The association between birthweight and longevity in the rat is complex and modulated by maternal protein intake during fetal life.
Maternal protein restriction in rat pregnancy has been suggested to reduce lifespan of the resulting offspring by inducing fetal growth retardation, followed by postnatal catch-up growth. We tested the hypothesis that lifespan could be programmed in both males and females by exposure to undernutrition at specific stages of fetal development. Protein restriction throughout gestation significantly reduced lifespan in both males and females. Low birthweight increased longevity, whilst rapid postnatal growth had a detrimental effect. There was no evidence that undernutrition programmed lifespan through oxidative processes in the major organs. Fetal programming is an important contributor to the ageing process.
Langley-Evans
Simon C
SC
School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington, Loughborough LE12 5RD, UK. Simon.Langley-Evans@Nottingham.ac.uk
Sculley
Dean V
DV
D000818:Animals; D001724:Birth Weight; D004044:Dietary Proteins / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D005260:Female; D047109:Fetal Development; D005317:Fetal Growth Retardation; D008136:Longevity; D008297:Male; D044342:Malnutrition; D011247:Pregnancy; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar
D004044:Dietary Proteins