increased by stress exposure during pregnancy. In addition, pregnancy complications may predispose the mother to diseases after pregnancy. We determined whether stress during pregnancy would exacerbate the adrenal, metabolic and cardio-renal dysfunction of growth-restricted females in later life. Late gestation bilateral uterine vessel ligation was performed in Wistar Kyoto rats to induce growth restriction. At 4 months, growth-restricted and control female offspring were mated with normal males. Those allocated to the stressed group had physiological measurements [metabolic cage, tail cuff blood pressure, intraperitoneal glucose tolerance test (IPGTT)] conducted during pregnancy whilst the unstressed groups were unhandled. After the completion of pregnancy, dams were aged to 12 months and blood pressure, and metabolic and renal function were assessed. At 13 months, adrenal glands, pancreases and plasma were collected at post-mortem. Females stressed during pregnancy had increased adrenal Mc2r gene expression (+22%), higher insulin secretory response to glucose during IPGTT (+36%) and higher creatinine clearance (+29%, indicating increased estimated glomerular filtration rate). In contrast, females that were born small had increased homeostatic model assessment-insulin resistance (+54%), increased water intake (+23%), urine output (+44%) and elevated systolic blood pressure (+7%) regardless of exposure to stress. Our findings suggest that low maternal birth weight and maternal stress exposure during pregnancy are both independently detrimental for long-term adrenal, metabolic and cardio-renal health of the mother, although their effects were not exacerbated.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jean N Cheong
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3010, Australia
| | - James S M Cuffe
- School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland, 4072, Australia
- School of Medical Science, Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast Campus, Southport, Queensland, 4222, Australia
| | - Andrew J Jefferies
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3010, Australia
| | - Karen M Moritz
- School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland, 4072, Australia
| | - Mary E Wlodek
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3010, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Cheong JN, Wlodek ME, Moritz KM, Cuffe JSM. Programming of maternal and offspring disease: impact of growth restriction, fetal sex and transmission across generations. J Physiol 2016; 594:4727-40. [PMID: 26970222 PMCID: PMC5009791 DOI: 10.1113/jp271745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2015] [Accepted: 01/16/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Babies born small are at an increased risk of developing myriad adult diseases. While growth restriction increases disease risk in all individuals, often a second hit is required to unmask 'programmed' impairments in physiology. Programmed disease outcomes are demonstrated more commonly in male offspring compared with females, with these sex-specific outcomes partly attributed to different placenta-regulated growth strategies of the male and female fetus. Pregnancy is known to be a major risk factor for unmasking a number of conditions and can be considered a 'second hit' for women who were born small. As such, female offspring often develop impairments of physiology for the first time during pregnancy that present as pregnancy complications. Numerous maternal stressors can further increase the risk of developing a maternal complication during pregnancy. Importantly, these maternal complications can have long-term consequences for both the mother after pregnancy and the developing fetus. Conditions such as preeclampsia, gestational diabetes and hypertension as well as thyroid, liver and kidney diseases are all conditions that can complicate pregnancy and have long-term consequences for maternal and offspring health. Babies born to mothers who develop these conditions are often at a greater risk of developing disease in adulthood. This has implications as a mechanism for transmission of disease across generations. In this review, we discuss the evidence surrounding long-term intergenerational implications of being born small and/or experiencing stress during pregnancy on programming outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jean N Cheong
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3010, Australia
| | - Mary E Wlodek
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3010, Australia
| | - Karen M Moritz
- School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, 4072, Australia
| | - James S M Cuffe
- School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, 4072, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Once daily administration of the SGLT2 inhibitor, empagliflozin, attenuates markers of renal fibrosis without improving albuminuria in diabetic db/db mice. Sci Rep 2016; 6:26428. [PMID: 27226136 PMCID: PMC4881020 DOI: 10.1038/srep26428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2016] [Accepted: 05/03/2016] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Blood glucose control is the primary strategy to prevent complications in diabetes. At the onset of kidney disease, therapies that inhibit components of the renin angiotensin system (RAS) are also indicated, but these approaches are not wholly effective. Here, we show that once daily administration of the novel glucose lowering agent, empagliflozin, an SGLT2 inhibitor which targets the kidney to block glucose reabsorption, has the potential to improve kidney disease in type 2 diabetes. In male db/db mice, a 10-week treatment with empagliflozin attenuated the diabetes-induced upregulation of profibrotic gene markers, fibronectin and transforming-growth-factor-beta. Other molecular (collagen IV and connective tissue growth factor) and histological (tubulointerstitial total collagen and glomerular collagen IV accumulation) benefits were seen upon dual therapy with metformin. Albuminuria, urinary markers of tubule damage (kidney injury molecule-1, KIM-1 and neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin, NGAL), kidney growth, and glomerulosclerosis, however, were not improved with empagliflozin or metformin, and plasma and intra-renal renin activity was enhanced with empagliflozin. In this model, blood glucose lowering with empagliflozin attenuated some molecular and histological markers of fibrosis but, as per treatment with metformin, did not provide complete renoprotection. Further research to refine the treatment regimen in type 2 diabetes and nephropathy is warranted.
