Dietary Protein Restriction during Pregnancy in Rats Affects Offspring's Liver Gene Expression Across Generations
Author Information
Author(s): Samuel P. Hoile, Karen A. Lillycrop, Nicola A. Thomas, Mark A. Hanson, Graham C. Burdge
Primary Institution: University of Southampton
Hypothesis
Does a protein-restricted diet during pregnancy in rats induce changes in liver gene expression that are passed to subsequent generations?
Conclusion
The study found that a protein-restricted diet during pregnancy led to altered liver gene expression in female offspring across three generations, but the expression changes varied between generations.
Supporting Evidence
- 1,684 genes differed in F1 offspring, 1,680 in F2, and 2,062 in F3 offspring between dietary groups.
- Changes in gene expression were not consistent across generations, indicating variability in transgenerational effects.
- Specific genes showed opposite expression patterns in different generations, suggesting complex inheritance mechanisms.
Takeaway
If a mother rat eats less protein while pregnant, her daughters and their daughters might have different genes turned on or off in their livers, which can affect their health.
Methodology
Female Wistar rats were fed either a protein-sufficient or protein-restricted diet during pregnancy, and liver gene expression was assessed in their female offspring across three generations using microarray analysis.
Potential Biases
Potential bias in the selection of dietary groups and the specific focus on liver gene expression may limit the generalizability of the findings.
Limitations
The study focused only on female offspring and did not explore the effects on male offspring.
Participant Demographics
Female Wistar rats were used in the study.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.013
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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