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Shan M, Li S, Zhang Y, Chen Y, Zhou Y, Shi L. Maternal exercise upregulates the DNA methylation of Agtr1a to enhance vascular function in offspring of hypertensive rats. Hypertens Res 2023; 46:654-666. [PMID: 36539461 DOI: 10.1038/s41440-022-01124-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2022] [Revised: 10/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
The angiotensin II signaling system regulates vascular dysfunction and is involved in the programming of hypertension. Maternal exercise has been linked to both short-term and long-term benefits for the mother and fetus. However, the impacts of maternal exercise on the intravascular renin-angiotensin system (RAS) in hypertensive offspring remain unexamined. This study examined whether maternal exercise has an epigenetic effect in repressing angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1R) expression, which leads to favorable alterations in the mesenteric artery (MA) function of spontaneously hypertensive offspring. Spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) and Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) pregnant rats were randomly divided into an exercise group and a control group. Blood pressure, vascular tone, AT1R protein and mRNA expression, and AT1R gene (Agtr1a) promoter methylation status were examined in the MAs of 3-month-old male offspring. Maternal exercise significantly reduced the resting blood pressure and cardiovascular reactivity of offspring from SHRs. Furthermore, Ang II-AT1R activity in regulating vascular tone and AT1R expression was decreased in the MAs of the SHR offspring from the exercise groups. Importantly, exercise during gestation suppressed AT1R expression via hypermethylation of the Agtr1a promoter region and upregulated DNA methyltransferase (DNMT) expression in MAs of SHR offspring. These results suggest that maternal exercise upregulates DNMT expression, resulting in hypermethylation and repression of the Agtr1a gene, which may prevent MA dysfunction in the offspring of SHRs. A mechanistic model on the epigenetics of exercise during pregnancy. Maternal exercise during pregnancy triggers hypermethylation and transcriptional suppression of the Agtr1a gene via increased DNMT1 and DNMT3B expression in MAs of SHR offspring. Downregulation of AT1R expression reduces the contribution of Ang II to vascular tone, ultimately improving vascular structure and function. VSMC vascular smooth muscle cell; Ang II angiotensin II; AT1aR angiotensin type 1 receptor (AT1R) alpha subtypes; Agtr1a AT1R alpha isoform gene; MAs mesenteric arteries; BP blood pressure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meiling Shan
- Department of Exercise Physiology, Beijing Sport University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Shanshan Li
- Department of Exercise Physiology, Beijing Sport University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Yanyan Zhang
- Department of Exercise Physiology, Beijing Sport University, Beijing, 100084, China.,Key Laboratory of Physical Fitness and Exercise, Ministry of Education, Beijing Sport University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Yu Chen
- Department of Exercise Physiology, Beijing Sport University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Yang Zhou
- Department of Exercise Physiology, Beijing Sport University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Lijun Shi
- Department of Exercise Physiology, Beijing Sport University, Beijing, 100084, China. .,Key Laboratory of Physical Fitness and Exercise, Ministry of Education, Beijing Sport University, Beijing, 100084, China.
