1
|
Davies KL, Miles J, Camm EJ, Smith DJ, Barker P, Taylor K, Forhead AJ, Fowden AL. Prenatal cortisol exposure impairs adrenal function but not glucose metabolism in adult sheep. J Endocrinol 2024; 260:e230326. [PMID: 38109257 PMCID: PMC10895281 DOI: 10.1530/joe-23-0326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/20/2023]
Abstract
Adverse environmental conditions before birth are known to programme adult metabolic and endocrine phenotypes in several species. However, whether increments in fetal cortisol concentrations of the magnitude commonly seen in these conditions can cause developmental programming remains unknown. Thus, this study investigated the outcome of physiological increases in fetal cortisol concentrations on glucose-insulin dynamics and pituitary-adrenal function in adult sheep. Compared with saline treatment, intravenous fetal cortisol infusion for 5 days in late gestation did not affect birthweight but increased lamb body weight at 1-2 weeks after birth. Adult glucose dynamics, insulin sensitivity and insulin secretion were unaffected by prenatal cortisol overexposure, assessed by glucose tolerance tests, hyperinsulinaemic-euglycaemic clamps and acute insulin administration. In contrast, prenatal cortisol infusion induced adrenal hypo-responsiveness in adulthood with significantly reduced cortisol responses to insulin-induced hypoglycaemia and exogenous adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) administration relative to saline treatment. The area of adrenal cortex expressed as a percentage of the total cross-sectional area of the adult adrenal gland was also lower after prenatal cortisol than saline infusion. In adulthood, basal circulating ACTH but not cortisol concentrations were significantly higher in the cortisol than saline-treated group. The results show that cortisol overexposure before birth programmes pituitary-adrenal development with consequences for adult stress responses. Physiological variations in cortisol concentrations before birth may, therefore, have an important role in determining adult phenotypical diversity and adaptability to environmental challenges.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- K L Davies
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge, UK
| | - J Miles
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge, UK
| | - E J Camm
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge, UK
- The Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Australia
| | - D J Smith
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge, UK
| | - P Barker
- MRC Metabolic Diseases Unit, Mouse Biochemistry Laboratory, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, UK
| | - K Taylor
- Endocrine Laboratory, Blood Sciences, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Hills Road, Cambridge, UK
| | - A J Forhead
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge, UK
- Department of Biological and Medical Sciences, Oxford Brookes University, Oxford, UK
| | - A L Fowden
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge, UK
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Young SJ, Rossi GS, Bernier NJ, Wright PA. Cortisol enhances aerobic metabolism and locomotor performance during the transition to land in an amphibious fish. Comp Biochem Physiol A Mol Integr Physiol 2024; 288:111558. [PMID: 38043639 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2023.111558] [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: 09/12/2023] [Revised: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023]
Abstract
Amphibious fishes on land encounter higher oxygen (O2) availability and novel energetic demands, which impacts metabolism. Previous work on the amphibious mangrove killifish (Kryptolebias marmoratus) has shown that cortisol becomes elevated in response to air exposure, suggesting a possible role in regulating metabolism as fish move into terrestrial environments. We tested the hypothesis that cortisol is the mechanism by which oxidative processes are upregulated during the transition to land in amphibious fishes. We used two groups of fish, treated fish (+metyrapone, a cortisol synthesis inhibitor) and control (-metyrapone), to determine the impact of cortisol during air exposure (0 and 1 h, 7 days) on O2 consumption, terrestrial locomotion, the phenotype of red skeletal muscle, and muscle lipid concentration. Metyrapone-treated fish had an attenuated elevation in O2 consumption rate during the water to air transition and an immediate reduction in terrestrial exercise performance relative to control fish. In contrast, we found no short- (0 h) or long-term (7 days) differences between treatments in the oxidative phenotype of red muscles, nor in muscle lipid concentrations. Our results suggest that cortisol stimulates the necessary increase in aerobic metabolism needed to fuel the physiological changes that amphibious fishes undergo during the acclimation to air, although further studies are required to determine specific mechanisms of cortisol regulation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah J Young
- University of Guelph, Department of Integrative Biology, 50 Stone Road East, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada; Saint Mary's University, Department of Biology, 923 Robie Street, Halifax, NS B3H 3C3, Canada.
