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Abstract
Almost 2 billion adults in the world are overweight, and more than half of them are classified as obese, while nearly one-third of children globally experience poor growth and development. Given the vast amount of knowledge that has been gleaned from decades of research on growth and development, a number of questions remain as to why the world is now in the midst of a global epidemic of obesity accompanied by the "double burden of malnutrition," where overweight coexists with underweight and micronutrient deficiencies. This challenge to the human condition can be attributed to nutritional and environmental exposures during pregnancy that may program a fetus to have a higher risk of chronic diseases in adulthood. To explore this concept, frequently called the developmental origins of health and disease (DOHaD), this review considers a host of factors and physiological mechanisms that drive a fetus or child toward a higher risk of obesity, fatty liver disease, hypertension, and/or type 2 diabetes (T2D). To that end, this review explores the epidemiology of DOHaD with discussions focused on adaptations to human energetics, placental development, dysmetabolism, and key environmental exposures that act to promote chronic diseases in adulthood. These areas are complementary and additive in understanding how providing the best conditions for optimal growth can create the best possible conditions for lifelong health. Moreover, understanding both physiological as well as epigenetic and molecular mechanisms for DOHaD is vital to most fully address the global issues of obesity and other chronic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel J Hoffman
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, Program in International Nutrition, and Center for Childhood Nutrition Research, New Jersey Institute for Food, Nutrition, and Health, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, New Jersey
| | - Theresa L Powell
- Department of Pediatrics and Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Emily S Barrett
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, School of Public Health and Division of Exposure Science and Epidemiology, Rutgers Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, New Jersey
| | - Daniel B Hardy
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, School of Public Health and Division of Exposure Science and Epidemiology, Rutgers Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, New Jersey
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2
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Hoffman DJ, Reynolds RM, Hardy DB. Developmental origins of health and disease: current knowledge and potential mechanisms. Nutr Rev 2018; 75:951-970. [PMID: 29186623 DOI: 10.1093/nutrit/nux053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 193] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Epidemiologic and clinical research has provided a large body of evidence supporting the developmental origins of health and disease (DOHaD), but there has been a relative dearth of mechanistic studies in humans due to the complexity of working with large, longitudinal cohorts. Nonetheless, animal models of undernutrition have provided substantial evidence for the potential epigenetic, metabolic, and endocrine mechanisms behind DOHaD. Furthermore, recent research has explored the interaction between the environment and the gastrointestinal system by investigating how the gut microbial ecology may impact the capacity for nutrient processing and absorption in a manner that may limit growth. This review presents a summary of current research that supports the concept of DOHaD, as well as potential mechanisms and interactions that explain how nutrition in utero and during early childhood influences lifelong health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel J Hoffman
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, Program in International Nutrition, and the New Jersey Institute for Food, Nutrition, and Health, Center for Childhood Nutrition Education and Research, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, New Jersey, USA
| | - Rebecca M Reynolds
- University/British Heart Foundation Centre for Cardiovascular Science, Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Daniel B Hardy
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology and the Department of Physiology & Pharmacology, The Children's Health Research Institute and the Lawson Health Research Institute, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
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McKnight RA, Yost CC, Zinkhan EK, Fu Q, Callaway CW, Fung CM. Intrauterine growth restriction inhibits expression of eukaryotic elongation factor 2 kinase, a regulator of protein translation. Physiol Genomics 2016; 48:616-25. [PMID: 27317589 DOI: 10.1152/physiolgenomics.00045.2016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2016] [Accepted: 06/14/2016] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Nutrient deprivation suppresses protein synthesis by blocking peptide elongation. Transcriptional upregulation and activation of eukaryotic elongation factor 2 kinase (eEF2K) blocks peptide elongation by phosphorylating eukaryotic elongation factor 2. Previous studies examining placentas from intrauterine growth restricted (IUGR) newborn infants show decreased eEF2K expression and activity despite chronic nutrient deprivation. However, the effect of IUGR on hepatic eEF2K expression in the fetus is unknown. We, therefore, examined the transcriptional regulation of hepatic eEF2K gene expression in a Sprague-Dawley rat model of IUGR. We found decreased hepatic eEF2K mRNA and protein levels in IUGR offspring at birth compared with control, consistent with previous placental observations. Furthermore, the CpG island within the eEF2K promoter demonstrated increased methylation at a critical USF 1/2 transcription factor binding site. In vitro methylation of this binding site caused near complete loss of eEF2K promoter activity, designating this promoter as methylation sensitive. The eEF2K promotor in IUGR offspring also lost the protective histone covalent modifications associated with unmethylated CGIs. In addition, the +1 nucleosome was displaced 3' and RNA polymerase loading was reduced at the IUGR eEF2K promoter. Our findings provide evidence to explain why IUGR-induced chronic nutrient deprivation does not result in the upregulation of eEF2K gene transcription.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert A McKnight
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah; and
| | - Christian C Yost
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah; and
| | - Erin K Zinkhan
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah; and
| | - Qi Fu
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
| | - Christopher W Callaway
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah; and
| | - Camille M Fung
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah; and
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Seferovic MD, Goodspeed DM, Chu DM, Krannich LA, Gonzalez-Rodriguez PJ, Cox JE, Aagaard KM. Heritable IUGR and adult metabolic syndrome are reversible and associated with alterations in the metabolome following dietary supplementation of 1-carbon intermediates. FASEB J 2015; 29:2640-52. [PMID: 25757570 PMCID: PMC4447228 DOI: 10.1096/fj.14-266387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2015] [Accepted: 02/19/2015] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Metabolic syndrome (MetS), following intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), is epigenetically heritable. Recently, we abrogated the F2 adult phenotype with essential nutrient supplementation (ENS) of intermediates along the 1-carbon pathway. With the use of the same grandparental uterine artery ligation model, we profiled the F2 serum metabolome at weaning [postnatal day (d)21; n = 76] and adulthood (d160; n = 12) to test if MetS is preceded by alterations in the metabolome. Indicative of developmentally programmed MetS, adult F2, formerly IUGR rats, were obese (621 vs. 461 g; P < 0.0001), dyslipidemic (133 vs. 67 mg/dl; P < 0.001), and glucose intolerant (26 vs. 15 mg/kg/min; P < 0.01). Unbiased gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) profiling revealed 34 peaks corresponding to 12 nonredundant metabolites and 9 unknowns to be changing at weaning [false discovery rate (FDR) < 0.05]. Markers of later-in-life MetS included citric acid, glucosamine, myoinositol, and proline (P < 0.03). Hierarchical clustering revealed grouping by IUGR lineage and supplementation at d21 and d160. Weanlings grouped distinctly for ENS and IUGR by partial least-squares discriminate analysis (PLS-DA; P < 0.01), whereas paternal and maternal IUGR (IUGR(pat)/IUGR(mat), respectively) control-fed rats, destined for MetS, had a distinct metabolome at weaning (randomForest analysis; class error < 0.1) and adulthood (PLS-DA; P < 0.05). In sum, we have found that alterations in the metabolome accompany heritable IUGR, precede adult-onset MetS, and are partially amenable to dietary intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maxim D Seferovic
