Premium
Protein‐energy malnutrition during early gestation in sheep blunts fetal renal vascular and nephron development and compromises adult renal function
Author(s) -
Lloyd Louise J.,
Foster Thomas,
Rhodes Phillip,
Rhind Stewart M.,
Gardner David S.
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
the journal of physiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.802
H-Index - 240
eISSN - 1469-7793
pISSN - 0022-3751
DOI - 10.1113/jphysiol.2011.220186
Subject(s) - nephron , renal function , gestation , fetus , endocrinology , medicine , kidney , malnutrition , protein–energy malnutrition , blunt , pregnancy , physiology , biology , surgery , genetics
Non‐technical summary A poor diet during pregnancy has been linked to long‐term health outcomes for the baby, such as an increased risk of diseases of the heart and kidney. We show in an experimental model that recreates a poor diet during pregnancy, i.e. a diet low in protein with adequate energy, that kidney development in the baby is affected in such a way as to reduce the potential for new blood vessels to form. This results in a greater number of important, functional kidney cells spontaneously dying. Later in life, these effects in the kidney manifest as permanently reduced kidney function, especially if the baby subsequently becomes overweight as an adult. The research reinforces advice to pregnant mothers about the importance of eating a nutritionally balanced diet during pregnancy.