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Macronutrient Intake in Pregnancy and Child Cognitive and Behavioural Outcomes. CHILDREN-BASEL 2021; 8:children8050425. [PMID: 34065501 PMCID: PMC8161020 DOI: 10.3390/children8050425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2021] [Revised: 05/11/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Prenatal nutrient exposures can impact on brain development and disease susceptibility across the lifespan. It is well established that maternal macronutrient intake during pregnancy influences foetal and infant development. Therefore, we hypothesise that macronutrient intakes during pregnancy are correlated with cognitive development during early childhood. The current study aimed to investigate the relationship between maternal macronutrient intake during pregnancy and child cognitive and behavioural outcomes at age 4 years. We analysed prospective data from a cohort of 64 Australian mother-child dyads. Maternal macronutrient intake was assessed using a validated 74-item food frequency questionnaire at 2 timepoints during pregnancy. Child cognition and behaviour were measured at age 4 years using the validated Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence, 3rd version (WPPSI-III) and the Child Behaviour Checklist (CBC). Linear regression models were used to quantify statistical relationships and were adjusted for maternal age, education, pre-pregnancy BMI, breastfeeding duration and birthweight. Child Performance IQ was inversely associated with maternal starch intake (b = -11.02, p = 0.03). However, no other associations were found. Further research is needed to explore the association between different types of starch consumed during pregnancy and child cognitive development.
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Bowman CE, Arany Z, Wolfgang MJ. Regulation of maternal-fetal metabolic communication. Cell Mol Life Sci 2020; 78:1455-1486. [PMID: 33084944 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-020-03674-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2020] [Revised: 09/23/2020] [Accepted: 10/05/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Pregnancy may be the most nutritionally sensitive stage in the life cycle, and improved metabolic health during gestation and early postnatal life can reduce the risk of chronic disease in adulthood. Successful pregnancy requires coordinated metabolic, hormonal, and immunological communication. In this review, maternal-fetal metabolic communication is defined as the bidirectional communication of nutritional status and metabolic demand by various modes including circulating metabolites, endocrine molecules, and other secreted factors. Emphasis is placed on metabolites as a means of maternal-fetal communication by synthesizing findings from studies in humans, non-human primates, domestic animals, rabbits, and rodents. In this review, fetal, placental, and maternal metabolic adaptations are discussed in turn. (1) Fetal macronutrient needs are summarized in terms of the physiological adaptations in place to ensure their proper allocation. (2) Placental metabolite transport and maternal physiological adaptations during gestation, including changes in energy budget, are also discussed. (3) Maternal nutrient limitation and metabolic disorders of pregnancy serve as case studies of the dynamic nature of maternal-fetal metabolic communication. The review concludes with a summary of recent research efforts to identify metabolites, endocrine molecules, and other secreted factors that mediate this communication, with particular emphasis on serum/plasma metabolomics in humans, non-human primates, and rodents. A better understanding of maternal-fetal metabolic communication in health and disease may reveal novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets for metabolic disorders of pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caitlyn E Bowman
- Department of Medicine, Cardiovascular Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Zoltan Arany
- Department of Medicine, Cardiovascular Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Michael J Wolfgang
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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When maternal periconceptional diet affects neurological development, it's time to think. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2018; 115:7852-7854. [PMID: 29976838 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1809471115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
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Mouse maternal protein restriction during preimplantation alone permanently alters brain neuron proportion and adult short-term memory. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2018; 115:E7398-E7407. [PMID: 29941596 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1721876115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Maternal protein malnutrition throughout pregnancy and lactation compromises brain development in late gestation and after birth, affecting structural, biochemical, and pathway dynamics with lasting consequences for motor and cognitive function. However, the importance of nutrition during the preimplantation period for brain development is unknown. We have previously shown that maternal low-protein diet (LPD) confined to the preimplantation period (Emb-LPD) in mice, with normal nutrition thereafter, is sufficient to induce cardiometabolic and locomotory behavioral abnormalities in adult offspring. Here, using a range of in vivo and in vitro techniques, we report that Emb-LPD and sustained LPD reduce neural stem cell (NSC) and progenitor cell numbers at E12.5, E14.5, and E17.5 through suppressed proliferation rates in both ganglionic eminences and cortex of the fetal brain. Moreover, Emb-LPD causes remaining NSCs to up-regulate the neuronal differentiation rate beyond control levels, whereas in LPD, apoptosis increases to possibly temper neuron formation. Furthermore, Emb-LPD adult offspring maintain the increase in neuron proportion in the cortex, display increased cortex thickness, and exhibit short-term memory deficit analyzed by the novel-object recognition assay. Last, we identify altered expression of fragile X family genes as a potential molecular mechanism for adverse programming of brain development. Collectively, these data demonstrate that poor maternal nutrition from conception is sufficient to cause abnormal brain development and adult memory loss.
