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Hypertension and kidney alterations in rat offspring from low protein pregnancies

Veronica C Villar-Martini1, Jorge J Carvalho, Mario F Neves

  • 1Biomedical Center, Institute of Biology, State University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Journal of Hypertension. Supplement : Official Journal of the International Society of Hypertension
|July 28, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Maternal low protein intake during gestation impairs kidney development, leading to fewer nephrons and structural damage. This increases the risk of kidney disease later in life.

Area of Science:

  • Nephrology
  • Developmental Biology
  • Nutritional Science

Background:

  • Low birth weight is linked to early-onset end-stage renal disease.
  • Maternal nutrition during gestation significantly impacts offspring kidney development.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate early and late glomerular structural changes in Wistar rats.
  • To assess the effects of gestational low protein intake on offspring kidney development.

Main Methods:

  • Wistar rats were fed either normal (19%) or low (5%) protein diets during gestation.
  • Offspring were studied at birth (day 0), day 10, day 90, and day 180.
  • Kidney structure, glomerular basement membrane (GBM) thickness, and podocyte morphology were analyzed.

Main Results:

  • Low protein offspring exhibited delayed glomerulogenesis and fewer renal corpuscles (nephrons) compared to controls.
  • In adulthood, low protein offspring showed higher blood pressure, thickened GBM, and podocyte structural abnormalities.
  • Immature glomeruli were present at day 10 only in low protein offspring, indicating impaired nephrogenesis.

Conclusions:

  • Gestational low protein diet causes glomerulogenesis retardation and reduced nephron number.
  • Structural alterations, including GBM thickening and podocyte damage, persist into adulthood.
  • These findings highlight the long-term renal consequences of maternal nutritional deficiencies.
Abstract

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