Collapse
|
22
|
Sferruzzi-Perri AN, Camm EJ. The Programming Power of the Placenta. Front Physiol 2016; 7:33. [PMID: 27014074 PMCID: PMC4789467 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2016.00033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 128] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2015] [Accepted: 01/25/2016] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Size at birth is a critical determinant of life expectancy, and is dependent primarily on the placental supply of nutrients. However, the placenta is not just a passive organ for the materno-fetal transfer of nutrients and oxygen. Studies show that the placenta can adapt morphologically and functionally to optimize substrate supply, and thus fetal growth, under adverse intrauterine conditions. These adaptations help meet the fetal drive for growth, and their effectiveness will determine the amount and relative proportions of specific metabolic substrates supplied to the fetus at different stages of development. This flow of nutrients will ultimately program physiological systems at the gene, cell, tissue, organ, and system levels, and inadequacies can cause permanent structural and functional changes that lead to overt disease, particularly with increasing age. This review examines the environmental regulation of the placental phenotype with particular emphasis on the impact of maternal nutritional challenges and oxygen scarcity in mice, rats and guinea pigs. It also focuses on the effects of such conditions on fetal growth and the developmental programming of disease postnatally. A challenge for future research is to link placental structure and function with clinical phenotypes in the offspring.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Emily J Camm
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge Cambridge, UK
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Tran M, Young ME, Jefferies AJ, Hryciw DH, Ward MM, Fletcher EL, Wlodek ME, Wadley GD. Uteroplacental insufficiency leads to hypertension, but not glucose intolerance or impaired skeletal muscle mitochondrial biogenesis, in 12-month-old rats. Physiol Rep 2015; 3:3/9/e12556. [PMID: 26416974 PMCID: PMC4600396 DOI: 10.14814/phy2.12556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Growth restriction impacts on offspring development and increases their risk of disease in adulthood which is exacerbated with “second hits.” The aim of this study was to investigate if blood pressure, glucose tolerance, and skeletal muscle mitochondrial biogenesis were altered in 12-month-old male and female offspring with prenatal or postnatal growth restriction. Bilateral uterine vessel ligation induced uteroplacental insufficiency and growth restriction in offspring (Restricted). A sham surgery was also performed during pregnancy (Control) and some litters from sham mothers had their litter size reduced (Reduced litter), which restricted postnatal growth. Growth-restricted females only developed hypertension at 12 months, which was not observed in males. In Restricted females only homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance was decreased, indicating enhanced hepatic insulin sensitivity, which was not observed in males. Plasma leptin was increased only in the Reduced males at 12 months compared to Control and Restricted males, which was not observed in females. Compared to Controls, leptin, ghrelin, and adiponectin were unaltered in the Restricted males and females, suggesting that at 12 months of age the reduction in body weight in the Restricted offspring is not a consequence of circulating adipokines. Skeletal muscle PGC-1α levels were unaltered in 12-month-old male and female rats, which indicate improvements in lean muscle mass by 12 months of age. In summary, sex strongly impacts the cardiometabolic effects of growth restriction in 12-month-old rats and it is females who are at particular risk of developing long-term hypertension following growth restriction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Melanie Tran
- Departments of Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Margaret E Young
- Departments of Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Andrew J Jefferies
- Departments of Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Deanne H Hryciw
- Departments of Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Michelle M Ward
- Departments of Anatomy and Neuroscience, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Erica L Fletcher
- Departments of Anatomy and Neuroscience, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Mary E Wlodek
- Departments of Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Glenn D Wadley
- Departments of Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Centre for Physical Activity and Nutrition Research, Deakin University, Burwood, Victoria, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Intrauterine Growth Restricted Rats Exercised before and during Pregnancy: Maternal and Perinatal Repercussions. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2015; 2015:294850. [PMID: 26345406 PMCID: PMC4540985 DOI: 10.1155/2015/294850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2015] [Revised: 07/08/2015] [Accepted: 07/12/2015] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed at evaluating the effect of swimming before and during pregnancy on rats born with intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) and their offspring. For this, nondiabetic and streptozotocin-induced severely diabetic (SD) pregnant rats were mated and generated offspring with appropriate (control, C) and small (IUGR) for pregnancy age, respectively. Following that, C and IUGR groups were further distributed into nonexercised control (C), exercised control (Cex), nonexercised IUGR (IUGR), and exercised IUGR (IUGRex). IUGR rats presented lower mating rate than control rats. Regardless of physical exercise IUGR rats presented decreased body weight from birth to lactation. At 90 days of life, IUGR rats presented glucose intolerance. Maternal organ weights were increased and relative adiposity of IUGRex rats was lower than Cex. IUGR and IUGRex offspring presented reduced body weight than C and Cex, respectively. IUGRex dams presented an increased rate of appropriate for pregnancy age newborns. IUGEex male and female offspring relative brain weight was increased compared with Cex. Therefore, swimming before and during pregnancy prevented glucose intolerance, reduced general adiposity, and increased maternal and offspring organ weight in rats, showing the benefit of physical exercise for IUGR rats.
Collapse
|
25
|
Mahizir D, Briffa JF, Hryciw DH, Wadley GD, Moritz KM, Wlodek ME. Maternal obesity in females born small: Pregnancy complications and offspring disease risk. Mol Nutr Food Res 2015; 60:8-17. [DOI: 10.1002/mnfr.201500289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2015] [Revised: 07/05/2015] [Accepted: 07/07/2015] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Dayana Mahizir
- Department of Physiology; The University of Melbourne; Parkville Victoria Australia
| | - Jessica F. Briffa
- Department of Physiology; The University of Melbourne; Parkville Victoria Australia
| | - Deanne H. Hryciw
- Department of Physiology; The University of Melbourne; Parkville Victoria Australia
| | - Glenn D. Wadley
- Centre for Physical Activity and Nutrition Research; School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences; Deakin University; Burwood Victoria Australia
| | - Karen M. Moritz
- School of Biomedical Sciences; University of Queensland; St. Lucia Queensland Australia
| | - Mary E. Wlodek
- Department of Physiology; The University of Melbourne; Parkville Victoria Australia