| | - Giulia S Rossi
- University of Toronto-Scarborough, Department of Biological Science, 1265 Military Trail, Scarborough, ON M1C 1A4, Canada; McMaster University, Biology Department, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON L8S 4L8, Canada.
| | - Nicholas J Bernier
- University of Guelph, Department of Integrative Biology, 50 Stone Road East, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada.
| | - Patricia A Wright
- University of Guelph, Department of Integrative Biology, 50 Stone Road East, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Liu R, Sheng J, Huang H. Research Progress on the effects of adverse exposure during pregnancy on skeletal muscle function in offspring. Zhejiang Da Xue Xue Bao Yi Xue Ban 2023:1-10. [PMID: 37986679 DOI: 10.3724/zdxbyxb-2023-0218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
Skeletal muscle plays a crucial role in maintaining metabolic function, energy homeostasis, movement function, as well as endocrine function. The gestation period is a critical stage for the myogenesis and development of skeletal muscle. Adverse environmental exposures during pregnancy would impose various effects on the skeletal muscle health of offspring. Maternal obesity during pregnancy can mediate lipid deposition in skeletal muscle of offspring by affecting fetal skeletal muscle metabolism and inflammation-related pathways. Poor dietary habits during pregnancy, such as high sugar and high fat intake, can affect the autophagy function of skeletal muscle mitochondria and reduce the quality of offspring skeletal muscle. Nutritional deficiencies during pregnancy can affect the development of offspring skeletal muscle through epigenetic modifications. Gestational diabetes may affect the function of offspring skeletal muscle by upregulating the levels of miR-15a and miR-15b in offspring. Exposure to environmental endocrine disruptors during pregnancy may impair skeletal muscle function by interfering with insulin receptor-related signaling pathways in offspring. This article reviews the research progress on effects and possible mechanisms of adverse maternal exposures during pregnancy on offspring skeletal muscle function in clinical and animal studies, aiming to provide scientific evidence for the prevention and treatment strategy of birth defects in skeletal muscle.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rui Liu
- International Institutes of Medicine, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, International School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Jinhua 322000, Zhejiang Province, China.
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Reproductive Genetics, Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310006, China.
| | - Jianzhong Sheng
- International Institutes of Medicine, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, International School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Jinhua 322000, Zhejiang Province, China
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Reproductive Genetics, Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310006, China
| | - Hefeng Huang
- International Institutes of Medicine, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, International School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Jinhua 322000, Zhejiang Province, China.
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Reproductive Genetics, Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310006, China.
- Research Units of Embryo Original Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shanghai 200030, China.
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original Diseases, Shanghai 200030, China.
- Institute of Reproduction and Development, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200030, China.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Marquez-Acevedo AS, Hood WR, Collier RJ, Skibiel AL. Graduate Student Literature Review: Mitochondrial response to heat stress and its implications on dairy cattle bioenergetics, metabolism, and production. J Dairy Sci 2023; 106:7295-7309. [PMID: 37210354 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2023-23340] [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: 02/04/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
The dairy industry depends upon the cow's successful lactation for economic profitability. Heat stress compromises the economic sustainability of the dairy industry by reducing milk production and increasing the risk of metabolic and pathogenic disease. Heat stress alters metabolic adaptations, such as nutrient mobilization and partitioning, that support the energetic demands of lactation. Metabolically inflexible cows are unable to enlist the necessary homeorhetic shifts that provide the needed nutrients and energy for milk synthesis, thereby impairing lactation performance. Mitochondria provide the energetic foundation that enable a myriad of metabolically demanding processes, such as lactation. Changes in an animal's energy requirements are met at the cellular level through alterations in mitochondrial density and bioenergetic capacity. Mitochondria also act as central stress modulators and coordinate tissues' energetic responses to stress by integrating endocrine signals, through mito-nuclear communication, into the cellular stress response. In vitro heat insults affect mitochondria through a compromise in mitochondrial integrity, which is linked to a decrease in mitochondrial function. However, limited evidence exists linking the in vivo metabolic effects of heat stress with parameters of mitochondrial behavior and function in lactating animals. This review summarizes the literature describing the cellular and subcellular effects of heat stress, with a focus on the effect of heat stress on mitochondrial bioenergetics and cellular dysfunction in livestock. Implications for lactation performance and metabolic health are also discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A S Marquez-Acevedo
- Department of Animal, Veterinary and Food Sciences, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID 83844.