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Li S, Chen Y, Zhang Y, Qiu F, Zeng F, Shi L. Prenatal exercise reprograms the development of hypertension progress and improves vascular health in SHR offspring. Vascul Pharmacol 2021; 139:106885. [PMID: 34116258 DOI: 10.1016/j.vph.2021.106885] [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: 08/12/2020] [Revised: 05/12/2021] [Accepted: 06/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Upregulation of L-type voltage-gated Ca2+ (CaV1.2) channel in the arterial myocytes is a hallmark feature of hypertension. However, whether maternal exercise during pregnancy has a sustained beneficial effect on the offspring of spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) through epigenetic regulation of CaV1.2 channel is largely unknown. METHODS Pregnant SHRs and Wistar-Kyoto rats were subjected to swimming and the vascular molecular and functional properties of male offspring were evaluated at embryonic (E) 20.5 day, 3 months (3 M), and 6 months (6 M). RESULTS Exercise during pregnancy significantly decreased the resting blood pressure at 3 M but not 6 M in the offspring of SHR. Prenatal exercise significantly reduced the cardiovascular reactivity, the contribution of CaV1.2 channel to the vascular tone, and the whole-cell current density of CaV1.2 channel in both 3 M and 6 M offspring of SHR. Moreover, maternal exercise triggered hypermethylation of the promoter region of the CaV1.2 α1C gene (CACNA1C), with a concomitant decrease in its protein and mRNA expressions in SHR offspring at E20.5, 3 M, and 6 M. Tissue culture experiments further confirmed that 5-Aza-2'-deoxycytidine increased the structure and functional expression of CaV1.2 channel by inhibiting the DNA methylation of CACNA1C. However, the improvement of prenatal exercise on the blood pressure, function, and expression of CaV1.2 channel was attenuated in the offspring of SHRs at 6 M compared to the 3 M readout. CONCLUSIONS These data suggest that prenatal exercise improves the vascular function by the hypermethylation of CACNA1C in the arterial myocytes and delays the development of hypertension in the offspring of SHRs. However, these effects fade out with age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanshan Li
- Department of Exercise Physiology, Beijing Sport University, Beijing 100084, China; Department of Sports and Health, Shandong Sport University, Jinan 250102, China
| | - Yu Chen
- Department of Exercise Physiology, Beijing Sport University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Yanyan Zhang
- Department of Exercise Physiology, Beijing Sport University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Fang Qiu
- Department of Exercise Physiology, Beijing Sport University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Fanxing Zeng
- Department of Exercise Physiology, Beijing Sport University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Lijun Shi
- Department of Exercise Physiology, Beijing Sport University, Beijing 100084, China; Key Laboratory of Physical Fitness and Exercise, Ministry of Education, Beijing Sport University, Beijing, China.
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Influence of Swimming Program on the Blood Pressure of Pregnant Hypertensive Rats and Their Fetuses. REPRODUCTIVE SCIENCES (THOUSAND OAKS, CALIF.) 2021; 28:3440-3447. [PMID: 33987823 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-021-00617-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The hypertension incidence and its complication on pregnant women are growing and can lead to adverse consequences on their fetuses. However, it is known that regular exercise practice can be healthful to hypertensive pregnant women but harmful to fetal growth. So, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of exercise beginning before pregnancy or during pregnancy on the maternal blood pressure and reproductive outcome and on the fetal development of spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). Pregnant SHR were randomly distributed into three experimental groups: (1) SHR-Control, non-exercised; (2) SHR-Ex0, rats submitted to physical exercise (swimming program) from day zero to 20 of pregnancy; (3) and SHR-ExPr, rats submitted to swimming program before and during pregnancy. At end of pregnancy (day 21), the rats were anesthetized, and reproductive parameters and fetal development were assessed. Blood pressure was reduced at the end of pregnancy in all the groups. Regardless of swimming exposure time, there was reduced maternal weight gain. The exercise decreased fetal weight at term pregnancy, with a higher percentage of small for gestational age (SGA) fetuses and lower number ossification sites, indicating intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). In conclusion, our findings provide insight to support that swimming exercise in pregnant SHR impairs fetal development, causing IUGR and visceral malformations. Therefore, the indication of physical exercise must be defined very carefully, as it can compromise fetal development.
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Wang R, Tian H, Guo D, Tian Q, Yao T, Kong X. Impacts of exercise intervention on various diseases in rats. JOURNAL OF SPORT AND HEALTH SCIENCE 2020; 9:211-227. [PMID: 32444146 PMCID: PMC7242221 DOI: 10.1016/j.jshs.2019.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2018] [Revised: 06/06/2019] [Accepted: 09/06/2019] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Exercise is considered as an important intervention for treatment and prevention of several diseases, such as osteoarthritis, obesity, hypertension, and Alzheimer's disease. This review summarizes decadal exercise intervention studies with various rat models across 6 major systems to provide a better understanding of the mechanisms behind the effects that exercise brought. METHODS PubMed was utilized as the data source. To collect research articles, we used the following terms to create the search: (exercise [Title] OR physical activity [Title] OR training [Title]) AND (rats [Title/Abstract] OR rat [Title/Abstract] OR rattus [Title/Abstract]). To best cover targeted studies, publication dates were limited to "within 11 years." The exercise intervention methods used for different diseases were sorted according to the mode, frequency, and intensity of exercise. RESULTS The collected articles were categorized into studies related to 6 systems or disease types: motor system (17 articles), metabolic system (110 articles), cardiocerebral vascular system (171 articles), nervous system (71 articles), urinary system (2 articles), and cancer (21 articles). Our review found that, for different diseases, exercise intervention mostly had a positive effect. However, the most powerful effect was achieved by using a specific mode of exercise that addressed the characteristics of the disease. CONCLUSION As a model animal, rats not only provide a convenient resource for studying human diseases but also provide the possibility for exploring the molecular mechanisms of exercise intervention on diseases. This review also aims to provide exercise intervention frameworks and optimal exercise dose recommendations for further human exercise intervention research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruwen Wang
- School of Kinesiology, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Haili Tian
- School of Kinesiology, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Dandan Guo
- School of Kinesiology, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Qianqian Tian
- School of Kinesiology, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Ting Yao
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Department of Pediatrics, UCLA Children's Discovery and Innovation Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.
