Supplementation of Maternal Diets with Choline, B‐vitamin and Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA) Alters Gene Expressions Associated with Hepatic Lipid Metabolism in Offspring

Abstract

This study was to explore whether maternal supplementation of choline with supporting b-vitamins and DHA during malnourishment influences fetal expression of RNAs involved in hepatic lipid metabolism. Pregnant gilts (n=24) were randomly assigned to full-fed control (no feed intake restriction) or global nutrient restricted (GNR, 50-70% feed intake restriction) groups. The GNR gilts received supplementation of choline and supporting b-vitamins and/or DHA according to a 2 x 2 factorial arrangement. Piglets were delivered by C-section on d 110 ± 2 and fetal liver samples were collected. RNA was extracted, and miRNA and mRNA libraries were constructed and sequenced by using Ion Proton Sequencing Platform. Results showed that abundance of miR-21, miR-122, miR-145, miR-103, miR-221, miR490-3p and miR-375 associated with regulation of hepatic lipid metabolism were modified in offspring from GNR gilts as compared with offspring from control gilts. The modifications in these miRNAs were affected by maternal supplementation of choline or/and DHA. Additionally, the expressions of HMGCS2, FABP1, FABP2, AACS, CHKA, GPCPD1, LPCAT3, AGPAT6, SCD, ELOVL7, ELOVL6, PTGS1 and LRAT significantly differed between offspring from control and GNR gilts. Supplementation of choline or/and DHA modified gene expressions of PPARα, RXR2, HMGCS2, FABP2, SERBF2, CHKA, AGPAT6, SCD, ELOVL7, ELOVL6 and PTGS. These results strongly suggest that maternal choline and DHA play important roles in programming of fetal lipid metabolism during development via regulation of gene expression. Supported by Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, GCE OPP1061037.