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Waclawek T, Park SQ. Potential mechanisms and modulators of food intake during pregnancy. Front Nutr 2023; 10:1032430. [PMID: 36742431 PMCID: PMC9895105 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2023.1032430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Dietary choice during pregnancy is crucial not only for fetal development, but also for long-term health outcomes of both mother and child. During pregnancy, dramatic changes in endocrine, cognitive, and reward systems have been shown to take place. Interestingly, in different contexts, many of these mechanisms play a key role in guiding food intake. Here, we review how food intake may be impacted as a function of pregnancy-induced changes across species. We first summarize changes in endocrine and metabolic signaling in the course of pregnancy. Then, we show how these may be related to cognitive function and reward processing in humans. Finally, we link these to potential drivers of change in eating behavior throughout the course of pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theresa Waclawek
- Berlin School of Mind and Brain, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany,Department of Decision Neuroscience and Nutrition, German Institute of Human Nutrition (DIfE), Potsdam, Germany
| | - Soyoung Q. Park
- Berlin School of Mind and Brain, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany,Department of Decision Neuroscience and Nutrition, German Institute of Human Nutrition (DIfE), Potsdam, Germany,Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Neuroscience Research Center, Berlin Institute of Health, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany,Deutsches Zentrum für Diabetesforschung, Neuherberg, Germany,*Correspondence: Soyoung Q. Park,
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Zubcevic J, Watkins J, Lin C, Bautista B, Hatch HM, Tevosian SG, Hayward LF. Nicotine Exposure during Rodent Pregnancy Alters the Composition of Maternal Gut Microbiota and Abundance of Maternal and Amniotic Short Chain Fatty Acids. Metabolites 2022; 12:metabo12080735. [PMID: 36005607 PMCID: PMC9414314 DOI: 10.3390/metabo12080735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Revised: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Tobacco smoking is the leading cause of preventable death. Numerous reports link smoking in pregnancy with serious adverse outcomes, such as miscarriage, stillbirth, prematurity, low birth weight, perinatal morbidity, and infant mortality. Corollaries of consuming nicotine in pregnancy, separate from smoking, are less explored, and the mechanisms of nicotine action on maternal–fetal communication are poorly understood. This study examined alterations in the maternal gut microbiome in response to nicotine exposure during pregnancy. We report that changes in the maternal gut microbiota milieu are an important intermediary that may mediate the prenatal nicotine exposure effects, affect gene expression, and alter fetal exposure to circulating short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and leptin during in utero development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasenka Zubcevic
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Toledo College of Medicine, Toledo, OH 43614, USA
- Correspondence: (J.Z.); (S.G.T.)
| | - Jacqueline Watkins
- Department of Physiological Sciences, University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Cindy Lin
- Department of Physiological Sciences, University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Byrell Bautista
- Department of Physiological Sciences, University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Heather M. Hatch
- Department of Physiological Sciences, University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Sergei G. Tevosian
- Department of Physiological Sciences, University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
- Correspondence: (J.Z.); (S.G.T.)
| | - Linda F. Hayward
- Department of Physiological Sciences, University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
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Butterstein GM, Hirst C, Castracane VD. Maternal serum leptin in the pregnant rat: fetal-placental implantation number and progesterone. Endocrine 2022; 76:457-464. [PMID: 35182364 DOI: 10.1007/s12020-022-02984-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2021] [Accepted: 01/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study was designed to determine whether there is a role of the placenta in the regulation of maternal serum leptin levels in the pregnant rat. METHODS We have adjusted the number of fetal-placental implants on day 9 in the pregnant rat by aspirating fetal-placental units to adjust the number to 1-2, 4-5 per rat or >10 in controls. Serum levels of leptin and progesterone were determined by radioimmunoassay. A separate group of pregnant rats were ovariectomized and maintained with progesterone silastic capsules (10, 20 or 40 mm). RESULTS In the pregnant rats with varied fetal-placental implant numbers, the maternal serum leptin were greatest in the group with the smallest number (1-2) of implants; intermediate in the midgroup (4-5 implants); and lowest in the group with a full complement of implantations (>10) (p < 0.001). Serum progesterone levels are lowest in the 1-2 implantation group. In the ovariectomized rats there was a stepwise decline in serum leptin (p < 0.05) as the dose of progesterone increased (p < 0.01). Both of these studies suggest that progesterone suppressed maternal serum leptin levels. CONCLUSIONS Increasing placental mass is not associated with increasing maternal serum leptin levels in the pregnant rat; the contrary condition is observed with the least placental implants having the highest leptin levels. Progesterone seems to suppress serum leptin levels in several physiological models.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Colin Hirst
- Department of Biological Sciences, Union College, Schenectady, NY, USA
- Heart Lung Vascular Institute, University of Tennessee Medical Center, Knoxville, TN, 37920, USA
| | - V Daniel Castracane
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center at the Permian Basin, Odessa, TX, USA.
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Amarillo, TX, USA.
- Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA.
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Khant Aung Z, Grattan DR, Ladyman SR. Pregnancy-induced adaptation of central sensitivity to leptin and insulin. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2020; 516:110933. [PMID: 32707081 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2020.110933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2019] [Revised: 06/22/2020] [Accepted: 06/29/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Pregnancy is a time of increased food intake and fat deposition in the mother, and adaptations of glucose homeostasis to meet the energy demands of the growing fetus. As part of these adaptations, leptin and insulin concentrations increase in the maternal circulation during pregnancy. Central effects of leptin and insulin, however, are counterproductive to pregnancy, as increased action of these hormones in the brain lead to suppression of food intake. To prevent this, it is well documented that pregnancy induces a state of leptin- and insulin-insensitivity in the brain, particularly the hypothalamus, in a range of species. While the mechanisms underlying leptin- or insulin-insensitivity during pregnancy vary between species, there is evidence of reduced transport into the brain, impaired activation of intracellular signalling pathways, including reduced leptin receptor expression, and attenuated activation of downstream neuronal pathways, especially for leptin insensitivity. Pregnancy-induced changes in prolactin, growth hormone and leptin are discussed in terms of their role in mediating this reduced response to leptin and insulin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Z Khant Aung
- Centre for Neuroendocrinology and Department of Anatomy, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, 9016, New Zealand
| | - D R Grattan
- Centre for Neuroendocrinology and Department of Anatomy, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, 9016, New Zealand; Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery, Auckland, 1010, New Zealand
| | - S R Ladyman
- Centre for Neuroendocrinology and Department of Anatomy, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, 9016, New Zealand; Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery, Auckland, 1010, New Zealand.
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Grattan DR, Ladyman SR. Neurophysiological and cognitive changes in pregnancy. HANDBOOK OF CLINICAL NEUROLOGY 2020; 171:25-55. [PMID: 32736755 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-444-64239-4.00002-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The hormonal fluctuations in pregnancy drive a wide range of adaptive changes in the maternal brain. These range from specific neurophysiological changes in the patterns of activity of individual neuronal populations, through to complete modification of circuit characteristics leading to fundamental changes in behavior. From a neurologic perspective, the key hormone changes are those of the sex steroids, estradiol and progesterone, secreted first from the ovary and then from the placenta, the adrenal glucocorticoid cortisol, as well as the anterior pituitary peptide hormone prolactin and its pregnancy-specific homolog placental lactogen. All of these hormones are markedly elevated during pregnancy and cross the blood-brain barrier to exert actions on neuronal populations through receptors expressed in specific regions. Many of the hormone-induced changes are in autonomic or homeostatic systems. For example, patterns of oxytocin and prolactin secretion are dramatically altered to support novel physiological functions. Appetite is increased and feedback responses to metabolic hormones such as leptin and insulin are suppressed to promote a positive energy balance. Fundamental physiological systems such as glucose homeostasis and thermoregulation are modified to optimize conditions for fetal development. In addition to these largely autonomic changes, there are also changes in mood, behavior, and higher processes such as cognition. This chapter summarizes the hormonal changes associated with pregnancy and reviews how these changes impact on brain function, drawing on examples from animal research, as well as available information about human pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- David R Grattan
- Centre for Neuroendocrinology and Department of Anatomy, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand.