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Master JS, Zimanyi MA, Yin KV, Moritz KM, Gallo LA, Tran M, Wlodek ME, Black MJ. Transgenerational left ventricular hypertrophy and hypertension in offspring after uteroplacental insufficiency in male rats. Clin Exp Pharmacol Physiol 2015; 41:884-90. [PMID: 25199478 DOI: 10.1111/1440-1681.12303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2014] [Revised: 08/14/2014] [Accepted: 08/18/2014] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Epidemiological studies have shown an association between low birthweight and adult disease development with transmission to subsequent generations. The aim of the present study was to examine the effect of intrauterine growth restriction in rats, induced by uteroplacental insufficiency, on cardiac structure, number, size, nuclearity, and adult blood pressure in first (F1) and second (F2) generation male offspring. Uteroplacental insufficiency or sham surgery was induced in F0 Wistar-Kyoto pregnant rats in late gestation giving rise to F1 restricted and control offspring, respectively. F1 control and restricted females were mated with normal males, resulting in F2 control and restricted offspring, respectively. F1 restricted male offspring were significantly lighter at birth (P < 0.05), but there were no differences in birthweight of F2 offspring. Left ventricular weights and volumes were significantly increased (P < 0.05) in F1 and F2 restricted offspring at day 35. Left ventricular cardiomyocyte number was not different in F1 and F2 restricted offspring. At 6 months-of-age, F1 and F2 restricted offspring had elevated blood pressure (8-15 mmHg, P < 0.05). Our findings demonstrate the emergence of left ventricular hypertrophy and hypertension, with no change in cardiomyocyte number, in F1 restricted male offspring, and this was transmitted to the F2 offspring. The findings support transgenerational programming effects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jordanna S Master
- Department of Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Vic., Australia
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
27
|
Anevska K, Gallo LA, Tran M, Jefferies AJ, Wark JD, Wlodek ME, Romano T. Pregnant growth restricted female rats have bone gains during late gestation which contributes to second generation adolescent and adult offspring having normal bone health. Bone 2015; 74:199-207. [PMID: 25659207 DOI: 10.1016/j.bone.2015.01.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2014] [Revised: 01/21/2015] [Accepted: 01/26/2015] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Low birth weight, due to uteroplacental insufficiency, results in programmed bone deficits in the first generation (F1). These deficits may be passed onto subsequent generations. We characterized the effects of being born small on maternal bone health during pregnancy; and aimed to characterize the contribution of the maternal environment and germ line effects to bone health in F2 offspring from mothers born small. Bilateral uterine vessel ligation (or sham) surgery was performed on female F0 WKY rats on gestational day 18 (term 22days) to induce uteroplacental insufficiency and fetal growth restriction. Control and Restricted F1 female offspring were allocated to a non-pregnant or pregnant group. To generate F2 offspring, F1 females were allocated to either non-embryo or embryo transfer groups. Embryo transfer was performed on gestational day 1, where second generation (F2) embryos were gestated (donor-in-recipient) in either a Control (Control-in-Control, Restricted-in-Control) or Restricted (Control-in-Restricted, Restricted-in-Restricted) mother. Restricted F1 females were born 10-15% lighter than Controls. Restricted non-pregnant females had shorter femurs, reduced trabecular and cortical bone mineral contents, trabecular density and bone geometry measures determined by peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT) compared to non-pregnant Controls. Pregnancy restored the bone deficits that were present in F1 Restricted females. F2 non-embryo transfer male and female offspring were born of normal weight, while F2 embryo transfer males and females gestated in a Control mother (Control-in-Control, Restricted-in-Control) were heavier at birth compared to offspring gestated in a Restricted mother (Restricted-in-Restricted, Control-in-Restricted). Male F2 Restricted embryo groups (Restricted-in-Control and Restricted-in-Restricted) had accelerated postnatal growth. There was no transmission of bone deficits present at 35days or 6months in F2 offspring. Embryo transfer procedure had confounding effects preventing the separation of maternal environment and germ line contribution to outcomes. Deficits present in F1 non-pregnant Restricted females were absent during late gestation, indicating that pregnant F1 Restricted females experienced gains in bone. These beneficial maternal pregnancy adaptations may have prevented transmission of bone deficits to F2 offspring.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kristina Anevska
- Department of Human Biosciences, La Trobe University, Bundoora 3086, Australia
| | - Linda A Gallo
- Department of Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville 3010, Australia
| | - Melanie Tran
- Department of Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville 3010, Australia
| | - Andrew J Jefferies
- Department of Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville 3010, Australia
| | - John D Wark
- Department of Medicine, The University of Melbourne, Parkville 3050, Australia; Bone and Mineral Medicine, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville 3050, Australia
| | - Mary E Wlodek
- Department of Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville 3010, Australia
| | - Tania Romano
- Department of Human Biosciences, La Trobe University, Bundoora 3086, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Basilious A, Yager J, Fehlings MG. Neurological outcomes of animal models of uterine artery ligation and relevance to human intrauterine growth restriction: a systematic review. Dev Med Child Neurol 2015; 57:420-30. [PMID: 25330710 PMCID: PMC4406147 DOI: 10.1111/dmcn.12599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/18/2014] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
AIM This review explores the molecular, neurological, and behavioural outcomes in animal models of uterine artery ligation. We analyse the relevance of this type of model to the pathological and functional phenotypes that are consistent with cerebral palsy and its developmental comorbidities in humans. METHOD A literature search of the PubMed database was conducted for research using the uterine artery ligation model published between 1990 and 2013. From the studies included, any relevant neuroanatomical and behavioural deficits were then summarized from each document and used for further analysis. RESULTS There were 25 papers that met the criteria included for review, and several outcomes were summarized from the results of these papers. Fetuses with growth restriction demonstrated a gradient of reduced body weight with a relative sparing of brain mass. There was a significant reduction in the size of the somatosensory cortex, hippocampus, and corpus callosum. The motor cortex appeared to be spared of identifiable deficits. Apoptotic proteins were upregulated, while those important to neuronal survival, growth, and differentiation were downregulated. Neuronal apoptosis and astrogliosis occurred diffusely throughout the brain regions. White matter injury involved oligodendrocyte precursor maturation arrest, hypomyelination, and an aberrant organization of existing myelin. Animals with growth restriction demonstrated deficits in gait, memory, object recognition, and spatial processing. INTERPRETATION This review concludes that neuronal death, white matter injury, motor abnormalities, and cognitive deficits are important outcomes of uterine artery ligation in animal models. Therefore, this is a clinically relevant type of model, as these findings resemble deficits in human cerebral palsy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Jerome Yager
- Department of Pediatrics, University of AlbertaEdmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Michael G Fehlings
- Faculty of Medicine, University of TorontoToronto, ON, Canada,Toronto Western Research Institute and Krembil Neuroscience Centre, University Health NetworkToronto, ON, Canada,Department of Surgery, University of TorontoToronto, ON, Canada,