- Departments of *Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, and Molecular and Cell Biology, Molecular and Human Genetics, and Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, and Interdepartmental Program in Translational Biology and Molecular Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA; and Department of Biochemistry and Metabolomics Core, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Danielle M Goodspeed
- Departments of *Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, and Molecular and Cell Biology, Molecular and Human Genetics, and Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, and Interdepartmental Program in Translational Biology and Molecular Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA; and Department of Biochemistry and Metabolomics Core, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Derrick M Chu
- Departments of *Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, and Molecular and Cell Biology, Molecular and Human Genetics, and Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, and Interdepartmental Program in Translational Biology and Molecular Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA; and Department of Biochemistry and Metabolomics Core, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Laura A Krannich
- Departments of *Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, and Molecular and Cell Biology, Molecular and Human Genetics, and Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, and Interdepartmental Program in Translational Biology and Molecular Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA; and Department of Biochemistry and Metabolomics Core, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Pablo J Gonzalez-Rodriguez
- Departments of *Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, and Molecular and Cell Biology, Molecular and Human Genetics, and Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, and Interdepartmental Program in Translational Biology and Molecular Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA; and Department of Biochemistry and Metabolomics Core, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - James E Cox
- Departments of *Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, and Molecular and Cell Biology, Molecular and Human Genetics, and Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, and Interdepartmental Program in Translational Biology and Molecular Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA; and Department of Biochemistry and Metabolomics Core, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Kjersti M Aagaard
- Departments of *Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, and Molecular and Cell Biology, Molecular and Human Genetics, and Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, and Interdepartmental Program in Translational Biology and Molecular Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA; and Department of Biochemistry and Metabolomics Core, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
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Ke X, McKnight RA, Gracey Maniar LE, Sun Y, Callaway CW, Majnik A, Lane RH, Cohen SS. IUGR increases chromatin-remodeling factor Brg1 expression and binding to GR exon 1.7 promoter in newborn male rat hippocampus. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol 2015; 309:R119-27. [PMID: 25972460 DOI: 10.1152/ajpregu.00495.2014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2014] [Accepted: 05/11/2015] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) increases the risk for neurodevelopment delay and neuroendocrine reprogramming in both humans and rats. Neuroendocrine reprogramming involves the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) gene that is epigenetically regulated in the hippocampus. Using a well-characterized rodent model, we have previously shown that IUGR increases GR exon 1.7 mRNA variant and total GR expressions in male rat pup hippocampus. Epigenetic regulation of GR transcription may involve chromatin remodeling of the GR gene. A key chromatin remodeler is Brahma-related gene-1(Brg1), a member of the ATP-dependent SWItch/Sucrose NonFermentable (SWI/SNF) chromatin remodeling complex. Brg1 regulates gene expression by affecting nucleosome repositioning and recruiting transcriptional components to target promoters. We hypothesized that IUGR would increase hippocampal Brg1 expression and binding to GR exon 1.7 promoter, as well as alter nucleosome positioning over GR promoters in newborn male pups. Further, we hypothesized that IUGR would lead to accumulation of specificity protein 1 (Sp1) and RNA pol II at GR exon 1.7 promoter. Indeed, we found that IUGR increased Brg1 expression and binding to GR exon 1.7 promoter. We also found that increased Brg1 binding to GR exon 1.7 promoter was associated with accumulation of Sp1 and RNA pol II carboxy terminal domain pSer-5 (a marker of active transcription). Furthermore, the transcription start site of GR exon 1.7 was located within a nucleosome-depleted region. We speculate that changes in hippocampal Brg1 expression mediate GR expression and subsequently trigger neuroendocrine reprogramming in male IUGR rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingrao Ke
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - Robert A McKnight
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | | | - Ying Sun
- Bioinformatics-Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - Christopher W Callaway
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - Amber Majnik
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
| | - Robert H Lane
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
| | - Susan S Cohen
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin;
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Ikeda M, Honma K, Mochizuki K, Goda T. Fasting for 3 days during the suckling-weaning transient period in male rats induces metabolic abnormalities in the liver and is associated with impaired glucose tolerance in adulthood. Eur J Nutr 2015; 55:1059-67. [PMID: 25943649 DOI: 10.1007/s00394-015-0919-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2014] [Accepted: 04/25/2015] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Recent studies suggest that nutritional status during developmental periods is associated with subsequent development of metabolic abnormalities. In this study, we examined whether malnutrition by fasting for 3 days during the suckling-weaning transient period induces subsequent development of metabolic abnormalities in rats. METHODS Male Sprague-Dawley rats were fasted for 3 days during the suckling-weaning transient period. They are subsequently fed a high-fat, high-sucrose (HF) or low-fat, high-starch (LF) diet for 14 weeks from 17 weeks of age, and the liver and blood samples were collected for measuring mRNA and protein levels of metabolic genes and blood concentrations of glucose and insulin, respectively. RESULTS Fasting for 3 days during the suckling-weaning transient period induced impaired glucose tolerance in rats fed the LF diet in adulthood. Liver triglycerides in rats fed the HF diet in adulthood increased to 140 % in rats fasted for 3 days during the suckling-weaning transient period compared with those non-fasted. Furthermore, liver expression of FBP1 and ACCα genes in adult rats fed the LF diet increased to 125 and 145 %, respectively, in rats fasted for 3 days during the suckling-weaning transient period compared to non-fasted rats. PEPCK1 protein expression levels in rats fed the LF diet were higher in rats fasted for 3 days during the suckling-weaning transient period than in non-fasted rats. CONCLUSION Fasting for 3 days in rats during the suckling-weaning transient period enhances metabolic abnormalities in animals fed a HF or LF diet in adulthood by confounding metabolism of lipid and sugar in the liver.
