Insulin Sensitivity in Offspring of Rats on Restricted Diets
Author Information
Author(s): Daniel C Benyshek, Carol S Johnston, John F Martin, William D Ross
Primary Institution: University of Nevada Las Vegas
Hypothesis
Does maternal energy restriction during pregnancy affect insulin sensitivity in subsequent generations of offspring?
Conclusion
Maternal energy-restriction did not consistently program reduced insulin sensitivity in offspring over three generations.
Supporting Evidence
- F2 animals fed energy-restricted diets were insulin resistant.
- F3 offspring showed normal or enhanced insulin sensitivity compared to controls.
- The study suggests maternal insulin sensitivity during pregnancy may influence offspring insulin sensitivity.
Takeaway
When mother rats eat less during pregnancy, their babies might not be as healthy, but their grandbabies can be just fine.
Methodology
Female Sprague Dawley rats were mated and fed low protein diets during pregnancy, then their offspring were weaned onto energy-restricted diets.
Limitations
The reasons for the normalization of insulin sensitivity in F3 offspring remain unclear.
Participant Demographics
Sprague Dawley rats were used in the study.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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