Correspondence to Michael Fehlings, Toronto Western Hospital 4WW449, 399 Bathurst St, Toronto, ON, Canada M5T 2S8. E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Briffa JF, McAinch AJ, Romano T, Wlodek ME, Hryciw DH. Leptin in pregnancy and development: a contributor to adulthood disease? Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab 2015; 308:E335-50. [PMID: 25516549 DOI: 10.1152/ajpendo.00312.2014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Emerging research has highlighted the importance of leptin in fetal growth and development independent of its essential role in the maintenance of hunger and satiety through the modulation of neuropeptide Y and proopiomelanocortin neurons. Alterations in maternal-placental-fetal leptin exchange may modify the development of the fetus and contribute to the increased risk of developing disease in adulthood. In addition, leptin also plays an important role in reproductive functions, with plasma leptin concentrations rising in pregnant women, peaking during the third trimester. Elevated plasma leptin concentrations occur at the completion of organogenesis, and research in animal models has demonstrated that leptin is involved in the development and maturation of a number of organs, including the heart, brain, kidneys, and pancreas. Elevated maternal plasma leptin is associated with maternal obesity, and reduced fetal plasma leptin is correlated with intrauterine growth restriction. Alterations in plasma leptin during development may be associated with an increased risk of developing a number of adulthood diseases, including cardiovascular, metabolic, and renal diseases via altered fetal development and organogenesis. Importantly, research has shown that leptin antagonism after birth significantly reduces maturation of numerous organs. Conversely, restoration of the leptin deficiency after birth in growth-restricted animals restores the offspring's body weight and improves organogenesis. Therefore, leptin appears to play a major role in organogenesis, which may adversely affect the risk of developing a number of diseases in adulthood. Therefore, greater understanding of the role of leptin during development may assist in the prevention and treatment of a number of disease states that occur in adulthood.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jessica F Briffa
- Department of Physiology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Andrew J McAinch
- Centre for Chronic Disease Prevention and Management, College of Health and Biomedicine, Victoria University, St. Albans, Australia; and
| | - Tania Romano
- Department of Human Biosciences, Latrobe University, Bundoora, Australia
| | - Mary E Wlodek
- Department of Physiology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Deanne H Hryciw
- Department of Physiology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia;
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Master JS, Thouas GA, Harvey AJ, Sheedy JR, Hannan NJ, Gardner DK, Wlodek ME. Low female birth weight and advanced maternal age programme alterations in next-generation blastocyst development. Reproduction 2015; 149:497-510. [PMID: 25667431 DOI: 10.1530/rep-14-0619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Low birth weight is associated with an increased risk for adult disease development with recent studies highlighting transmission to subsequent generations. However, the mechanisms and timing of programming of disease transmission to the next generation remain unknown. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of low birth weight and advanced maternal age on second-generation preimplantation blastocysts. Uteroplacental insufficiency or sham surgery was performed in late-gestation WKY pregnant rats, giving rise to first-generation (F1) restricted (born small) and control offspring respectively. F1 control and restricted females, at 4 or 12 months of age, were naturally mated with normal males. Second-generation (F2) blastocysts from restricted females displayed reduced expression of genes related to growth compared with F2 control (P<0.05). Following 24 h culture, F2 restricted blastocysts had accelerated development, with increased total cell number, a result of increased trophectoderm cells compared with control (P<0.05). There were alterations in carbohydrate and serine utilisation in F2 restricted blastocysts and F2 restricted outgrowths from 4-month-old females respectively (P<0.05). F2 blastocysts from aged restricted females were developmentally delayed at retrieval, with reduced total cell number attributable to reduced trophectoderm number with changes in carbohydrate utilisation (P<0.05). Advanced maternal age resulted in alterations in a number of amino acids in media obtained from F2 blastocyst outgrowths (P<0.05). These findings demonstrate that growth restriction and advanced maternal age can alter F2 preimplantation embryo physiology and the subsequent offspring growth.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jordanna S Master
- Department of PhysiologySchool of BioSciencesThe University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, AustraliaDepartment of Obstetrics and GynaecologyMercy Hospital, The University of Melbourne, Heidelberg, Victoria 3084, Australia
| | - George A Thouas
- Department of PhysiologySchool of BioSciencesThe University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, AustraliaDepartment of Obstetrics and GynaecologyMercy Hospital, The University of Melbourne, Heidelberg, Victoria 3084, Australia
| | - Alexandra J Harvey
- Department of PhysiologySchool of BioSciencesThe University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, AustraliaDepartment of Obstetrics and GynaecologyMercy Hospital, The University of Melbourne, Heidelberg, Victoria 3084, Australia
| | - John R Sheedy
- Department of PhysiologySchool of BioSciencesThe University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, AustraliaDepartment of Obstetrics and GynaecologyMercy Hospital, The University of Melbourne, Heidelberg, Victoria 3084, Australia
| | - Natalie J Hannan
- Department of PhysiologySchool of BioSciencesThe University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, AustraliaDepartment of Obstetrics and GynaecologyMercy Hospital, The University of Melbourne, Heidelberg, Victoria 3084, Australia Department of PhysiologySchool of BioSciencesThe University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, AustraliaDepartment of Obstetrics and GynaecologyMercy Hospital, The University of Melbourne, Heidelberg, Victoria 3084, Australia
| | - David K Gardner
- Department of PhysiologySchool of BioSciencesThe University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, AustraliaDepartment of Obstetrics and GynaecologyMercy Hospital, The University of Melbourne, Heidelberg, Victoria 3084, Australia
| | - Mary E Wlodek
- Department of PhysiologySchool of BioSciencesThe University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, AustraliaDepartment of Obstetrics and GynaecologyMercy Hospital, The University of Melbourne, Heidelberg, Victoria 3084, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Goodspeed D, Seferovic MD, Holland W, Mcknight RA, Summers SA, Branch DW, Lane RH, Aagaard KM. Essential nutrient supplementation prevents heritable metabolic disease in multigenerational intrauterine growth-restricted rats. FASEB J 2014; 29:807-19. [PMID: 25395450 DOI: 10.1096/fj.14-259614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) confers heritable alterations in DNA methylation, rendering risk of adult metabolic syndrome (MetS). Because CpG methylation is coupled to intake of essential nutrients along the one-carbon pathway, we reasoned that essential nutrient supplementation (ENS) may abrogate IUGR-conferred multigenerational MetS. Pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats underwent bilateral uterine artery ligation causing IUGR in F1. Among the F2 generation, IUGR lineage rats were underweight at birth (6.7 vs. 8.0 g, P < 0.0001) and obese by adulthood (p160: 613 vs. 510 g; P < 0.0001). Dual energy X-ray absorptiometry studies revealed increased central fat mass (Δ+40 g), accompanied by dyslipidemic (>30% elevated, P < 0.05) serum triglycerides (139 mg/dl), very-LDLs (27.8 mg/dl), and fatty acids (632 µM). Hyperglycemic-euglycemic clamp studies and glucose tolerance testing revealed insulin resistance. Conversely, IUGR lineage ENS-fed rats did not manifest MetS, with significantly lower body weight (p160: 410 g), >5-fold less central fat mass, normal hepatic glucose efflux, and >70% reduced circulating triglycerides and very-LDLs compared with IUGR control-fed F2 offspring (P < 0.01). Moreover, increased methylation of the IGF-1 P2 transcriptional start site among IUGR lineage F2 offspring was reversed in ENS (P < 0.04). This is an initial demonstration that supplementation along the one-carbon pathway abrogates adult morbidity and associated epigenomic modifications of IGF-1 in a rodent model of multigenerational MetS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Danielle Goodspeed
