Effect of maternal diet rich in omega-6 and omega-9 fatty acids on the liver of LDL receptor-deficient mouse offspring.
BACKGROUND
Omega-6 fatty acids are important to fetal development. However, during gestation/lactation, these fatty acids may contribute toward the development of fat tissue. Omega-9 fatty acids are associated with a reduction in serum lipids and protection from liver disease.


OBJECTIVE
The present study investigated the effect of the maternal intake of omega-6 and omega-9 in hypercholesterolemic mothers on the liver of the offspring.


METHODS
LDL receptor-deficient mice were fed a diet rich in either omega-6 (E6D) or omega-9 (E9D) for 45 days prior to mating and until the birth of the offspring, evaluating the effect on the offspring liver in comparison to a standard diet (STD).


RESULTS
Mothers fed with the E6D experienced an increase in total cholesterol (TC) and the offspring exhibited an increase in TC, hepatic triglycerides (TG), and CC-chemokine ligand (CCL)2/monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)-1 as well as a reduction in HDL. Histological analysis on this group revealed steatosis, leukocyte infiltrate, and increased CCL2/MCP-1 expression. The ultrastructural analysis revealed hepatocytes with lipid droplets and myofibroblasts. The offspring of mothers fed the standard diet exhibited low serum TC, but microvesicular steatosis was observed. The offspring of mothers fed the E9D exhibited lower serum and hepatic TG as well as higher LDL in comparison to the other diets. The histological analyses revealed lower steatosis and leukocyte infiltrate.


CONCLUSIONS
The findings suggest that hypercholesterolemic mothers with a diet rich in omega-6 fatty acids predispose their offspring to steatohepatitis, whereas a diet rich in omega-9 has a protective effect.
Torres
Dilênia De Oliveira Cipriano
Dde O
Laboratório de Análises Clínicas, HUOC/PROCAPE, Recife, Brazil.
Dos Santos
Ana Célia Oliveira
AC
Silva
Amanda Karolina Soares E
AK
Leite
Jacqueline Isaura Alvarez
JI
De Souza
José Roberto Botelho
JR
Beltrão
Eduardo Isidoro Carneiro
EI
Peixoto
Christina Alves
CA
D000821:Animal Feed; D000818:Animals; D000831:Animals, Newborn; D004622:Embryo, Mammalian / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000196:embryology; D047108:Embryonic Development / Q000187:drug effects; D005229:Fatty Acids, Monounsaturated / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D043371:Fatty Acids, Omega-6 / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D005234:Fatty Liver / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D047109:Fetal Development / Q000187:drug effects; D022781:Hepatocytes / Q000187:drug effects / Q000648:ultrastructure; D006937:Hypercholesterolemia / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000151:congenital / Q000378:metabolism; D008099:Liver / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000196:embryology / Q000254:growth & development; D018811:Maternal Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects*; D051379:Mice; D008810:Mice, Inbred C57BL; D018345:Mice, Knockout; D011247:Pregnancy; D011973:Receptors, LDL / Q000172:deficiency / Q000378:metabolism*
D005229:Fatty Acids, Monounsaturated; D043371:Fatty Acids, Omega-6; D011973:Receptors, LDL