Linoleic and α-linolenic fatty acid consumption over three generations exert cumulative regulation of hepatic expression of genes related to lipid metabolism

• Published in: Genes & nutrition 2014-07, Vol.9 (4), p.405-405, Article 405
• Main Authors: Jacometo, Carolina B, Schmitt, Eduardo, Pfeifer, Luiz F. M, Schneider, Augusto, Bado, Francielle, da Rosa, Fernanda T, Halfen, Simone, Del Pino, Francisco A. B, Loor, Juan J, Corrêa, Marcio N, Dionello, Nelson J. L
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: adults; alpha-linolenic acid; blood serum; diet; free fatty acids; genes; lipogenesis; liver; oxidation; parturition; postpartum period; pregnancy; progeny; rats; Research Paper; transcription factors; triacylglycerols
• ISSN: 1555-8932; 1865-3499
• DOI: 10.1007/s12263-014-0405-7

The essential fatty acids, omega-3 and omega-6, consumed during pregnancy can benefit maternal and offspring health. For instance, they could activate a network of genes related to the nuclear receptor peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (Ppara) and sterol regulatory element binding transcription factor 1 (Srebf1), which play a role in fatty acid oxidation and lipogenesis. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of diets with different omega-3/omega-6 ratio consumed over three generations on blood biochemical parameters and hepatic expression of Ppara- and Srebf1-related genes. During three consecutive generations adult Wistar rats were evaluated in the postpartum period (21 days after parturition). Regardless of prenatal dietary omega-3/omega-6 ratio, an upregulation in liver tissue was observed for Rxra, Lxra and Srebf1 and a downregulation for Fasn in all the evaluated generations. The diet with higher omega-3/omega-6 ratio decreased triacylglycerol serum levels and resulted in a constant non-esterified fatty acid level. Our results indicated that the PUFAs effect on the modulation of genes related to fatty acid oxidation and lipogenesis is cumulative through generations.