| | - W R Hood
- Department of Biological Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849
| | - R J Collier
- Department of Animal, Veterinary and Food Sciences, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID 83844
| | - A L Skibiel
- Department of Animal, Veterinary and Food Sciences, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID 83844
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Developmental programming of mitochondrial substrate metabolism in skeletal muscle of adult sheep by cortisol exposure before birth. J Dev Orig Health Dis 2023; 14:77-87. [PMID: 35822505 DOI: 10.1017/s204017442200040x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Prenatal glucocorticoid overexposure causes adult metabolic dysfunction in several species but its effects on adult mitochondrial function remain largely unknown. Using respirometry, this study examined mitochondrial substrate metabolism of fetal and adult ovine biceps femoris (BF) and semitendinosus (ST) muscles after cortisol infusion before birth. Physiological increases in fetal cortisol concentrations pre-term induced muscle- and substrate-specific changes in mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation capacity in adulthood. These changes were accompanied by muscle-specific alterations in protein content, fibre composition and abundance of the mitochondrial electron transfer system (ETS) complexes. In adult ST, respiration using palmitoyl-carnitine and malate was increased after fetal cortisol treatment but not with other substrate combinations. There were also significant increases in protein content and reductions in the abundance of all four ETS complexes, but not ATP synthase, in the ST of adults receiving cortisol prenatally. In adult BF, intrauterine cortisol treatment had no effect on protein content, respiratory rates, ETS complex abundances or ATP synthase. Activity of citrate synthase, a marker of mitochondrial content, was unaffected by intrauterine treatment in both adult muscles. In the ST but not BF, respiratory rates using all substrate combinations were significantly lower in the adults than fetuses, predominantly in the saline-infused controls. The ontogenic and cortisol-induced changes in mitochondrial function were, therefore, more pronounced in the ST than BF muscle. Collectively, the results show that fetal cortisol overexposure programmes mitochondrial substrate metabolism in specific adult muscles with potential consequences for adult metabolism and energetics.
Collapse
|
6
|
Davies KL, Smith DJ, El-Bacha T, Wooding PFP, Forhead AJ, Murray AJ, Fowden AL, Camm EJ. Cortisol Regulates Cerebral Mitochondrial Oxidative Phosphorylation and Morphology of the Brain in a Region-Specific Manner in the Ovine Fetus. Biomolecules 2022; 12:768. [PMID: 35740893 PMCID: PMC9220895 DOI: 10.3390/biom12060768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2022] [Revised: 05/27/2022] [Accepted: 05/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
In adults, glucocorticoids are stress hormones that act, partly, through actions on mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) to increase energy availability. Before birth, glucocorticoids are primarily maturational signals that prepare the fetus for new postnatal challenges. However, the role of the normal prepartum glucocorticoid rise in preparing mitochondria for the increased postnatal energy demands remains largely unknown. This study examined the effect of physiological increases in the fetal cortisol concentration on cerebral mitochondrial OXPHOS capacity near term (~130 days gestation, term ~145 days gestation). Fetal sheep were infused with saline or cortisol for 5 days at ~0.8 of gestation before the mitochondrial content, respiratory rates, abundance of the electron transfer system proteins and OXPHOS efficiency were measured in their cortex and cerebellum. Cerebral morphology was assessed by immunohistochemistry and stereology. Cortisol treatment increased the mitochondrial content, while decreasing Complex I-linked respiration in the cerebellum. There was no effect on the cortical mitochondrial OXPHOS capacity. Cortisol infusion had regional effects on cerebral morphology, with increased myelination in the cerebrum. The findings demonstrate the importance of cortisol in regulating the cerebral mitochondrial OXPHOS capacity prenatally and have implications for infants born preterm or after glucocorticoid overexposure due to pregnancy complications or clinical treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katie L. Davies
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK; (K.L.D.); (D.J.S.); (T.E.-B.); (P.F.P.W.); (A.J.F.); (A.J.M.)