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Affiliation(s)
- Misa Ikeda
- Laboratory of Nutritional Physiology, Graduate School of Nutritional and Environmental Sciences, University of Shizuoka, Shizuoka, 422-8526, Japan
| | - Kazue Honma
- Laboratory of Nutritional Physiology, Graduate School of Nutritional and Environmental Sciences, University of Shizuoka, Shizuoka, 422-8526, Japan
| | - Kazuki Mochizuki
- Laboratory of Nutritional Physiology, Graduate School of Nutritional and Environmental Sciences, University of Shizuoka, Shizuoka, 422-8526, Japan.,Laboratory of Food and Nutritional Sciences, Department of Local Produce and Food Sciences, Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Yamanashi, Yamanashi, 400-8510, Japan
| | - Toshinao Goda
- Laboratory of Nutritional Physiology, Graduate School of Nutritional and Environmental Sciences, University of Shizuoka, Shizuoka, 422-8526, Japan.
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Fu Q, McKnight RA, Callaway CW, Yu X, Lane RH, Majnik AV. Intrauterine growth restriction disrupts developmental epigenetics around distal growth hormone response elements on the rat hepatic IGF‐1 gene. FASEB J 2014; 29:1176-84. [DOI: 10.1096/fj.14-258442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2014] [Accepted: 11/03/2014] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Qi Fu
- Division of NeonatologyDepartment of PediatricsMedical College of WisconsinMilwaukeeWisconsinUSA
| | - Robert A. McKnight
- Division of NeonatologyDepartment of PediatricsUniversity of UtahSalt Lake CityUtahUSA
| | | | - Xing Yu
- Division of NeonatologyDepartment of PediatricsUniversity of UtahSalt Lake CityUtahUSA
| | - Robert H. Lane
- Division of NeonatologyDepartment of PediatricsMedical College of WisconsinMilwaukeeWisconsinUSA
| | - Amber V. Majnik
- Division of NeonatologyDepartment of PediatricsMedical College of WisconsinMilwaukeeWisconsinUSA
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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.
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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
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Li W, Zhong X, Zhang L, Wang Y, Wang T. Heat Shock Protein 70 Expression is Increased in the Liver of Neonatal Intrauterine Growth Retardation Piglets. ASIAN-AUSTRALASIAN JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCES 2014; 25:1096-101. [PMID: 25049668 PMCID: PMC4092995 DOI: 10.5713/ajas.2012.12058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2012] [Revised: 05/24/2012] [Accepted: 04/26/2012] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) leads to the dysfunction in digestive system, as well as the alteration in the expression of some functional proteins. Heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70) could be induced by various stress factors, but whether Hsp70 expression is changed in neonatal IUGR infants has not been demonstrated. This study was conducted to explore the expression of Hsp70 in the liver by using the IUGR piglet model. Liver and plasma samples were obtained from IUGR and normal birth weight (NBW) piglets at birth. The neonatal IUGR piglets had significantly lower liver weight than their counterparts. The activities of aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase in serum were enhanced significantly in IUGR indicating liver dysfunction. The activities of superoxide dismutase (p<0.01), glutathione peroxidase (p<0.01) and catalase (p>0.05) were lower and the level of malondialdehybe was higher (p<0.05) in IUGR liver compared with in NBW. According to the results of histological tests, fatty hepatic infiltrates and cytoplasmic vacuolization were present in the liver of IUGR piglets, but not in NBW liver. The expression of Hsp70 protein was significantly higher (p<0.05) in IUGR piglet liver than in NBW. Similar to where the hepatic injuries were observed, location of Hsp70 was mostly in the midzonal hepatic lobule indicating that oxidative stress might be responsible for the increased expression of Hsp70.
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10
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Cuffe JSM, Walton SL, Singh RR, Spiers JG, Bielefeldt-Ohmann H, Wilkinson L, Little MH, Moritz KM. Mid- to late term hypoxia in the mouse alters placental morphology, glucocorticoid regulatory pathways and nutrient transporters in a sex-specific manner. J Physiol 2014; 592:3127-41. [PMID: 24801305 DOI: 10.1113/jphysiol.2014.272856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Maternal hypoxia is a common perturbation that can disrupt placental and thus fetal development, contributing to neonatal impairments. Recently, evidence has suggested that physiological outcomes are dependent upon the sex of the fetus, with males more susceptible to hypoxic insults than females. This study investigated the effects of maternal hypoxia during mid- to late gestation on fetal growth and placental development and determined if responses were sex specific. CD1 mice were housed under 21% or 12% oxygen from embryonic day (E) 14.5 until tissue collection at E18.5. Fetuses and placentas were weighed before collection for gene and protein expression and morphological analysis. Hypoxia reduced fetal weight in both sexes at E18.5 by 7% but did not affect placental weight. Hypoxia reduced placental mRNA levels of the mineralocorticoid and glucocorticoid receptors and reduced the gene and protein expression of the glucocorticoid metabolizing enzyme HSD11B2. However, placentas of female fetuses responded differently to maternal hypoxia than did placentas of male fetuses. Notably, morphology was significantly altered in placentas from hypoxic female fetuses, with a reduction in placental labyrinth blood spaces. In addition mRNA expression of Glut1, Igf2 and Igf1r were reduced in placentas of female fetuses only. In summary, maternal hypoxia altered placental formation in a sex specific manner through mechanisms involving placental vascular development, growth factor and nutrient transporter expression and placental glucocorticoid signalling. This study provides insight into how sex differences in offspring disease development may be due to sex specific placental adaptations to maternal insults.