- *Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA; Department of Internal Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, and Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Program in Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases, Duke-National University of Singapore Graduate Medical School, Singapore; and Department of Pediatrics, Medical College of Wisconsin and Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Maxim D Seferovic
- *Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA; Department of Internal Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, and Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Program in Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases, Duke-National University of Singapore Graduate Medical School, Singapore; and Department of Pediatrics, Medical College of Wisconsin and Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - William Holland
- *Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA; Department of Internal Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, and Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Program in Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases, Duke-National University of Singapore Graduate Medical School, Singapore; and Department of Pediatrics, Medical College of Wisconsin and Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Robert A Mcknight
- *Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA; Department of Internal Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, and Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Program in Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases, Duke-National University of Singapore Graduate Medical School, Singapore; and Department of Pediatrics, Medical College of Wisconsin and Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Scott A Summers
- *Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA; Department of Internal Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, and Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Program in Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases, Duke-National University of Singapore Graduate Medical School, Singapore; and Department of Pediatrics, Medical College of Wisconsin and Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - D Ware Branch
- *Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA; Department of Internal Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, and Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Program in Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases, Duke-National University of Singapore Graduate Medical School, Singapore; and Department of Pediatrics, Medical College of Wisconsin and Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Robert H Lane
- *Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA; Department of Internal Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, and Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Program in Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases, Duke-National University of Singapore Graduate Medical School, Singapore; and Department of Pediatrics, Medical College of Wisconsin and Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Kjersti M Aagaard
- *Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA; Department of Internal Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, and Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Program in Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases, Duke-National University of Singapore Graduate Medical School, Singapore; and Department of Pediatrics, Medical College of Wisconsin and Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Alexander BT, Henry Dasinger J, Intapad S. Effect of low birth weight on women's health. Clin Ther 2014; 36:1913-1923. [PMID: 25064626 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinthera.2014.06.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2014] [Accepted: 06/19/2014] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The theory of the developmental origins of health and disease hypothesizes that low birth weight (≤5.5 lb) indicative of poor fetal growth is associated with an increased risk of chronic, noncommunicable disease in later life, including hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and osteoporosis. Whether women are at greater risk than men is not clear. Experimental studies that mimic the cause of slow fetal growth are being used to examine the underlying mechanisms that link a poor fetal environment with later chronic disease and investigate how sex and age affect programmed risk. Thus, the aims of this review are to summarize the current literature related to the effect of low birth weight on women's health and provide insight into potential mechanisms that program increased risk of chronic disease across the lifespan. METHODS A search of PubMed was performed with the keywords low birth weight, women's health, female, and sex differences; additional terms included blood pressure, hypertension, renal, cardiovascular, obesity, glucose intolerance, type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis, bone health, reproductive senescence, menopause, and aging. FINDINGS The major chronic diseases associated with low birth weight include high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease, impaired glucose homeostasis and type 2 diabetes, impaired bone mass and osteoporosis, and early reproductive aging. IMPLICATIONS Low birth weight increases the risk of chronic disease in men and women. Low birth weight is also associated with increased risk of early menopause. Further studies are needed to fully address the effect of sex and age on the developmental programming of adult health and disease in women across their lifespan.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Barbara T Alexander
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics and the Women's Health Research Center, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi.
| | - John Henry Dasinger
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics and the Women's Health Research Center, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi
| | - Suttira Intapad
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics and the Women's Health Research Center, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Gallo LA, Tran M, Moritz KM, Wlodek ME. Developmental programming: variations in early growth and adult disease. Clin Exp Pharmacol Physiol 2014; 40:795-802. [PMID: 23581813 DOI: 10.1111/1440-1681.12092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2013] [Revised: 04/02/2013] [Accepted: 04/07/2013] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Suboptimal conditions in utero are associated with the development of adult-onset diseases in offspring. Uteroplacental insufficiency in rats is a well-established animal model used to mimic and study the effects of developmental insults relevant to countries of abundant nutrient supply. However, wide-ranging outcomes for the offspring are apparent between the different investigators that use this model and also between cohorts generated in our laboratory. We aimed to explore the reasons for variability in rat models of uteroplacental insufficiency between different investigators and also between our own animal cohorts. We suggest differences in growth and disease development reflect uniqueness in susceptibility and highlight the complexity of interactions between genetic potential and environmental exposures. The impact of adverse exposures in utero has been described as having far-reaching effects that extend well beyond the first, directly exposed generation. However, the resulting phenotypes are not consistent between generations. This suggests that programmed effects are established de novo in each generation and challenges the prediction of disease. Characterization of growth and disease in the numerous rat models has led to our understanding of the impact of early life experiences on adult health. In order to drive the development of preventative and/or treatment strategies, future studies should focus on identifying the initial cause(s) of uteroplacental insufficiency, including genetic origins and the influence of poor diets.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Linda A Gallo
