Work

Maternal odd-chain fatty acid-rich algal oil supplementation during pregnancy improves litter characteristics of intrauterine growth restricted pregnant mice via regulating placental function

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) severely impairs fetal development and offspring health. Odd-chain fatty acid (OCFA) possess beneficial biological activities in regulating insulin resistance, inflammation and oxidative stress . However, the effects of OCFA on improving IUGR through regulating placental function and maternal health remain unclear. Herein, maternal OCFA-rich algal oil supplementation improved variable coefficient of fetal weight and fetal oxidative stress in low protein diet (LPD)-induced IUGR mice model. OCFA-rich algal oil also improved placental dysfunction , placental fatty acid metabolism disorder , maternal insulin resistance, oxidative stress and intestinal injury , suggesting an improved maternal health. OCFA-rich algal oil reshaped the intestinal microbiome of dams, decreasing unclassified Bacteroidales and Parvibacter , and increasing Weissella , which positively impacted insulin resistance and intestinal injury . Overall, OCFA-rich algal oil supplementation during pregnancy ameliorated oxidative stress, insulin resistance and intestinal injury in LPD-induced IUGR pregnant mice, improved placental functions and litter characteristics, and further enhanced fetal antioxidant capacity .

Source: Journal of Functional Foods

DOI: 10.1016/j.jff.2024.106586