Functional and molecular evaluation of energy metabolism adaptations in liver from pregnant rats.

Author(s)

Sandra Campos Rodrigues

• Document type: Master's Dissertation
• Press: São Paulo.
• Institution: Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas (ICB/SDI)
• Defense date: 2011-05-20

Examining board members

Silvana Auxiliadora Bordin da Silva; Fernanda Gaspar do Amaral; Luciana Chagas Caperuto

• Advisor: Silvana Auxiliadora Bordin da Silva

Abstract

The involvement of the liver in maternal glucose homeostasis is still unclear. This study evaluated the hepatic glucose production in pregnant rats and some of the hepatic metabolic pathways involved in metabolic disorders mediated by the liver in late pregnancy.There was a decrease in liver glycogen content and plasma glucose in pregnant rats. The rate of gluconeogenesis decreased as well as the contents of IR tyrosine phosphorylation after insulin stimulus, but the pSer-AKT, PEPCK, SHP2 contents, SHP2-IR association and the expression of PEPCK remained unaltered. The content of PTP1B and its association with IR decreases in the presence of insulin. The content of G6Pase, AMPK and the phosphorylation of AMPK a/1 and consequently the phosphorylation of ACC decreases in liver from pregnant animals. Triglyceride levels and the expression of FAS was increased in pregnant rats whereas the triglycerides reduced in the liver. The expression of G-6-Pase, MEs, LXR, SREBP1 and PFK decreased in the liver of pregnant rats. The results indicate no insulin resistance in the liver of pregnant rats, and that hepatic metabolic activity in this period is focused on de novo fatty acids synthesis. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 09/02651-3 - Study of the AMPK pathway in hepatic metabolic adaptation during pregnancy and lactation.
• Grantee: Sandra Campos Rodrigues
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master