Impact of Maternal Obesity on FTO Expression in Offspring
Author Information
Author(s): Caruso Vanni, Chen Hui, Morris Margaret J.
Primary Institution: University of New South Wales
Hypothesis
Maternal obesity influences FTO expression in the hypothalamus and liver of offspring, potentially contributing to hyperphagia.
Conclusion
Maternal obesity significantly affects FTO expression in young animals, which may lead to increased food intake in adulthood.
Supporting Evidence
- Maternal obesity led to increased hypothalamic FTO mRNA expression in offspring.
- FTO expression was correlated with increased fat mass in offspring.
- Postnatal high-fat diet feeding reduced hepatic markers of lipid metabolism.
Takeaway
If a mother is obese, her babies might have a gene that makes them want to eat more when they grow up.
Methodology
Female rats were fed either a control or high-fat diet before and during pregnancy, and their offspring were studied for FTO expression and food intake.
Potential Biases
Potential bias in the interpretation of results due to the animal model used.
Limitations
The study was conducted in rats, which may not fully represent human physiology.
Participant Demographics
Female Sprague Dawley rats.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p=0.024
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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