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Chronic sleep restriction during pregnancy--repercussion on cardiovascular and renal functioning of male offspring

Ingrid L B Lima1, Aline F A C Rodrigues1, Cássia T Bergamaschi1

  • 1Departamento de Fisiologia, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brasil.

Plos One
|November 19, 2014
PubMed

Insights

Maternal sleep restriction during pregnancy leads to hypertension and altered cardiac function in male offspring. This study shows sleep deprivation impacts offspring cardiovascular and renal health, highlighting risks of poor maternal sleep.

Area of Science:

  • Reproductive Physiology
  • Developmental Biology
  • Cardiovascular Physiology

Background:

  • Maternal environmental factors influence offspring chronic disease risk.
  • Sleep restriction is a growing concern with potential health implications.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the impact of maternal chronic sleep restriction during pregnancy on adult male offspring.
  • To assess effects on blood pressure, renal function, and cardiac baroreflex response.

Main Methods:

  • Wistar rats underwent sleep restriction (20h daily) during pregnancy using the multiple platform technique.
  • Offspring blood pressure, renal function (glomerular filtration rate), and cardiac baroreflex sensitivity were analyzed at 3 months old.
  • Hypothalamic activity of Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2 (ACE2) was measured.

Main Results:

  • Offspring from sleep-restricted mothers exhibited significantly higher blood pressure (144 mmHg vs 127 mmHg).
  • Cardiac baroreflex sensitivity was reduced, and glomerular filtration rate increased in the offspring group.
  • Hypothalamic ACE2 activity was significantly lower in offspring exposed to maternal sleep restriction.

Conclusions:

  • Maternal chronic sleep restriction during pregnancy induces hypertension and alters cardiac baroreflex response in male offspring.
  • Reduced ACE2 activity and renal alterations are associated with these offspring health issues.
  • Pregnancy sleep reduction can modify maternal homeostasis, leading to long-term functional changes in offspring.

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