Ratlarda Maternal Düşük Kaliteli Protein Diyetinin Gebeliğe Adaptasyon, Fetal Gelişim Ve Plazma Amino Asit Profili Üzerine Etkisi.

Abstract

This study aimed to examine the effect of maternal low quality protein diet on maternal adaptation to pregnancy, fetal growth and maternal and fetal plasma free amino acid profile at weaning. Thirteen, 9-11-week old virgin female Wistar rats mated and were randomly divided into two groups fed casein (C: 20% casein protein; n=6) and low quality protein diet (WG: 20% wheat gluten protein; n=7) ad libitum. Maternal food intake and body weight were recorded daily during pregnancy and lactation. All dams and 2 offspring from every dam were euthanized at the end of lactation. Blood and tissue samples were taken and organ weights (liver, brain, kidneys and heart) were recorded. Maternal and fetal plasma free amino acid profile were determined using Ez:faast amino acid kit by GC (gas chromatography). It was determined that weight gain and food intake was significantly lower in experimental group than control group at the third week of pregnancy (p<0.05). Food intake of C group was much more than WG group and this was found statistically important (p<0.05) at the third week of lactation. Maternal plasma free serine concentrations were significantly lower in WG group (p<0.05). Maternal low quality protein diet had no significant effect on birth and organ weights of offspring and body weight from birth to weaning of litters (p>0.05). Brain weights of male litters at weaning in WG were significantly lower (p<0.05). While free glutamine and lysine concentrations in plasma of WG litters were significantly lower, plasma free aspartic acid and glycyl-proline concentrations were significantly higher in group C (p<0.05). Consequently, maternal low quality protein diet had an important effect on plasma amino acid profile of dams and litters. Further comprehensive studies are required in order to assess long term metabolic and physiological effects of maternal low quality protein diet on fetal metabolism. This research was supported by TUBITAK 1002-Short Term R&D Funding Program.