- Department of Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Mater Medical Research Institute, Translational Research Institute, Woolloongabba, Queensland, Australia
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
34
|
Gatford KL, Kaur G, Falcão-Tebas F, Wadley GD, Wlodek ME, Laker RC, Ebeling PR, McConell GK. Exercise as an intervention to improve metabolic outcomes after intrauterine growth restriction. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab 2014; 306:E999-1012. [PMID: 24619880 DOI: 10.1152/ajpendo.00456.2013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Individuals born after intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) are at an increased risk of developing diabetes in their adult life. IUGR impairs β-cell function and reduces β-cell mass, thereby diminishing insulin secretion. IUGR also induces insulin resistance, with impaired insulin signaling in muscle in adult humans who were small for gestational age (SGA) and in rodent models of IUGR. There is epidemiological evidence in humans that exercise in adults can reduce the risk of metabolic disease following IUGR. However, it is not clear whether adult IUGR individuals benefit to the same extent from exercise as do normal-birth-weight individuals, as our rat studies suggest less of a benefit in those born IUGR. Importantly, however, there is some evidence from studies in rats that exercise in early life might be able to reverse or reprogram the long-term metabolic effects of IUGR. Studies are needed to address gaps in current knowledge, including determining the mechanisms involved in the reprogramming effects of early exercise in rats, whether exercise early in life or in adulthood has similar beneficial metabolic effects in larger animal models in which insulin resistance develops after IUGR. Human studies are also needed to determine whether exercise training improves insulin secretion and insulin sensitivity to the same extent in IUGR adults as in control populations. Such investigations will have implications for customizing the recommended level and timing of exercise to improve metabolic health after IUGR.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn L Gatford
- Robinson Institute and School of Paediatrics and Reproductive Health, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
35
|
Dorey ES, Pantaleon M, Weir KA, Moritz KM. Adverse prenatal environment and kidney development: implications for programing of adult disease. Reproduction 2014; 147:R189-98. [PMID: 24686455 DOI: 10.1530/rep-13-0478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The 'developmental origins of health and disease' hypothesis suggests that many adult-onset diseases can be attributed to altered growth and development during early life. Perturbations during gestation can be detrimental and lead to an increased risk of developing renal, cardiovascular, metabolic, and neurocognitive dysfunction in adulthood. The kidney has emerged as being especially vulnerable to insult at almost any stage of development resulting in a reduction in nephron endowment. In both humans and animal models, a reduction in nephron endowment is strongly associated with an increased risk of hypertension. The focus of this review is twofold: i) to determine the importance of specific periods during development on long-term programing and ii) to examine the effects of maternal perturbations on the developing kidney and how this may program adult-onset disease. Recent evidence has suggested that insults occurring around the time of conception also have the capacity to influence long-term health. Although epigenetic mechanisms are implicated in mediating these outcomes, it is unclear as to how these may impact on kidney development. This presents exciting new challenges and areas for research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emily S Dorey
- School of Biomedical SciencesThe University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Marie Pantaleon
- School of Biomedical SciencesThe University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Kristy A Weir
- School of Biomedical SciencesThe University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Karen M Moritz
- School of Biomedical SciencesThe University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Tran M, Gallo LA, Hanvey AN, Jefferies AJ, Westcott KT, Cullen-McEwen LA, Gardner DK, Moritz KM, Wlodek ME. Embryo transfer cannot delineate between the maternal pregnancy environment and germ line effects in the transgenerational transmission of disease in rats. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol 2014; 306:R607-18. [PMID: 24523338 DOI: 10.1152/ajpregu.00523.2013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Adverse conditions in utero can have transgenerational effects, in the absence of a subsequent insult. We aimed to investigate the contribution of the maternal pregnancy environment vs. germ line effects in mediating alterations to cardiorenal and metabolic physiology in offspring from mothers born small. Uteroplacental insufficiency was induced by bilateral uterine artery and vein ligation (Restricted group) or sham surgery (Control group) in Wistar-Kyoto rats. Restricted and control female offspring (F1) were mated with either breeder males (embryo donor) or vasectomized males (embryo recipient). Embryo transfer was performed at embryonic day (E) 1, whereby second-generation (F2) embryos gestated (donor-in-recipient) in either a control (Cont-in-Cont, Rest-in-Cont) or restricted (Cont-in-Rest, Rest-in-Rest) mother. In male and female offspring, glomerular number and size were measured at postnatal day (PN) 35, and systolic blood pressure, glucose control, insulin sensitivity, and pancreatic β-cell mass were measured in separate sibling cohorts at 6 mo. Rest-in-Rest offspring were hypothesized to have similar characteristics (reduced growth, altered metabolic control, and hypertension) to non-embryo-transferred Rest, such that embryo transfer would not be a confounding experimental influence. However, embryo-transferred Rest-in-Rest offspring underwent accelerated growth during the peripubertal phase, followed by slowed growth between 2 and 3 mo of age compared with non-embryo-transferred Rest groups. Furthermore, renal function and insulin response to a glucose load were different to respective non-embryo-transferred groups. Our data demonstrate the long-term effects of in vitro embryo manipulation, which confounded the utility of this approach in delineating between the maternal pregnancy environment and germ line effects that drive transgenerational outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Melanie Tran
- Department of Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
37
|
Gallo LA, Tran M, Cullen-McEwen LA, Denton KM, Jefferies AJ, Moritz KM, Wlodek ME. Transgenerational programming of fetal nephron deficits and sex-specific adult hypertension in rats. Reprod Fertil Dev 2014; 26:1032-43. [DOI: 10.1071/rd13133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2013] [Accepted: 07/02/2013] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
A developmental insult that restricts growth in the first generation has the potential to program disease in subsequent generations. The aim of this study was to ascertain transgenerational growth and cardio–renal effects, via the maternal line, in a rat model of utero–placental insufficiency. Bilateral uterine vessel ligation or sham surgery (offspring termed first generation; F1 Restricted and Control, respectively) was performed in WKY rats. F1 Restricted and Control females were mated with normal males to produce second generation (F2) offspring (Restricted and Control) studied from fetal (embryonic Day 20) to adult (12 months) life. F2 Restricted male and female fetuses had reduced (P < 0.05) nephron number (down 15–22%) but this deficit was not sustained postnatally and levels were similar to Controls at Day 35. F2 Restricted males, but not females, developed elevated (+16 mmHg, P < 0.05) systolic blood pressure at 6 months of age, which was sustained to 9 months. This was not explained by alterations to intra-renal or plasma components of the renin–angiotensin system. In a rat model of utero–placental insufficiency, we report alterations to F2 kidney development and sex-specific adult hypertension. This study demonstrates that low birthweight can have far-reaching effects that extend into the next generation.
