Fetal Undernutrition Modifies Vascular RAS Balance Enhancing Oxidative Damage and Contributing to Remodeling

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2022

Authors

Vieira Rocha, MS (Author) Other; Rodriguez Rodriguez, P (Author) Other; Ferreira Duarte, M (Author) Other; Faria, M (Author) Other; Sousa, JB (Author) Other; Morato, M (Author) FFUP; Arribas, SM (Author) Other; Diniz, C (Author) FFUP

Journal

Title: International Journal Of Molecular Sciences

Vol. 23

Final page: 1233

ISSN: 1661-6596

Publisher: MDPI

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 0 Citations

Scopus - 0 Citations

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-00W-07S

DOI: 10.3390/ijms23031233

Abstract (EN): Fetal stress is known to increase susceptibility to cardiometabolic diseases and hypertension in adult age in a process known as fetal programming. This study investigated the relationship between vascular RAS, oxidative damage and remodeling in fetal programming. Six-month old Sprague-Dawley offspring from mothers that were fed ad libitum (CONTROL) or with 50% intake during the second half of gestation (maternal undernutrition, MUN) were used. qPCR or immunohistochemistry were used to obtain the expression of receptors and enzymes. Plasma levels of carbonyls were measured by spectrophotometry. In mesenteric arteries from MUN rats we detected an upregulation of ACE, ACE2, AT(1) receptors and NADPH oxidase, and lower expression of AT(2), Mas and MrgD receptors compared to CONTROL. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure and plasma levels of carbonyls were higher in MUN than in CONTROL. Vascular morphology evidenced an increased media/lumen ratio and adventitia/lumen ratio, and more connective tissue in MUN compared to CONTROL. In conclusion, fetal undernutrition indices RAS alterations and oxidative damage which may contribute to the remodeling of mesenteric arteries, and increase the risk of adverse cardiovascular events and hypertension.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 17