| | - Sharon R Ladyman
- Centre for Neuroendocrinology and Department of Anatomy, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
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Augustine RA, Knowles PJ, Khant Aung Z, Grattan DR, Ladyman SR. Impaired hypothalamic leptin sensitivity in pseudopregnant rats treated with chronic prolactin to mimic pregnancy. J Neuroendocrinol 2019; 31:e12702. [PMID: 30803074 DOI: 10.1111/jne.12702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2018] [Revised: 01/27/2019] [Accepted: 02/20/2019] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Pregnancy in rodents is associated with hyperphagia, increased fat deposition, elevated leptin concentrations and insensitivity to the satiety action of leptin. To investigate the hormonal mechanisms involved in the development of this state of pregnancy-induced leptin resistance, we have used a pseudopregnancy rat model. We have previously demonstrated that pseudopregnant rats have a normal feeding response to leptin, although, if pseudopregnancy is extended using chronic i.c.v. ovine prolactin infusion along with progesterone implants, then leptin no longer suppresses food intake. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of chronically high lactogen levels, as seen in mid-pregnancy, on leptin-induced activation of hypothalamic Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK/STAT) signal transduction and mRNA expression of leptin (LepR-B) and prolactin (Prlr-L) receptors, using pseudopregnant rats chronically infused with ovine prolactin. Groups of virgin (dioestrous) and pseudopregnant rats were treated with chronic i.c.v. infusion of either prolactin (2.5 μg μL-1 h-1 for 5 days) or vehicle (artificial cerebrospinal fluid [aCSF]) via a minipump connected to a cannula surgically implanted into the lateral ventricle. Rats were fasted overnight and then received an i.c.v. injection of leptin (400 ng) or vehicle (aCSF) and were perfused 30 minutes later. In chronic vehicle-infused pseudopregnant rats, i.c.v. leptin increased the number of phosphorylated STAT3 positive cells in the arcuate nucleus and ventromedial nucleus (VMH) of the hypothalamus, similar to all acute-leptin treated virgin groups. This effect of leptin, however, was not observed in the pseudopregnant rats that were chronically infused with prolactin. A quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis also showed decreased expression of LepR-B in the arcuate and VMH nuclei, as well as decreased Prlr-L in the arcuate nucleus of prolactin-infused "extended pseudopregnancy" rats. These data suggest that the attenuation of the leptin-induced suppression of food intake caused by chronically high lactogen levels in pseudopregnant rats is associated with impaired leptin-induced activation of the JAK/STAT pathway in specific hypothalamic nuclei.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachael A Augustine
- Centre for Neuroendocrinology and Department of Physiology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Penelope J Knowles
- Centre for Neuroendocrinology and Department of Anatomy, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Zin Khant Aung
- Centre for Neuroendocrinology and Department of Anatomy, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - David R Grattan
- Centre for Neuroendocrinology and Department of Anatomy, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
- Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Sharon R Ladyman
- Centre for Neuroendocrinology and Department of Anatomy, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
- Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery, Auckland, New Zealand
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Gustafson P, Ladyman SR, Brown RSE. Suppression of Leptin Transport Into the Brain Contributes to Leptin Resistance During Pregnancy in the Mouse. Endocrinology 2019; 160:880-890. [PMID: 30840056 DOI: 10.1210/en.2018-01065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2018] [Accepted: 02/27/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
During pregnancy, when both food intake and circulating leptin concentrations increase, the brain becomes insensitive to leptin. The mechanism by which central leptin resistance during pregnancy emerges remains poorly understood. We investigated whether structural changes in the blood-brain barrier (BBB) or changes in carrier-mediated transport of leptin into the brain might contribute to pregnancy-induced leptin resistance. Immunohistochemical evaluation of the BBB at the level of the arcuate nucleus and median eminence in virgin, pregnant, and lactating mice was undertaken by labeling for tanycytes (vimentin), tight junction protein (zona occludens-1), and a marker of fenestrated endothelial capillaries (MECA-32). There were no changes in these BBB markers between virgin, pregnant or lactating mice. Transport of iodine 125-labeled leptin from the peripheral circulation into the brain was completely suppressed during pregnancy, however (days 14 through 16), compared with virgin and lactating (days 7 through 11) mice. This was accompanied by a suppression of leptin clearance from the blood in pregnant mice. We also investigated in virgin mice whether competition with other hormones for transport might contribute to suppression of leptin transport into the brain. Although leptin was able to compete with prolactin transport into the brain, prolactin did not compete with leptin transport. These data demonstrate that suppression of the transport of leptin into the brain during pregnancy, in the absence of structural changes in the BBB, is an important contributor to the insensitivity of the hypothalamus to leptin at this time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Papillon Gustafson
- Centre for Neuroendocrinology and Department of Anatomy, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Sharon R Ladyman
- Centre for Neuroendocrinology and Department of Anatomy, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
- Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery, New Zealand
| | - Rosemary S E Brown
- Centre for Neuroendocrinology and Department of Anatomy, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
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Szczesna M, Kirsz K, Misztal T, Zieba DA. Downregulation of LRb in VMH/DMH during the second half of gestation and upregulation of SOCS-3 in ARC in late-pregnant ewes - Implications for leptin resistance. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2019; 274:73-79. [PMID: 30611814 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2019.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2018] [Revised: 11/16/2018] [Accepted: 01/02/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
To investigate factors involved in pregnancy-induced regulation of tissue sensitivity to leptin, we determined leptin concentrations and expression levels of the long form of the leptin receptor (LRb) and suppressor of cytokine signalling (SOCS)-3 in the ventro- and dorsomedial nuclei (VMH/DMH), arcuate nucleus (ARC), median eminence (ME) and anterior pituitary (AP) in 15 Polish Longwool ewes euthanized at 30, 60, 90 and 120 days of pregnancy and before gestation (n = 3 per group). Leptin concentrations increased during the first half of pregnancy, peaked on day 60, and then declined. In the VMH/DMH, LRb mRNA levels decreased from day 60 of pregnancy; in the ARC, LRb mRNA levels remained stable before and throughout pregnancy. LRb expression in the ME was lower in the first two months of pregnancy than before pregnancy (P < 0.01) and peaked at day 90. In the AP, LRb mRNA levels were higher during mid-pregnancy (P < 0.05) than before pregnancy. SOCS-3 expression in the VMH/DMH was higher throughout gestation (P < 0.05) than before pregnancy but was undetectable at day 120. SOCS-3 transcript levels were higher in the ARC (P < 0.05) in late-pregnancy (at day 120) than in non-pregnant ewes. SOCS-3 mRNA levels in the ME were lower at days 30 and 60 (P < 0.05) than at day 120 or before pregnancy. In the AP, SOCS-3 transcription was stable throughout gestation except at day 120, when it increased (P < 0.05). The changes in plasma leptin concentrations during pregnancy, hypothalamic LRb downregulation in the VMH/DMH during the second half of gestation and SOCS-3 upregulation in the ARC in late-pregnant ewes identified here may be essential components of the mechanisms driving ovine leptin insensitivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malgorzata Szczesna
- University of Agriculture, Faculty of Animal Sciences, Department of Animal Biotechnology, Mickiewicza 21, 31-120 Krakow, Poland.
| | - Katarzyna Kirsz
- University of Agriculture, Faculty of Animal Sciences, Department of Animal Biotechnology, Mickiewicza 21, 31-120 Krakow, Poland
| | - Tomasz Misztal
- The Kielanowski Institute of Animal Physiology and Nutrition, Polish Academy of Sciences, Department of Animal Physiology, Instytucka 3, 05-110 Jablonna, Poland
| | - Dorota A Zieba
- University of Agriculture, Faculty of Animal Sciences, Department of Animal Biotechnology, Mickiewicza 21, 31-120 Krakow, Poland
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9
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Trujillo-Güiza ML, Señarís R. Leptin resistance during pregnancy is also exerted at the periphery†. Biol Reprod 2018; 98:654-663. [DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioy024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2017] [Accepted: 01/28/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | - Rosa Señarís
- CIMUS, Department of Physiology, University of Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
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10
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Effects of maternal and fetal LEP common variants on maternal glycemic traits in pregnancy. Sci Rep 2017; 7:17710. [PMID: 29255202 PMCID: PMC5735190 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-18117-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2017] [Accepted: 12/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Previous studies suggest that leptin (LEP) has an important role in glucose metabolism in the nonpregnant state. During pregnancy, circulating maternal concentrations of leptin rise significantly, mainly due to increased secretion of leptin from maternal adipose tissue and placenta. This study aimed to analyze the impact of maternal and fetal common LEP variants on glucose homeostasis in the pregnant state. Several glycemic traits, including fasting plasma glucose, fasting plasma insulin (FPI), and plasma glucose 1 hour after a 50-g oral glucose load, were measured in 1,112 unrelated Chinese Han pregnant women at 24–28 weeks gestation. Homeostatic model assessment (HOMA) was used to assess beta cell function (HOMA1-β and HOMA2-β) and insulin resistance (HOMA1-IR and HOMA2-IR).The relationships between glycemic traits and 12 LEP variants were determined. After applying the Bonferroni correction, we detected that (1) maternal rs10954173 and fetal rs10244329 were associated with maternal FPI although the effect of fetal rs10244329 may be not independent of maternal rs10244329, and (2) maternal rs12537573 was associated with maternal FPI and HOMA2-IR. This study provides genetic evidence that both maternal and fetal LEP polymorphisms may affect maternal glucose metabolism in pregnancy.
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11
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Vargas VE, Landeros RV, Lopez GE, Zheng J, Magness RR. Uterine artery leptin receptors during the ovarian cycle and pregnancy regulate angiogenesis in ovine uterine artery endothelial cells†. Biol Reprod 2017; 96:866-876. [PMID: 28339937 PMCID: PMC5819836 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/iox008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2016] [Revised: 01/31/2017] [Accepted: 02/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Leptin regulates body weight, reproductive functions, blood pressure, endothelial function, and fetoplacental angiogenesis. Compared to the luteal phase, the follicular phase and pregnancy are physiological states of elevated estrogen, angiogenesis, and uterine blood flow (UBF). Little is known concerning regulation of uterine artery (UA) angiogenesis by leptin and its receptors. We hypothesized that (1) ex vivo expression of leptin receptors (LEPR) in UA endothelium (UAendo) and UA vascular smooth muscle (UAvsm) is elevated in pregnant versus nonpregnant (Luteal and Follicular) sheep; (2) in vitro leptin treatments differentially modulate mitogenesis in uterine artery endothelial cells from pregnant (P-UAECs) more than in nonpregnant (NP-UAECs) ewes; and (3) LEPR are upregulated in P-UAECs versus NP-UAECs in association with leptin activation of phospho-STAT3 signaling. Local UA adaptations were evaluated using a unilateral pregnant sheep model where prebreeding uterine horn isolation (nongravid) restricted gravidity to one horn. Immunolocalization revealed LEPR in UAendo and UAvsm from pregnant and nonpregnant sheep. Contrary to our hypothesis, western analysis revealed that follicular UAendo and UAvsm LEPR were greater than luteal, nongravid, gravid, and control pregnant. Compared to pregnant groups, LEPR were elevated in renal artery endothelium of follicular and luteal sheep. Leptin treatment significantly increased mitogenesis in follicular phase NP-UAECs and P-UAECs, but not luteal phase NP-UAECs. Although UAEC expression of LEPR was similar between groups, leptin treatment only activated phospho-STAT3 in follicular NP-UAECs and P-UAECs. Thus, leptin may play an angiogenic role particularly in preparation for the increased UBF during the periovulatory period and subsequently to meet the demands of the growing fetus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vladimir E. Vargas
- Department of Ob/Gyn, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
- Department of Ob/Gyn, Perinatal Research Vascular Center, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | | | - Gladys E. Lopez
- Department of Ob/Gyn, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Jing Zheng
- Department of Ob/Gyn, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Ronald R. Magness
- Department of Ob/Gyn, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
- Department of Ob/Gyn, Perinatal Research Vascular Center, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
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12
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Ladyman SR, Grattan DR. Central Effects of Leptin on Glucose Homeostasis are Modified during Pregnancy in the Rat. J Neuroendocrinol 2016; 28. [PMID: 27623562 DOI: 10.1111/jne.12431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2016] [Revised: 08/03/2016] [Accepted: 09/10/2016] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Despite increased leptin concentrations during pregnancy, fat mass and food intake are increased. The satiety response to central leptin is suppressed, indicating a state of leptin insensitivity in the hypothalamus. Although the regulation of food intake is a major function of leptin, this hormone also influences a wide range of functions within the body. These actions include the regulation of glucose homeostasis, which undergoes major adaptation in the maternal body to generate optimal conditions for foetal development and growth. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of central leptin treatment on glucose homeostasis in pregnant rats to determine whether pregnancy-induced leptin insensitivity is functionally specific, and to further investigate changes in glucose homeostasis during pregnancy. After an overnight fast, nonpregnant and day 14 pregnant rats received an i.c.v. injection of leptin (100 ng or 4 μg) or vehicle then underwent a glucose tolerance test (GTT). Further groups of nonpregnant and day 14 pregnant rats were killed 30 min after leptin (doses ranging from 40 ng-4 μg) or vehicle i.c.v. injections for western blot analysis of phospho-signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) and phospho-Akt in various hypothalamic nuclei. Central leptin injection prior to a GTT lead to lowered basal insulin concentrations and impaired glucose tolerance in nonpregnant female rats, whereas the same doses of leptin had no significant effect on glucose tolerance in day 14 pregnant rats, indicating that, similar to the satiety actions of leptin, the effects of leptin on glucose homeostasis are suppressed during pregnancy. Furthermore, in the arcuate nucleus and ventromedial and dorsomedial nuclei of the hypothalamus, comprising three leptin-sensitive areas, there was no evidence that leptin induced Akt phosphorylation despite significant increases in phospho-STAT3, suggesting that leptin does not act through phospho-Akt in these areas in female rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- S R Ladyman
- Centre for Neuroendocrinology and Department of Anatomy, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand.
| | - D R Grattan
- Centre for Neuroendocrinology and Department of Anatomy, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
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13
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Nüsken E, Wohlfarth M, Lippach G, Rauh M, Schneider H, Dötsch J, Nüsken KD. Reduced Perinatal Leptin Availability May Contribute to Adverse Metabolic Programming in a Rat Model of Uteroplacental Insufficiency. Endocrinology 2016; 157:1813-25. [PMID: 27007072 DOI: 10.1210/en.2015-1898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Leptin availability in perinatal life critically affects metabolic programming. We tested the hypothesis that uteroplacental insufficiency and intrauterine stress affect perinatal leptin availability in rat offspring. Pregnant rats underwent bilateral uterine vessel ligation (LIG; n = 14), sham operation (SOP; n = 12), or no operation (controls, n = 14). Fetal livers (n = 180), placentas (n = 180), and maternal blood were obtained 4 hours (gestational day [E] 19), 24 hours (E20), and 72 hours (E22) after surgery. In the offspring, we took blood samples on E22 (n = 44), postnatal day (P) 1 (n = 29), P2 (n = 16), P7 (n = 30), and P12 (n = 30). Circulating leptin (ELISA) was significantly reduced in LIG (E22, P1, P2) and SOP offspring (E22). Postnatal leptin surge was delayed in LIG but was accelerated in SOP offspring. Placental leptin gene expression (quantitative RT-PCR) was reduced in LIG (E19, E20, E22) and SOP (E20, E22). Hepatic leptin receptor (Lepr-a, mediating leptin degradation) gene expression was increased in LIG fetuses (E20, E22) only. Surprisingly, hypoxia-inducible factors (Hif; Western blot) were unaltered in placentas and were reduced in the livers of LIG (Hif1a, E20; Hif2a, E19, E22) and SOP (Hif2a, E19) fetuses. Gene expression of prolyl hydroxylase 3, a factor expressed under hypoxic conditions contributing to Hif degradation, was increased in livers of LIG (E19, E20, E22) and SOP (E19) fetuses and in placentas of LIG and SOP (E19). In summary, reduced placental leptin production, increased fetal leptin degradation, and persistent perinatal hypoleptinemia are present in intrauterine growth restriction offspring, especially after uteroplacental insufficiency, and may contribute to perinatal programming of leptin resistance and adiposity in later life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Nüsken
- Department of Pediatrics (E.N., M.W., G.L., J.D., K.-D.N.), Medical Faculty, University of Cologne, 50937 Cologne, Germany; and Department of Pediatrics (M.R., H.S.), University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Maria Wohlfarth
- Department of Pediatrics (E.N., M.W., G.L., J.D., K.-D.N.), Medical Faculty, University of Cologne, 50937 Cologne, Germany; and Department of Pediatrics (M.R., H.S.), University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Gregor Lippach
- Department of Pediatrics (E.N., M.W., G.L., J.D., K.-D.N.), Medical Faculty, University of Cologne, 50937 Cologne, Germany; and Department of Pediatrics (M.R., H.S.), University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Manfred Rauh
- Department of Pediatrics (E.N., M.W., G.L., J.D., K.-D.N.), Medical Faculty, University of Cologne, 50937 Cologne, Germany; and Department of Pediatrics (M.R., H.S.), University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Holm Schneider
- Department of Pediatrics (E.N., M.W., G.L., J.D., K.-D.N.), Medical Faculty, University of Cologne, 50937 Cologne, Germany; and Department of Pediatrics (M.R., H.S.), University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Jörg Dötsch
- Department of Pediatrics (E.N., M.W., G.L., J.D., K.-D.N.), Medical Faculty, University of Cologne, 50937 Cologne, Germany; and Department of Pediatrics (M.R., H.S.), University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Kai-Dietrich Nüsken
- Department of Pediatrics (E.N., M.W., G.L., J.D., K.-D.N.), Medical Faculty, University of Cologne, 50937 Cologne, Germany; and Department of Pediatrics (M.R., H.S.), University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
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14
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Martínez de Morentin PB, Lage R, González-García I, Ruíz-Pino F, Martins L, Fernández-Mallo D, Gallego R, Fernø J, Señarís R, Saha AK, Tovar S, Diéguez C, Nogueiras R, Tena-Sempere M, López M. Pregnancy induces resistance to the anorectic effect of hypothalamic malonyl-CoA and the thermogenic effect of hypothalamic AMPK inhibition in female rats. Endocrinology 2015; 156:947-60. [PMID: 25535827 PMCID: PMC4330316 DOI: 10.1210/en.2014-1611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2014] [Accepted: 12/19/2014] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
During gestation, hyperphagia is necessary to cope with the metabolic demands of embryonic development. There were three main aims of this study: Firstly, to investigate the effect of pregnancy on hypothalamic fatty acid metabolism, a key pathway for the regulation of energy balance; secondly, to study whether pregnancy induces resistance to the anorectic effect of fatty acid synthase (FAS) inhibition and accumulation of malonyl-coenzyme A (CoA) in the hypothalamus; and, thirdly, to study whether changes in hypothalamic AMPK signaling are associated with brown adipose tissue (BAT) thermogenesis during pregnancy. Our data suggest that in pregnant rats, the hypothalamic fatty acid pathway shows an overall state that should lead to anorexia and elevated BAT thermogenesis: decreased activities of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), FAS, and carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1, coupled with increased acetyl-CoA carboxylase function with subsequent elevation of malonyl-CoA levels. This profile seems dependent of estradiol levels but not prolactin or progesterone. Despite the apparent anorexic and thermogenic signaling in the hypothalamus, pregnant rats remain hyperphagic and display reduced temperature and BAT function. Actually, pregnant rats develop resistance to the anorectic effects of central FAS inhibition, which is associated with a reduction of proopiomelanocortin (POMC) expression and its transcription factors phospho-signal transducer and activator of transcription 3, and phospho-forkhead box O1. This evidence demonstrates that pregnancy induces a state of resistance to the anorectic and thermogenic actions of hypothalamic cellular signals of energy surplus, which, in parallel to the already known refractoriness to leptin effects, likely contributes to gestational hyperphagia and adiposity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pablo B Martínez de Morentin
- Department of Physiology, Center for Research in Molecular Medicine and Chronic Diseases (CIMUS) (P.B.M.d.M., R.L., I.G.-G., L.M., D.F.M., R.S., S.T., C.D., R.N., M.L.), University of Santiago de Compostela (USC)-Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria (IDIS), Santiago de Compostela 15782, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red (CIBER) Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBERobn) (P.B.M.d.M., R.L., I.G.-G., F.R.-P., L.M., D.F.M., S.T., C.D., R.N., M.T.-S., M.L.), Santiago de Compostela 15706, Spain; Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology (F.R.-P., M.T.-S.), University of Córdoba, Córdoba 14004, Spain; Instituto Maimónides de Investigación Biomédica de Córdoba (IMIBIC)/Hospital Universitario Reina Sofía (F.R.-P., M.T.-S.), Córdoba 14004, Spain; Department of Morphological Sciences (R.G.), School of Medicine, University of Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela 15782, Spain; Department of Clinical Science (J.F.), K. G. Jebsen Center for Diabetes Research, University of Bergen, Bergen, N-5021, Norway; and Diabetes Research Unit, EBRC-827 (A.K.S.), Boston Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts 02118
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15
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Vázquez MJ, Romero-Ruiz A, Tena-Sempere M. Roles of leptin in reproduction, pregnancy and polycystic ovary syndrome: consensus knowledge and recent developments. Metabolism 2015; 64:79-91. [PMID: 25467843 DOI: 10.1016/j.metabol.2014.10.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2014] [Revised: 10/15/2014] [Accepted: 10/17/2014] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
As an essential function for perpetuation of species, reproduction, including puberty onset, is sensitive to the size of body energy stores and the metabolic state of the organism. Accordingly, impaired energy homeostasis, ranging from extreme leanness, such as in anorexia or cachexia, to morbid obesity has an impact on the timing of puberty and is often associated to fertility problems. The neuroendocrine basis for such phenomenon is the close connection between numerous metabolic hormones and nutritional cues with the various elements of the so-called hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis. Yet, despite previous fragmentary knowledge, it was only the discovery of the adipose-hormone, leptin, in 1994 what revolutionized our understanding on how metabolic and reproductive systems closely interplay and allowed the definition of the neurohormonal causes of perturbations of puberty and fertility in conditions of impaired body energy homeostasis. In this article, we aim to provide a synoptic view of the mechanisms whereby leptin engages in the regulation of different elements of the HPG axis, with special attention to its effects and mechanisms of action on the different elements of the reproductive brain and its proven direct effects in the gonads. In addition, we will summarize the state-of-the-art regarding the putative roles of leptin during gestation, including its potential function as placental hormone. Finally, comments will be made on the eventual leptin alterations in reproductive disorders, with special attention to the polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a disease in which reproductive, metabolic and neuroendocrine alterations are commonly observed. All in all, we intend to provide an updated account of our knowledge on the physiological roles of leptin in the metabolic regulation of the reproductive axis and its eventual pathophysiological implications in prevalent reproductive disorders, such as PCOS.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Jesús Vázquez
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, University of Córdoba, Spain; CIBER Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Spain; Instituto Maimónides de Investigación Biomédica de Córdoba (IMIBIC)/Hospital Universitario Reina Sofia, 14004 Córdoba, Spain
| | - Antonio Romero-Ruiz
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, University of Córdoba, Spain; CIBER Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Spain; Instituto Maimónides de Investigación Biomédica de Córdoba (IMIBIC)/Hospital Universitario Reina Sofia, 14004 Córdoba, Spain
| | - Manuel Tena-Sempere
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, University of Córdoba, Spain; CIBER Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Spain; Instituto Maimónides de Investigación Biomédica de Córdoba (IMIBIC)/Hospital Universitario Reina Sofia, 14004 Córdoba, Spain.
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16
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Čebulj-Kadunc N, Škibin A, Kosec M. Long-term leptin fluctuations in female donkeys. Equine Vet J 2014; 47:731-5. [DOI: 10.1111/evj.12365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2013] [Accepted: 09/20/2014] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- N. Čebulj-Kadunc
- Institute of Physiology, Pharmacology and Toxicology; Veterinary Faculty; University of Ljubljana; Slovenia
| | - A. Škibin
- Centre for Sustained Recultivation Vremščica; Veterinary Faculty; University of Ljubljana; Slovenia
| | - M. Kosec
- Clinic for Reproduction and Horses; Veterinary Faculty; University of Ljubljana; Slovenia
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17
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Herrid M, Palanisamy SKA, Ciller UA, Fan R, Moens P, Smart NA, McFarlane JR. An updated view of leptin on implantation and pregnancy: a review. Physiol Res 2014; 63:543-57. [PMID: 24908087 DOI: 10.33549/physiolres.932674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The hormone leptin, which is thought to be primarily produced by adipose tissue, is a polypeptide that was initially characterized by its ability to regulate food intake and energy metabolism. Leptin appears to signal the status of body energy stores to the brain, resulting in the regulation of food intake and whole-body energy expenditure. Subsequently, it was recognized as a cytokine with a wide range of peripheral actions and is involved in the regulation of a number of physiological systems including reproduction. In the fed state, leptin circulates in the plasma in proportion to body adiposity in all species studied to date. However other factors such as sex, age, body mass index (BMI), sex steroids and pregnancy may also affect leptin levels in plasma. In pregnant mice and humans, the placenta is also a major site of leptin expression. Leptin circulates in biological fluids both as free protein and in a form that is bound to the soluble isoform of its receptor or other binding proteins such as one of the immunoglobulin superfamily members Siglec-6 (OB-BP1). Although the actions of leptin in the control of reproductive function are thought to be exerted mainly via the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, there have also been reports of local direct effects of leptin at the peripheral level, however, these data appear contradictory. Therefore, there is a need to summarize the current status of research outcomes and analyze the possible reasons for differing results and thus provide researchers with new insight in designing experiments to investigate leptin effect on reproduction. Most importantly, our recent experimental data suggesting that reproductive performance is improved by decreasing concentrations of peripheral leptin was unexpected and cannot be explained by hypotheses drawn from the experiments of excessive exogenous leptin administration to normal animals or ob/ob mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Herrid
- University of New England, Armidale, Australia.