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Reddy KVK, Naidu KA. Maternal supplementation of α-linolenic acid in normal and protein-restricted diets modulate lipid metabolism, adipose tissue growth and leptin levels in the suckling offspring. Eur J Nutr 2014; 54:761-70. [DOI: 10.1007/s00394-014-0755-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2014] [Accepted: 08/01/2014] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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Bautista CJ, Rodríguez-González GL, Torres N, Hernández-Pando R, Ramírez V, Rodríguez-Cruz M, Nathanielsz PW, Zambrano E. Protein restriction in the rat negatively impacts long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid composition and mammary gland development at the end of gestation. Arch Med Res 2013; 44:429-36. [PMID: 24051037 DOI: 10.1016/j.arcmed.2013.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2013] [Accepted: 08/14/2013] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Maternal nutrition during gestation is critical for mammary gland cell proliferation and differentiation and development of optimal delta-6 (Δ6D) and delta-5 (Δ5D) desaturase and elongase 2 and 5 (Elovl 2 and 5) activity for synthesis of the long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFAs), arachidonic (AA), eicosapentaenoic (EPA) and docosahexaenoic (DHA) acids, important for normal fetal and neonatal brain development. We hypothesized that maternal low protein diet (LPD) impairs mammary gland preparation for lactation and PUFA synthesis. The aim of the study was to evaluate consequences of maternal LPD on mammary gland structure and development and expression of enzymes responsible for LC-PUFA production. METHODS Pregnant rats were assigned to control or protein restricted, isocaloric diet (R). At 19 days gestation, mammary gland tissue was removed for histological analysis and lipid, AA, EPA and DHA determination by gas chromatography. Gene transcription was quantified by RT-PCR and protein by Western blot. RESULTS In R mothers, mammary gland lobuloalveolar development was decreased and showed fat cell infiltration. Δ6D, Δ5D, and Elovl 5 mRNA were lower in R, whereas protein levels measured by Western blot were unchanged. This is the first report that detects mammary gland desaturase and elongase protein. Although Elovl 2 mRNA was not detectable by RT-PCR, Elovl 2 protein was not different between groups. AA and DHA were lower and EPA undetectable in the mammary gland of R mothers. CONCLUSIONS Maternal LPD decreased late gestation mammary gland lobuloalveolar development and LC-PUFAs. Protein restriction negatively impacts maternal mammary gland development prior to lactation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia J Bautista
- Departamento de Biología de la Reproducción, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición "Salvador Zubirán," Mexico City, Mexico; Posgrado en Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina, UNAM, Mexico City, Mexico
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Martin DA, McCutcheon D, Wainwright PE. Prenatal Dietary Docosahexaenoic Acid Supplementation in Combination with Protein Restriction Does Not Affect Blood Pressure in Adult Wistar Rats. Nutr Neurosci 2013; 7:141-50. [PMID: 15526988 DOI: 10.1080/10284150400002407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Recent findings indicate that prenatal protein restriction, which leads to elevated blood pressure in adult rats, results in decreased levels of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in neonatal rat brain. In light of the evidence of a relationship between dietary DHA and adult blood pressure, the purpose of this study was to ascertain whether prenatal dietary supplementation with DHA would prevent the development of hypertension associated with maternal protein restriction. Throughout gestation, female Wistar rats were fed isocaloric diets containing either 18% casein + 10% corn oil (CON; control), 9% casein + 10% corn oil (LP; low-protein) or 9% casein + 8.5% corn oil + 1.5% DHASCO (LP + 0.6% DHA). DHA increased levels of DHA in neonatal forebrain but there were no effects of LP. At 10 weeks there were no dietary effects on blood pressure measured on four consecutive days using tail-cuff plethysmography. There were also no significant effects measured at 30 weeks, using femoral artery catheterisation, despite adequate power to detect a 10 mm Hg difference. Trends in corticosterone measurements suggested higher stress reactivity in the LP group. These results do not provide strong support for the prenatal low protein model of hypertension and a relation with dietary DHA.
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Affiliation(s)
- D A Martin
- Department of Health Studies and Gerontology, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue W, Waterloo, Ont., Canada N2L 3G1
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Ristić-Medić D, Takić M, Vučić V, Kandić D, Kostić N, Glibetić M. Abnormalities in the serum phospholipids fatty acid profile in patients with alcoholic liver cirrhosis - a pilot study. J Clin Biochem Nutr 2013; 53:49-54. [PMID: 23874070 PMCID: PMC3705154 DOI: 10.3164/jcbn.12-79] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2012] [Accepted: 01/07/2013] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The fatty acid composition of serum phospholipids were analyzed in 20 patients with alcoholic liver cirrhosis (11 with malnutrition and 9 with acceptable nutritional status); 25 healthy age and sex-matched adults were used as controls. Cirrhotic patients showed higher levels of palmitic acid and total saturated fatty acids than healthy subjects. Total n-6 and n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), and levels of linoleic, dihomo-gama linolenic, arachidonic, and docosahexaenoic acid were significantly lower (p<0.001) in patients with alcoholic cirrhosis compared to healthy controls. Significant changes were also found between patients stratified according to nutritional status. In particular, the sum of n-3 PUFA was significantly lower (p<0.001) and ratio of n-6/n-3 fatty acids was higher (p<0.01) in malnourished patients when compared to the patients with acceptable nutritional status. Furthermore, important changes in the levels of saturated fatty acids, palmitoleic and oleic acid and long-chain PUFA were found in well-nourished patients with alcoholic cirrhosis as well. Our present data confirmed evidence that malnutrition is one of the factors that led to lower levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids in patients with alcoholic liver cirrhosis. PUFA supplementation in the latter needs further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danijela Ristić-Medić
- Institute for Medical Research, Centre of Research Excellence in Nutrition and Metabolism, University of Belgrade, 11129 Belgrade, PO BOX 102, Serbia
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Wadhwani NS, Dangat KD, Joshi AA, Joshi SR. Maternal micronutrients and omega 3 fatty acids affect placental fatty acid desaturases and transport proteins in Wistar rats. Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids 2013; 88:235-42. [PMID: 23332769 DOI: 10.1016/j.plefa.2012.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2012] [Revised: 12/13/2012] [Accepted: 12/15/2012] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Adequate supply of LCPUFA from maternal plasma is crucial for fetal normal growth and development. The present study examines the effect of maternal micronutrients (folic acid and vitamin B12) and omega 3 fatty acids on placental mRNA levels of fatty acid desaturases (Δ5 and Δ6) and transport proteins. Pregnant female rats were divided into 6 groups at 2 levels of folic acid both in the presence and absence of vitamin B12. Both the vitamin B12 deficient groups were supplemented with omega 3 fatty acid. Maternal vitamin B12 deficiency reduced placental mRNA and protein levels of Δ5 desaturase, mRNA levels of FATP1 and FATP4 (p<0.05 for all) as compared to control while omega 3 fatty acid supplementation normalized the levels. Our data for the first time indicates that altered maternal micronutrients and omega 3 fatty acids play a key role in regulating fatty acid desaturase and transport protein expression in placenta.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nisha S Wadhwani
- Interactive Research School for Health Affairs, Bharati Vidyapeeth University, Pune 411043, India
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Maternal long-chain PUFA supplementation during protein deficiency improves brain fatty acid accretion in rat pups by altering the milk fatty acid composition of the dam. J Nutr Sci 2013; 2:e5. [PMID: 25191591 PMCID: PMC4153033 DOI: 10.1017/jns.2012.25] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2012] [Revised: 09/13/2012] [Accepted: 09/28/2012] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Long-chain PUFA (LC-PUFA) are important for fetal and neonatal brain development.
