Maternal hypertensive condition alters adipose tissue function and blood pressure sensitivity in offspring

Area of Science:

• Reproductive biology
• Developmental biology
• Cardiovascular physiology

Background:

• Preeclampsia (PE) involves maternal hypertension and can impact fetal development.
• The intrauterine environment under hypertensive conditions may influence offspring health.
• Lipid metabolism and blood pressure regulation are critical for long-term health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of maternal hypertension on male offspring growth, focusing on lipid metabolism and blood pressure.
• To determine how angiotensin II (Ang II)-induced maternal hypertension in mice impacts placental function and fetal development.
• To assess the long-term consequences of this intrauterine environment on offspring adipocyte function and cardiovascular health.

Main Methods:

• Induction of maternal hypertension in female mice using angiotensin II (Ang II) infusion from gestational day 12.
• Analysis of placental lipid dysregulation and fetal growth restriction.
• Assessment of birth weight and body weight changes in offspring.
• Evaluation of Pparγ mRNA expression in adipocytes from neonatal and adult offspring.
• Measurement of basal blood pressure and sensitivity to hypertensive stimuli in adult offspring.

Main Results:

• Ang II-induced maternal hypertension caused placental lipid dysregulation and fetal growth restriction, resulting in lower birth weight in offspring.
• Neonatal and adult offspring from hypertensive dams exhibited higher Pparγ mRNA expression in adipose tissue.
• Adult offspring showed increased neutrophils and inflammatory monocytes in adipose tissue.
• Ang II-offspring displayed higher basal blood pressure and increased sensitivity to hypertensive stimuli compared to controls.
• While initially lighter, Ang II-offspring body weight caught up to controls by 16 weeks.

Conclusions:

• Maternal hypertension induced by Ang II disrupts placental function, leading to fetal growth restriction and lower birth weight.
• The altered intrauterine environment impacts offspring adipocyte function, characterized by increased Pparγ expression and inflammation.
• Offspring exposed to maternal hypertension exhibit long-term cardiovascular effects, including elevated blood pressure and heightened sensitivity to hypertensive challenges.