Redox ratio in the left ventricle of the growth restricted fetus is positively correlated with cardiac output. Issue 12 (16th September 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Dimasi, Catherine G.; Lazniewska, Joanna; Plush, Sally E.; Saini, Brahmdeep S.; Holman, Stacey L.; Cho, Steven K. S.; Wiese, Michael D.; Sorvina, Alexandra; Macgowan, Christopher K.; Seed, Mike; Brooks, Doug A.; Morrison, Janna L.; Darby, Jack R. T.
• Is Part Of: Journal of biophotonics. Volume 14:Issue 12(2021)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2021-09-16
• Subjects: cardiac output -- cardiovascular -- foetal development -- foetal growth restriction -- fetus -- metabolism -- MRI -- redox ratio -- substrate supply -- two‐photon microscopy; Photonics -- Periodicals; Optical materials -- Periodicals; Optics -- Periodicals; Medical instruments and apparatus -- Periodicals; 621.3605
• DOI: 10.1002/jbio.202100157
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1864-063X

Abstract

Abstract: Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is a result of limited substrate supply to the developing fetus in utero, and can be caused by either placental, genetic or environmental factors. Babies born IUGR can have poor long‐term health outcomes, including being at higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Limited substrate supply in the IUGR fetus not only changes the structure of the heart but may also affect metabolism and function of the developing heart. We have utilised two imaging modalities, two‐photon microscopy and phase‐contrast MRI (PC‐MRI), to assess alterations in cardiac metabolism and function using a sheep model of IUGR. Two‐photon imaging revealed that the left ventricle of IUGR fetuses (at 140–141 d GA) had a reduced optical redox ratio, suggesting a reliance on glycolysis for ATP production. Concurrently, the use of PC‐MRI to measure foetal left ventricular cardiac output (LVCO) revealed a positive correlation between LVCO and redox ratio in IUGR, but not control fetuses. These data suggest that altered heart metabolism in IUGR fetuses is indicative of reduced cardiac output, which may contribute to poor cardiac outcomes in adulthood. Abstract : Babies born too small due to receiving insufficient nutrients and oxygen during pregnancy have an increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease in later life. We have combined two imaging modalities, two‐photon microscopy and phase‐contrast MRI, to assess and intrinsically link alterations in cardiac metabolism with cardiac function in normally grown and growth restricted fetuses.