However, their accretion in the brain is compromised during maternal protein restriction.
Hence, we investigated the effect of maternal supplementation with n-3
DHA plus n-6 arachidonic acid (ARA) at a low protein level (9 %) on
offspring brain fatty acid accretion using Wistar rats (nine rats per group) randomly fed
a control (C), a low-protein (LP) or a low-protein DHA + ARA-supplemented (LPS) diet
during gestation and lactation. At birth, pups from the LPS group had the highest brain
DHA and n-3 fatty acid levels (P = 0·001), whereas pups
from the LP group had the highest MUFA (P = 0·05) but the lowest DHA and
total n-3 PUFA levels (P = 0·000). During lactation,
pups from the LPS group accrued significantly more α-linolenic acid
(P = 0·003), EPA (P = 0·02) and DHA
(P = 0·000) in brain lipids than pups from the LP group, whereas brain
lipids of pups from the LP group had markedly increased levels of the n-3
deficiency marker docosapentaenoic acid and n-6:n-3
ratio (P = 0·000). Owing to supplementation, milk from LPS dams had the
highest DHA and ARA, but lower SCFA and medium-chain fatty acids as compared with milk
from C and LP dams during early lactation, but normalised by mid-lactation. To conclude,
adverse effects of restricted maternal protein intake on LC-PUFA accretion in the brain of
offspring were ameliorated by alterations in maternal milk fatty acid profile due to
supplementation. Results underscore the importance of LC-PUFA for protein-deficient
mothers during gestation as well as lactation to achieve the optimum brain LC-PUFA status
of progeny.
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Suganuma H, Okumura A, Kitamura Y, Shoji H, Shimizu T. Effect of hypoxic-ischemic insults on the composition of fatty acids in the brain of neonatal rats. ANNALS OF NUTRITION AND METABOLISM 2013; 62:123-8. [PMID: 23364132 DOI: 10.1159/000346069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2012] [Accepted: 11/22/2012] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, especially docosahexaenoic acid (DHA; 22:6 n-3), comprise a major component of brain membrane phospholipids. The effect of neonatal hypoxic-ischemic insults on brain fatty acid composition is not completely understood. The aim of this study was to investigate alterations in brain fatty acid composition during development and in response to hypoxic-ischemic insults in neonatal rats. METHODS Postnatal day 7 pups were randomly assigned to two experimental groups: a control group or a hypoxic-ischemic group in which hypoxia-ischemia was produced by left common carotid artery occlusion and exposure to 8% oxygen for 1.5 h. Various brain fatty acids were measured on postnatal days 8, 10 and 14. RESULTS On postnatal day 14, the ratio of DHA to total fatty acids increased in the control group, but not in the hypoxic-ischemic group (p < 0.05). We observed no significant differences in arachidonic acid content in the brain between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that hypoxic-ischemic insults interfere with accumulation of brain DHA in developing rats. DHA supplementation may be beneficial for treating neonatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroki Suganuma
- Department of Pediatrics, Juntendo University Faculty of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.
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Weiler HA, Zhao J, Park L, Kohut JR, Burr LL, Fitzpatrick-Wong SC. Maternal supplementation with dietary arachidonic and docosahexaenoic acids during lactation elevates bone mass in weanling rat and guinea pig offspring even if born small sized. Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids 2012; 86:61-70. [PMID: 22019217 DOI: 10.1016/j.plefa.2011.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2011] [Revised: 10/06/2011] [Accepted: 10/07/2011] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Whether post-natal long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFA) elevates bone mineral content (BMC) of small and normal neonates was studied using pregnant rats and guinea pigs fed a control (C) diet or low protein (LP) diet to induce small neonates followed by C or LCPUFA diets during lactation. Measurements (days 3 and 21 post-partum) included BMC and density (BMD) plus bone metabolism. In rats LP reduced birth weight but at day 21 elevated weight and whole body BMC; LCPUFA enhanced spine BMC, tibia BMC and BMD and whole body BMD. In guinea pig pups, at days 3 and 21, LP reduced weight, whole body and regional BMC and BMD whereas LCPUFA reduced day 3 osteocalcin and elevated day 21 spine BMD. LCPUFA minimized loss of whole body BMC in dams and elevated osteocalcin in sows. LCPUFA during lactation enhances bone in normal and small neonates without compromising maternal bone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hope A Weiler
- Department of Human Nutritional Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.