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18
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Imbernon M, Whyte L, Diaz-Arteaga A, Russell WR, Moreno NR, Vazquez MJ, Gonzalez CR, Díaz-Ruiz A, Lopez M, Malagón MM, Ross RA, Dieguez C, Nogueiras R. Regulation of GPR55 in rat white adipose tissue and serum LPI by nutritional status, gestation, gender and pituitary factors. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2014; 383:159-69. [PMID: 24378736 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2013.12.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2013] [Revised: 12/19/2013] [Accepted: 12/20/2013] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The G protein-coupled receptor GPR55 has been proposed as a new cannabinoid receptor associated with obesity in humans. We have investigated the regulation of GPR55 in rat white adipose tissue (WAT) in different physiological and pathophysiological settings involved in energy balance. We compared GPR55 expression with Cannabinoid Receptor type 1 (CB1), which mediates the metabolic actions of endocannabinoids, by real time PCR and western blotting. Circulating levels of lysophosphatidylinositol (LPI), the endogenous ligand of GPR55, were measured by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Both WAT CB1 and GPR55 levels were increased after fasting and recovered after leptin treatment. Their expression was decreased during gestation and increased throughout lifespan. Orchidectomy diminished WAT CB1 and GPR55 expression whereas ovariectomized rats showed increased GPR55 but decreased CB1 levels. Alterations in pituitary functions also modified WAT CB1 and GPR55 levels. Serum LPI levels were inversely regulated by fasting and gonadectomy in comparison to WAT GPR55. Our findings indicate that GPR55 and LPI are regulated by different physiological and pathophysiological settings known to be associated with marked alterations in energy status.
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MESH Headings
- Adipose Tissue, White/drug effects
- Adipose Tissue, White/metabolism
- Age Factors
- Animals
- Energy Metabolism
- Fasting
- Female
- Gene Expression Regulation
- Gestational Age
- Leptin/pharmacology
- Lysophospholipids/blood
- Male
- Nutritional Status/genetics
- Orchiectomy
- Ovariectomy
- Pituitary Gland/drug effects
- Pituitary Gland/metabolism
- Rats
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1/genetics
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1/metabolism
- Receptors, Cannabinoid/genetics
- Receptors, Cannabinoid/metabolism
- Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled/genetics
- Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled/metabolism
- Sex Factors
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Imbernon
- Department of Physiology, CIMUS, University of Santiago de Compostela-Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria, Santiago de Compostela 15782, Spain; CIBER Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBERobn), Santiago de Compostela 15706, Spain
| | - Lauren Whyte
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Adenis Diaz-Arteaga
- Department of Physiology, CIMUS, University of Santiago de Compostela-Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria, Santiago de Compostela 15782, Spain; CIBER Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBERobn), Santiago de Compostela 15706, Spain
| | - Wendy R Russell
- Rowett Institute of Nutrition and Health, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB21 9SB, UK
| | - Natalia R Moreno
- CIBER Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBERobn), Santiago de Compostela 15706, Spain; Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Instituto Maimónides de Investigaciones Biomédicas (IMIBIC)/Hospital Universitario Reina Sofia/University of Cordoba, 14004 Córdoba, Spain
| | - María J Vazquez
- Department of Physiology, CIMUS, University of Santiago de Compostela-Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria, Santiago de Compostela 15782, Spain; CIBER Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBERobn), Santiago de Compostela 15706, Spain
| | - Carmen R Gonzalez
- Department of Physiology, CIMUS, University of Santiago de Compostela-Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria, Santiago de Compostela 15782, Spain; CIBER Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBERobn), Santiago de Compostela 15706, Spain
| | - Alberto Díaz-Ruiz
- CIBER Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBERobn), Santiago de Compostela 15706, Spain; Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Instituto Maimónides de Investigaciones Biomédicas (IMIBIC)/Hospital Universitario Reina Sofia/University of Cordoba, 14004 Córdoba, Spain
| | - Miguel Lopez
- Department of Physiology, CIMUS, University of Santiago de Compostela-Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria, Santiago de Compostela 15782, Spain; CIBER Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBERobn), Santiago de Compostela 15706, Spain
| | - Maria M Malagón
- CIBER Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBERobn), Santiago de Compostela 15706, Spain; Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Instituto Maimónides de Investigaciones Biomédicas (IMIBIC)/Hospital Universitario Reina Sofia/University of Cordoba, 14004 Córdoba, Spain
| | - Ruth A Ross
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Carlos Dieguez
- Department of Physiology, CIMUS, University of Santiago de Compostela-Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria, Santiago de Compostela 15782, Spain; CIBER Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBERobn), Santiago de Compostela 15706, Spain.
| | - Ruben Nogueiras
- Department of Physiology, CIMUS, University of Santiago de Compostela-Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria, Santiago de Compostela 15782, Spain; CIBER Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBERobn), Santiago de Compostela 15706, Spain.
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19
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Pérez-Sieira S, López M, Nogueiras R, Tovar S. Regulation of NR4A by nutritional status, gender, postnatal development and hormonal deficiency. Sci Rep 2014; 4:4264. [PMID: 24584059 PMCID: PMC3939456 DOI: 10.1038/srep04264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2013] [Accepted: 02/14/2014] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The NR4A is a subfamily of the orphan nuclear receptors (NR) superfamily constituted by three well characterized members: Nur77 (NR4A1), Nurr1 (NR4A2) and Nor 1 (NR4A3). They are implicated in numerous biological processes as DNA repair, arteriosclerosis, cell apoptosis, carcinogenesis and metabolism. Several studies have demonstrated the role of this subfamily on glucose metabolism, insulin sensitivity and energy balance. These studies have focused mainly in liver and skeletal muscle. However, its potential role in white adipose tissue (WAT), one of the most important tissues involved in the regulation of energy homeostasis, is not well-studied. The aim of this work was to elucidate the regulation of NR4A in WAT under different physiological and pathophysiological settings involved in energy balance such as fasting, postnatal development, gender, hormonal deficiency and pregnancy. We compared NR4A mRNA expression of Nur77, Nurr1 and Nor 1 and found a clear regulation by nutritional status, since the expression of the 3 isoforms is increased after fasting in a leptin-independent manner and sex steroid hormones also modulate NR4A expression in males and females. Our findings indicate that NR4A are regulated by different physiological and pathophysiological settings known to be associated with marked alterations in glucose metabolism and energy status.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Pérez-Sieira
- 1] Department of Physiology, CIMUS, University of Santiago de Compostela-Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria, Santiago de Compostela, 15782, Spain [2] CIBER Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBERobn), 15706, Spain
| | - M López
- 1] Department of Physiology, CIMUS, University of Santiago de Compostela-Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria, Santiago de Compostela, 15782, Spain [2] CIBER Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBERobn), 15706, Spain
| | - R Nogueiras
- 1] Department of Physiology, CIMUS, University of Santiago de Compostela-Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria, Santiago de Compostela, 15782, Spain [2] CIBER Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBERobn), 15706, Spain
| | - S Tovar
- 1] Department of Physiology, CIMUS, University of Santiago de Compostela-Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria, Santiago de Compostela, 15782, Spain [2] CIBER Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBERobn), 15706, Spain
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20
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Fradinho MJ, Correia MJ, Grácio V, Bliebernicht M, Farrim A, Mateus L, Martin-Rosset W, Bessa RJB, Caldeira RM, Ferreira-Dias G. Effects of body condition and leptin on the reproductive performance of Lusitano mares on extensive systems. Theriogenology 2014; 81:1214-22. [PMID: 24613603 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2014.01.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2013] [Revised: 01/06/2014] [Accepted: 01/31/2014] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of body condition (BC), BC changes, and plasma leptin concentrations on the reproductive performance of Lusitano broodmares on extensive systems. Data from 119 mares (ranging from 4 to 22 years of age) were collected over a period of four consecutive breeding seasons. Each case was considered as one foaled mare bred in 1 year. Body condition changes at conception (ΔBCScon) showed a strong effect on fertility at the first two postpartum estrous cycles and a significant interaction with body condition score at conception (BCScon) was observed (P < 0.01). The best fertility results were obtained with positive and greater ΔBCScon. The best predictive value of fertility (91%) was achieved when the BCScon was 3.0 and ΔBCScon was 0.375. Global foaling rate for the 4-year period was 74.5%. Mean foaling interval and gestation length were, respectively, 368.0 ± 2.8 and 340.3 ± 1.0 days. Gestation length was influenced by the month of foaling (P < 0.05) and decreased as mares got older (P < 0.01). The number of estimated estrous cycles per live foal was 1.78 ± 0.12, including foal heat ovulation. Leptin was correlated with BCS (0.41; P < 0.001), but in the present study, plasma leptin concentrations on late gestation and early lactation did not influence fertility results. At 90 days of age, lower growth performances were obtained in foals which dams presented negative BCS changes on the first 3 months of lactation (P < 0.05). In conclusion, BC changes at early postpartum period influence the reproductive efficiency of broodmares and the growth of their suckling foals. These findings are important to help breeders on management options concerning feeding strategies in the Lusitano production systems and others under similar conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- M J Fradinho
- CIISA, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Universidade Técnica, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - M J Correia
- Coudelaria de Alter, Tapada do Arneiro, Alter-do-Chão, Portugal
| | - V Grácio
- Coudelaria de Alter, Tapada do Arneiro, Alter-do-Chão, Portugal
| | | | - A Farrim
- Companhia das Lezírias, Porto Alto, Portugal
| | - L Mateus
- CIISA, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Universidade Técnica, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - W Martin-Rosset
- INRA, Centre de Recherche de Clermont-Ferrand/Theix, Saint Genes Champanelle, France
| | - R J B Bessa
- CIISA, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Universidade Técnica, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - R M Caldeira
- CIISA, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Universidade Técnica, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - G Ferreira-Dias
- CIISA, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Universidade Técnica, Lisboa, Portugal.
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21
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Di Yorio MP, Bilbao MG, Biagini-Majorel AM, Faletti AG. Ovarian signalling pathways regulated by leptin during the ovulatory process. Reproduction 2013; 146:647-58. [DOI: 10.1530/rep-13-0257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Leptin, a protein secreted by different tissues, is able to exert both stimulatory and inhibitory effects on the ovulatory process. Thus, we investigated whether these opposite effects involve changes in the ovarian signalling pathways in response to different levels of leptin. To this end, we performed both in vivo and in vitro assays using immature rats primed with gonadotrophins to induce ovulation. The acute treatment with leptin, which inhibits the ovulatory process, caused a significant decrease in the phosphorylation of both STAT3 and ERK1/2 and a simultaneous increase in suppressors of cytokine signalling 3 (SOCS3) protein. However, daily administration of a low dose of leptin, which induces the ovulatory process, showed increased phosphorylation of both STAT3 and ERK1/2 and a decreased expression of SOCS3 protein. Using ovarian explant cultures, we also found that leptin was able to activate both STAT3 and ERK1/2 at 10 ng/ml but only STAT3 at 300–500 ng/ml. In addition, at 100–300 ng/ml, leptin increased protein but not mRNA expression of SOCS3. The addition of specific inhibitors of JAK/STAT and MAPK signalling pathways suppressed both the increase and the decrease in leptin-induced progesterone secretion. These results indicate that i) different levels of leptin are able to regulate STAT3, ERK1/2 and SOCS3 at both intra- and extra-ovarian level and that ii) the dual action of leptin on steroidogenesis seems to occur, at least in part, through both the ERK and STAT cascades.
