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Project description:The liver is a major site for synthesis, storage and redistribution of carbohydrates, proteins and lipids. In addition, it is well-known that maternal obesity (MO) increases risk of offspring cardiovascular disease (CVD), diabetes and obesity. However, the mechanisms by which the MO intrauterine environment predisposes offspring to CVD and metabolic dysregulation are unknown. The goal of this study was to assess the impact of MO on primate fetal liver and identify underlying molecular mechanisms by which MO increases disease risk. The goal of this study was to identify candidate molecular mechanisms underlying MO in the near-term non-human primate (NHP) fetal liver. This is the first study of NHP fetal MO livers using unbiased transcriptome analysis to quantify hepatic gene expression, identify dysregulated signaling pathways and potential miRNAs regulating the disrupted metabolic processes. Unbiased gene (arrays) and microRNA (miRNA; small RNA-Seq) abundances were quantified in near-term (0.9 Gestation (0.9G)) baboon fetal livers (control (CON) = 6; MO = 5) and subjected to pathway and network analyses (GeneSifter, Ingenuity® Pathway Analysis (IPA)) to identify a coordinated molecular response to MO. Lipid and glycogen content (CON = 16; MO = 16) were quantified by Computer Assisted Stereology Toolbox (CAST) in 0.9G livers. Pairwise comparisons showed 933 differentially expressed genes between CON and MO livers: 350 genes were upregulated and 583 were downregulated. Pathway analysis revealed upregulation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling and downregulation of tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, proteasome, oxidative phosphorylation and glycolysis pathways in MO fetal livers compared with CON. Inversely expressed miRNAs that target genes in these pathways provide additional support for the importance of these pathways in fetal liver metabolic regulation. Consistent with the observed pathway changes in MO, we found hepatic lipid content was threefold greater in MO than CON fetal livers (p=0.02). Molecular genetic analyses of CON and MO fetal baboon livers revealed dysregulation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling, TCA cycle, proteasome, oxidative phosphorylation and glycolysis pathways in MO livers, all of which are central to fatty acid metabolism and lipid storage. The marked lipid accumulation in MO fetal livers supports our hypothesis that dysregulation of these pathways detrimentally impacts lipid management. Furthermore, our findings demonstrate the detrimental impact of MO on fetal liver development and suggest impaired hepatic function prior to birth.
2018-12-26 | GSE97554 | GEO
Project description:The liver is a major site for synthesis, storage and redistribution of carbohydrates, proteins and lipids. In addition, it is well-known that maternal obesity (MO) increases risk of offspring cardiovascular disease (CVD), diabetes and obesity. However, the mechanisms by which the MO intrauterine environment predisposes offspring to CVD and metabolic dysregulation are unknown. The goal of this study was to assess the impact of MO on primate fetal liver and identify underlying molecular mechanisms by which MO increases disease risk. The goal of this study was to identify candidate molecular mechanisms underlying MO in the near-term NHP fetal liver. This is the first study of NHP fetal MO livers using unbiased transcriptome analysis to quantify hepatic gene expression, identify dysregulated signaling pathways and potential miRNAs regulating the disrupted metabolic processes. Unbiased gene (arrays) and microRNA (miRNA; small RNA-Seq) abundances were quantified in near-term (0.9 Gestation (0.9G)) baboon fetal livers (control (CON) = 6; MO = 5) and subjected to pathway and network analyses (GeneSifter, Ingenuity® Pathway Analysis (IPA)) to identify a coordinated molecular response to MO. Lipid and glycogen content (CON = 16; MO = 16) were quantified by Computer Assisted Stereology Toolbox (CAST) in 0.9G livers.Pairwise comparisons showed 933 differentially expressed genes between CON and MO livers: 350 genes were upregulated and 583 were downregulated. Pathway analysis revealed upregulation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling and downregulation of tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, proteasome, oxidative phosphorylation and glycolysis pathways in MO fetal livers compared with CON. Inversely expressed miRNAs that target genes in these pathways provide additional support for the importance of these pathways in fetal liver metabolic regulation. Consistent with the observed pathway changes in MO, we found hepatic lipid content was threefold greater in MO than CON fetal livers (p=0.02). Molecular genetic analyses of CON and MO fetal baboon livers revealed dysregulation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling, TCA cycle, proteasome, oxidative phosphorylation and glycolysis pathways in MO livers, all of which are central to fatty acid metabolism and lipid storage. The marked lipid accumulation in MO fetal livers supports our hypothesis that dysregulation of these pathways detrimentally impacts lipid management. Furthermore, our findings demonstrate the detrimental impact of MO on fetal liver development and suggest impaired hepatic function prior to birth.
