In utero substrate restriction by placental insufficiency or maternal undernutrition decreases optical redox ratio in foetal perirenal fat. Issue 4 (10th January 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lazniewska, Joanna; Darby, Jack R. T.; Holman, Stacey L.; Sorvina, Alexandra; Plush, Sally E.; Massi, Massimiliano; Brooks, Doug A.; Morrison, Janna L.
• Is Part Of: Journal of biophotonics. Volume 14:Issue 4(2021)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2021-01-10
• Subjects: adipose tissue -- foetal growth -- intrauterine growth restriction -- metabolism -- 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.202000322
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1864-063X

Abstract

Abstract: Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) can result from reduced delivery of substrates, including oxygen and glucose, during pregnancy and may be caused by either placental insufficiency or maternal undernutrition. As a consequence of IUGR, there is altered programming of adipose tissue and this can be associated with metabolic diseases later in life. We have utilised two sheep models of IUGR, placental restriction and late gestation undernutrition, to determine the metabolic effects of growth restriction on foetal perirenal adipose tissue (PAT). Two‐photon microscopy was employed to obtain an optical redox ratio, which gives an indication of cell metabolism. PAT of IUGR foetuses exhibited higher metabolic activity, altered lipid droplet morphology, upregulation of cytochrome c oxidase subunit genes and decreased expression of genes involved in growth and differentiation. Our results indicate that there are adaptations in PAT of IUGR foetuses that might be protective and ensure survival in response to an IUGR insult. Abstract : Sheep models of intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR); late gestation maternal undernutrition (LGUN) and placental restriction (PR) were utilised to investigate metabolic changes in foetal perirenal adipose tissue (PAT). Two endogenous fluorophores were imaged, the ratio of which is indicative of the redox status of the tissue. The decreased redox ratio in IUGR fat was accompanied by altered expression of genes and changes in lipid droplet morphology. The results indicate that in IUGR associated with hypoglycaemia and/or hypoxemia there is a metabolic imbalance of foetal PAT.