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22
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Pazos P, Lima L, Casanueva FF, Diéguez C, García MC. Interleukin 6 deficiency modulates the hypothalamic expression of energy balance regulating peptides during pregnancy in mice. PLoS One 2013; 8:e72339. [PMID: 24015235 PMCID: PMC3756067 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0072339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2013] [Accepted: 07/08/2013] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Pregnancy is associated with hyperphagia, increased adiposity and multiple neuroendocrine adaptations. Maternal adipose tissue secretes rising amounts of interleukin 6 (IL6), which acts peripherally modulating metabolic function and centrally increasing energy expenditure and reducing body fat. To explore the role of IL6 in the central mechanisms governing dam's energy homeostasis, early, mid and late pregnant (gestational days 7, 13 and 18) wild-type (WT) and Il6 knockout mice (Il6-KO) were compared with virgin controls at diestrus. Food intake, body weight and composition as well as indirect calorimetry measurements were performed in vivo. Anabolic and orexigenic peptides: neuropeptide Y (Npy) and agouti-related peptide (Agrp); and catabolic and anorectic neuropeptides: proopiomelanocortin (Pomc), corticotrophin and thyrotropin-releasing hormone (Crh and Trh) mRNA levels were determined by in situ hybridization. Real time-PCR and western-blot were used for additional tissue gene expression and protein studies. Non-pregnant Il6-KO mice were leaner than WT mice due to a decrease in fat but not in lean body mass. Pregnant Il6-KO mice had higher fat accretion despite similar body weight gain than WT controls. A decreased fat utilization in absence of Il6 might explain this effect, as shown by increased respiratory exchange ratio (RER) in virgin Il6-KO mice. Il6 mRNA levels were markedly enhanced in adipose tissue but reduced in hypothalamus of mid and late pregnant WT mice. Trh expression was also stimulated at gestational day 13 and lack of Il6 blunted this effect. Conversely, in late pregnant mice lessened hypothalamic Il6 receptor alpha (Il6ra), Pomc and Crh mRNA were observed. Il6 deficiency during this stage up-regulated Npy and Agrp expression, while restoring Pomc mRNA levels to virgin values. Together these results demonstrate that IL6/IL6Ra system modulates Npy/Agrp, Pomc and Trh expression during mouse pregnancy, supporting a role of IL6 in the central regulation of body fat in this physiological state.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Pazos
- Department of Physiology/Research Center of Molecular Medicine and Chronic Diseases (CIMUS), University of Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
- CIBER Fisiopatología Obesidad y Nutrición (CB06/03), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad (MINECO), Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Luis Lima
- Department of Physiology/Research Center of Molecular Medicine and Chronic Diseases (CIMUS), University of Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Felipe F. Casanueva
- Department of Physiology/Research Center of Molecular Medicine and Chronic Diseases (CIMUS), University of Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
- CIBER Fisiopatología Obesidad y Nutrición (CB06/03), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad (MINECO), Santiago de Compostela, Spain
- Laboratorio de Endocrinología Molecular y Celular, Complexo Hospitalario Universitario de Santiago (CHUS), Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Carlos Diéguez
- Department of Physiology/Research Center of Molecular Medicine and Chronic Diseases (CIMUS), University of Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
- CIBER Fisiopatología Obesidad y Nutrición (CB06/03), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad (MINECO), Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - María C. García
- Department of Physiology/Research Center of Molecular Medicine and Chronic Diseases (CIMUS), University of Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
- CIBER Fisiopatología Obesidad y Nutrición (CB06/03), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad (MINECO), Santiago de Compostela, Spain
- * E-mail:
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Tovar SA, Seoane LM, Caminos JE, Nogueiras R, Casanueva FF, Diéguez C. Regulation of Peptide YY Levels by Age, Hormonal, and Nutritional Status. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2012; 12:1944-50. [PMID: 15687395 DOI: 10.1038/oby.2004.244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Peptide YY (PYY) 3-36 has recently been recognized as an important gut hormone that influences food intake. Peripheral injections of PYY 3-36 in rats inhibit food intake in experimental animals as well as in lean and obese human subjects. This hormone has been suggested as an attractive therapeutic option for obesity. The aim of this study was to assess the influence of age, sex, thyroid status, growth hormone (GH), pregnancy, and food restriction on PYY levels in rat. RESEARCH METHODS AND PROCEDURES We determined plasma PYY levels in all experimental sets. RESULTS PYY levels were influenced by age, with the highest hormone levels achieved in early postnatal life (day 10) and decreasing thereafter. PYY levels were also dependent on thyroid hormone status being decreased in hyperthyroid rats. Exogenous GH administration led to a clear-cut decrease in PYY levels in both normal and GH-deficient rats. Acute food deprivation or chronic food restriction led to decreased PYY levels in virgin and pregnant rats. In pregnant rats with food available ad libitum, PYY levels were enhanced at late gestation. DISCUSSION Our observations indicate that PYY levels are influenced by age, thyroid hormones, and GH. These data indicate that PYY could be involved in the changes of food intake associated with these conditions. The PYY levels observed in acute and chronic food-restricted rats indicate that, in situations of decreased energy intake, the lower PYY levels could serve to disinhibit central pathways and facilitate food intake.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sulay A Tovar
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Santiago de Compostela, Spain
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24
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Trombley S, Maugars G, Kling P, Björnsson BT, Schmitz M. Effects of long-term restricted feeding on plasma leptin, hepatic leptin expression and leptin receptor expression in juvenile Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.). Gen Comp Endocrinol 2012; 175:92-9. [PMID: 22019478 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2011.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2011] [Revised: 09/26/2011] [Accepted: 10/03/2011] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
Abstract
Leptin is a pleiotropic hormone and plays a key role in body weight regulation, energy homeostasis and lipid store utilization in mammals. In this study, we investigated the effect of feed-restriction on leptin genes (lepa1 and lepa2), leptin receptor (lepr) gene expression and plasma leptin levels in juvenile Atlantic salmon parr. Feed restriction was performed from late April to mid-June, in order to gain insight into the role of the leptin system in energy balance regulation and adiposity in juvenile salmon. A significant increase in lepa1 expression as well as higher levels of plasma leptin was found in feed-restricted fish in June compared to fully fed controls, while lepa2 gene expression decreased in both groups during the treatment period. Lepa2 was, however significantly higher in the feed-restricted group in June. Leptin receptor expression was up regulated during the period of enhanced growth and lipid deposition in the fully fed control, indicating a seasonal effect on the receptor expression in the brain. Both lepa1 and lepa2 genes very mainly expressed in the liver in juvenile salmon, while lepr was expressed in the brain but showed also considerable expression in various peripheral tissues. The study provides evidence that the leptin system is sensitive to the metabolic status of the fish as both season and restricted feeding affect lepa1 and lepa2 gene expression in the liver and brain leptin receptor expression, however, for lepa1 expression and leptin plasma level in an opposite way as that observed in the mammalian system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanne Trombley
- Evolutionary Biology Centre, Department of Organismal Biology/Comparative Physiology, Uppsala University, SE-752 36 Uppsala, Sweden
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25
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González CR, Novelle MG, Caminos JE, Vázquez MJ, Luque RM, López M, Nogueiras R, Diéguez C. Regulation of lipin1 by nutritional status, adiponectin, sex and pituitary function in rat white adipose tissue. Physiol Behav 2011; 105:777-83. [PMID: 22051776 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2011.10.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2011] [Revised: 08/16/2011] [Accepted: 10/13/2011] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Lipin1 is a member of the lipin protein family that plays an important role in the regulation of lipid metabolism. The endogenous role of lipin1 was demonstrated by the fact that mutations in lipin1 caused lipodystrophy and metabolic disorders. The aim of this study was to assess the influence of nutritional status, pregnancy, insulin-sensitizers and pituitary hormones on lipin1 mRNA levels in adipose tissue of rats. Lipin1 gene expression was induced in conditions of hypoleptinemia (fasting) and leptin resistance (high fat diet), whereas it was decreased by high circulating leptin levels (leptin administration, pregnancy) and in leptin-deficient mice. Lipin1 mRNA levels were also decreased in adiponectin-deficient mice. Lipin1 mRNA levels are influenced by age in female rats, with peak expression at 25th day of life and decreasing thereafter. Consistently, ovariectomy increased lipin1 expression indicating that estrogens modulate lipin1. Finally, lipin1 was also regulated by pituitary hormones, since its expression was modified by thyroid status and growth hormone deficiency. Our observations indicate that: a) gWAT lipin1 mRNA levels are regulated by nutritional status, and leptin plays an important role in this regard, b) lipin1 is modulated by adiponectin, c) lipin1 is influenced by age and sex, and d) alterations in pituitary function modify lipin1 mRNA levels. To dissect the complicated interactions between key regulators of lipid metabolism like lipin1, may be important for the development of new therapies for the treatment and prevention of obesity and its associated disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Ruth González
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine-Instituto de Investigaciones Sanitarias (IDIS), University of Santiago de Compostela, Spain
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26
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Nüsken KD, Schneider H, Plank C, Trollmann R, Nüsken E, Rascher W, Dötsch J. Fetal programming of gene expression in growth-restricted rats depends on the cause of low birth weight. Endocrinology 2011; 152:1327-35. [PMID: 21266509 DOI: 10.1210/en.2010-1116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Low birth weight and intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) can be caused by numerous different conditions. In many experimental settings, however, these different causes are not accounted for. This study aimed at comparing the impact of two frequent causes of IUGR (low utero-placental blood flow vs. malnutrition) on fetal programming of gene expression. We studied offspring of dams treated by uterine artery ligation or sham operation compared with untreated controls and offspring of dams that were fed either a low protein or normal protein diet. After Cesarean section at term, placental and fetal hepatic expression of key "metabolic" and "vasoregulative" genes was investigated by quantitative RT-PCR. Ligation neonates showed IUGR, reduced expression of placental leptin, placental and hepatic IGF-I, hepatic inducible nitric oxide synthase, and increased expression of placental IGF binding protein 1, hepatic IGF-II receptor and erythropoietin (EPO). Low protein offspring also showed IUGR but increased expression of placental leptin; IGF-I; placental and hepatic inducible nitric oxide synthase; hepatic insulin, IGF-I, and IGF-II receptors; and reduced expression of placental IGF binding protein 1, IGF-II, leptin-receptor type A, placental and hepatic leptin receptor type B, and EPO. Expression was independent of sex, birth weight, fetal intrauterine position, and EPO expression. In conclusion, the impact of IUGR on fetal and placental gene expression depends on the cause of low birth weight. Therefore, morbidity after IUGR should be analyzed referring to its pathophysiological cause rather than referring to low birth weight itself. Fetal hypoxia as estimated by hepatic EPO expression does not seem to be a key regulator of transcriptional activity in our models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai-Dietrich Nüsken
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany.