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Lauritzen L, Carlson SE. Maternal fatty acid status during pregnancy and lactation and relation to newborn and infant status. MATERNAL & CHILD NUTRITION 2011; 7 Suppl 2:41-58. [PMID: 21366866 PMCID: PMC6860497 DOI: 10.1111/j.1740-8709.2011.00303.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
The present review of determinants of infant fatty acid status was undertaken as part of a conference on 'Fatty acid status in early life in low-income countries: determinants and consequences'. Emphasis is placed on the essential fatty acids, and particularly the physiologically important long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFAs) of 20 and 22 carbons. We are unaware of any studies of determinants of infant fatty acid status in populations with a cultural dietary pattern with low amounts of linoleic acid (LA, 18:2n-6) and α-linolenic acid (ALA,18:3n-3). Many reports suggest that there may be adverse health effects related to the increased proportion of LA in relation to ALA, which have occurred worldwide due to the increased availability of vegetable oils high in LA. The issue of dietary n-6 to n-3 balance may apply to infant fatty acid status both during fetal and post-natal life; however, this review focuses on the n-3 and n-6 LCPUFA, in particular, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6n-3) and arachidonic acid (AA, 20:4n-6), which are the predominant n-3 and n-6 LCPUFA found in cell membranes. The evidence that these fatty acids are preferentially transferred from maternal to fetal circulation across the placenta, and the sources and mechanisms for this transfer, are reviewed. We also address the sources of DHA and AA for the newborn including human milk DHA and AA and the factors that influence maternal DHA status and consequently the amount of DHA available for transfer to the fetus and infant via human milk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lotte Lauritzen
- Department of Human Nutrition, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Rolighedsvej 30, Frederiksberg, Denmark.
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Coney AM, Marshall JM. Effects of maternal hypoxia on muscle vasodilatation evoked by acute systemic hypoxia in adult rat offspring: changed roles of adenosine and A1 receptors. J Physiol 2010; 588:5115-25. [PMID: 20962006 DOI: 10.1113/jphysiol.2010.198275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Suboptimal conditions in utero can have long-lasting effects including increased risk of cardiovascular disease in adult life. Such programming effects may be induced by chronic systemic hypoxia in utero (CHU). We have investigated how CHU affects cardiovascular responses evoked by acute systemic hypoxia in adult male offspring, recognising that adenosine contributes to hypoxia-induced muscle vasodilatation and bradycardia by acting on A(1) receptors in normal (N) rats. In the present study, dams were housed in a hypoxic chamber at 12% O(2) for the second half of gestation; offspring were born and reared in air until 9-10 weeks of age. Under anaesthesia, acute systemic hypoxia (breathing 8% O(2) for 5 min) evoked similar biphasic tachycardia/bradycardia, fall in arterial pressure and increase in femoral vascular conductance (FVC) in N and CHU rats (+2.0 vs. +2.7 conductance units respectively). However, in CHU rats, neither the non-selective adenosine receptor antagonist 8-sulphophenyltheopylline (8-SPT), nor the A(1) receptor antagonist 8-cyclopentyl-1,3-dipropylxanthine (DPCPX) affected the increase in FVC, but DPCPX attenuated the hypoxia-induced bradycardia. Further, in N and CHU rats, 5 min infusion of adenosine induced similar increases in FVC; in CHU rats, DPCPX reduced the adenosine-induced increase in FVC (by >50%) and accentuated the concomitant tachycardia. These results suggest that CHU rats have functional A(1) receptors in heart and vasculature, but the release and/or vasodilator influence of adenosine on the endothelium in acute hypoxia is attenuated and replaced by other dilator factors. Such changes from normal endothelial function may have implications for general cardiovascular regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew M Coney
- University of Birmingham, Physiology, The Medical School, Vincent Drive, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK.
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Ander BP, Edel AL, McCullough R, Rodriguez-Leyva D, Rampersad P, Gilchrist JSC, Lukas A, Pierce GN. Distribution of omega-3 fatty acids in tissues of rabbits fed a flaxseed-supplemented diet. Metabolism 2010; 59:620-7. [PMID: 19913851 DOI: 10.1016/j.metabol.2009.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2009] [Revised: 09/03/2009] [Accepted: 09/04/2009] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Diets rich in omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids are associated with decreased incidences of cardiovascular disease. The extent of incorporation and distribution of these beneficial fats into body tissues is uncertain. Rabbits were fed regular rabbit chow or a diet containing 10% ground flaxseed that is highly enriched with the omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). The high-flaxseed diet resulted in an incorporation of ALA in all tissues, but mostly in the heart and liver with little in the brain. Docosahexaenoic and eicosapentaenoic acid levels were also selectively increased in some tissues, and the effects were not as large as ALA. Arachidonic acid and the ratio of omega-6/omega-3 fatty acids were decreased in all tissues obtained from the flax-supplemented group. Consumption of dietary flaxseed appears to be an effective means to increase ALA content in body tissues, but the degree will depend upon the tissues examined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bradley P Ander
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Canadian Centre for Agri-Food Research in Health and Medicine and Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, St Boniface General Hospital Research Centre, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
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Torres N, Bautista CJ, Tovar AR, Ordáz G, Rodríguez-Cruz M, Ortiz V, Granados O, Nathanielsz PW, Larrea F, Zambrano E. Protein restriction during pregnancy affects maternal liver lipid metabolism and fetal brain lipid composition in the rat. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab 2010; 298:E270-7. [PMID: 19920218 PMCID: PMC2822484 DOI: 10.1152/ajpendo.00437.2009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Suboptimal developmental environments program offspring to lifelong metabolic problems. The aim of this study was to determine the impact of protein restriction in pregnancy on maternal liver lipid metabolism at 19 days of gestation (dG) and its effect on fetal brain development. Control (C) and restricted (R) mothers were fed with isocaloric diets containing 20 and 10% of casein. At 19 dG, maternal blood and livers and fetal livers and brains were collected. Serum insulin and leptin levels were determinate in mothers. Maternal and fetal liver lipid and fetal brain lipid quantification were performed. Maternal liver and fetal brain fatty acids were quantified by gas chromatography. In mothers, liver desaturase and elongase mRNAs were measured by RT-PCR. Maternal body and liver weights were similar in both groups. However, fat body composition, including liver lipids, was lower in R mothers. A higher fasting insulin at 19 dG in the R group was observed (C = 0.2 +/- 0.04 vs. R = 0.9 +/- 0.16 ng/ml, P < 0.01) and was inversely related to early growth retardation. Serum leptin in R mothers was significantly higher than that observed in C rats (C = 5 +/- 0.1 vs. R = 7 +/- 0.7 ng/ml, P < 0.05). In addition, protein restriction significantly reduced gene expression in maternal liver of desaturases and elongases and the concentration of arachidonic (AA) and docosahexanoic (DHA) acids. In fetus from R mothers, a low body weight (C = 3 +/- 0.3 vs. R = 2 +/- 0.1 g, P < 0.05), as well as liver and brain lipids, including the content of DHA in the brain, was reduced. This study showed that protein restriction during pregnancy may negatively impact normal fetal brain development by changes in maternal lipid metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nimbe Torres
- Departamento de Fisiologia de la Nutricion, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Medicas y Nutricion Salvador Zubiran, Tlalpan, Mexico City, Mexico
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van Goor SA, Dijck-Brouwer DAJ, Fokkema MR, van der Iest TH, Muskiet FAJ. Maternal and fetal brain contents of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and arachidonic acid (AA) at various essential fatty acid (EFA), DHA and AA dietary intakes during pregnancy in mice. Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids 2008; 78:159-69. [PMID: 18343099 DOI: 10.1016/j.plefa.2008.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2007] [Revised: 01/15/2008] [Accepted: 01/21/2008] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
We investigated essential fatty acids (EFA) and long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCP) in maternal and fetal brain as a function of EFA/LCP availability to the feto-maternal unit in mice. Diets varying in parent EFA, arachidonic acid (AA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) were administered from day 3 prior to conception till day 15 of pregnancy. We concentrated on DHA, AA, Mead acid, and EFA-index [(omega-3+omega-6)/(omega-7+omega-9)] in maternal erythrocytes, maternal brain, and fetal brain. It was found that erythrocyte EFA/LCP sensitively reflects declining EFA/LCP status in pregnancy, although this decline was not apparent in maternal brain. Differences in erythrocyte EFA/LCP coincided with larger differences in fetal brain EFA/LCP as compared to EFA/LCP in maternal brain. Both maternal and fetal brains were affected by short-term EFA/LCP intake, but the developing fetal brain proved most sensitive. The inverse relationship between fetal brain AA and DHA suggests the need of a maternal dietary DHA/AA balance, at least in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saskia A van Goor
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.
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18
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Burdge GC, Slater-Jefferies JL, Grant RA, Chung WS, West AL, Lillycrop KA, Hanson MA, Calder PC. Sex, but not maternal protein or folic acid intake, determines the fatty acid composition of hepatic phospholipids, but not of triacylglycerol, in adult rats. Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids 2008; 78:73-9. [PMID: 18093817 DOI: 10.1016/j.plefa.2007.10.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2007] [Revised: 10/26/2007] [Accepted: 10/31/2007] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
The aim of the study was to investigate whether the protein and folic acid content of the maternal diet and the sex of the offspring alter the polyunsaturated fatty acid content of hepatic phospholipids and triacylglycerol (TAG). Pregnant rats were fed diets containing 18% or 9% protein with either 1 or 5mg/kg folic acid. Maternal diet did not alter hepatic lipid composition in the adult offspring. Data from each maternal dietary group were combined and reanalysed. The proportion of 18:0, 20:4n-6 and 22:6n-3 in liver phospholipids was higher in females than in males, while hepatic TAG composition did not differ between sexes. Delta5 Desaturase expression was higher in females than in males. Neither Delta5 nor Delta6 desaturase expression was related to polyunsaturated fatty acid concentrations. These results suggest that sex differences in liver phospholipid fatty acid composition may reflect primary differences in the specificity of phospholipid biosynthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- G C Burdge
- Institute of Human Nutrition, Institute of Developmental Sciences Building, University of Southampton, Southampton General Hospital, Tremona Road, Southampton, UK.
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19
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Khami MR, Murtomaa H, Jafarian M, Vehkalahti MM, Virtanen JI. Study motives and career choices of Iranian dental students. Med Princ Pract 2008; 17:221-6. [PMID: 18408391 DOI: 10.1159/000117796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2007] [Accepted: 06/27/2007] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To investigate the study motives and career choices of Iranian senior dental students in relation to their background factors. SUBJECTS AND METHODS During the spring term 2005, a questionnaire survey was administered to 327 senior dental students in seven randomly selected state dental schools in Iran. The questionnaire requested information on age, gender, parents' employment in dentistry, previous education and employment in dental hygiene, study motives, and career choices. Statistical analyses were made using independent sample t test, factor analysis, and binary logistic regression model. RESULTS Based on the factor analysis, which explained 73% of the total variance, five motive dimensions were identified: altruism and intellectual challenges, characteristics of the profession, social status and security, other person's recommendation, and failure to be admitted to other study programmes. The mean for the 'characteristics of the profession' dimension was lower among the students with at least one parent employed in dentistry (p = 0.03). The 'altruism and intellectual challenges' dimension was reported to be more influential by the students with background in dental hygiene (32 students) compared to the others (p < 0.001). Engaging in postgraduate studies was the first career preference of 189 (70%) of the respondents. Those with a background in dental hygiene were less inclined to enter postgraduate courses (p < 0.001), but more eager to be employed in either the public or the private sector (p < 0.001), and to enter the community oral health and research field (p < 0.001) than the others. CONCLUSION Personal characteristics and motives of the students play a major role in shaping their career preferences.
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Affiliation(s)
- M R Khami
- Institute of Dentistry, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.