2018-12-26 | GSE99717 | GEO
Project description:Primate fetal hepatic response to maternal obesity: epigenetic signaling pathways and lipid accumulation
| PRJNA389405 | ENA
Project description:It has been widely reported that obesity adversely impacts reproductive performance of females. However, the effects of maternal obesity on fetal germ cells remain poorly understood. In the present study, by employing a high-fat diet (HFD)-based mouse model, it is discovered that maternal obesity disrupts the chromosomal synapsis and homologous recombination during fetal oogenesis. Moreover, transcriptomic profiling reveales the potential molecular network controlling this process. Of note, the global hypermethylation of genomic DNA in fetal oocytes from obese mouse is detected. Importantly, time-restricted feeding (TRF) of obese mice not only ameliorate the meiotic defects, but also partly restore the epigenetic remodeling in fetal oocytes. In sum, the evidence are provided showing the deficit fetal oogenesis in obese mother, implicating a mechanism underlying the intergenerational effects of environmental insults. TRF may represent a potentially effective approach for mitigating fertility issues in obese patients.
| S-EPMC11321662 | biostudies-literature
Project description:Background:Maternal obesity and maternal overnutrition, can lead to epigenetic alterations during pregnancy and these alterations can influence fetal and neonatal phenotype which increase the risk of metabolic disorders in later stages of life. Objective:The effects of maternal obesity on fetal programming and potential mechanisms of maternal epigenetic regulation of gene expression which have persistent effects on fetal health and development were investigated. Methods:Review of the literature was carried out in order to discuss the effects of maternal obesity and epigenetic mechanisms in fetal programming of metabolic disorders. All abstracts and full-text articles were examined and the most relevant articles were included in this review. Results:Maternal obesity and maternal overnutrition during fetal period has important overall effects on long-term health. Maternal metabolic alterations during early stages of fetal development can lead to permanent changes in organ structures, cell numbers and metabolism. Epigenetic modifications (DNA methylation, histone modifications, microRNAs) play an important role in disease susceptibility in the later stages of human life. Maternal nutrition alter expression of hypothalamic genes which can increase fetal and neonatal energy intake. Epigenetic modifications may affect the increasing rate of obesity and other metabolic disorders worldwide since the impact of these changes can be passed through generations. Conclusion:Weight management before and during pregnancy, together with healthy nutritional intakes may improve the maternal metabolic environment, which can reduce the risks of fetal programming of metabolic diseases. Further evidence from long-term follow-up studies are needed in order to determine the role of maternal obesity on epigenetic mechanisms.
| S-EPMC7235386 | biostudies-literature
Project description:Long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFAs) are critical for fetal brain development. Infants born to preeclamptic mothers or those born growth restricted due to placental insufficiency have reduced LCPUFA and are at higher risk for developing neurodevelopmental disorders. Since plasma levels of testosterone (T) and fatty acid-binding protein 4 (FABP4) are elevated in preeclampsia, we hypothesized that elevated T induces the expression of FABP4 in the placenta leading to compromised transplacental transport of LCPUFAs. Increased maternal T in pregnant rats significantly decreased n-3 and n-6 LCPUFA levels in maternal and fetal circulation, but increased their placental accumulation. Dietary LCPUFAs supplementation in T dams increased LCPUFA levels in the maternal circulation and further augmented placental storage, while failing to increase fetal levels. The placenta in T dams exhibited increased FABP4 mRNA and protein levels. In vitro, T dose-dependently upregulated FABP4 transcription in trophoblasts. Testosterone stimulated androgen receptor (AR) recruitment to the androgen response element and trans-activated FABP4 promoter activity, both of which were abolished by AR antagonist. Testosterone in pregnant rats and cultured trophoblasts significantly reduced transplacental transport of C14-docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and increased C14-DHA accumulation in the placenta. Importantly, FABP4 overexpression by itself in pregnant rats and trophoblasts increased transplacental transport of C14-DHA with no significant placental accumulation. Testosterone exposure, in contrast, inhibited this FABP4-mediated effect by promoting C14-DHA placental accumulation.
| S-EPMC9614932 | biostudies-literature
Project description:Undernutrition during pregnancy is implicated in the programming of offspring for the development of obesity and diabetes. We hypothesized that maternal programming causes epigenetic changes in fetal hypothalamic pathways regulating metabolism. This study used sheep to examine the effect of moderate maternal undernutrition (60 d before to 30 d after mating) and twinning to investigate changes in the key metabolic regulators proopiomelanocortin (POMC) and the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) in fetal hypothalami. Methylation of the fetal hypothalamic POMC promoter was reduced in underfed singleton, fed twin, and underfed twin groups (60, 73, and 63% decrease, respectively). This was associated with reduced DNA methyltransferase activity and altered histone methylation and acetylation. Methylation of the hypothalamic GR promoter was decreased in both twin groups and in maternally underfed singleton fetuses (52, 65, and 55% decrease, respectively). This correlated with changes in histone methylation and acetylation and increased GR mRNA expression in the maternally underfed singleton group. Alterations in GR were hypothalamic specific, with no changes in hippocampi. Unaltered levels of OCT4 promoter methylation indicated gene-specific effects. In conclusion, twinning and periconceptional undernutrition are associated with epigenetic changes in fetal hypothalamic POMC and GR genes, potentially resulting in altered energy balance regulation in the offspring.
