Maternal Overconsumption Of Calories During Pregnancy Programs Offspring For Increased Adiposity Through Induction Of Adipogenic Genes

Obesity during pregnancy predisposes offspring to metabolic diseases such as obesity and diabetes. Few studies have explored the molecular underpinnings of the increased obesity risk in the offspring. To determine the effects of excessive maternal energy intake on adiposity in the offspring, pregnant Duroc x Landrace gilts were fed either a normal energy (mNE) or high energy diet (mHE) to induce excessive pregnancy weight gain. Offspring were sacrificed at 48h after birth and at weaning (day 21). Expression of adipogenic genes was measured using RT‐PCR. Expression of genes such as PPARγ and CEBPα was not different between mNE and mHE offspring at 48h after birth, but they were induced (P < 0.05) in mHE offspring at weaning. Additionally, SFRP4, SFRP5 and PAI‐1 were induced in mHE offspring at weaning. However, SRC1 expression was higher in mNE offspring at 48h, but not different at weaning (P < 0.05). The expression of PPARγ corepressors, SIRT1 and NCoR1, was elevated (P < 0.05) in mHE offspring at weaning. Therefore, excessive maternal energy intake during gestation programs offspring for increased adiposity through induction of adipogenic transcription factors and suppression of wnt signaling. Grant Funding Source : Showalter Research Trust