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Trujillo ML, Spuch C, Carro E, Señarís R. Hyperphagia and central mechanisms for leptin resistance during pregnancy. Endocrinology 2011; 152:1355-65. [PMID: 21303957 DOI: 10.1210/en.2010-0975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of this work was to study the central mechanisms involved in food intake regulation and leptin resistance during gestation in the rat. Sprague Dawley rats of 7, 13, and 18 d of pregnancy [days of gestation (G) 7, G13, and G18] were used and compared with nonpregnant animals in diestrus-1. Food intake was already increased in G7, before hyperleptinemia and central leptin resistance was established in midpregnancy. Leptin resistance was due to a reduction in leptin transport through the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and to alterations in leptin signaling within the hypothalamus based on an increase in suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 levels and a blockade of signal transducer and activator of transcription-3 phosphorylation (G13), followed by a decrease in LepRb and of Akt phosphorylation (G18). In early gestation (G7), no change in hypothalamic neuropeptide Y (NPY), agouti-related peptide (AgRP), or proopiomelanocortin (POMC) expression was shown. Nevertheless, an increase in NPY and AgRP and a decrease in POMC mRNA were observed in G13 and G18 rats, probably reflecting the leptin resistance. To investigate the effect of maternal vs. placental hormones on these mechanisms, we used a model of pseudogestation. Rats of 9 d of pseudogestation were hyperphagic, showing an increase in body and adipose tissue weight, normoleptinemia, and normal responses to iv/intracerebroventricular leptin on hypothalamic leptin signaling, food intake, and body weight. Leptin transport through the BBB, and hypothalamic NPY, AgRP and POMC expression were unchanged. Finally, the transport of leptin through the BBB was assessed using a double-chamber culture system of choroid plexus epithelial cells or brain microvascular endothelial cells. We found that sustained high levels of prolactin significantly reduced leptin translocation through the barrier, whereas progesterone and β-estradiol did not show any effect. Our data demonstrate a dual mechanism of leptin resistance during mid/late-pregnancy, which is not due to maternal hormones and which allows the maintenance of hyperphagia in the presence of hyperleptinemia driven by an increase in NPY and AgRP and a decrease in POMC mRNA. By contrast, in early pregnancy maternal hormones induce hyperphagia without the regulation of hypothalamic NPY, AgRP, or POMC and in the absence of leptin resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- M L Trujillo
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Santiago de Compostela, c/San Francisco s/n, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
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Abdennebi-Najar L, Desai M, Han G, Casillas E, Jean D, Arieh G, Ross MG. Basal, endogenous leptin is metabolically active in newborn rat pups. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med 2011; 24:1486-91. [PMID: 21250909 DOI: 10.3109/14767058.2010.547638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The adipocyte-derived hormone leptin regulates food intake and body weight via the activation of JAK-STAT pathway in mammalian adult hypothalamic neurons. To investigate whether endogenous leptin is metabolically active in newborn rat pups, the JAK-STAT leptin signaling pathway was analyzed following leptin antagonist challenge. METHODS One day old male control pups were injected with either (i) saline, (ii) leptin (10 μg/g, s.c; n=4), (iii) pegylated leptin antagonist (PEG-MLA, 20 μg/g, s.c, n=4), or (iv) leptin plus PEG-MLA. Hypothalamus was dissected from individual pups at 30, 45, and 60 min. Protein expression of ObR, STAT3, pSTAT3, and SOCS3 was analyzed by Western blot. RESULTS Leptin, but not PEG-MLA, produced a significant increase in hypothalamic pSTAT3 relative to saline treatment. Systemically administered PEG-MLA effectively blocks leptin signal induction of hypothalamic JAK-STAT signaling. The presence of PEG-MLA in combination with leptin attenuated the leptin-induced increase in pSTAT3. CONCLUSIONS Thus, basal leptin levels are metabolically active in the newborn rats. These results brings new insights in considering the importance of endogenous leptin at birth, especially in low birth weight offspring who may be predisposed to altered neurogenesis and later obesity, and provide potential therapeutic strategies for programmed or diet-induced obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Latifa Abdennebi-Najar
- UPSP-EGEAL Institut Polytechnique LaSalle de Beauvais, 19 Rue Pierre Waguet, Beauvais Cedex, France.
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29
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Endocrine induced changes in brain function during pregnancy. Brain Res 2010; 1364:198-215. [DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2010.09.062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2010] [Revised: 09/10/2010] [Accepted: 09/16/2010] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
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30
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Makarova EN, Kochubei ED, Bazhan NM. Regulation of Food Consumption during Pregnancy and Lactation in Mice. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2010; 40:263-7. [DOI: 10.1007/s11055-010-9253-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2008] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Siawrys G, Kaminski T, Smolinska N, Przala J. Expression of Leptin and Long-form Leptin-receptor Proteins in Porcine Hypothalamus during Oestrous Cycle and Pregnancy. Reprod Domest Anim 2009; 44:920-6. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0531.2008.01118.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Taylor VJ, Patterson M, Ghatei MA, Bloom SR, Wilson CA. Ghrelin and peptide YY (PYY) profiles in gastrointestinal tissues and the circulation of the rat during pregnancy and lactation. Peptides 2009; 30:2213-20. [PMID: 19778563 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2009.09.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2008] [Revised: 09/15/2009] [Accepted: 09/15/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Plasma and tissue profiles of gastrointestinal hormones ghrelin and peptide YY (PYY) were investigated in different female rat reproductive states. Neither plasma nor tissue ghrelin concentrations were suppressed during pregnancy despite elevated leptin. The highest concentrations of stomach ghrelin were measured in late pregnancy. PYY concentrations in plasma, descending colon and rectum tissues were increased (P<0.001) throughout pregnancy and lactation. PYY peaked at day 5 of lactation in plasma, as well as descending colon and rectum tissues (proestrus vs day 5 of lactation: 25+/-3.0 pmol/l vs 55+/-8.0 pmol/l; 85+/-4.5 pmol/g wwt vs 418+/-45.0 pmol/g wwt; 23+/-3.0 pmol/g wwt vs 78+/-9.1 pmol/g wwt). This PYY peak was temporally associated with the luteinizing hormone peak on day 1 of lactation. Following weaning, dam adiposity and plasma leptin increased whereas ghrelin stomach peptide decreased. Relative PYY concentrations in the tissues of the gut varied in the different states suggesting regional alterations taking place in the colon. The ascending colon produced the highest concentrations in non-pregnant rats, the descending colon the highest concentrations during lactation with the pregnant rats and the dams postweaning in a transition state between. It is unclear what role the increased PYY in various tissues observed has during pregnancy and lactation as it would be expected to be reduced in these states of greatly increased appetite. PYY may have an influence on maternal dietary adaptation, intestinal hypertrophy and weight gain during pregnancy and lactation although it is still unclear precisely how it acts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria J Taylor
- Department of Metabolic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, 6th Floor, Commonwealth Building, Du Cane Road, London W12 0NN, UK.
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Del Carmen Gonzalez M, Vidal H, Herrera E, Bocos C. Fenofibrate reduces adiposity in pregnant and virgin rats but through different mechanisms. BMB Rep 2009; 42:679-84. [DOI: 10.5483/bmbrep.2009.42.10.679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
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Ladyman SR, Tups A, Augustine RA, Swahn-Azavedo A, Kokay IC, Grattan DR. Loss of hypothalamic response to leptin during pregnancy associated with development of melanocortin resistance. J Neuroendocrinol 2009; 21:449-56. [PMID: 19302191 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2826.2009.01862.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Hypothalamic leptin resistance during pregnancy is an important adaptation that facilitates the state of positive energy balance required for fat deposition in preparation for lactation. Within the arcuate nucleus, pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) neurones and neuropeptide Y (NPY)/agouti-related gene protein (AgRP) neurones are first-order leptin responsive neurones involved in the regulation of energy balance. The present study aimed to investigate whether the regulation of these neuropeptides is disrupted during pregnancy in association with the development of leptin resistance. As measured by quantitative in situ hybridisation, POMC and AgRP mRNA levels were not significantly different during pregnancy, whereas NPY mRNA levels increased such that, by day 21 of pregnancy, levels were significantly higher than in nonpregnant, animals. These data suggest that these neurones were not responding normally to the elevated leptin found during pregnancy. To further characterise the melanocortin system during pregnancy, double-label immunohistochemistry was used to quantify leptin-induced phosphorylation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (pSTAT3) in POMC neurones, using α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH) as a marker. The percentage of α-MSH neurones containing leptin-induced pSTAT3 did not significantly differ from nonpregnant animals, indicating that there was no change in the number of POMC neurones that respond to leptin during pregnancy. Treatment with α-MSH significantly reduced food intake in nonpregnant rats, but not in pregnant rats, indicating resistance to the satiety actions of α-MSH during pregnancy. The data suggest that multiple mechanisms contribute to leptin resistance during pregnancy. As well as a loss of responses in first-order leptin-responsive neurones in the arcuate nucleus, there is also a downstream disruption in the melanocortin system.
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Affiliation(s)
- S R Ladyman
- Centre for Neuroendocrinology, Department of Anatomy and Structural Biology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
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Gestational weight gain by reduced brain melanocortin activity affects offspring energy balance in rats. Int J Obes (Lond) 2008; 33:104-14. [PMID: 19002145 DOI: 10.1038/ijo.2008.211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Excessive gestational body weight gain of mothers may predispose offspring towards obesity and metabolic derangements. It is difficult to discern the effects of maternal obesogenic factors-such as diet and/or thrifty genetic predisposition-from gestational weight gain per se. METHODS For this reason, genetically normal Wistar rats that were fed regular chow were rendered hypothalamically obese by chronic third-cerebral ventricular (i3vt) infusion during pregnancy and lactation with the melanocortin-3,4 receptor blocker SHU9119. This procedure caused significant increases in body weight gain during pregnancy and lactation compared with controls, and the effects thereof on offspring energy balance and fuel homeostasis were investigated. RESULTS At birth, litter weight and size, but not individual pup weight, of SHU9119-treated mothers were significantly smaller than controls. In litters culled to eight, pup weight gain during lactation was only transiently increased by treatment. After weaning, however, male offspring of SHU9119-treated mothers became increasingly heavier over time relative to controls until killing at 9 months. This effect was only transient in females. Increased body weights of males were not associated with disturbances in glucose homeostasis, but with increased energy expenditure instead. Multiple regression analysis revealed that gestational body weight gain, irrespective of the group, contributed positively to increased visceral fat deposition and carbohydrate oxidation in the male offspring. In contrast, the pre-pregnancy body weight of mothers contributed positively to male offspring daily energy expenditure, subcutaneous fat and eviscerated carcass as well as structural organ weights. In female offspring, gestational body weight gain, but not pre-gestational body weight, contributed both to aspects of weight gain as well as to the shift of fat oxidation toward carbohydrate oxidation. CONCLUSION Gestational weight gain induced by low brain melanocortin receptor activity can lead to increased body weight gain in the offspring (particularly in males) independent of obesogenic dietary and/or thrifty genetic predisposition.
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Tang GB, Cui JG, Wang DH. Hypothalamic suppressor-of-cytokine-signalling 3 mRNA is elevated and pro-opiomelanocortin mRNA is reduced during pregnancy in Brandt's voles (Lasiopodomys brandtii ). J Neuroendocrinol 2008; 20:1038-44. [PMID: 18638026 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2826.2008.01764.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Leptin acts within the hypothalamus to diminish food intake. In Brandt's voles (Lasiopodomys brandtii), both circulating leptin levels and food intake are elevated during pregnancy, suggesting an ineffectiveness of leptin to reduce food intake. Diminished hypothalamic leptin receptors and impaired leptin signal transduction are characteristic of central leptin resistance. The present study aimed to determine whether these characteristic modulations of leptin sensitivity occurred in pregnant Brandt's voles. The mRNA expression of the long form of the leptin receptor (Ob-Rb), suppressor-of-cytokine-signalling 3 (SOCS3), neuropeptide Y (NPY), agouti-related protein (AgRP), pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) and cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript (CART) in the hypothalamus were examined on dioestrous, day 5, day 10 and day 18 of pregnancy. Compared to controls, there was no significant change in hypothalamic Ob-Rb mRNA during the pregnancy. SOCS3 mRNA was increased significantly by 68% on day 10% and 93% on day 18 of pregnancy compared to controls. Despite elevated leptin levels, POMC mRNA was decreased significantly by 60% on day 18 of pregnancy, whereas no differences were found in the mRNA expression of NPY, AgRP and CART in pregnant voles compared to controls. The elevation of SOCS3 mRNA together with disrupted leptin regulation of neuropeptides in the hypothalamus suggests that leptin resistance may develop in pregnant Brandt's voles.