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Affiliation(s)
- J S M Cuffe
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, Australia
| | - S L Walton
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, Australia
| | - R R Singh
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, Australia
| | - J G Spiers
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, Australia
| | - H Bielefeldt-Ohmann
- School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland, Gatton, Queensland, Australia
| | - L Wilkinson
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, Australia
| | - M H Little
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, Australia
| | - K M Moritz
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, Australia
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Joss-Moore LA, Wang Y, Ogata EM, Sainz AJ, Yu X, Callaway CW, McKnight RA, Albertine KH, Lane RH. IUGR differentially alters MeCP2 expression and H3K9Me3 of the PPARγ gene in male and female rat lungs during alveolarization. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011; 91:672-81. [PMID: 21425435 DOI: 10.1002/bdra.20783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2010] [Revised: 11/16/2010] [Accepted: 12/09/2010] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) increases the risk of postnatal lung disease, with males more affected. In rat lungs, IUGR impairs alveolarization in conjunction with altered expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ). In non-lung cells, PPARγ transcription is regulated in part by the epigenetic modifying enzyme, and the methyl CpG binding protein 2 (MeCP2). However, it is unknown if IUGR affects MeCP2 expression or its interaction with PPARγ in the rat lung during alveolarization. In this study, we hypothesized that the rat lung would be characterized by the presence of MeCP2 short and long mRNA transcripts, MeCP2 protein isoforms, and the MeCP2 regulatory micro RNA, miR132. We further hypothesized that IUGR would, in a gender-specific manner, alter the levels of MeCP2 components in association with changes in PPARγ mRNA, MeCP2 occupancy at the PPARγ promoters, and PPARγ histone 3 lysine 9 trimethylation (H3K9Me3). To test these hypotheses, we used a well-characterized rat model of uteroplacental insufficiency-induced IUGR. We demonstrated the presence of MeCP2 mRNA, protein, and miR132 in the rat lung throughout alveolarization. We also demonstrated that IUGR alters MeCP2 expression and its interaction with PPARγ in a gender-divergent manner. We conclude that IUGR induces gender-specific alterations in the epigenetic milieu in the rat lung. We speculate that in the IUGR rat lung, this altered epigenetic milieu may predispose to gender-specific alterations in alveolarization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa A Joss-Moore
- Division of Neonatology, University of Utah, 295 Chipeta Way 2N141, Salt Lake City, UT 84108, USA.
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Joss-Moore LA, Wang Y, Yu X, Campbell MS, Callaway CW, McKnight RA, Wint A, Dahl MJ, Dull RO, Albertine KH, Lane RH. IUGR decreases elastin mRNA expression in the developing rat lung and alters elastin content and lung compliance in the mature rat lung. Physiol Genomics 2011; 43:499-505. [PMID: 21363967 DOI: 10.1152/physiolgenomics.00183.2010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Complications of intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) include increased pulmonary morbidities and impaired alveolar development. Normal alveolar development depends upon elastin expression and processing, as well as the formation and deposition of elastic fibers. This is true of the human and rat. In this study, we hypothesized that uteroplacental insufficiency (UPI)-induced IUGR decreases mRNA levels of elastin and genes required for elastin fiber synthesis and assembly, at birth (prealveolarization) and postnatal day 7 (midalveolarization) in the rat. We further hypothesized that this would be accompanied by reduced elastic fiber deposition and increased static compliance at postnatal day 21 (mature lung). We used a well characterized rat model of IUGR to test these hypotheses. IUGR decreases mRNA transcript levels of genes essential for elastic fiber formation, including elastin, at birth and day 7. In the day 21 lung, IUGR decreases elastic fiber deposition and increases static lung compliance. We conclude that IUGR decreases mRNA transcript levels of elastic fiber synthesis genes, before and during alveolarization leading to a reduced elastic fiber density and increased static lung compliance in the mature lung. We speculate that the mechanism by which IUGR predisposes to pulmonary disease may be via decreased lung elastic fiber deposition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa A Joss-Moore
- Division of Neonatology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA.
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IUGR decreases PPARγ and SETD8 Expression in neonatal rat lung and these effects are ameliorated by maternal DHA supplementation. Early Hum Dev 2010; 86:785-91. [PMID: 20869820 PMCID: PMC3138525 DOI: 10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2010.08.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2010] [Revised: 08/22/2010] [Accepted: 08/31/2010] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is associated with altered lung development in human and rat. The transcription factor PPARγ, is thought to contribute to lung development. PPARγ is activated by docosahexanoic acid (DHA). One contribution of PPARγ to lung development may be its direct regulation of chromatin modifying enzymes, such as Setd8. In this study, we hypothesized that IUGR would result in a gender-specific reduction in PPARγ, Setd8 and associated H4K20Me levels in the neonatal rat lung. Because DHA activates PPARγ, we also hypothesized that maternal DHA supplementation would normalize PPARγ, Setd8, and H4K20Me levels in the IUGR rat lung. We found that IUGR decreased PPARγ levels, with an associated decrease in Setd8 levels in both male and female rat lungs. Levels of the Setd8-dependent histone modification, H4K20Me, were reduced on the PPARγ gene in both males and females while whole lung H4K20Me was only reduced in male lung. Maternal DHA supplementation ameliorated these effects in offspring. We conclude that IUGR decreases lung PPARγ, Setd8 and PPARγ H4K20Me independent of gender, while decreasing whole lung H4K20Me in males only. These outcomes are offset by maternal DHA. We speculate that maintenance of the epigenetic milieu may be one role of PPARγ in the lung and suggests a novel benefit of maternal DHA supplementation in IUGR.
