N-3 PUFA DURING PREGNANCY IMPROVES HYDROLYSIS CAPACITY WITHOUT ALTERING BARRIER FUNCTION OF NEWBORNS PIGLETS INTESTINE AND LIMITS THE SMALL INTESTINE IMMATURITY OF VERY LOW BIRTH WEIGHT INDIVIDUALS

Abstract

Aim: At birth, the small intestine of neonates has to fulfil many roles: to provide nutrients for growth, to allow passage of immunoglobulins from mother's milk but at the same time to avoid entrance of harmful antigens and bacteria. The immaturity of the neonate small intestine physiology enhances risks of developing intestinal diseases, especially in very low birth weight individuals. Beneficial role of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) on small intestine has been established in adult animal models. However, the effect of n-3 PUFA via the maternal diet on neonates intestinal physiology has not been investigated yet. We examined the effects of n-3 PUFA supplementation during gestation on hydrolysis capacity and barrier properties of the small intestine in normal birth weight (NBW) and on immaturity signs of the gut in very low birth weight (VLBW) newborn piglets. Methods: Sixteen pregnant sows were allocated to two different diets during their gestation: a diet containing either 5% of lard (LAR) or 2% of lard and 3% of linseed oil, rich in n-3 PUFA (LSO). At birth, piglets (NBW and VLBW, i.e. weight < 50% of the average litter BW) from each litter were sacrificed. Digestive tissue mass and jejunal lactase specific activity were measured in NBW and VLBW piglets whereas permeability to horseradish peroxidase (HRP) of the NBW ileum was determined in Ussing chambers. Results: There was no difference in the gestation characteristics of the two groups of sows (duration, number of piglets…). Lactase activity was increased in the LSO group (LSO 23 ± 2 vs LAR 18 ± 2 IU, P < 0.05). Permeability to HRP tended to be enhanced in the LSO group (LSO 13 ± 4 vs LAR 5 ± 2 ng.cm−2.h−1, P = 0.08) but not after degranulation of mastocytes. In addition, signs of immaturity measured in VLBW piglets of LAR group (pancreas weight, intestinal mucosa/muscularis ratio, lactase activity) were suppressed in VLBW LSO piglets. Conclusion: Supplementation with n-3 PUFA during pregnancy could be beneficial to newborns by increasing hydrolysis capacity of the intestine without altering its barrier function and by limiting immaturity of the gut of VLBW individuals.