| | - Xingxing Kong
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Department of Pediatrics, UCLA Children's Discovery and Innovation Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.
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Li S, Chen Y, Zhang Y, Zhang H, Wu Y, He H, Gong L, Zeng F, Shi L. Exercise during pregnancy enhances vascular function via epigenetic repression of Ca V1.2 channel in offspring of hypertensive rats. Life Sci 2019; 231:116576. [PMID: 31211998 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2019.116576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2019] [Revised: 06/08/2019] [Accepted: 06/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Studies suggest that cardiovascular function in offspring can be epigenetically programmed by environmental changes during pregnancy. CaV1.2 channel plays a major role in the regulation of the vascular tone. This study investigated the effects and underlying mechanisms of exercise during pregnancy on CaV1.2 channel functional remodeling in hypertensive offspring. MAIN METHODS Exercise groups were subjected to swimming at the first day of pregnancy and on a regular schedule thereafter for 3 weeks. Their offspring (6-month-old, male) were tested for baseline blood pressure, cardiovascular response, and vascular tone of the mesenteric artery. Mesenteric artery smooth muscle cells were taken to study the whole-cell current of the CaV1.2 channel. Western blotting, RT-PCR and DNA bisulfite sequencing PCR were performed to study the protein, mRNA expression and DNA methylation of the CaV1.2 channel α1C subunit. KEY FINDINGS Exercise during pregnancy reduced the pressor response to norepinephrine and Bay K8644, and the depressor response to nifedipine in offspring of hypertensive rats. The level of the CaV1.2 channel in norepinephrine-induced vasoconstrictions decreased, and the whole-cell current of the CaV1.2 channel declined in the SHR-EX group. Further studies found that exercise during pregnancy reduced the protein and mRNA expression of the CaV1.2 channel α1C subunit and upregulated DNA methylation of the Cacna1c gene promoter region in the hypertensive offspring. SIGNIFICANCE These data suggest that exercise during pregnancy improves vascular functional remodeling in offspring of hypertensive rats, downregulating the CaV1.2 channel function and protein expression, a change that is most likely caused by DNA methylation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanshan Li
- Department of Exercise Physiology, Beijing Sport University, Beijing 100084, China; China Institute of Sport and Health Science, Beijing Sport University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Yu Chen
- Department of Exercise Physiology, Beijing Sport University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Yanyan Zhang
- Department of Exercise Physiology, Beijing Sport University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Huirong Zhang
- Department of Exercise Physiology, Beijing Sport University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Ying Wu
- Department of Exercise Physiology, Beijing Sport University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Hui He
- China Institute of Sport and Health Science, Beijing Sport University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Lijing Gong
- China Institute of Sport and Health Science, Beijing Sport University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Fanxing Zeng
- Department of Exercise Physiology, Beijing Sport University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Lijun Shi
- Department of Exercise Physiology, Beijing Sport University, Beijing 100084, China; China Institute of Sport and Health Science, Beijing Sport University, Beijing 100084, China.