| S-EPMC3316895 | biostudies-other
Project description:Overconsumption of added sugars has been pointed out as a major culprit in the increasing rates of obesity worldwide, contributing to the rising popularity of non-caloric sweeteners. In order to satisfy the growing demand, industrial efforts have been made to purify the sweet-tasting molecules found in the natural sweetener stevia, which are characterized by a sweet taste free of unpleasant aftertaste. Although the use of artificial sweeteners has raised many concerns regarding metabolic health, the impact of purified stevia components on the latter remains poorly studied. The objective of this project was to evaluate the impact of two purified sweet-tasting components of stevia, rebaudioside A and D (RebA and RebD), on the development of obesity, insulin resistance, hepatic health, bile acid profile, and gut microbiota in a mouse model of diet-induced obesity. Male C57BL/6 J mice were fed an obesogenic high-fat/high-sucrose (HFHS) diet and orally treated with 50 mg/kg of RebA, RebD or vehicle (water) for 12 weeks. An additional group of chow-fed mice treated with the vehicle was included as a healthy reference. At weeks 10 and 12, insulin and oral glucose tolerance tests were performed. Liver lipids content was analyzed. Whole-genome shotgun sequencing was performed to profile the gut microbiota. Bile acids were measured in the feces, plasma, and liver. Liver lipid content and gene expression were analyzed. As compared to the HFHS-vehicle treatment group, mice administered RebD showed a reduced weight gain, as evidenced by decreased visceral adipose tissue weight. Liver triglycerides and cholesterol from RebD-treated mice were lower and lipid peroxidation was decreased. Interestingly, administration of RebD was associated with a significant enrichment of Faecalibaculum rodentium in the gut microbiota and an increased secondary bile acid metabolism. Moreover, RebD decreased the level of lipopolysaccharide-binding protein (LBP). Neither RebA nor RebD treatments were found to impact glucose homeostasis. The daily consumption of two stevia components has no detrimental effects on metabolic health. In contrast, RebD treatment was found to reduce adiposity, alleviate hepatic steatosis and lipid peroxidation, and decrease LBP, a marker of metabolic endotoxemia in a mouse model of diet-induced obesity.
| S-EPMC10847429 | biostudies-literature
Project description:Maternal diabetes and obesity in pregnancy are well-known risk factors for structural birth defects, including neural tube defects and congenital heart defects. Progeny from affected pregnancies are also predisposed to developing cardiometabolic disease in later life. Based upon in vitro embryo cultures of rat embryos, it was postulated that nutrient uptake by the yolk sac is deficient in diabetic pregnancies. In contrast, using two independent mouse models of maternal diabetes, and a high-fat diet-feeding model of maternal obesity, we observed excessive lipid accumulation at 8.5 days in the yolk sac. The numbers as well as sizes of intracellular lipid droplets were increased in yolk sacs of embryos from diabetic and obese pregnancies. Maternal metabolic disease did not affect expression of lipid transporter proteins, including ApoA1, ApoB and SR-B1, consistent with our earlier report that expression of glucose and fatty acid transporter genes was also unchanged in diabetic pregnancy-derived yolk sacs. Colocalization of lipid droplets with lysosomes was significantly reduced in the yolk sacs from diabetic and obese pregnancies compared to yolk sacs from normal pregnancies. We therefore conclude that processing of lipids is defective in pregnancies affected by maternal metabolic disease, which may lead to reduced availability of lipids to the developing embryo. The possible implications of insufficient supply of lipids -and potentially of other nutrients-to the embryos experiencing adverse pregnancy conditions are discussed.
| S-EPMC10014468 | biostudies-literature
Project description:Acute kidney injury (AKI) often impairs the function of other organs leading to distant organ injury. The liver is the major organ that regulates metabolism and lipid homeostasis in the body. It has been reported that AKI causes liver injury with increased oxidative stress, inflammatory response and steatosis. In the present study, we investigated the mechanisms by which ischemia-reperfusion-induced AKI caused hepatic lipid accumulation. Kidney ischemia (45 min)-reperfusion (24 h) led to a significant increase in plasma creatinine and transaminase in Sprague Dawley rats, indicating kidney and liver injury. Histological and biochemical analyses revealed hepatic lipid accumulation with a significant elevation of triglyceride and cholesterol levels in the liver. This was accompanied by a decreased AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) phosphorylation, indicating the reduced activation of AMPK, which is an energy sensor that regulates lipid metabolism. The expression of AMPK-regulated genes that were responsible for fatty acid oxidation (CPTIα, ACOX) was significantly decreased, while the expression of lipogenesis genes (SREPB-1c, ACC1) was significantly elevated. The oxidative stress biomarker malondialdehyde was elevated in the plasma and liver. Incubation of HepG2 cells with an oxidative stress inducer hydrogen peroxide inhibited AMPK phosphorylation and caused cellular lipid accumulation. This was accompanied by decreased expression of genes responsible for fatty acid oxidation and increased expression of genes responsible for lipogenesis. These results suggest that AKI elicits hepatic lipid accumulation through decreased fatty acid metabolism and increased lipogenesis. Oxidative stress may contribute, in part, to the downregulation of the AMPK signaling pathway leading to hepatic lipid accumulation and injury.
| S-EPMC10135179 | biostudies-literature