Processes underlying the nutritional programming of embryonic development by iron deficiency in the rat.

ABSTRACT: Poor iron status is a global health issue, affecting two thirds of the world population to some degree. It is a particular problem among pregnant women, in both developed and developing countries. Feeding pregnant rats a diet deficient in iron is associated with both hypertension and reduced nephron endowment in adult male offspring. However, the mechanistic pathway leading from iron deficiency to fetal kidney development remains elusive. This study aimed to establish the underlying processes associated with iron deficiency by assessing gene and protein expression changes in the rat embryo, focussing on the responses occurring at the time of the nutritional insult. Analysis of microarray data showed that iron deficiency in utero resulted in the significant up-regulation of 979 genes and do

SUBMITTER: Swali A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3482177 | biostudies-literature | 2012

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature