Maternal dietary ratio of linoleic acid to alpha-linolenic acid during pregnancy has sex-specific effects on placental and fetal weights in the rat.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Increased consumption of linoleic acid (LA, omega-6) in Western diets coupled with the pro-inflammatory and adipogenic properties of its derivatives has led to suggestions that fetal exposure to this dietary pattern could be contributing to the intergenerational cycle of obesity.

Method

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of maternal consumption of a LA to alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) ratio similar to modern Western diets (9:1) compared to a lower ratio (1:1.5) on placental and fetal growth, and to determine any cumulative effects by feeding both diets at two total fat levels (18% vs 36% fat w/w). Female Wistar rats (n = 5-7/group) were assigned to one of the four experimental diets prior to mating until 20d of gestation.

Results

Fatty acid profil

SUBMITTER: Draycott SAV 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6318840 | biostudies-literature | 2019

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature