Maternal DHA Supplementation Improves Lung Growth and Function in Offspring Exposed to LPS and Hyperoxia

Abstract

BackgroundMaternal inflammation contributes to low birth weight and preterm delivery. Premature infants routinely receive therapeutic oxygen and exhibit persistently diminished respiratory function into adulthood.ObjectiveWe tested the hypothesis that DHA supplementation reduces the detrimental effects of a hostile perinatal environment.MethodsPregnant C3H/HeN mice were fed DHA or control diet (CD) and injected with LPS or saline on embryonic day (E) 16. Offspring were placed in room air (RA) or 85% O2 for 14 d then returned to RA. PFTs, microCTs, molecular, and histological analyses were performed.Main ResultsBirth weight was reduced in pups born to CD/LPS dams but not different than controls in the pups born to DHA/LPS dams. At 8 weeks of age, bodyweights were lower, the lungs had fewer and larger alveoli, and static compliance was decreased in mice born to dams fed CD and exposed to LPS/O2. Maternal dietary supplementation with DHA in LPS/O2 exposed mice reversed these effects even at 8 weeks with bodyweights, alveolarization, and PFT measurements in not different than CD or DHA diet, saline injected, RA exposed controls.ConclusionsThe detrimental effects of systemic maternal inflammation and neonatal hyperoxia exposure on offspring lung structure and function in adulthood can be reduced by maternal DHA supplementation.