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Netto AO, Gelaleti RB, Corvino SB, Serrano RG, Hernández SC, Volpato GT, Rudge MVC, Braz MG, Damasceno DC. Small-for-pregnancy-age rats submitted to exercise: DNA damage in mothers and newborns, measured by the comet assay. MUTATION RESEARCH-GENETIC TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL MUTAGENESIS 2018; 835:11-15. [PMID: 30249476 DOI: 10.1016/j.mrgentox.2018.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2017] [Revised: 08/16/2018] [Accepted: 08/16/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fetal impairment caused by a deleterious intrauterine environment may have long-term consequences, such as oxidative stress and genetic damage. Rats born as small-for-gestational-age (SPA) were submitted to exercise (swimming) before and during pregnancy. The animals exhibited glucose intolerance, reduced general adiposity, and increased maternal and offspring organ weight, showing the benefit of exercise for these rats. We hypothesised that regular exercise in SPA during gestation could prevent DNA damage in these animals and in their offspring, contributing to altered fetal programming of metabolism in the offspring. Severe diabetes was induced by streptozotocin treatment, to obtain SPA newborns. At adulthood, pregnant SPA rats were randomly distributed into two groups: exercised (SPAex - submitted to swimming program) or not-exercised (SPA - sedentary rats). Post-partum, blood was collected for analysis of DNA damage (comet assay) and oxidative stress. SPAex rats presented lower DNA damage levels, decreased lipid peroxidation, and a lower rate of newborns classified as large-for-pregnancy-age. DNA damage was also lower in SPAex newborns. We conclude that swimming applied to SPA pregnant rats contributes to decreased DNA damage and lipid peroxidation in the dams, and decreased DNA damage and macrosomia in their offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- A O Netto
- Postgraduate Course on Gynecology, Obstetrics and Mastology, Laboratory of Experimental Research on Gynecology and Obstetrics, Botucatu Medical School, São Paulo State University - UNESP, Botucatu, São Paulo State, Brazil
| | - R B Gelaleti
- Postgraduate Course on Gynecology, Obstetrics and Mastology, Laboratory of Experimental Research on Gynecology and Obstetrics, Botucatu Medical School, São Paulo State University - UNESP, Botucatu, São Paulo State, Brazil
| | - S B Corvino
- Postgraduate Course on Gynecology, Obstetrics and Mastology, Laboratory of Experimental Research on Gynecology and Obstetrics, Botucatu Medical School, São Paulo State University - UNESP, Botucatu, São Paulo State, Brazil
| | - R G Serrano
- Postgraduate Course on Gynecology, Obstetrics and Mastology, Laboratory of Experimental Research on Gynecology and Obstetrics, Botucatu Medical School, São Paulo State University - UNESP, Botucatu, São Paulo State, Brazil
| | - S C Hernández
- Biochemical Department, Havana Medical Science University, ICBP Victoria de Girón, Havana, Cuba
| | - G T Volpato
- Postgraduate Course on Gynecology, Obstetrics and Mastology, Laboratory of Experimental Research on Gynecology and Obstetrics, Botucatu Medical School, São Paulo State University - UNESP, Botucatu, São Paulo State, Brazil; Laboratory of System Physiology and Reproductive Toxicology, Institute of Biological and Health Sciences, Federal University of Mato Grosso (UFMT), Barra do Garças, Mato Grosso State, Brazil
| | - M V C Rudge
- Postgraduate Course on Gynecology, Obstetrics and Mastology, Laboratory of Experimental Research on Gynecology and Obstetrics, Botucatu Medical School, São Paulo State University - UNESP, Botucatu, São Paulo State, Brazil
| | - M G Braz
- Department of Anesthesiology, Botucatu Medical School, São Paulo State University - UNESP, Botucatu, São Paulo State, Brazil
| | - D C Damasceno
- Postgraduate Course on Gynecology, Obstetrics and Mastology, Laboratory of Experimental Research on Gynecology and Obstetrics, Botucatu Medical School, São Paulo State University - UNESP, Botucatu, São Paulo State, Brazil.
