Poor fetal growth followed by rapid postnatal catch-up growth leads to premature death

Area of Science:

• Developmental biology
• Gerontology
• Nutritional science

Background:

• Low birth weight and rapid postnatal catch-up growth are linked to increased risks of type 2 diabetes, insulin resistance, and cardiovascular disease.
• Previous research indicated that poor fetal growth followed by catch-up growth in mice is associated with reduced average longevity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of in utero growth restriction and subsequent rapid postnatal growth on maximum longevity in mice.
• To determine if weaning onto an obesity-inducing diet further affects the maximum longevity of growth-restricted mice.

Main Methods:

• Mice were subjected to maternal protein restriction during gestation to induce fetal growth restriction.
• Postnatal growth was allowed to catch up during lactation.
• Mice were subsequently weaned onto either a standard or an obesity-inducing cafeteria-style diet.
• Maximum longevity and age-related weight loss were assessed.

Main Results:

• Mice with in utero growth restriction followed by rapid postnatal growth exhibited reduced maximum longevity compared to controls.
• Weaning onto an obesity-inducing diet further decreased maximum longevity.
• Reduced maximum longevity was associated with premature age-related weight loss.

Conclusions:

• Maternal nutrition during critical developmental periods significantly impacts both the quantity and quality of lifespan.
• Early life nutrition and subsequent diet play a crucial role in determining long-term health and longevity.
• These findings underscore the long-term consequences of fetal growth restriction and postnatal nutrition on aging processes.