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20
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Maloney CA, Lilley C, Czopek A, Hay SM, Rees WD. Interactions between protein and vegetable oils in the maternal diet determine the programming of the insulin axis in the rat. Br J Nutr 2007; 97:912-20. [PMID: 17408526 DOI: 10.1017/s0007114507659042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
The available evidence suggests that metabolic control mechanisms are programmed early in life. Previous studies of pregnant rats fed low-protein diets have suggested that the vegetable oils used in the experimental diets influence the outcome. The present study investigated the offspring of female rats fed semi-synthetic diets containing either 180 or 90 g casein/kg with 70 g/kg (w/w) of either corn oil or soya oil during gestation. During lactation, the dams received stock diet, and the offspring were subsequently weaned onto the stock diet. The offspring of dams fed the low-protein diets were smaller at birth. At 25 weeks of age, the offspring were subjected to an oral glucose tolerance test. In the offspring of dams fed the diet containing soya oil, the area under the insulin curve was affected by the protein content of the maternal diet. There was no effect of protein on the area under the insulin curve in the offspring of dams fed the diet prepared with corn oil. There were no differences in plasma glucose concentrations. The levels of mRNA for acetyl-CoA carboxylase-1 in the livers of female offspring were affected by the protein and oil content of the maternal diet. The level of carnitine palmitoyl transferase mRNA was affected by the protein content of the maternal diet. The present study suggests that PUFA in the maternal diet can interact with protein metabolism to influence the development of the offspring. This may involve the higher content of α-linolenic acid in soya oil compared with corn oil.
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21
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Ozias MK, Carlson SE, Levant B. Maternal parity and diet (n-3) polyunsaturated fatty acid concentration influence accretion of brain phospholipid docosahexaenoic acid in developing rats. J Nutr 2007; 137:125-9. [PMID: 17182812 DOI: 10.1093/jn/137.1.125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The long-chain PUFA, docosahexaenoic acid [22:6(n-3), DHA], a major component of neuronal membrane phospholipids, accumulates in brain during late prenatal and early neonatal development and is essential for optimal attentional and cognitive function. Because all nutrition is supplied to the developing fetus/neonate by the mother and maternal DHA status is affected by parity, this study examined the effects of maternal diet and parity on DHA accretion in the developing brain. Whole brain total phospholipid fatty acid composition was determined by TLC and GC in weanling male Long-Evans rats (n = 5) from the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, or 4th litters of dams fed diets containing alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), containing ALA and preformed DHA (ALA + DHA), or lacking ALA (low-ALA). First-litter low-ALA offspring exhibited a decrease in phospholipid fatty acid DHA content to 68% of 1st-litter ALA pups. DHA in 2nd-litter low-ALA pups was further decreased to 55% of 1st-litter ALA pups, but further decreases were not observed in subsequent litters. DHA levels increased 15-20% in 2nd to 4th-litter ALA + DHA pups and 11% in 4th-litter ALA pups compared with 1st-litter ALA pups. These findings demonstrate that maternal diet and parity interact to affect offspring brain DHA status and suggest that maternal multiparity may place offspring at greater risk of decreased accretion of brain DHA if the maternal diet contains insufficient (n-3) PUFA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marlies K Ozias
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Therapeutics, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
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22
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Burdge GC, Calder PC. Differences in maternal protein intake in pregnant rats alone alter the docosahexaenoic acid concentration in the fetal and adult offspring. Metabolism 2006; 55:1429; author reply 1430. [PMID: 16979417 DOI: 10.1016/j.metabol.2006.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Levant B, Ozias MK, Carlson SE. Diet (n-3) polyunsaturated fatty acid content and parity interact to alter maternal rat brain phospholipid fatty acid composition. J Nutr 2006; 136:2236-42. [PMID: 16857847 DOI: 10.1093/jn/136.8.2236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Low tissue levels of (n-3) polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), particularly docosahexaenoic acid [DHA, 22:6(n-3)], are implicated in postpartum depression. The effects of 1-4 sequential reproductive cycles on maternal brain phospholipid fatty acid composition were determined in female rats fed diets containing alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), containing ALA and pre-formed DHA (ALA+DHA), or lacking ALA (low-ALA). Virgin females, fed the diets for commensurate durations served as a control for reproduction. Whole-brain total phospholipid composition was determined at weaning by TLC/GC. A single reproductive cycle on the low-ALA diet decreased brain DHA content by 18% compared to ALA primiparas (P < 0.05), accompanied by incorporation of docosapentaenoic acid ((n-6) DPA, 22:5(n-6)) to 280% of ALA primiparas (P < 0.05). DHA was not further decreased after subsequent cycles; however, there was an additional increase in (n-6) DPA after the second cycle (P < 0.05). Brain DHA of virgin females fed the low-ALA diet for 27 wk decreased 15% (P < 0.05), but was accompanied by a more modest increase in (n-6) DPA than in parous low-ALA dams (P < 0.05). Virgin females and parous dams fed the diet containing ALA+DHA exhibited only minor changes in brain fatty acid composition. These observations demonstrate that brain DHA content of adult animals is vulnerable to depletion under dietary conditions that supply inadequate (n-3) PUFAs, that this effect is augmented by the physiological demands of pregnancy and lactation, and that maternal diet and parity interact to affect maternal brain PUFA status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beth Levant
- The Smith Mental Retardation Research Center, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA.
