Maternal protein restriction impairs intestinal morphophysiology and antioxidant system in young male offspring rats

Author(s):Show less -

dos Santos, Isabela Baptista Leal ; Fioretto, Matheus Naia ; Jorge, Miguel Silingardi ; Barata, Luisa Annibal ; Ribeiro, Isabelle Tenori ; Franzolin, Andre Matheus Leandro ; Stoppa, Erick Guilherme ; Mattos, Renato ; Portela, Luiz Marcos Frediane ; Silva, Maycon Tavares Emilio ; dos Santos, Sergio Alexandre Alcantara ; Miranda, Jose Ricardo de Arruda ; Lima, Clelia Akiko Hiruma ; Justulin, Luis Antonio

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Experimental Cell Research; v. 446, n. 1, p. 12-pg., 2025-02-22.

Abstract

The developmental origins of health and disease (DOHaD) concept suggests that adverse conditions during gestation can influence the development and function of multiple organs, including the gastrointestinal tract. Maternal protein restriction (MPR) exposure has been associated with negative effects on reproduction, the endocrine system, and liver metabolic health. However, limited research has explored the impact of MPR on the offspring's intestinal morphophysiology. This study investigated the effects of gestational and lactational MPR on the duodenum and colon of young male offspring rats at postnatal (PND)21. We hypothesize that MPR affects intestinal morphophysiology and development early in life. Our findings revealed tachygastria in offspring exposed to MPR. The ultrastructural analysis uncovered a reduction in goblet cell numbers and changes in collagen deposition in the duodenum and colon. We also identified imbalances in inflammatory markers (IL-6 and TGF-beta 1) and antioxidant enzymes (CAT and SOD). These results demonstrate that MPR significantly affects gastrointestinal morphophysiology early in life by disrupting gastric motility and altering duodenal and colonic histoarchitecture, antioxidant defense, and inflammatory pathways. Such alterations may predispose the descendants to long-term gastrointestinal disorders, underscoring the importance of further research on the developmental origins of intestinal health and disease. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 17/01063-7 - Integrative global analyzes of the rat ventral prostate submitted to maternal protein restriction and its repercussions with aging
• Grantee: Luis Antonio Justulin Junior
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• FAPESP's process: 22/03660-0 - Maternal protein restriction and gastrointestinal tract: effects on the duodenal physiology of post-weaning rats
• Grantee: Miguel Silingardi Jorge
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• FAPESP's process: 22/03990-0 - Global expression profile of lncRNAs in the ventral prostate of offspring rats submitted to maternal low protein diet: a DOHaD approach
• Grantee: Luis Antonio Justulin Junior
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• FAPESP's process: 21/13037-6 - Effects of maternal malnutrition on colon morphophysiology of male rat offspring
• Grantee: Isabela Baptista Leal dos Santos
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation