Offspring of Mice Exposed to a Low-Protein Diet in Utero Demonstrate Changes in mTOR Signaling in Pancreatic Islets of Langerhans, Associated with Altered Glucagon and Insulin Expression and a Lower ß-Cell Mass.
Nutrients
; 11(3)2019 Mar 12.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-30871106
ABSTRACT
Low birth weight is a risk factor for gestational and type 2 diabetes (T2D). Since mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) controls pancreatic ß-cell mass and hormone release, we hypothesized that nutritional insult in utero might permanently alter mTOR signaling. Mice were fed a low-protein (LP, 8%) or control (C, 20%) diet throughout pregnancy, and offspring examined until 130 days age. Mice receiving LP were born 12% smaller and ß-cell mass was significantly reduced throughout life. Islet mTOR levels were lower in LP-exposed mice and localized predominantly to α-rather than ß-cells. Incubation of isolated mouse islets with rapamycin significantly reduced cell proliferation while increasing apoptosis. mRNA levels for mTORC complex genes mTOR, Rictor and Raptor were elevated at 7 days in LP mice, as were the mTOR and Raptor proteins. Proglucagon gene expression was similarly increased, but not insulin or the immune/metabolic defense protein STING. In human and mouse pancreas STING was strongly associated with islet ß-cells. Results support long-term changes in islet mTOR signaling in response to nutritional insult in utero, with altered expression of glucagon and insulin and a reduced ß-cell mass. This may contribute to an increased risk of gestational or type 2 diabetes.
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Assunto principal:
Glucagon
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Proteínas Alimentares
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Ilhotas Pancreáticas
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Dieta com Restrição de Proteínas
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Fenômenos Fisiológicos da Nutrição Pré-Natal
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Serina-Treonina Quinases TOR
Idioma:
En
Ano de publicação:
2019
Tipo de documento:
Article