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Dietary Daidzein Supplementation During Pregnancy Facilitates Fetal Growth in Rats
Author(s) -
Zhang Qiqi,
Xie Hongmei,
Chen Daiwen,
Yu Bing,
Huang Zhiqing,
Zheng Ping,
Mao Xiangbing,
Yu Jie,
Luo Yuheng,
Luo Junqiu,
He Jun
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
molecular nutrition and food research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.495
H-Index - 131
eISSN - 1613-4133
pISSN - 1613-4125
DOI - 10.1002/mnfr.201800921
Subject(s) - daidzein , endocrinology , medicine , fetus , placenta , estrogen , gestation , biology , pregnancy , chemistry , genistein , genetics
Scope Daidzein, a natural isoflavone with estrogen‐like activity, has been implicated in the regulation of reproductive performance in mammals. However, little is known about the molecular mechanisms involved. Here, the effects and potential mechanisms of daidzein supplementation on fetal growth in rats have been explored. Methods and results Thirty‐six pregnant Sprague–Dawley rats are assigned to receive either an AIN‐93M diet or an AIN‐93M diet supplemented with 50 mg kg –1 daidzein. Blood, placental, and fetus samples were collected on day 15 of gestation. It is shown that daidzein significantly improves the rat reproductive performance, which is associated with a higher fetus number, and the weight of the fetus and placenta ( p < 0.05). Daidzein also increases the maternal serum estrogen and leptin concentrations, and the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) ( p < 0.05). Notably, the isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantification (iTRAQ)‐based proteomics analysis identifies 43 differentially expressed (DE) proteins in the placenta upon daidzein supplementation ( p < 0.05). Interestingly, critical proteins involved in amino acid transport and metabolism, embryonic development, ubiquitination processes, and immune responses are upregulated in the daidzein group ( p < 0.05). Conclusion These results not only indicate a beneficial effect of daidzein supplementation on reproductive performance but also offer potential mechanisms behind daidzein‐facilitated fetal growth in rats.