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Updated: Apr 16, 2026

Fetal Echocardiography and Pulsed-wave Doppler Ultrasound in a Rabbit Model of Intrauterine Growth Restriction
Published on: June 29, 2013
Dynamic p53 protein expression and phosphorylation in the kidneys of rats that experienced intrauterine growth
Xiaori He1, Zongde Xie, Qingyi Dong
1a Department of Neonatology, Second Xiangya Hospital , Central South University , Changsha , Hunan , PR China.
Aim:
This study investigated the mechanisms involved in intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR).
Methods:
The IUGR model was established by feeding pregnant SD rats a low-protein diet. Protein expression and phosphorylation were detected using Western blot and/or immunohistochemistry. Cell apoptosis was detected by TUNEL staining. The MDM2 mRNA expression was measured by real-time PCR.
Results:
Pups from the IUGR group had significantly lower body (7th day, 2 months) and kidney weights (1st day, 7th day, 2 months) compared to pups from the control group (p < 0.01). The glomeruli number in IUGR pups was significantly less than that in the control pups at 2 and 3 months after birth (p < 0.01). p53 protein level and p53 phosphorylation at Ser(15) were time-dependently decreased in the kidney at 1st day, 7th day, 21st day, 2 months and 3 months, but their levels in the kidney of the IUGR pups was significantly higher than that in control pups at each time point (p < 0.05, p < 0.01, or p < 0.001). Significantly more positive p21 staining was observed in IUGR pups than in control pups at each time point. Real-time PCR of MDM2 mRNA expression showed no significant difference between IUGR and control pups (p > 0.05). Significant apoptosis was observed in the kidneys of IUGR pups compared to control pups.
Conclusion:
Malnutrition-induced IUGR may be associated with the activation of p53-p21 signaling in the kidney.
Insights
Maternal malnutrition causes intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), impacting kidney development. This study reveals that IUGR in pups is linked to increased p53-p21 signaling in the kidney.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Developmental Biology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is a significant concern affecting fetal development and long-term health.
- Understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying IUGR is crucial for developing effective interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the molecular mechanisms involved in intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) in a rat model.
- To examine the role of p53 signaling pathways in the kidney during IUGR.
Main Methods:
- An intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) model was established in Sprague-Dawley rats using a low-protein diet.
- Protein expression, phosphorylation, and apoptosis were assessed using Western blot, immunohistochemistry, and TUNEL staining.
- MDM2 mRNA expression was quantified via real-time PCR.
Main Results:
- IUGR pups exhibited significantly lower body and kidney weights, and reduced glomerular numbers compared to controls.
- Kidney tissues from IUGR pups showed significantly higher p53 protein levels and p53 phosphorylation at Ser(15) compared to controls.
- Increased p21 expression and significant apoptosis were observed in the kidneys of IUGR pups.
Conclusions:
- Malnutrition-induced IUGR is associated with the activation of the p53-p21 signaling pathway in the kidney.
- This activation may contribute to kidney developmental abnormalities observed in IUGR.
- Further research is warranted to explore therapeutic strategies targeting this pathway.
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