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24
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Gallagher EAL, Newman JP, Green LR, Hanson MA. The effect of low protein diet in pregnancy on the development of brain metabolism in rat offspring. J Physiol 2005; 568:553-8. [PMID: 16081486 PMCID: PMC1474740 DOI: 10.1113/jphysiol.2005.092825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The effect of maternal low protein diet in pregnancy on the function of offspring cerebral cytochrome c oxidase (CcO) was investigated in vitro immediately before and after birth, using fetal and neonatal rat pup forebrain tissue. Pregnant rat dams were fed either a control (C, 18% casein n = 22) or low protein (LP, 9% casein n = 14) diet. Cerebral tissues were harvested from pups the day before (E21) and after (P1) birth. A Clarke electrode chamber was used to determine O(2) consumption in brain tissue homogenate, under baseline conditions with and without the mitochondrial electron transport chain inhibitor myxothiazol and in the presence of incremental doses of the electron donor N',N',N',N'-tetramethyl-p-phenylenediamide (TMPD) with myxothiazol. Maximal stimulated CcO activity was less in LP versus C pups at both E21 (P < 0.001) and P1 (P < 0.05). At E21 only, sensitivity to electron flux (pEC(50)) was greater (P < 0.001) in LP compared to C offspring. In addition, was reduced and pEC(50) was greater after birth (i.e. P1 versus E21) in C (P < 0.001) but not in LP pups. This is the first report of the effects of maternal dietary imbalance in pregnancy on offspring cerebral metabolic function. The effects may form part of a developmental adaptive response to reduce energy consumption and promote perinatal survival, or to confer advantage in a postnatal environment predicted to be nutritionally poor.
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Affiliation(s)
- E A L Gallagher
- Centre for Developmental Origins of Health and Disease, University of Southampton, 887F Princess Anne Hospital, Hants, UK
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25
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Valenzuela A, Nieto S, Sanhueza J, Nuñez MJ, Ferrer C. Tissue accretion and milk content of docosahexaenoic acid in female rats after supplementation with different docosahexaenoic acid sources. ANNALS OF NUTRITION AND METABOLISM 2005; 49:325-32. [PMID: 16088098 DOI: 10.1159/000087337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2004] [Accepted: 11/08/2004] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is highly concentrated in the mammalian nervous and visual system. The fatty acid, which is required by the fetus and the newborn, is supplied by the mother from their tissue reservoirs. It has been suggested that mother's supplementation with DHA during pregnancy and even before pregnancy. Different sources of DHA are available for supplementation such as: single-cell algae triglycerides (TG), egg's yolk phospholipids (PL), DHA ethyl esther (EE), and sn-2 DHA monoacylglyceride (MG). We evaluated comparatively the effectiveness of these different DHA sources to produce tissue DHA accretion and to increase milk DHA content. METHODS Female Wistar rats fed a diet which provided no DHA, were daily supplemented by 40 days before mating (BM) and during the pregnancy with either TG, PL, EE, or MG to an amount which provided 8 mg/kg b.w. of DHA. Samples of blood plasma, erythrocytes, hepatic and adipose tissue were obtained from rats at the BM condition and after the delivery (AD), and milk samples were also obtained from the gastric content of the pups nursed by the rats at day 3, 11 and 20 of suckling. Samples were processed to assess DHA and arachidonic acid (AA) content by gas-chromatography. RESULTS TG, PL, EE, and MG supplementation produced a similar intestinal absorption of DHA as estimated from the plasma DHA at the BM condition. However, PL and MG supplementation produced a higher accretion of DHA into erythrocytes, hepatic, and adipose tissue than TG and EE supplementation at the BM condition. AA content was not modified by the different supplementing oils. A reduction of the DHA content of plasma, erythrocytes, hepatic and adipose tissue at the AD condition was observed, and a reduction of AA for the hepatic and adipose tissues was also observed, suggesting the importance of these tissues as DHA and AA reservoirs. Milk secretion from PL and MG supplemented rats showed a higher DHA content than secretion from TG- and EE-supplemented rats. CONCLUSIONS We conclude that PL and MG supplementation provides higher tissue DHA accretion and higher milk DHA content than TG and EE supplementation. However, we were not able to visualize the comparative advantages derived from PL vs. MG supplementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alfonso Valenzuela
- Laboratorio de Lípidos y Antioxidantes, INTA, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile.
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26
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Tappia PS, Nijjar MS, Mahay A, Aroutiounova N, Dhalla NS. Phospholipid profile of developing heart of rats exposed to low-protein diet in pregnancy. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol 2005; 289:R1400-6. [PMID: 16020521 DOI: 10.1152/ajpregu.00319.2005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Although the myocardial phospholipid and fatty acid content have profound effects on the heart function, very little information is available on the effects of restricted maternal protein intake during pregnancy on the phospholipid profile and fatty acid content of the developing heart. The present study was therefore undertaken to examine the effect of pregnant dams fed diets containing either 180 (normal) or 90 (low) g/kg casein diet for 2 wk before mating and throughout pregnancy on myocardial phospholipid and fatty acid content of male offspring. Whereas no changes in phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylethanolamine were detected, increases in lysophosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylserine, and sphingomyelin were seen in the hearts of offspring in the low-protein (LP) group. Analysis of cardiac fatty acids revealed that although the saturated fatty acid (myristate, palmitate, and stearate) levels were significantly reduced, the unsaturated fatty acid (linoleate, arachidonate, and decosahexanoate) levels were significantly increased in the developing heart in the LP group. Furthermore, assessment of nuclear transcription factors involved in regulation of cardiac metabolism revealed a decrease in myocyte enhancer factor-2C mRNA levels in the LP group, whereas an increase in the mRNA amount of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-alpha was observed in this group. These results demonstrate that maternal LP diet can induce changes in the phospholipid profile and fatty acid content of the developing heart, which may have implications for metabolism of the neonatal heart.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paramjit S Tappia
- Cardiac Membrane Biology Laboratory, Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, St. Boniface Hospital Research Centre (R3020), 351 Tache Ave., Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada R2H 2A6.