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Kasawara KT, Surita FG, Pinto E Silva JL. Translational studies for exercise in high-risk pregnancy: Pre-eclampsia model. Hypertens Pregnancy 2016; 35:265-79. [PMID: 27159274 DOI: 10.3109/10641955.2016.1171336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Reviewed literature regarding exercise effects on pregnancy-related hypertensive disorders, analyzing basic science perspectives and clinical studies. METHODS Scientific databases were accessed by research strategy combining Medical Subject Headings terms. Studies published between 2000 and 2015, in English, Portuguese, and Spanish language, were considered. RESULTS Studies were classified into: recommendations for exercise on high-risk pregnancy; animal models for hypertension in pregnancy; exercise on hypertensive disorders in animal models and pregnant women. CONCLUSION There are several animal models to mimic hypertensive disorders in pregnancy; however, clinical studies are still needed for exercise recommendation in pregnant women with hypertensive disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karina Tamy Kasawara
- a Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology , University of Campinas (UNICAMP) , Campinas , SP , Brazil
| | - Fernanda Garanhani Surita
- a Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology , University of Campinas (UNICAMP) , Campinas , SP , Brazil
| | - João Luiz Pinto E Silva
- a Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology , University of Campinas (UNICAMP) , Campinas , SP , Brazil
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Kasawara KT, Cotechini T, Macdonald-Goodfellow SK, Surita FG, Pinto e Silva JL, Tayade C, Othman M, Ozolinš TRS, Graham CH. Moderate Exercise Attenuates Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Inflammation and Associated Maternal and Fetal Morbidities in Pregnant Rats. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0154405. [PMID: 27124733 PMCID: PMC4849647 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0154405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2015] [Accepted: 04/13/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Fetal growth restriction (FGR) and coagulopathies are often associated with aberrant maternal inflammation. Moderate-intensity exercise during pregnancy has been shown to increase utero-placental blood flow and to enhance fetal nutrition as well as fetal and placental growth. Furthermore, exercise is known to reduce inflammation. To evaluate the effect of moderate-intensity exercise on inflammation associated with the development of maternal coagulopathies and FGR, Wistar rats were subjected to an exercise regime before and during pregnancy. To model inflammation-induced FGR, pregnant rats were administered daily intraperitoneal injections of E. coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS) on gestational days (GD) 13.5–16.5 and sacrificed at GD 17.5. Control rats were injected with saline. Maternal hemostasis was assessed by thromboelastography. Moderate-intensity exercise prevented LPS-mediated increases in white blood cell counts measured on GD 17.5 and improved maternal hemostasis profiles. Importantly, our data reveal that exercise prevented LPS-induced FGR. Moderate-intensity exercise initiated before and maintained during pregnancy may decrease the severity of maternal and perinatal complications associated with abnormal maternal inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karina T. Kasawara
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON, Canada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Campinas, Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Tiziana Cotechini
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | | | - Fernanda G. Surita
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Campinas, Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - João L. Pinto e Silva
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Campinas, Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Chandrakant Tayade
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Maha Othman
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Terence R. S. Ozolinš
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Charles H. Graham
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON, Canada
- * E-mail:
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Corvino SB, Volpato GT, Macedo NCD, Sinzato YK, Rudge MVC, Damasceno DC. Physiological and biochemical measurements before, during and after pregnancy of healthy rats. Acta Cir Bras 2016; 30:668-74. [PMID: 26560424 DOI: 10.1590/s0102-865020150100000003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2015] [Accepted: 09/14/2015] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To analyze the physiological and biochemical measurements before, during and after pregnancy of healthy rats. METHODS Wistar adult females rats (n=8) were weighed and blood samples were obtained before, during and after pregnancy for biochemical determinations, chow intake, water consumption and milk production were evaluated. At day 10 postpartum, the rats were killed for weighing of organs and adipose tissues. RESULTS The results showed increase in body weight, serum insulin and ingestion of water and chow. At day 17 pregnancy, presented normal values in the OGTT. At days 7, 14 and 20 of pregnancy, there was increase in triglyceride levels. At term pregnancy, there was weight gain due to fetal growth. In the postpartum period presented reduced blood glucose levels. The glycemic means were reduced during and after pregnancy compared to after pregnancy. The triglyceride concentrations were increased before and during pregnancy in relation to after pregnancy. The total cholesterol levels presented no changes. CONCLUSION The use of experimental animals is suitable for evaluation of metabolic changes because the profile of answers found in this study was similar to human profile, showing the relevance of translational research to better understand the pathophysiological mechanisms and possible treatment for diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Gustavo Tadeu Volpato
- Institute of Biological and Health Sciences, University Center of Araguaia, Universidade Federal do Mato Grosso, Barra do Garças, MT, Brazil
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