Site‐Specific Changes in the Expression of Fat‐Partitioning Genes in Weanling Rats Exposed to a Low‐Protein Diet in Utero

Abstract

MALONEY, CHRIS A., ALISON K. GOSBY, JENNY L. PHUYAL, GARETH S. DENYER, JANET M. BRYSON, AND IAN D. CATERSON. Site-specific changes in the expression of fat-partitioning genes in weanling rats exposed to a low-protein diet in utero. Obes Res. 2003;11:461-468. Objective: Intrauterine growth restriction is associated with increased prevalence of the metabolic syndrome in adult life, including increased adiposity. The aim of this study was to investigate if maternal protein energy malnutrition is associated with changes in expression of genes involved in fat partitioning in weanling rats. Research Methods and Procedures: Time-mated mothers were placed on one of two isocaloric diets, low protein [(LP), 8% protein] or control (20% protein). All mothers remained on the diet throughout pregnancy and lactation. A third group received control for 2 weeks and was switched to LP for the last week of pregnancy and lactation [late low protein (LLP) group]. Offspring were analyzed at weaning for serum glucose, nonesterified fatty acids, triglyceride, and insulin. Expression of the genes acetyl-coenzyme A carboxylase, fatty acid synthase, and carnitine palmitoyl transferase 1 were measured in liver, quadriceps muscle, and subcutaneous white adipose tissue using semiquantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Results: LLP and LP offspring were shorter, weighed less, had reduced serum insulin and nonesterified fatty acids, and had increased serum glucose, serum triglycerides, and hepatic triglycerides. Hepatic gene expression of acetyl-coenzyme A carboxylase and fatty acid synthase was increased 2-fold in LLP and LP offspring (p Ͻ 0.001). These changes were not seen in muscle or subcutaneous white adipose tissue. CPT-1 gene expression was unaltered in all tissues examined. Discussion: Maternal protein energy malnutrition programs gene expression of lipogenic enzymes in the liver of weanling offspring in a manner favoring fat synthesis that may predispose these offspring to fat accumulation and insulin resistance later in life.

Experimental immunology The effect of vitamin B 6 supplementation of protein deficiency diet on hematological parameters in the blood of rats subjected/non subjected to physical exertion – a pilot study

“…Protein malnutrition impairs protein, lipid and carbohydrates metabolism, insulin secretion and pancreas function [6,8,24]. It also affects cardiovascular and immunology system due to endothelial dysfunction, hypertension and anemia syndrome or disturb growth and development of thymus and spleen [3,17,25].…”

Epigenetic changes in early life and future risk of obesity

“…Expression of acetyl-CoA carboxylase and fatty acid synthase were increased in the liver of the offspring of rats fed with a PR diet during pregnancy and lactation. 46 The offspring of rats fed with a PR diet during pregnancy show increased blood triacylglycerol (TAG) and non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA) concentrations. 42,47 Peroxisomal proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-a expression was increased in the liver of the offspring of rats fed with a PR diet during pregnancy and was accompanied by upregulation of its target gene acyl-CoA oxidase (AOX), while PPARg1 expression was unchanged.…”

Insulin release, peripheral insulin resistance and muscle function in protein malnutrition: a role of tricarboxylic acid cycle anaplerosis

“…Pups from low-protein-fed mothers showed reduced serum NEFA and similar skeletal muscle acetylCoA carboxylase, FA synthase and carnitine palmitoyl transferase-1 expression as compared with control (158) . These results are in line with those reported by Toyoshima et al (142) .…”