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Spatio-temporal expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α during human prenatal development

Katerina Cizkova1, Aneta Rajdova, Jiri Ehrmann

  • 1Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacky University, Olomouc, Czech Republic.

Basic & Clinical Pharmacology & Toxicology
|September 17, 2014
PubMed

Insights

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPARα) is expressed early in human prenatal development in the intestines, liver, and kidney. Its expression changes with organ development, offering insights into potential environmental impacts.

Area of Science:

  • Developmental Biology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Toxicology

Background:

  • Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPARα) is a crucial transcription factor regulating metabolism and xenobiotic detoxification.
  • Its role and expression patterns during human prenatal development remain largely uncharacterized.
  • Understanding PPARα expression is vital for assessing the impact of environmental and pharmaceutical compounds on developing organisms.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the spatio-temporal expression of PPARα in human embryonic and fetal intestines, liver, and kidney.
  • To correlate PPARα expression patterns with the developmental stages and functional maturation of these organs.
  • To establish a baseline for evaluating potential prenatal risks associated with PPARα-activating compounds.

Main Methods:

  • Indirect two-step immunohistochemistry was employed.
  • Human embryonic/fetal tissues (intestines, liver, kidney) were analyzed from the 5th to 20th week of intrauterine development (IUD).
  • Expression patterns were examined in relation to developmental timing and anatomical structures.

Main Results:

  • PPARα expression was detected early in prenatal development: 7th week (intestines), 5th week (liver), and 6th week (kidney).
  • Age-dependent changes in PPARα expression were observed in the intestines and kidney, coinciding with organ functional onset.
  • Specific changes included alterations along the intestinal crypt-villous axis (11th week IUD) and increased glomerular expression in the kidney (12th week IUD).
  • Strong PPARα positivity was noted in developing blood elements within the liver.

Conclusions:

  • PPARα is expressed early and dynamically throughout human prenatal development in key organs.
  • Observed expression patterns suggest PPARα's involvement in organogenesis and functional maturation.
  • This spatio-temporal expression data is foundational for assessing the prenatal effects of PPARα-ligand exposure.

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