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Affiliation(s)
- G-B Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Datun Lu, Chaoyang, Beijing, China
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Zagoory-Sharon O, Schroeder M, Levine A, Moran TH, Weller A. Adaptation to lactation in OLETF rats lacking CCK-1 receptors: body weight, fat tissues, leptin and oxytocin. Int J Obes (Lond) 2008; 32:1211-21. [PMID: 18461073 DOI: 10.1038/ijo.2008.58] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To understand the adaptation to lactation of obese rats, by studying the interplay among the gut hormone cholecystokinin (CCK), the adiposity hormone leptin and the affiliation hormone oxytocin in modulating body mass and fat storage. DESIGN Strain differences were examined between Otsuka Long Evans Tokushima Fatty (OLETF) rats lacking expression of functional CCK-1 receptors and Long Evans Tokushima Otsuka (LETO) controls, tested as nulliparous dams, at the 7 and 15th lactation day, at weaning (lactation day 22) or 8 weeks postweaning. MEASUREMENTS We measured body mass, fat pads (brown, retroperitoneal and inguinal) and inguinal adipocytes. Plasma levels of leptin and oxytocin were determined. RESULTS Fat depots of LETO female rats were larger during lactation compared to the levels found in postweaning and nulliparous female rats. LETO female rats gained weight and accumulated fat during pregnancy and lactation, returning to their normal fat levels postweaning. In contrast, OLETF female rats presented lower body weight and fat depots during the lactation period than nulliparous dams, and regained the weight and fat postweaning. Plasma leptin and oxytocin were highly correlated and followed the same pattern. OLETF leptin levels were highly correlated with fat depot and inguinal cell surface. No significant correlation was found for LETO parameters. CONCLUSIONS Pregnancy and lactation are energy-consuming events, which naturally induce female rats to increase food intake and accumulate fat. When challenged by the demands of rapidly growing preobese OLETF pups, OLETF dams' fat stores are reduced to lean, LETO levels. During lactation, sensitivity of the oxytocinergic neurons descending from the paraventricular nuclei to the nucleus of the solitary tract to CCK is reduced. We theorized that this pathway is not available to OLETF female rats that lack functional CCK-1 receptors to mediate the signal. The current study contributes to the understanding of the female body's adaptation to lactation.
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Affiliation(s)
- O Zagoory-Sharon
- Department of Psychology, The Leslie and Susan Gonda Goldschmied Multidisciplinary Brain Research Center, Bar Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel.
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Caminos JE, Bravo SB, González CR, Garcés MF, Cepeda LA, González AC, Cordido F, López M, Diéguez C. Food-intake-regulating-neuropeptides are expressed and regulated through pregnancy and following food restriction in rat placenta. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2008; 6:14. [PMID: 18384674 PMCID: PMC2386475 DOI: 10.1186/1477-7827-6-14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2007] [Accepted: 04/02/2008] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neuropeptide Y (NPY), agouti related peptide (AgRP), cocaine and amphetamine-regulated transcript (CART) and melanocortins, the products of the proopiomelanocortin (POMC), are hypothalamic peptides involved in feeding regulation and energy homeostasis. Recent evidence has demonstrated their expression in rat and human placenta. METHODS In the current study, we have investigated the expression of those neuropeptides in the rat placenta by real-time PCR using a model of maternal food restriction. RESULTS Our results showed that placental-derived neuropeptides were regulated through pregnancy and following food restriction. CONCLUSION These data could indicate that placental-derived neuropeptides represent a local regulatory circuit that may fine-tune control of energy balance during pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge E Caminos
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
- Department of Physiology and Genetic Institute, Faculty of Medicine, National University of Colombia. Bogotá, Colombia
- Endocrine Department, Hospital Juan Canalejo, A Coruña, Spain
| | - Susana B Bravo
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - C Ruth González
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Maria F Garcés
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
- Department of Physiology and Genetic Institute, Faculty of Medicine, National University of Colombia. Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Libia A Cepeda
- Department of Physiology and Genetic Institute, Faculty of Medicine, National University of Colombia. Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Adriana C González
- Department of Physiology and Genetic Institute, Faculty of Medicine, National University of Colombia. Bogotá, Colombia
| | | | - Miguel López
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
- CIBER of Obesity and Nutrition, Instituto Salud Carlos III, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Carlos Diéguez
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
- CIBER of Obesity and Nutrition, Instituto Salud Carlos III, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
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39
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Augustine RA, Grattan DR. Induction of central leptin resistance in hyperphagic pseudopregnant rats by chronic prolactin infusion. Endocrinology 2008; 149:1049-55. [PMID: 18063686 DOI: 10.1210/en.2007-1018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Pregnancy in rats is associated with hyperphagia, increased fat deposition, and elevated plasma leptin concentrations. Elevated leptin would be expected to inhibit food intake, but hypothalamic leptin resistance develops around midpregnancy, allowing hyperphagia to be maintained and excess energy to be stored as fat in preparation for future metabolic demands of lactation. To investigate the hormonal mechanisms inducing leptin resistance during pregnancy, the anorectic response to leptin was examined during pseudopregnancy. Pseudopregnant rats have identical hormonal profiles to early pregnancy, but no placenta formation, allowing differentiation of maternal and placental hormone effects on appetite. To investigate the effect of leptin on food intake, d-9 pseudopregnant rats were injected with leptin (4 microg) via an intracerebroventricular (icv) cannula, and then food intake was measured 24 h later. Pseudopregnant rats were hyperphagic but had normal anorectic responses to leptin. We therefore hypothesized that a longer exposure time to high concentrations of progesterone might be required to mimic the leptin resistance that occurs on d 14 of pregnancy. Pseudopregnant rats were given progesterone to prolong pseudopregnancy beyond the time that leptin resistance develops during pregnancy. However, rats remained responsive to icv leptin. To model the placental lactogen secretion that occurs during pregnancy, pseudopregnant rats were given progesterone and chronic icv ovine prolactin infusion. Central icv injection of leptin had no effect on food intake in pseudopregnant rats receiving chronic ovine prolactin. These results suggest that chronically high lactogen levels, secreted by the placenta during the second half of pregnancy, induce central leptin resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachael A Augustine
- Centre for Neuroendocrinology and Department of Anatomy and Structural Biology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
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Abstract
The adipose-derived hormone leptin primarily acts in the hypothalamus to decrease appetite and increase energy expenditure, thereby maintaining body fat levels around a set point. Pregnancy is a physiological state where this feedback mechanism is not beneficial. Successful reproductive efforts are highly demanding on the resources of the mother; thus, it is imperative that the maternal body can increase energy stores without restraint. Food intake, fat mass and serum leptin concentrations increase during pregnancy in the rat, suggesting that the feedback loop between adipose tissue and appetite is disrupted and a state of leptin resistance exists. In support of this, there is an attenuation of the satiety response to exogenous leptin administration in pregnant rats. This state of leptin resistance is associated with impaired activation of the leptin-induced Janus activating kinase (JAK)/signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) signalling pathway in the ventromedial nucleus of the hypothalamus (VMH) and arcuate nucleus, and reduced expression of leptin receptor mRNA in the VMH. Furthermore, pregnant rats do not show a satiety response to exogenous alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone. This model offers the possibility of examining how hypothalamic leptin signalling can be modified in response to changes in physiological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- S R Ladyman
- Centre for Studies in Behavioural Neurobiology, Concordia University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
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41
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Expression of neuropeptide W in rat stomach mucosa: Regulation by nutritional status, glucocorticoids and thyroid hormones. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2008; 146:106-11. [DOI: 10.1016/j.regpep.2007.08.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2007] [Revised: 07/16/2007] [Accepted: 08/28/2007] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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42
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Augustine RA, Ladyman SR, Grattan DR. From feeding one to feeding many: hormone-induced changes in bodyweight homeostasis during pregnancy. J Physiol 2007; 586:387-97. [PMID: 18033810 DOI: 10.1113/jphysiol.2007.146316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Pregnancy is associated with hyperphagia, increased fat mass, hyperleptinaemia and hyperprolactinaemia. The neuroendocrine control of bodyweight involves appetite-regulating centres in the hypothalamus, containing both orexigenic and anorexigenic neurons that express leptin receptors (LepR). In the rat, central leptin resistance develops during mid pregnancy, well after hyperphagia becomes apparent, to negate the appetite suppressing effects of leptin. We have investigated the hypothalamic response to leptin during pregnancy and examined the role of pregnancy hormones in inducing these changes. We have shown that there are multiple levels of leptin resistance during pregnancy. Despite elevated serum leptin, neuropeptide Y and agouti related peptide mRNA in the arcuate nucleus are not suppressed and may even be increased during pregnancy. LepR mRNA and leptin-induced pSTAT3 expression, however, are relatively normal in the arcuate nucleus. In contrast, both LepR and leptin-induced pSTAT3 are reduced in the ventromedial hypothalamic nucleus. Injecting alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH) into the brain, to bypass the first-order leptin-responsive neurons in the arcuate nucleus, also fails to suppress food intake during pregnancy, suggesting that pregnancy is also a melanocortin-resistant state. Using a pseudopregnant rat model, we have demonstrated that in addition to the changes in maternal ovarian steroid secretion, placental lactogen production is essential for the induction of leptin resistance in pregnancy. Thus, hormonal changes associated with pregnancy induce adaptive changes in the maternal hypothalamus, stimulating food intake and then allowing elevated food intake to be maintained in the face of elevated leptin levels, resulting in fat deposition to provide energy stores in preparation for the high metabolic demands of late pregnancy and lactation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachael A Augustine
- Centre for Neuroendocrinology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Otago, PO Box 913, Dunedin, New Zealand
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43
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Parola R, Macchi E, Fracchia D, Sabbioni A, Avanzi D, Motta M, Accornero P, Baratta M. Comparison between plasma and milk levels of leptin during pregnancy and lactation in cow, a relationship with ?-lactoglobulin. J Anim Physiol Anim Nutr (Berl) 2007; 91:240-6. [PMID: 17516946 DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0396.2007.00698.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Leptin gene is expressed in the mammary tissue and the expression of both leptin and its receptor changes significantly during pregnancy and lactation, with high levels during the first half of pregnancy and a decrease at delivery. The aim of this work was to investigate into leptin concentration in plasma and in milk during pregnancy and the first week after parturition in dairy cow and to analyze the correlation between leptin and beta-lactoglobulin (beta-LG) concentrations in plasma and in milk. The trial was conducted on six Holstein dairy cows, reared in the same environmental conditions and evaluated with similar body condition score, during the complete reproductive cycle from insemination to the delivery. Blood from the jugular vein and milk samples were collected at weekly intervals. Plasma leptin concentration showed a lower level (p < 0.05) at the beginning of pregnancy. Milk leptin concentration showed a higher level (p < 0.01) than plasma level from week 23 to week 29 of pregnancy. Plasma beta-LG concentrations were higher (p < 0.01) compared to plasma concentrations during the first part of pregnancy, then milk levels rise and become higher than plasma levels during the last weeks before dry period. A positive correlation (p < 0.01) was observed between leptin and beta-LG both in plasma and in milk profiles.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Parola
- Department Veterinary Morphophysiology, University of Torino, Grugliasco, Torino, Italy
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López M, Tovar S, Vázquez MJ, Williams LM, Diéguez C. Peripheral tissue-brain interactions in the regulation of food intake. Proc Nutr Soc 2007; 66:131-55. [PMID: 17343779 DOI: 10.1017/s0029665107005368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
More than 70 years ago the glucostatic, lipostatic and aminostatic hypotheses proposed that the central nervous system sensed circulating levels of different metabolites, changing feeding behaviour in response to the levels of those molecules. In the last 20 years the rapid increase in obesity and associated pathologies in developed countries has involved a substantial increase in the knowledge of the physiological and molecular mechanism regulating body mass. This effort has resulted in the recent discovery of new peripheral signals, such as leptin and ghrelin, as well as new neuropeptides, such as orexins, involved in body-weight homeostasis. The present review summarises research into energy balance, starting from the original classical hypotheses proposing metabolite sensing, through peripheral tissue-brain interactions and coming full circle to the recently-discovered role of hypothalamic fatty acid synthase in feeding regulation. Understanding these molecular mechanisms will provide new pharmacological targets for the treatment of obesity and appetite disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel López
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Santiago de Compostela, C/San Francisco s/n 15782, Santiago de Compostela, A Coruña, Spain
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Abstract
Despite elevated plasma leptin, food intake is increased during pregnancy leading to fat deposition. We have demonstrated that intracerebroventricular (icv) leptin is unable to suppress food intake in pregnant rats, as it does in non-pregnant animals. Hence, central leptin resistance develops during pregnancy. These changes are physiologically appropriate, providing increased energy reserves to help meet the high metabolic demands of fetal development and lactation. To characterise this central leptin resistance, we have measured levels of leptin receptor (Ob-Rb) mRNA in the hypothalamus, and examined leptin-induced phosphorylation of STAT3 (pSTAT3) in specific regions of the hypothalamus. In addition, to investigate the mechanism underlying pregnancy-induced leptin resistance, we have investigated effects of hormone treatments on hypothalamic responses to leptin in a pseudopregnant rat model. We observed a significant reduction of Ob-Rb mRNA levels in the ventromedial hypothalamic nucleus (VMH) during pregnancy, with no changes detected in other hypothalamic nuclei. Levels of leptin-induced pSTAT3 were specifically suppressed in the VMH and arcuate nucleus of pregnant rats compared to non-pregnant rats. Pseudopregnant rats were hyperphagic but did not become leptin resistant, suggesting that fetal or placental factors are required for the induction of leptin resistance. These data implicate the VMH as a key hypothalamic site involved in hormone-induced leptin resistance during pregnancy, and suggest that placental hormone secretion may mediate the hormone-induced loss of response to leptin.