| | - Danielle J. Smith
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK; (K.L.D.); (D.J.S.); (T.E.-B.); (P.F.P.W.); (A.J.F.); (A.J.M.)
| | - Tatiana El-Bacha
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK; (K.L.D.); (D.J.S.); (T.E.-B.); (P.F.P.W.); (A.J.F.); (A.J.M.)
| | - Peter F. P. Wooding
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK; (K.L.D.); (D.J.S.); (T.E.-B.); (P.F.P.W.); (A.J.F.); (A.J.M.)
| | - Alison J. Forhead
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK; (K.L.D.); (D.J.S.); (T.E.-B.); (P.F.P.W.); (A.J.F.); (A.J.M.)
- Department of Biological and Medical Sciences, Oxford Brookes University, Oxford OX3 0BP, UK
| | - Andrew J. Murray
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK; (K.L.D.); (D.J.S.); (T.E.-B.); (P.F.P.W.); (A.J.F.); (A.J.M.)
| | - Abigail L. Fowden
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK; (K.L.D.); (D.J.S.); (T.E.-B.); (P.F.P.W.); (A.J.F.); (A.J.M.)
| | - Emily J. Camm
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK; (K.L.D.); (D.J.S.); (T.E.-B.); (P.F.P.W.); (A.J.F.); (A.J.M.)
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Fowden AL, Vaughan OR, Murray AJ, Forhead AJ. Metabolic Consequences of Glucocorticoid Exposure before Birth. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14112304. [PMID: 35684104 PMCID: PMC9182938 DOI: 10.3390/nu14112304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2022] [Revised: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Glucocorticoids have an important role in development of the metabolic phenotype in utero. They act as environmental and maturational signals in adapting feto-placental metabolism to maximize the chances of survival both before and at birth. They influence placental nutrient handling and fetal metabolic processes to support fetal growth, fuel storage and energy production with respect to nutrient availability. More specifically, they regulate the transport, utilization and production of a range of nutrients by the feto-placental tissues that enables greater metabolic flexibility in utero while minimizing any further drain on maternal resources during periods of stress. Near term, the natural rise in fetal glucocorticoid concentrations also stimulates key metabolic adaptations that prepare tissues for the new energy demanding functions after birth. Glucocorticoids, therefore, have a central role in the metabolic communication between the mother, placenta and fetus that optimizes offspring metabolic phenotype for survival to reproductive age. This review discusses the effects of maternal and fetal glucocorticoids on the supply and utilization of nutrients by the feto-placental tissues with particular emphasis on studies using quantitative methods to assess metabolism in rodents and sheep in vivo during late pregnancy. It considers the routes of glucocorticoid overexposure in utero, including experimental administration of synthetic glucocorticoids, and the mechanisms by which these hormones control feto-placental metabolism at the molecular, cellular and systems levels. It also briefly examines the consequences of intrauterine glucocorticoid overexposure for postnatal metabolic health and the generational inheritance of metabolic phenotype.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Abigail L. Fowden
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK; (A.J.M.); (A.J.F.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Owen R. Vaughan
- EGA Institute for Women’s Health, University College London, London WC1E 6HX, UK;
| | - Andrew J. Murray
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK; (A.J.M.); (A.J.F.)
| | - Alison J. Forhead
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK; (A.J.M.); (A.J.F.)
