Influence of antenatal taurine on expression of key signaling molecule of Ras homolog gene-Rho associated coiled-coil forming protein kinase-proliferating cell nuclear antigen pathway in fetal rat brain with intrauterine growth restriction

Abstract

Objective To explore the influence of antenatal taurine supplementation on the expression of key signaling molecule of Ras homolog gene-Rho associated coiled-coil forming protein kinase-proliferating cell nuclear antigen(Rho-ROCK-PCNAR) pathway in fetal rat brain with intrauterine growth restriction(IUGR), and to understand whether or not taurine can improve neuron regeneration in IUGR fetal rats by this signaling pathway. Methods Thirty pregnant rats were randomly divided into 3 groups: control group, IUGR model(IUGR group) and IUGR+ antenatal taurine supplements group(IUGR+ taurine group). Taurine was added to the diet of IUGR+ taurine group at a dose of 300 mg/(kg·d) from 12 days after conception until natural delivery.The level of mRNA expressions of Ras homolog gene A(RhoA), Rho-associated coiled coil-forming protein kinase 2 gene(ROCK2 gene) and PCNA gene were detected by Real time-PCR.The PCNA positive cell counts were detected by immunohistochemistry. Results 1.The level of RhoA, ROCK2 and PCNA mRNA in the IUGR group, IUGR+ taurine group and control group were respectively: RhoA mRNA 1.757±0.041, 1.498±0.011 and 1.000±0.000(P<0.05); ROCK2 mRNA 1.548±0.231, 1.094±0.049 and 1.000±0.000(P<0.05); PCNA mRNA 2.007±0.800, 3.034±0.670 and 1.000±0.000(P<0.05).2.The PCNA positive cell counts in control group, IUGR group and IUGR+ taurine group were respectively 11.30±3.18, 22.24±6.17 and 77.80±14.60(P<0.05). Conclusions Antenatal supplementation of taurine can inhibit the expression of key signaling molecule of Rho-ROCK pathway and improve the expression of PCNA in IUGR fetal brain, which provides a further theoretical basis for the application of antenatal taurine to improve IUGR fetal brain development. Key words: Intrauterine growth restriction; Taurine; Ras homolog gene-Rho associated coiled-coil forming protein kinase-proliferating cell nuclear antigen signaling pathway; Embryo; Rat