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Affiliation(s)
- David R Grattan
- Centre for Neuroendocrinology and Department of Anatomy and Structural Biology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand.
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46
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Tauson AH, Forsberg M, Chwalibog A. High leptin in pregnant mink (Mustela vison) may exert anorexigenic effects: a permissive factor for rapid increase in food intake during lactation. Br J Nutr 2007; 91:411-21. [PMID: 15005827 DOI: 10.1079/bjn20041049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
The role for leptin in food intake regulation in the mink, a polytocous seasonal breeder with altricial young, was investigated in pregnant and lactating dams and data were related to quantitative energy metabolism measurements and plasma concentrations of other important metabolic hormones. A total of nine mink dams were measured in consecutive 1-week balance periods, each including a 22h measurement of heat production by means of indirect calorimetry, and blood was sampled at weekly intervals throughout gestation and during lactation weeks 1–4. Intake of metabolisable energy (ME) was high and energy balance was positive until the first third of true gestation. During mid- and late gestation ME intake decreased (P<0·001) while heat production remained almost constant, resulting in negative energy balance and the loss of body weight. From late gestation until lactation week 4, ME intake increased by 3·5 times, but weight loss continued. Plasma concentrations of leptin were approximately doubled during the last two-thirds of true gestation (P<0·01), demonstrating a clear gestational hyperleptinaemia. Concentrations declined rapidly after parturition and then remained stable. Insulin was independent of leptin, with low concentrations coincident with hyperleptinaemia. Also, concentrations of thyroid hormones declined during gestation, probably reflecting the low food intake. Hyperleptinaemia concomitant with low ME intake, negative energy balance and mobilisation of body reserves suggested an anorexigenic effect of leptin in pregnant mink. This suppression of food intake in late gestation might be permissive for the rapid increase in food intake occurring after parturition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne-Helene Tauson
- Department of Animal Science and Animal Health, The Royal Veterinary and Agricultural University, Bülowsvej 13, DK-1870 Frederiksberg C, Denmark.
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Ferreira CLP, Macêdo GM, Latorraca MQ, Arantes VC, Veloso RV, Carneiro EM, Boschero AC, Nascimento CMO, Gaíva MH. Serum leptin and insulin levels in lactating protein-restricted rats: implications for energy balance. Br J Nutr 2007; 97:27-34. [PMID: 17217557 DOI: 10.1017/s0007114507106863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
The present study analysed the effect of protein restriction on serum insulin and leptin levels and their relationship with energy balance during lactation. Four groups of rats received isocaloric diets containing 170 g protein/kg or 60 g protein/kg from pregnancy until the 14th day of lactation: control non-lactating, control lactating (both fed a control diet), low-protein non-lactating and low-protein lactating. Energy intake, body composition, energy balance, serum insulin and leptin concentrations and the relationship between these hormones and several factors related to obesity were analysed. Low-protein-intake lactating rats exhibited hypoinsulinaemia, hyperleptinaemia, hypophagia and decreased energy expenditure compared with control lactating rats. The protein level in the carcasses was lower in the low-protein lactating group than in the control lactating group, resulting in a higher fat content in the first group compared with the latter. Body fat correlated inversely with serum insulin and positively with serum leptin level. There was a significant negative correlation between serum leptin and energy intake, and a positive relationship between energy intake and serum insulin level in lactating rats and in the combined data from both groups. Energy expenditure was correlated positively with serum insulin and negatively with serum leptin in lactating rats and when data from control non-lactating and lactating rats were pooled. Lactating rats submitted to protein restriction, compared with lactating control rats, showed that maternal reserves were preserved owing to less severe negative energy balance. This metabolic adaptation was obtained, at least in part, by the hypoinsulinaemia that resulted in increased insulin sensitivity favouring enhanced fat deposition, hyperleptinaemia and hypophagia.
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Affiliation(s)
- C L P Ferreira
- Departmento de Alimentos e Nutriçao, Universidade Fedral de Mato Grosso, Cuiabá, Brazil
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48
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López M, Tovar S, Vázquez MJ, Nogueiras R, Seoane LM, García M, Señarís RM, Diéguez C. Perinatal overfeeding in rats results in increased levels of plasma leptin but unchanged cerebrospinal leptin in adulthood. Int J Obes (Lond) 2006; 31:371-7. [PMID: 16801924 DOI: 10.1038/sj.ijo.0803425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To study the effect of perinatal programming and overfeeding on the hypothalamic control mechanisms of food intake in adult rats. DESIGN Neonatal programming effects on body weight, food intake, central and peripheral leptin levels, hypothalamic neuropeptides, leptin receptors and central leptin responsiveness in adult rats. MEASUREMENTS Plasma and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leptin levels were analyzed using radioimmunoassay. Neuropeptide mRNA levels were analyzed using in situ hybridization. Leptin receptor mRNA levels were analyzed using reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS Perinatally overfed rats growing up in small litters (SL) maintain their obese and hyperleptinemic phenotype in adulthood. However, leptin levels in CSF are abnormally low considering the plasmatic hyperleptinemia. In contrast to the already reported changes in perinatally overfed juvenile rats, perinatally overfed adult rats did not show any alteration in the expression of leptin receptor isoforms and evaluated neuropeptides. Moreover, SL adult rats showed a normal sensitivity regarding the inhibitory effect of intracerebroventricular leptin administration on food intake. CONCLUSION Perinatal overfeeding does not induce alterations in either the anorectic response to central leptin administration or expression of leptin receptors and neuropeptides in adulthood. The leptin resistance to peripheral leptin in SL adult rats may be related to impaired leptin transport across the blood-brain barrier.
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Affiliation(s)
- M López
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Santiago de Compostela, S Francisco s/n, Santiago de Compostela (A Coruña), Spain
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Abstract
Leptin influences satiety, adiposity, and metabolism and is associated with mechanisms regulating puberty onset, fertility, and pregnancy in various species. Maternal hyperleptinemia is a hallmark of mammalian pregnancy, although both the roles of leptin and the mechanisms regulating its synthesis appear to be taxa specific. In pregnant humans and nonhuman primates, leptin is produced by both maternal and fetal adipose tissues, as well as by the placental trophoblast. Specific receptors in the uterine endometrium, trophoblast, and fetus facilitate direct effects of the polypeptide on implantation, placental endocrine function, and conceptus development. A soluble isoform of the receptor may be responsible for inducing maternal leptin resistance during pregnancy and/or may facilitate the transplacental passage of leptin for the purpose of directly regulating fetal development. The steroid hormones are linked to the regulation of leptin and the leptin receptor and probably interact with other pregnancy-specific, serum-borne factors to regulate leptin dynamics during pregnancy. In addition to its effects on normal conceptus development, leptin is linked to mechanisms affecting a diverse array of pregnancy-specific pathologies that include preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, and intrauterine growth restriction. Association with these anomalies and with mechanisms pointing to a fetal origin for a range of conditions affecting the individual's health in adult life, such as obesity, diabetes mellitus, and cardiovascular disease, reiterate the need for continued research dedicated to elucidating leptin's roles and regulation throughout gestation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael C Henson
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tulane University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, Louisiana 70112-2699, USA.
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Frontera M, Pujol E, Rodríguez-Cuenca S, Català-Niell A, Roca P, García-Palmer FJ, Gianotti M. Rat brown adipose tissue thermogenic features are altered during mid-pregnancy. Cell Physiol Biochem 2005; 15:203-10. [PMID: 15956783 DOI: 10.1159/000086407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/01/2005] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Brown adipose tissue (BAT) thermogenesis is inhibited during late-pregnancy and lactation in the rat. However, scarce information concerning BAT functionality during mid-pregnancy is available. The aim of this work was to investigate uncoupling proteins and leptin expression during placentation in rat BAT as well as other key parameters in the thermogenic function of the tissue. BAT mitochondrial content was found to be reduced 50% in 11 and 13 day pregnant rats as compared to nonpregnant controls, although uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) content was not modified. Furthermore, UCP3 mRNA levels were found to be highly increased during this period. beta3-adrenergic receptor (beta3-AR) decreased expression resulted in a higher alpha2/beta3 ratio. Finally, leptin mRNA levels in BAT were found to be 3-fold up-regulated in pregnant animals. In conclusion, we show the existence of profound changes in thermogenic features in BAT during gestational days 11 and 13, pointing to the importance of this tissue during mid-pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margalida Frontera
- Grup de Metabolisme Energètic i Nutrició, Departament de Biologia Fonamental i Ciències de la Salut, Institut Universitari d'Investigació en Ciències de la Salut (IUNICS), Universitat de les Illes Balears, Palma de Mallorca, Spain
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