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Effect of maternal folic acid supplementation on hepatic one-carbon unit associated gene expressions in newborn piglets. Mol Biol Rep 2010; 38:3849-56. [DOI: 10.1007/s11033-010-0500-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2010] [Accepted: 11/13/2010] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
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Ke X, Schober ME, McKnight RA, O'Grady S, Caprau D, Yu X, Callaway CW, Lane RH. Intrauterine growth retardation affects expression and epigenetic characteristics of the rat hippocampal glucocorticoid receptor gene. Physiol Genomics 2010; 42:177-89. [DOI: 10.1152/physiolgenomics.00201.2009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Studies in humans and rats suggest that intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) permanently resets the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. HPA axis reprogramming may involve persistently altered expression of the hippocampal glucocorticoid receptor (hpGR), an important regulator of HPA axis reactivity. Persistent alteration of gene expression, long after the inciting event, is thought to be mediated by epigenetic mechanisms that affect mRNA and mRNA variant expression. GR mRNA variants in both humans and rats include eleven 5′-end variants and GRα, the predominant 3′-end variant. The 3′-end variants associated with glucocorticoid resistance in humans (GRβ, GRγ, GRA, and GRP) have not been reported in rats. We hypothesized that in the rat hippocampus IUGR would decrease total GR mRNA, increase GRβ, GRγ, GRA, and GRP, and affect epigenetics of the GR gene at birth (D0) and at 21 days of life (D21). IUGR increased hpGR and exon 1.7 hpGR mRNA in males at D0 and D21, associated with increased trimethyl H3/K4 at exon 1.7 at both time points. IUGR also increased hpGRγ in males at D0 and D21, associated with increased acetyl H3/K9 at exon 3 at both time points. hpGRA increased in female IUGR rats at D0 and D21. In addition, our data support the existence of hpGRβ and hpGRP in the rat. IUGR has sex-specific, persistent effects on GR expression and its histone code. We speculate that postnatal changes in hippocampal GR variant and total mRNA expression may underlie IUGR-associated HPA axis reprogramming.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Michelle E. Schober
- Division of Critical Care, Department of Pediatrics, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah
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16
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Buhl ES, Jensen TK, Jessen N, Elfving B, Buhl CS, Kristiansen SB, Pold R, Solskov L, Schmitz O, Wegener G, Lund S, Petersen KF. Treatment with an SSRI antidepressant restores hippocampo-hypothalamic corticosteroid feedback and reverses insulin resistance in low-birth-weight rats. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab 2010; 298:E920-9. [PMID: 20103738 PMCID: PMC2867376 DOI: 10.1152/ajpendo.00606.2009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Low birth weight (LBW) is associated with type 2 diabetes and depression, which may be related to prenatal stress and insulin resistance as a result of chronic hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis hyperactivity. We examined whether treatment with a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor [escitalopram (ESC)] could downregulate HPA axis activity and restore insulin sensitivity in LBW rats. After 4-5 wk of treatment, ESC-exposed LBW (SSRI-LBW) and saline-treated control and LBW rats (Cx and LBW) underwent an oral glucose tolerance test or a hyperinsulinemic euglycemic clamp to assess whole body insulin sensitivity. Hepatic phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK) mRNA expression and red skeletal muscle PKB Ser(473) phosphorylation were used to assess tissue-specific insulin sensitivity. mRNA expression of the hypothalamic mineralocorticoid receptor was fivefold upregulated in LBW (P < 0.05 vs. Cx), accompanied by increased corticosterone release during restraint stress and total 24-h urinary excretion (P < 0.05 vs. Cx), whole body insulin resistance (P < 0.001 vs. Cx), and impaired insulin suppression of hepatic PEPCK mRNA expression (P < 0.05 vs. Cx). Additionally, there was a tendency for reduced red muscle PKB Ser(473) phosphorylation. The ESC treatment normalized corticosterone secretion (P < 0.05 vs. LBW), whole body insulin sensitivity (P < 0.01) as well as postprandial suppression of hepatic mRNA PEPCK expression (P < 0.05), and red muscle PKB Ser(473) phosphorylation (P < 0.01 vs. LBW). We conclude that these data suggest that the insulin resistance and chronic HPA axis hyperactivity in LBW rats can be reversed by treatment with an ESC, which downregulates HPA axis activity, lowers glucocorticoid exposure, and restores insulin sensitivity in LBW rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esben S Buhl
- Department of Pharmacology, Wilhelm Meyers Allé, Bldg. 1240, Aarhus University, DK-8000 Aarhus C, Denmark.
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Baserga M, Kaur R, Hale MA, Bares A, Yu X, Callaway CW, McKnight RA, Lane RH. Fetal growth restriction alters transcription factor binding and epigenetic mechanisms of renal 11beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 in a sex-specific manner. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol 2010; 299:R334-42. [PMID: 20427719 DOI: 10.1152/ajpregu.00122.2010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) increases the risk of serious adult morbidities such as hypertension. In an IUGR rat model of hypertension, we reported a persistent decrease in kidney 11beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 (11beta-HSD2) mRNA and protein levels from birth through postnatal (P) day 21. This enzyme deficiency can lead to hypertension by limiting renal glucocorticoid deactivation. In the present study, we hypothesized that IUGR affects renal 11beta-HSD2 epigenetic determinants of chromatin structure and alters key transcription factor binding to the 11beta-HSD2 promoter in association with persistent downregulation of its mRNA expression. To test this hypothesis, we performed bilateral uterine artery ligation on embryonic day 19.5 pregnant rats and harvested kidneys at day 0 (P0) and P21. Key transcription factors that can affect 11beta-HSD2 expression include transcriptional enhancers specificity protein 1 (SP1) and NF-kappaB p65 and transcriptional repressors early growth response factor (Egr-1) and NF-kappaB p50. Our most important findings were as follows: 1) IUGR significantly decreased SP1 and NF-kappaB (p65) binding to the 11beta-HSD2 promoter in males, while it increased Egr-1 binding in females and NF-kappaB (p50) binding in males; 2) IUGR increased CpG methylation status, as well as modified the pattern of methylation in several CpG sites of 11beta-HSD2 promoter at P0 also in a sex-specific manner; and 3) IUGR decreased trimethylation of H3K36 in exon 5 of 11beta-HSD2 at P0 and P21 in both genders. We conclude that IUGR is associated with altered transcriptional repressor/activator binding in connection with increased methylation in the 11beta-HSD2 promoter region in a sex-specific manner, possibly leading to decreased transcriptional activity. Furthermore, IUGR decreased trimethylation of H3K36 of the 11beta-HSD2 gene in both genders, which is associated with decreased transcriptional elongation. We speculate that alterations in transcription factor binding and chromatin structure play a role in in utero reprogramming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Baserga
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah 84158, USA.
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Poore KR, Boullin JP, Cleal JK, Newman JP, Noakes DE, Hanson MA, Green LR. Sex- and age-specific effects of nutrition in early gestation and early postnatal life on hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis and sympathoadrenal function in adult sheep. J Physiol 2010; 588:2219-37. [PMID: 20421287 DOI: 10.1113/jphysiol.2010.187682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The early-life environment affects risk of later metabolic disease, including glucose intolerance, insulin resistance and obesity. Changes in hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and sympathoadrenal function may underlie these disorders. To determine consequences of undernutrition in early gestation and/or immediately following weaning on HPA axis and sympathoadrenal function, 2- to 3-year-old Welsh Mountain ewes received 100% (C, n = 39) or 50% nutritional requirements (U, n = 41) from 1-31 days gestation, and 100% thereafter. From weaning (12 weeks) to 25 weeks of age, male and female offspring were then either fed ad libitum (CC, n = 22; UC, n = 19) or were undernourished (CU, n = 17; UU, n = 22) such that body weight was reduced to 85% of their individual target, based on a growth trajectory calculated from weights taken between birth and 12 weeks. From 25 weeks, ad libitum feeding was restored for all offspring. At 1.5 and 2.5 years, adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and cortisol concentrations were measured at baseline and in response to corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) (0.5 microg kg(1)) plus arginine vasopressin (AVP) (0.1 microg kg(1)). At 2.5 years, HPA axis and sympathoadrenal (catecholamine) responses to a transport and isolation stress test were also measured. In females, post-weaning undernutrition reduced pituitary output (ACTH) but increased adrenocortical responsiveness (cortisol:ACTH area under curve) during CRF/AVP challenge at 1.5 years and increased adrenomedullary output (adrenaline) to stress at 2.5 years. In males, cortisol responses to stress at 2.5 years were reduced in those with slower growth rates from 12 to 25 weeks. Early gestation undernutrition was associated with increased adrenocortical output in 2.5-year-old females only. Pituitary and adrenal responses were also related to adult body composition. Thus, poor growth in the post-weaning period induced by nutrient restriction has sex- and age-specific effects on HPA and sympathoadrenal function. With altered glucose tolerance previously reported in this model, this may have long-term detrimental effects on metabolic homeostasis and cardiovascular function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirsten R Poore
- Institute of Developmental Sciences, Developmental Origins of Health and Disease Division, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK.
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Joss-Moore LA, Metcalfe DB, Albertine KH, McKnight RA, Lane RH. Epigenetics and fetal adaptation to perinatal events: diversity through fidelity. J Anim Sci 2009; 88:E216-22. [PMID: 19854998 DOI: 10.2527/jas.2009-2352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Perinatal insults, including fetal undernutrition and hypoxia, are associated with an increased susceptibility to several adult-onset metabolic disorders. These include cardiovascular disease, insulin resistance, and obesity. However, the mechanisms driving the long-term phenotypic consequences have only recently begun to be elucidated. A primary mechanism accounting for perinatal adaptation is the epigenetic modification of chromatin. In this context, epigenetic modifications to chromatin are thought to arise in response to a perinatal insult in an effort to modulate gene expression and maximize fetal survival. In this symposium report, we discuss epigenetics as a mechanism by which perinatal adaptations can be made by the developing fetus. We examine the benefits of using multiple in vivo models to understand the interrelation of signals that come together and result in perinatal adaptation. Epigenetic effects on IGF-1 arising from a perinatal insult are discussed, as are the difficulties and challenges associated with this complex field. In conclusion, epigenetics provides a means of modulating gene transcription, thus allowing fetal adaptation to a broad variety of conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- L A Joss-Moore
- Division of Neonatology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84108, USA
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20
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Baserga M, Bares AL, Hale MA, Callaway CW, McKnight RA, Lane PH, Lane RH. Uteroplacental insufficiency affects kidney VEGF expression in a model of IUGR with compensatory glomerular hypertrophy and hypertension. Early Hum Dev 2009; 85:361-7. [PMID: 19188030 PMCID: PMC4447306 DOI: 10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2008.12.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2008] [Accepted: 12/31/2008] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Low nephron endowment secondary to intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) results in compensatory hypertrophy of the remaining glomeruli, which in turn is associated with hypertension. However, gender differences exist in the response of the kidney to injury, and IUGR female offspring seems protected from an unfavorable outcome. We previously reported differences in gender-specific gene expression in the IUGR kidney as well as increased circulating corticosterone levels following uteroplacental insufficiency (UPI). Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), which is critical for renal development, is an important candidate in the IUGR kidney since its expression can be regulated by sex-steroids and glucocorticoids. We hypothesize that IUGR leads to altered kidney VEGF expression in a gender-specific manner. Following uterine ligation in the pregnant rat, UPI decreases renal VEGF levels in male and female IUGR animals at birth and through postnatal day 21. However, by day 120 of life, IUGR females have increased kidney VEGF expression, not present in the IUGR males. In addition, IUGR males exhibit increased serum testosterone levels as well as proteinuria. These findings are intriguing in light of the difference in glomerular hypertrophy observed: IUGR males show increased glomerular area when compared to IUGR females. In this model characterized by decreased nephron number and adult onset hypertension, UPI decreases renal VEGF expression during nephrogenesis. Our most intriguing finding is the increased renal VEGF levels in adult IUGR females, associated with a more benign phenotype. We suggest that the mechanisms underlying renal disease in response to IUGR are most likely regulated in a gender specific manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Baserga
- University of Utah School of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology, Salt Lake City, UT 84158, USA.
| | - Allyson L. Bares
- University of Utah School of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology, Salt Lake City, UT, 84158
| | - Merica A. Hale
- University of Utah School of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology, Salt Lake City, UT, 84158
| | - Christopher W. Callaway
- University of Utah School of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology, Salt Lake City, UT, 84158
| | - Robert A. McKnight
- University of Utah School of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology, Salt Lake City, UT, 84158
| | - Pascale H. Lane
- University of Nebraska Medical Center, Department of Pediatrics, Omaha, NE, 68198
| | - Robert H. Lane
- University of Utah School of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology, Salt Lake City, UT, 84158
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Fu Q, Yu X, Callaway CW, Lane RH, McKnight RA. Epigenetics: intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) modifies the histone code along the rat hepatic IGF-1 gene. FASEB J 2009; 23:2438-49. [PMID: 19364764 DOI: 10.1096/fj.08-124768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 135] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) decreases serum insulin growth factor-1 (IGF-1) levels. IGF-1 is an epigenetically regulated gene that has two promoters, alternative exon 5 splicing, and multiple termination sites. The regulation of gene expression involves the whole gene, as evidenced by the aforementioned IGF-1 paradigm. We hypothesized that IUGR in the rat would affect hepatic IGF-1 expression and alter the epigenetic characteristics of the IGF-1 gene along its length. IUGR was induced through a bilateral uterine artery ligation of the pregnant rat, a well-characterized model of IUGR. Pups from anesthesia and sham-operated dams were used as controls. Real-time RT-PCR and ELISA was used to measure expression at day of life (DOL) 0 and 21. Bisulfite sequencing and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) quantified IGF-1 epigenetic characteristics. A nontranscribed intergenic control was used for ChIP studies. IUGR decreased hepatic and serum IGF-1. Concurrently, IUGR modified epigenetic characteristics, particularly the histone code, along the length of the hepatic IGF-1 gene. Many changes persisted postnatally, and the postnatal effect of IUGR on the histone code was gender-specific. We conclude that IUGR modifies epigenetic characteristics of the rat hepatic IGF-1 gene along the length of the whole gene.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Fu