Collapse
|
38
|
Crawford KE, Stevenson JL, Wlodek ME, Gude NM. No change in calreticulin with fetal growth restriction in human and rat pregnancies. Placenta 2013; 34:1066-71. [PMID: 23972286 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2013.07.068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2013] [Revised: 07/24/2013] [Accepted: 07/29/2013] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Calreticulin is a ubiquitously expressed protein that was detected in the circulation and is significantly increased in maternal blood during human pregnancy compared to the non-pregnant state. Calreticulin is further increased in the plasma of women with the pregnancy-related disorder pre-eclampsia compared to normotensive pregnancy. The aims of this study were to compare calreticulin in human pregnancy with calreticulin in rat pregnancy, and to compare calreticulin during fetal growth restriction with normal control pregnancies. METHODS Women were recruited who either had normal pregnancies or had pregnancies complicated with fetal growth restriction; maternal blood samples and placentas were collected. Blood was also taken from women who were not-pregnant. Growth restriction was induced in pregnant rats by uterine vessel ligation; blood and placental samples were collected. Blood was also taken from non-pregnant rats. Western blot was used to quantify the placental expression of calreticulin and the concentrations of calreticulin in plasma. RESULTS Although calreticulin was significantly increased in maternal plasma during human pregnancy compared to the non-pregnant state; it did not increase in plasma during rat pregnancy. These results suggest that there may be differences in the role of extracellular calreticulin in human compared to rat pregnancy. Calreticulin was not significantly altered in either placental extracts or maternal plasma in both the human and rat pregnancies complicated by fetal growth restriction compared to gestational matched control pregnancies. CONCLUSION This study found that there was no change in calreticulin during human pregnancy complicated with fetal growth restriction or when growth restriction is induced in rats.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- K E Crawford
- Department of Perinatal Medicine, Royal Women's Hospital, Parkville 3052, Victoria, Australia; Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, Parkville 3052, Victoria, Australia.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
39
|
O'Sullivan L, Cuffe JSM, Paravicini TM, Campbell S, Dickinson H, Singh RR, Gezmish O, Black MJ, Moritz KM. Prenatal exposure to dexamethasone in the mouse alters cardiac growth patterns and increases pulse pressure in aged male offspring. PLoS One 2013; 8:e69149. [PMID: 23935943 PMCID: PMC3723833 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0069149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2013] [Accepted: 06/12/2013] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Exposure to synthetic glucocorticoids during development can result in later cardiovascular and renal disease in sheep and rats. Although prenatal glucocorticoid exposure is associated with impaired renal development, less is known about effects on the developing heart. This study aimed to examine the effects of a short-term exposure to dexamethasone (60 hours from embryonic day 12.5) on the developing mouse heart, and cardiovascular function in adult male offspring. Dexamethasone (DEX) exposed fetuses were growth restricted compared to saline treated controls (SAL) at E14.5, but there was no difference between groups at E17.5. Heart weights of the DEX fetuses also tended to be smaller at E14.5, but not different at E17.5. Cardiac AT1aR, Bax, and IGF-1 mRNA expression was significantly increased by DEX compared to SAL at E17.5. In 12-month-old offspring DEX exposure caused an increase in basal blood pressure of ∼3 mmHg. In addition, DEX exposed mice had a widened pulse pressure compared to SAL. DEX exposed males at 12 months had an approximate 25% reduction in nephron number compared to SAL, but no difference in cardiomyocyte number. Exposure to DEX in utero appears to adversely impact on nephrogenesis and heart growth but is not associated with a cardiomyocyte deficit in male mice in adulthood, possibly due to compensatory growth of the myocardium following the initial insult. However, the widened pulse pressure may be indicative of altered vascular compliance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lee O'Sullivan
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland, Australia
| | - James S. M. Cuffe
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland, Australia
| | - Tamara M. Paravicini
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland, Australia
| | - Sally Campbell
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland, Australia
| | - Hayley Dickinson
- The Ritchie Centre, Monash Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Reetu R. Singh
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland, Australia
| | - Oksan Gezmish
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - M. Jane Black
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Karen M. Moritz
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland, Australia
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Tran M, Gallo LA, Jefferies AJ, Moritz KM, Wlodek ME. Transgenerational metabolic outcomes associated with uteroplacental insufficiency. J Endocrinol 2013; 217:105-18. [PMID: 23420315 DOI: 10.1530/joe-12-0560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Intrauterine growth restriction increases adult metabolic disease risk with evidence to suggest that suboptimal conditions in utero can have transgenerational effects. We determined whether impaired glucose tolerance, reduced insulin secretion, and pancreatic deficits are evident in second-generation (F2) male and female offspring from growth-restricted mothers, in a rat model of uteroplacental insufficiency. Late gestation uteroplacental insufficiency was induced by bilateral uterine vessel ligation (restricted) or sham surgery (control) in Wistar-Kyoto rats. First-generation (F1) control and restricted females were mated with normal males and F2 offspring studied at postnatal day 35 and at 6 and 12 months. F2 glucose tolerance, insulin secretion, and sensitivity were assessed at 6 and 12 months and pancreatic morphology was quantified at all study ages. At 6 months, F2 restricted male offspring exhibited blunted first-phase insulin response (-35%), which was associated with reduced pancreatic β-cell mass (-29%). By contrast, F2 restricted females had increased β-cell mass despite reduced first-phase insulin response (-38%). This was not associated with any changes in plasma estradiol concentrations. Regardless of maternal birth weight, F2 control and restricted males had reduced homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance and elevated plasma triglyceride concentrations at 6 months and reduced whole-body insulin sensitivity at 6 and 12 months compared with females. We report that low maternal birth weight is associated with reduced first-phase insulin response and gender-specific differences in pancreatic morphology in the F2. Further studies will define the mode(s) of disease transmission, including direct insults to developing gametes, adverse maternal responses to pregnancy, or inherited mechanisms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Melanie Tran
- Department of Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
41
|
Tran M, Gallo LA, Wadley GD, Jefferies AJ, Moritz KM, Wlodek ME. Effect of pregnancy for females born small on later life metabolic disease risk. PLoS One 2012; 7:e45188. [PMID: 23028837 PMCID: PMC3441641 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0045188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2012] [Accepted: 08/16/2012] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
There is a strong inverse relationship between a females own birth weight and her subsequent risk for gestational diabetes with increased risk of developing diabetes later in life. We have shown that growth restricted females develop loss of glucose tolerance during late pregnancy with normal pancreatic function. The aim of this study was to determine whether growth restricted females develop long-term impairment of metabolic control after an adverse pregnancy adaptation. Uteroplacental insufficiency was induced by bilateral uterine vessel ligation (Restricted) or sham surgery (Control) in late pregnancy (E18) in F0 female rats. F1 Control and Restricted female offspring were mated with normal males and allowed to deliver (termed Ex-Pregnant). Age-matched Control and Restricted Virgins were also studied and glucose tolerance and insulin secretion were determined. Pancreatic morphology and hepatic glycogen and triacylglycerol content were quantified respectively. Restricted females were born lighter than Control and remained lighter at all time points studied (p<0.05). Glucose tolerance, first phase insulin secretion and liver glycogen and triacylglycerol content were not different across groups, with no changes in β-cell mass. Second phase insulin secretion was reduced in Restricted Virgins (-34%, p<0.05) compared to Control Virgins, suggestive of enhanced peripheral insulin sensitivity but this was lost after pregnancy. Growth restriction was associated with enhanced basal hepatic insulin sensitivity, which may provide compensatory benefits to prevent adverse metabolic outcomes often associated with being born small. A prior pregnancy was associated with reduced hepatic insulin sensitivity with effects more pronounced in Controls than Restricted. Our data suggests that pregnancy ameliorates the enhanced peripheral insulin sensitivity in growth restricted females and has deleterious effects for hepatic insulin sensitivity, regardless of maternal birth weight.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Melanie Tran