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27
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Burdge GC, Dunn RL, Jackson AA. The effect of reduced maternal protein intake during pregnancy on placental lipid composition in the rat: effect of glycine supplementation of the low protein diet. Nutr Res 2004. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nutres.2004.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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28
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Elmes M, Tew P, Cheng Z, Kirkup SE, Abayasekara DRE, Calder PC, Hanson MA, Wathes DC, Burdge GC. The effect of dietary supplementation with linoleic acid to late gestation ewes on the fatty acid composition of maternal and fetal plasma and tissues and the synthetic capacity of the placenta for 2-series prostaglandins. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Cell Biol Lipids 2004; 1686:139-47. [PMID: 15522830 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbalip.2004.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2004] [Revised: 09/08/2004] [Accepted: 09/14/2004] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Linoleic acid (18:2n-6) is metabolised to arachidonic acid (20:4n-6), the precursor for 2-series prostaglandins (PGs). Increased consumption of 18:2n-6 during pregnancy may thus modify PG synthesis during labour. We have investigated whether increased 18:2n-6 composition during gestation altered the fatty acid consumption and PG synthesis of maternal and fetal tissues in the sheep. Ewes were fed a control diet or a diet providing 40% more 18:2n-6 from 96 days gestation. Half of each group received dexamethasone on day 136 to up-regulate the PG synthetic pathways promoting parturition. Maternal and fetal tissues were collected at 138 days. The 18:2n-6 diet significantly increased the 20:4n-6 content of maternal plasma, fetal plasma and allantochorion (51-81%) phosphatidylcholine, and fetal liver (40%) and maternal caruncular endometrium (57%) phosphatidylethanolamine. Increased 18:2n-6 intake increased production of PGF(2alpha) and PGE(2) in all placental tissues (maternal caruncular and intercaruncular endometrium and fetal allantochorion) by 23-98%, whereas dexamethasone increased it by 32-142%. This suggests that consumption of an 18:2n-6-enriched diet in late pregnancy enhanced placental PG production by increasing the supply of 20:4n-6. Variations in the extent to which the diet altered the polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) content of the different tissues indicated complex interactions between nutrient availability and metabolic adaptation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Elmes
- Reproduction and Development Group, Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, Hatfield, Herts, AL9 7TA, UK
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Smit EN, Muskiet FAJ, Boersma ER. The possible role of essential fatty acids in the pathophysiology of malnutrition: a review. Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids 2004; 71:241-50. [PMID: 15301795 DOI: 10.1016/j.plefa.2004.03.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2003] [Accepted: 03/17/2004] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Biochemical evidence of essential fatty acid deficiency (EFAD) may exist in protein-energy malnutrition (PEM). EFAD is characterised by low 18:2omega6, often in combination with low 20:4omega6 and 22:6omega3, and high 18:1omega9 and 20:3omega9. Some PEM symptoms, notably skin changes, impaired resistance to infections, impaired growth rate and disturbed development may at least partly be explained by EFAD. One or more of the following factors could induce EFAD in PEM: low EFA intake, poor lipid digestion, absorption, transport, desaturation and increased EFA beta-oxidation and peroxidation. EFAD may perpetuate itself by decreasing lipid absorption and transport, and aggravate PEM by impairing nutrient absorption and dietary calorie utilisation. Micronutrient deficiencies may contribute to the impaired EFA bioavailability and metabolism. Nutritional rehabilitation strategies in PEM may consider adequate intakes of EFA and micronutrients, e.g. by promoting breastfeeding. More research is required to gain detailed insight into the role of EFAD in PEM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ella N Smit
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, c/o Prof. Dr. Frits A.J. Muskiet, CMC-V, Y1.147, Groningen University Hospital, P.O. Box 30.001, 9700 RB Groningen, The Netherlands.
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Effect of reduced maternal protein consumption during pregnancy in the rat on plasma lipid concentrations and expression of peroxisomal proliferator–activated receptors in the liver and adipose tissue of the offspring. Nutr Res 2004. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nutres.2003.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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31
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Burdge GC, Delange E, Dubois L, Dunn RL, Hanson MA, Jackson AA, Calder PC. Effect of reduced maternal protein intake in pregnancy in the rat on the fatty acid composition of brain, liver, plasma, heart and lung phospholipids of the offspring after weaning. Br J Nutr 2003; 90:345-52. [PMID: 12908895 DOI: 10.1079/bjn2003909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Reduced protein intake during pregnancy decreased maternal hepatic and plasma docosahexaenoic acid concentrations and impaired docosahexaenoic acid accumulation into fetal brain in the rat. The present study investigated whether restriction of maternal protein intake during pregnancy in the rat alters membrane phospholipid fatty acid composition in the offspring after weaning. Female rats (six per group) were mated and fed diets containing either 180 or 90 g protein/kg throughout pregnancy. Mothers were transferred to standard chow after delivery and the litters reduced to eight pups. Weaning was at 28 d and pups were killed 5 to 6 d later. Tissue weights or membrane total phosphatidylcholine (PC) and phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) concentrations in the offspring did not differ between dietary groups. There were significant differences between the 180 and 90 g/kg groups in liver, brain, lung and heart fatty acid composition that differed between tissues and phospholipid classes. For example, docosahexaenoic and arachidonic acid concentrations were 23 and 10 % lower respectively in hepatic PC, but not PE, in the 90 g/kg group. In brain, docosahexaenoic acid concentration was 17 % lower in PC, but not PE, while arachidonic acid content was 21 % greater in PE but unchanged in PC. The greatest differences were in unsaturated fatty acids, which suggests alterations to desaturase activities and/or the specificity of phospholipid biosynthesis. These results suggest that restricted maternal protein intake during pregnancy results in persistent alterations to membrane fatty acid content.
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Affiliation(s)
- Graham C Burdge
- Institute of Human Nutrition, Biomedical Sciences Building (62), University of Southampton, Bassett Crescent East, Southampton SO16 7PX, UK.
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