- Department of Biological and Medical Sciences, Oxford Brookes University, Oxford OX3 0BP, UK
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Cossin-Sevrin N, Hsu BY, Marciau C, Viblanc VA, Ruuskanen S, Stier A. Developmental plasticity of mitochondrial aerobic metabolism, growth and survival by prenatal glucocorticoids and thyroid hormones: an experimental test in wild great tits. J Exp Biol 2022; 225:275345. [PMID: 35420125 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.243414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Developmental plasticity is partly mediated by transgenerational effects, including those mediated by the maternal endocrine system. Glucocorticoid and thyroid hormones may play central roles in developmental programming through their action on metabolism and growth. However, the mechanisms by which they affect growth and development remain understudied. One hypothesis is that maternal hormones directly affect the production and availability of energy-carrying molecules (e.g. ATP) by their action on mitochondrial function. To test this hypothesis, we experimentally increased glucocorticoid and thyroid hormones in wild great tit eggs (Parus major) to investigate their impact on offspring mitochondrial aerobic metabolism (measured in blood cells), and subsequent growth and survival. We show that prenatal glucocorticoid supplementation affected offspring cellular aerobic metabolism by decreasing mitochondrial density, maximal mitochondrial respiration and oxidative phosphorylation, while increasing the proportion of the maximum capacity being used under endogenous conditions. Prenatal glucocorticoid supplementation only had mild effects on offspring body mass, size and condition during the rearing period, but led to a sex-specific (females only) decrease in body mass a few months after fledging. Contrary to our expectations, thyroid hormones supplementation did not affect offspring growth or mitochondrial metabolism. Recapture probabilities as juveniles or adults were not significantly affected by prenatal hormonal treatments. Our results demonstrate that prenatal glucocorticoids can affect post-natal mitochondrial density and aerobic metabolism. The weak effects on growth and apparent survival suggest that nestlings were mostly able to compensate for the transient decrease in mitochondrial aerobic metabolism induced by prenatal glucocorticoids.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nina Cossin-Sevrin
- Department of Biology, University of Turku, Turku, Finland.,Université de Strasbourg, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Institut Pluridisciplinaire Hubert Curien, UMR 7178, 67087 Strasbourg, France
| | - Bin-Yan Hsu
- Department of Biology, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Coline Marciau
- Department of Biology, University of Turku, Turku, Finland.,Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, Australia
| | - Vincent A Viblanc
- Université de Strasbourg, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Institut Pluridisciplinaire Hubert Curien, UMR 7178, 67087 Strasbourg, France
| | - Suvi Ruuskanen
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Antoine Stier
- Department of Biology, University of Turku, Turku, Finland.,Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, ENTPE, UMR 5023 LEHNA, F-69622, Villeurbanne, France
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Liu Y, Ding Q, Guo W. Life Course Impact of Glucocorticoids During Pregnancy on Muscle Development and Function. FRONTIERS IN ANIMAL SCIENCE 2021; 2. [PMID: 36325303 PMCID: PMC9624510 DOI: 10.3389/fanim.2021.788930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Maternal stress, such as maternal obesity, can induce severe gestational disease and hormonal disorder which may disrupt fetal organ maturation and further cause endangered early or future health in offspring. During fetal development, glucocorticoids are essential for the maturation of organ systems. For instance, in clinical applications, glucocorticoids are commonly utilized to pregnant women with the risk of preterm delivery to reduce mortality of the newborns. However, exposure of excessive glucocorticoids at embryonic and fetal developmental stages can cause diseases such as cardiovascular disease and muscle atrophy in adulthood. Effects of excessive glucocorticoids on human health are well-recognized and extensively studied. Nonetheless, effects of these hormones on farm animal growth and development, particularly on prenatal muscle development, and postnatal growth, did not attract much attention until the last decade. Here, we provided a short review of the recent progress relating to the effect of glucocorticoids on prenatal skeletal muscle development and postnatal muscle growth as well as heart muscle development and cardiovascular disease during life course.
Collapse
|