Feed restriction during pregnancy/lactation induces programmed changes in lipid, adiponectin and leptin levels with gender differences in rat offspring.

OBJECTIVE

We investigated the effects of fetal undernutrition during pregnancy/lactation on visceral fat, lipid profiles, leptin and adiponectin, and examined the gender differences between males and females.

STUDY DESIGN

From 10 d to term gestation and through lactation, control pregnant rats were fed ad libitum (AdLib) food, whereas study rats were 50% food restricted (FR). Cross-fostering techniques were used to examine the effects of FR during pregnancy and lactation periods. Lipid profiles, leptin and adiponectin were determined in offspring at ages 3 weeks and 6 months. We also measured the amount of visceral fat in the offspring.

RESULTS

The amount of visceral fat in the 6-month-old FR/AdLib offspring was higher than that in the control (p < 0.05). Among the 6-month-old offspring, triglyceride and leptin levels were higher in FR/AdLib offspring than those in the controls (p < 0.05). The female offspring had higher levels of triglyceride, HDL-cholesterol, and adiponectin and the male offspring had higher levels of LDL cholesterol and leptin.

CONCLUSION

Fetal undernutrition only during pregnancy resulted in obese offspring, higher levels of plasma triglyceride and leptin with gender differences.