- University of Utah School of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology, Salt Lake City, Utah 84158, USA
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22
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Schober ME, McKnight RA, Yu X, Callaway CW, Ke X, Lane RH. Intrauterine growth restriction due to uteroplacental insufficiency decreased white matter and altered NMDAR subunit composition in juvenile rat hippocampi. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol 2009; 296:R681-92. [DOI: 10.1152/ajpregu.90396.2008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Uteroplacental insufficiency (UPI), the major cause of intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) in developed nations, predisposes to learning impairment. The underlying mechanism is unknown. Neuronal N-methyl-d-aspartate receptors (NMDARs) are critical for synaptogenesis and learning throughout life. We hypothesized that UPI-induced IUGR alters rat hippocampal NMDAR NR2A/NR2B subunit ratio and/or NR1 mRNA isoform expression and synaptic density at day 21 (P21). To test this hypothesis, IUGR was induced by bilateral uterine artery ligation of the late-gestation Sprague-Dawley dam. At P21, hippocampal NMDAR subunit mRNA and protein were measured, as were levels of synaptophysin. Neuronal, synaptic, and glial density in CA1, CA3, and dentate gyrus (DG) was assessed by immunofluorescence. IUGR increased NR1 mRNA isoform NR1-3a and 1-3b expression in both sexes. In P21 males, IUGR increased protein levels of NR1 C2′ and decreased NR1 C2, NR2A, and the NR2A-to-NR2B ratio, whereas in females, IUGR increased NR2B protein. In males, IUGR was associated with decreased myelin basic protein-to-neuronal nuclei ratio in CA1, CA3, and DG. We conclude that IUGR has sex-specific effects and that neither neuronal loss nor decreased synaptic density appears to account for the changes in NMDAR subunits. Rather, it is possible that synaptic NMDAR subunit composition is altered. Our results suggest that apparent recovery in the IUGR hippocampus may be associated with synaptic hyperexcitability. We speculate that the NMDAR plays an important role in IUGR-associated cognitive impairment.
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Gatford KL, Owens JA, Li S, Moss TJM, Newnham JP, Challis JRG, Sloboda DM. Repeated betamethasone treatment of pregnant sheep programs persistent reductions in circulating IGF-I and IGF-binding proteins in progeny. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab 2008; 295:E170-8. [PMID: 18492775 PMCID: PMC2493590 DOI: 10.1152/ajpendo.00047.2008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Exposure to synthetic glucocorticoids in utero markedly improves survival after preterm birth, but repeated exposures impair fetal and postnatal growth and are associated with evidence of insulin resistance in later life. The insulin-like growth factor (IGF) axis is an important regulator of growth and metabolism before and after birth. We have therefore investigated the effects of repeated maternal betamethasone injections on plasma IGF-I, IGF-II, and IGF-binding proteins (IGFBP) in fetal and postnatal progeny in the sheep. Pregnant sheep carrying male fetuses were injected with saline or betamethasone at 104, 111, and 118 days of gestation (dG, term approximately 150 dG). Plasma samples were collected postmortem from fetuses before (75, 84, 101 dG) or after one (109 dG), two (116 dG), or three (121-122, 132-133, 145-147 dG) doses of saline or betamethasone and from progeny at 42 and 84 days of age. Fetal weight was reduced after two or more maternal betamethasone injections, and this effect persisted to term. Repeated betamethasone exposures reduced plasma IGF-I and total IGFBP in fetuses at 133 dG and progeny at 84 days, and reduced plasma IGFBP-3 at 84 days. Fetal plasma IGF-II tended to increase transiently at 109 dG following the first betamethasone injection. Fetal, placental, and/or postnatal weights correlated positively with concomitant plasma IGF-I, IGF-II, and total IGFBP. We conclude that repeated exposure to synthetic glucocorticoids in utero programs the IGF axis before and after birth, which may contribute to the adverse effects of betamethasone exposure on growth and metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn L Gatford
- Research Centre for Early Origins of Adult Disease, Discipline of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Paediatrics and Reproductive Health, University of Adelaide SA 5005, Australia.
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Nüsken KD, Dötsch J, Rauh M, Rascher W, Schneider H. Uteroplacental insufficiency after bilateral uterine artery ligation in the rat: impact on postnatal glucose and lipid metabolism and evidence for metabolic programming of the offspring by sham operation. Endocrinology 2008; 149:1056-63. [PMID: 18063678 DOI: 10.1210/en.2007-0891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Ligation of the uterine arteries (LIG) in rats serves as a model of intrauterine growth restriction and subsequent developmental programming of impaired glucose tolerance, hyperinsulinemia, and adiposity in the offspring. Its impact on lipid metabolism has been less well investigated. We compared parameters of glucose and lipid metabolism and glucocorticoid levels in the offspring of dams that underwent either LIG or sham operation (SOP) with those of untreated controls. Blood parameters including insulin, leptin, and visfatin as well as body weight, food intake, and creatinine clearance were recorded up to an age of 30 wk. Glucose tolerance tests were performed, and both leptin and visfatin expression in liver, muscle, and epididymal and mesenteric fat was quantified by RT-PCR. After catch-up growth, weight gain of all groups was similar, despite lower food intake of the LIG rats. LIG offspring showed impaired glucose tolerance from the age of 15 wk as well as elevated glycosylated hemoglobin and corticosterone levels. However, the body fat content of both LIG and SOP animals increased relative to controls, and both showed elevated triglyceride, total cholesterol, and leptin levels as well as a reduced proportion of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Thus, use of the LIG model requires both SOP and untreated controls. Although only LIG is associated with impaired glucose tolerance, pathogenic programming of the lipid metabolism can also be induced by SOP. Visfatin does not appear to be involved in the disturbed glucose metabolism after intrauterine growth restriction and may represent only a marker of fat accumulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai-Dietrich Nüsken
- Department of Pediatrics, Nikolaus Fiebiger Centre of Molecular Medicine, University Erlangen-Nuernberg, Loschgestrasse 15, 91054 Erlangen, Germany.