- Department of Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Linda A. Gallo
- Department of Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Glenn D. Wadley
- School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Centre for Physical Activity and Nutrition Research, Deakin University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Andrew J. Jefferies
- Department of Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Karen M. Moritz
- School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Mary E. Wlodek
- Department of Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Gallo LA, Tran M, Moritz KM, Jefferies AJ, Wlodek ME. Pregnancy in aged rats that were born small: cardiorenal and metabolic adaptations and second-generation fetal growth. FASEB J 2012; 26:4337-47. [PMID: 22772163 DOI: 10.1096/fj.12-210401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Uteroplacental insufficiency is associated with adult cardiorenal and metabolic diseases, particularly in males. Pregnancy is the greatest physiological challenge facing women, and those born small are at increased risk of gestational hypertension and diabetes and delivering smaller babies. Increased maternal age is associated with exacerbated pregnancy complications. We hypothesized that pregnancy in aged, growth-restricted females unmasks an underlying predisposition to cardiorenal and metabolic dysfunction and compromises fetal growth. Uteroplacental insufficiency was induced by bilateral uterine vessel ligation (restricted group) or sham surgery (control group) on d 18 of gestation in Wistar Kyoto rats. At 12 mo, growth-restricted F1 female offspring were mated with a normal male. F1 restricted females had elevated systolic blood pressure, before and during pregnancy (+10 mmHg) but normal renal and metabolic pregnancy adaptations. F2 fetal weight was not different between groups. In control and restricted females, advanced maternal age (12 vs. 4 mo) was associated with a reduction in the hypoglycemic response to pregnancy and reduced F2 fetal litter size and body weight. Aged rats born small exhibited mostly normal pregnancy adaptations, although they had elevated blood pressure. Advanced maternal age was associated with poorer fetal outcomes that were not exacerbated by low maternal birth weight.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Linda A Gallo
- Department of Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
43
|
Intapad S, Alexander BT. The double hit of growth restriction: its origins and outcome on this generation and the next. J Physiol 2012; 590:1019. [PMID: 22399819 DOI: 10.1113/jphysiol.2011.226720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Suttira Intapad
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Women's Health Research Centre, University of Mississippi Medical Centre, 2500 North State Street, Jackson, MS 39216, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
44
|
Gallo LA, Denton KM, Moritz KM, Tare M, Parkington HC, Davies M, Tran M, Jefferies AJ, Wlodek ME. Long-term alteration in maternal blood pressure and renal function after pregnancy in normal and growth-restricted rats. Hypertension 2012; 60:206-13. [PMID: 22585946 DOI: 10.1161/hypertensionaha.112.195578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Intrauterine growth restriction is associated with increased risk of adult cardiorenal diseases. Small birth weight females are more likely to experience complications during their own pregnancy, including pregnancy-induced hypertension, preeclampsia, and gestational diabetes. We determined whether the physiological demand of pregnancy predisposes growth-restricted females to cardiovascular and renal dysfunction later in life. Late gestation bilateral uterine vessel ligation was performed in Wistar-Kyoto rats. At 4 months, restricted and control female offspring were mated with normal males and delivered naturally (ex-pregnant). Regardless of maternal birth weight, at 13 months, ex-pregnant females developed elevated mean arterial pressure (indwelling tail-artery catheter; +6 mm Hg), reduced effective renal blood flow ((14)C-PAH clearance; -23%), and increased renal vascular resistance (+27%) compared with age-matched virgins. Glomerular filtration rate ((3)H-inulin clearance) was not different across groups. This adverse cardiorenal phenotype in ex-pregnant females was associated with elevated systemic (+57%) and altered intrarenal components of the renin-angiotensin system. After pregnancy at 13 months, coronary flow (Langendorff preparation) was halved in restricted females compared with controls, and together with reduced NO excretion, this may increase susceptibility to additional lifestyle challenges. Our results have implications for aging females who have been pregnant, suggesting long-term cardiovascular and renal alterations, with additional consequences for females who were small at birth.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Linda A Gallo
- Department of Physiology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
45
|
Mazzuca MQ, Tare M, Parkington HC, Dragomir NM, Parry LJ, Wlodek ME. Uteroplacental insufficiency programmes vascular dysfunction in non-pregnant rats: compensatory adaptations in pregnancy. J Physiol 2012; 590:3375-88. [PMID: 22586217 DOI: 10.1113/jphysiol.2012.230011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Intrauterine growth restriction is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease in adulthood. We have previously shown that intrauterine growth restriction caused by uteroplacental insufficiency programmes uterine vascular dysfunction and increased arterial stiffness in adult female rat offspring. The aim of this study was to investigate vascular adaptations in growth restricted female offspring when they in turn become pregnant. Uteroplacental insufficiency was induced in WKY rats by bilateral uterine vessel ligation (Restricted) or sham surgery (Control) on day 18 of pregnancy. F0 pregnant females delivered naturally at term. F1 Control and Restricted offspring were mated at 4 months of age and studied on day 20 of pregnancy. Age-matched non-pregnant F1 Control and Restricted females were also studied. Wire and pressure myography were used to test endothelial and smooth muscle function, and passive mechanical wall properties, respectively, in uterine, mesenteric, renal and femoral arteries of all four groups. Collagen and elastin fibres were quantified using polarized light microscopy and qRT-PCR. F1 Restricted females were born 10–15% lighter than Controls (P <0.05). Non-pregnant Restricted females had increased uterine and renal artery stiffness compared with Controls (P <0.05), but this difference was abolished at day 20 of pregnancy. Vascular smooth muscle and endothelial function were preserved in all arteries of non-pregnant and pregnant Restricted rats. Collagen and elastin content were unaltered in uterine arteries of Restricted females. Growth restricted females develop compensatory vascular changes during late pregnancy, such that region-specific vascular deficits observed in the non-pregnant state did not persist in late pregnancy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marc Q Mazzuca
- Department of Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
46
|
Maternal adaptations and inheritance in the transgenerational programming of adult disease. Cell Tissue Res 2012; 349:863-80. [PMID: 22526629 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-012-1411-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2012] [Accepted: 03/08/2012] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Adverse exposures in utero have long been linked with an increased susceptibility to adult cardio-renal and metabolic diseases. Clear gender differences exist, whereby growth-restricted females, although exhibiting some phenotypic modifications, are often protected from overt disease outcomes. One of the greatest physiological challenges facing the female gender, however, is that of pregnancy; yet little research has focused on the outcomes associated with this, as a potential 'second-hit' for those who were small at birth. We review the limited evidence suggesting that pregnancy may unmask cardio-renal and metabolic disease states and the consequences for long-term maternal health in females who were born small. Additionally, a growing area of research in this programming field is in the transgenerational transmission of low birth weight and disease susceptibility. Pathways for transmission might include an abnormal adaptation to pregnancy by the growth-restricted mother and/or inheritance via the parental germline. Strategies to optimise the pregnancy environment and/or prevent the consequences of inheritance of programmed deficits and dysfunction are of critical importance for future generations.
Collapse
|