Effects of Feeding Oxidized Fat During Pregnancy on Fetal Liver Genes in Rats
Author Information
Author(s): Ringseis Robert, Gutgesell Anke, Dathe Corinna, Brandsch Corinna, Eder Klaus
Primary Institution: Institut für Agrar- und Ernährungswissenschaften, Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg
Hypothesis
Does feeding oxidized fat during pregnancy activate PPARα in fetal liver?
Conclusion
Feeding oxidized fat during whole pregnancy induces a PPARα response in fetal livers and lowers triacylglycerol concentrations.
Supporting Evidence
- Pregnant rats treated with oxidized fat had higher mRNA levels of PPARα-responsive genes.
- Fetuses of the oxidized fat group showed increased liver gene expression compared to controls.
- Oxidized fat reduced triacylglycerol levels in both pregnant rats and their fetuses.
Takeaway
When pregnant rats eat oxidized fat, it helps their babies' livers work better and lowers fat levels in the liver.
Methodology
Two experiments with pregnant rats were conducted, administering different diets to assess the effects on liver gene expression.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to the controlled feeding regimen and the specific strains of rats used.
Limitations
The study was conducted only on rats, which may not fully represent human physiology.
Participant Demographics
Female Sprague-Dawley rats, aged 11 weeks at the start of the study.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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