Leucine supplementation during late gestation globally altered placental metabolism and nutrient transport via modulation of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signalling pathway

Abstract Background Our previous study found that sow dietary leucine supplementation signicicantly improved fetal intrauterine growth and newborn piglet birth weight. But we still have limited knowledge how leucine regulated placental functions to promote the nutrient supply to fetus to support its intrauterine development. Methods 150 sows at day 90 of gestiation were divided into three groups and fed with either control diet (CON), CON + 0.4% Leu or CON + 0.8% Leu separately until parturition. Placental metabolomics, full spectrum amino acids and nutrient transporters were systematically analyzed. Results Leu supplementation lead to an altered placental metabolism with higher amount of metabolites related to glycolysis and fatty acids oxidatation, and more amino acids accumulation in placenta. Besides, nutrient transporters including amino acids transporters, glucose transporters and fatty acids transporters in placenta were globally enhanced and several enzymes related to energy metabolism including hexokinase, succinatede hydrogenase, lactated hydrogenase, glycogen phosphorylase and hydroxyaryl-CoA-dehydrogenase were significantly increased with no change in antioxidative status in the groups with Leu supplementation. Futhermore, Leu supplementation significantly increased phosphalation of PI3K, Akt, and mTOR in placenta compared with control group. Conclusions Leu supplementation during late gestation globally altered placental metabolism, nutrient transport (amino acids, glucose, and fatty acids) via modulation of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signalling pathway.