Nonpregnant and pregnant adult female rats affected by maternal diabetes environment

• Published in: Systems biology in reproductive medicine 2022-11, Vol.68 (5-6), p.384-395
• Main Authors: Paula, Verônyca Gonçalves, Souza, Maysa Rocha de, Sinzato, Yuri Karen, Villaverde, Ana Izabel Silva Balbin, Corrente, José Eduardo, Volpato, Gustavo Tadeu, Damasceno, Débora Cristina
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Fetal programming; hyperglycemia; insulin resistance; low birth weight; oxidative stress
• ISSN: 1939-6368; 1939-6376
• DOI: 10.1080/19396368.2022.2115326

Maternal diabetes-mediated fetal programming is widely discussed, however, it is important to define the extent to which intrauterine hyperglycemia interferes with the health of female pups, along with determining whether these changes can be perpetuated across generations. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of maternal diabetes on fetal programming and the repercussions on the metabolism of pregnant and nonpregnant female pups. Diabetes status was induced (diabetic group-D) using streptozotocin (a beta cell cytotoxic drug) on the fifth postnatal day of female rats, while controls received a citrate buffer (Control-C). In adulthood, the rats were mated to obtain their female pups. At 90 days of age, half of the female pups were mated (preg) and the other half continued virgin (Npreg). Furthermore, they were distributed into four groups: OC/Npreg and OC/preg-female pups from control mothers; OD/Npreg and OD/preg-female pups from diabetic mothers. At 115 days of life and/or 17 days of pregnancy, the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was performed with blood collection for insulin measurement. At 120 days of life and/or 21 days of pregnancy, the rats were anesthetized and euthanized to determine their blood oxidative stress status. The OD/Npreg group showed glucose intolerance during OGTT (p