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Maternal AGE Precursors During Lactation Alters Offspring Glycemic Homeostasis Early in Life
Lucas P J Saavedra1, Flávio A Francisco1, Scarlett R Raposo1
1Department of Biotechnology, Genetics, and Cellular Biology, State University of Maringá, Maringá 87020-900, PR, Brazil.
Biology
|February 26, 2025
Summary
Maternal exposure to advanced glycation end-product (AGE) precursors during lactation impairs offspring metabolic health. This early-life exposure leads to reduced body weight, impaired glucose tolerance, and altered pancreatic function in offspring.
Area of Science:
- Metabolic health and developmental biology
- Endocrinology and diabetes research
- Toxicology and environmental health
Background:
- Advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) are implicated in metabolic disorders like insulin resistance.
- Early life exposures can program offspring for adult metabolic dysfunction.
- The impact of maternal intake of AGE precursors during lactation on offspring metabolism is largely unknown.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the early metabolic effects on offspring exposed to AGE precursors via maternal lactation.
- To assess the impact of methylglyoxal (MG) exposure on offspring glycemic homeostasis and pancreatic function.
Main Methods:
- Breastfeeding Wistar rats were gavaged daily with methylglyoxal (MG) or saline (control) until weaning.
- Offspring glycemic homeostasis was assessed in vivo.
- Pancreatic tissue was collected post-euthanasia for ex vivo analysis of islet area and oxidative stress markers.
Main Results:
- Offspring exposed to MG (MG offspring) exhibited decreased body weight and reduced adipose tissue.
- MG offspring showed impaired glucose tolerance, lower basal insulin levels, and diminished insulin secretion.
- Pancreatic analysis revealed reduced islet area, lower glutathione (GSH) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, and increased myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity in MG offspring.
Conclusions:
- Maternal consumption of AGE precursors during lactation negatively impacts offspring pancreatic function.
- Early-life exposure to AGE precursors disrupts glycemic homeostasis in offspring.
- These findings highlight the critical role of maternal diet during lactation in offspring metabolic programming.
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