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Lane R, Baserga M. Response to Schreuder. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol 2007. [DOI: 10.1152/ajpregu.00605.2007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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Webster RP, Myatt L. Elucidation of the molecular mechanisms of preeclampsia using proteomic technologies. Proteomics Clin Appl 2007; 1:1147-55. [PMID: 21136764 DOI: 10.1002/prca.200700128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2007] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Preeclampsia, a disease of pregnancy, is a multisystem disorder associated with elevated maternal blood pressure, proteinurea, oedema, and fetal abnormalities. It is a major cause of mortality, morbidity, perinatal death, and premature delivery. Despite active research in the past decade, there is yet no definitive cure for preeclampsia. The disease has been treated symptomatically with antihypertensives, antieclamptics, bed rest, and a whole gamut of isolated therapies. In an attempt to understand the molecular basis of this disease and many other fatal diseases including cancer and heart disease, the scientific community has been turning to understanding the genome and more lately the "proteome". Proteomics enables researchers to identify all proteins expressed in a cell or organ and detect any PTM in the protein expression patterns. Deciphering the placental proteome and studying the differences in protein expression patterns in the normal as against the preeclamptic proteome might possibly in future lead to early detection and therapeutic targeting of preeclampsia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rose P Webster
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA.
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Baisden B, Sonne S, Joshi RM, Ganapathy V, Shekhawat PS. Antenatal dexamethasone treatment leads to changes in gene expression in a murine late placenta. Placenta 2007; 28:1082-90. [PMID: 17559929 PMCID: PMC2040329 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2007.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2007] [Revised: 03/30/2007] [Accepted: 04/06/2007] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Antenatal steroids like dexamethasone (DEX) are used to augment fetal lung maturity and there is a major concern that they impair fetal growth. If delivery is delayed after using antenatal DEX, placental function and hence fetal growth may be compromised even further. To investigate the effects of DEX on placental function, we treated 9 pregnant C57/BL6 mice with DEX and 9 pregnant mice were injected with saline to serve as controls. Placental gene expression was studied using microarrays in 3 pairs and other 6 pairs were used to confirm microarray results by semi-quantitative RT-PCR, real-time PCR, in situ hybridization, western blot analysis and Oligo ApopTaq assay. DEX-treated placentas were hydropic, friable, pale, and weighed less (80.0+/-15.1mg compared to 85.6.8+/-7.6mg, p=0.05) (n=62 placentas). Fetal weight was significantly reduced after DEX use (940+/-32mg compared to 1162+/-79mg, p=0.001) (n=62 fetuses). There was >99% similarity within and between the three gene chip data sets. DEX led to down-regulation of 1212 genes and up-regulation of 1382 genes. RT-PCR studies showed that DEX caused a decrease in expression of genes involved in cell division such as cyclins A2, B1, D2, cdk 2, cdk 4 and M-phase protein kinase along with growth-promoting genes such as EGF-R, BMP4 and IGFBP3. Oligo ApopTaq assay and western blot studies showed that DEX-treatment increased apoptosis of trophoblast cells. DEX-treatment led to up-regulation of aquaporin 5 and tryptophan hydroxylase genes as confirmed by real-time PCR, and in situ hybridization studies. Thus antenatal DEX treatment led to a reduction in placental and fetal weight, and this effect was associated with a decreased expression of several growth-promoting genes and increased apoptosis of trophoblast cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Baisden
- Department of Pediatrics, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
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Baserga M, Hale MA, Wang ZM, Yu X, Callaway CW, McKnight RA, Lane RH. Uteroplacental insufficiency alters nephrogenesis and downregulates cyclooxygenase-2 expression in a model of IUGR with adult-onset hypertension. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol 2007; 292:R1943-55. [PMID: 17272666 DOI: 10.1152/ajpregu.00558.2006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Clinical and animal studies indicate that intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) following uteroplacental insufficiency (UPI) reduces nephron number and predisposes toward renal insufficiency early in life and increased risk of adult-onset hypertension. In this study, we hypothesized that the inducible enzyme cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), a pivotal protein in nephrogenesis, constitutes a mechanism through which UPI and subsequent glucocorticoid overexposure can decrease nephron number. We further hypothesized that UPI downregulates the key enzyme 11beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 (11beta-HSD2), which converts corticosterone to inert 11-dehydrocorticosterone, thereby protecting both the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) and the mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) from the actions of corticosterone. Following bilateral uterine ligation on the pregnant rat, UPI significantly decreased renal COX-2, 11beta-HSD2, and GR mRNA and protein levels, but upregulated expression of MR at birth. At day 21 of life, 11beta-HSD2, GR, and also MR mRNA and protein levels were downregulated. UPI did not affect blood pressures (BP) at day 21 of life but significantly increased systolic BP in both genders at day 140. We conclude that in our animal model, UPI decreases fetal COX-2 expression during a period of active nephrogenesis in the IUGR rat, which is also characterized by decreased nephron number and adult-onset hypertension.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Baserga
- Univ of Utah School of Medicine, Dept of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology, Salt Lake City, UT 84158, USA.
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Fu Q, McKnight RA, Yu X, Callaway CW, Lane RH. Growth retardation alters the epigenetic characteristics of hepatic dual specificity phosphatase 5. FASEB J 2006; 20:2127-9. [PMID: 16940436 DOI: 10.1096/fj.06-6179fje] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Uteroplacental insufficiency leads to intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) and adult onset insulin resistance in both humans and rats. IUGR rat liver is characterized by persistent changes in histone 3 lysine 9 and lysine 14 acetylation, which may induce postnatal changes in gene expression. We hypothesized that it would be possible to identify hepatic genes whose epigenetic characteristics and mRNA levels are altered due to IUGR using chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) coupled with random primed differential display polymerase chain reaction (PCR). One of the isolated sequences identified contained exon 2 of the dual specificity phosphatase-5 gene (DUSP5). IUGR affected hepatic DUSP5 mRNA levels and exon 2 DNA methylation into adulthood in the rat. DUSP5 dephosphorylates Erk1 and Erk2 within the MAPK signaling cascade, which in turn affects serine 612 phosphorylation of insulin receptor substrate-1 (p612 IRS-1). In adult rat liver, IUGR increased Erk1/Erk2 phosphorylation and p612 IRS-1 phosphorylation. Increased serine phosphorylation of hepatic IRS-1 may contribute to the insulin resistance that characterizes these animals. We conclude that intrauterine growth retardation induced by uteroplacental insufficiency 1) affects the hepatic epigenetic characteristics and mRNA of the DUSP-5 and 2) increases hepatic insulin receptor substrate-1 phosphorylation at serine 612 in adult rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Fu
- University of Utah School of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology, P.O. Box 581289, Salt Lake City, UT 84158, USA
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