• Journal of Nutrition and Health
• /
• v.32 no.8
• /
• pp.855-863
• /
• 1999

This study was performed to investigate the effect of dietary protein level throughout gestation and lactation on milk composition and on postnatal growth in infants, using rats as an animal model. Female Sprague-Dawley rats were provided with either high(25% ISP(Isolated Soy Protein)diet) or low protein diet(10% ISP diet) throughout gestation and lactation. Milk samples were taken for analysis from the lactating rats at days of 7, 14, 21, of lactation. Dams and some pups were killed after 4 weeks from parturtion (Experiment 1). Pups from dams of each diet groups were randomly selected and reared with 25% or 10% ISP diet for 4 more weeks (Experiment 2). In experiment 1, maternal protein intake and body weight gain throughout gestation and lactation was higher in 25% ISP group. Serum protein, Ca, Fe, Zn, K concentrations were significantly higher in 25% ISP group. There was no difference in birth weight between two groups, however the mean body weight at 4 weeks postpartum were significantly higher in 25% ISP group. Serum profiles of pups at weaning were similar to that of dams. Milk compositions were changed during lactation processes and were affected by dietary protein level. Lactose and Ca, Cu, Fe concentrations in milk were higher in 25% ISP group, whereas, lipid, triglyceride were higher in 10% ISP group. In experiment 2, food intake was higher in milk were higher in 25% ISP group but was unaffected by pup's dietary protein level after weaning. The weights of liver and kidney were affected by maternal protein intake. The weight of intestine was affected by pup's dietary protein level after weaning. The weight of femur and scapula were affected by maternal protein intake. There were no differences between four groups in serum profiles. Therefore, as mentioned above, it seemed that the effect of maternal protein malnutrition to fetus was able to be overcome to some extent by high protein diet intake after weaning. In conclusion, 1) Dietary protein level throughout gestation and lactation affected both nutritional status of dams and pups and milk composition: 25% ISP groups supported better nutritional status than 10% ISP group 2) It seemed that effect of dietary protein level after weaning on pups was able to be overcome the influence of maternal diet in fetus to some extent.

• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
• /
• v.54 no.3
• /
• pp.157-163
• /
• 2012

The male reproduction is precisely controlled by a number of intrinsic and extrinsic factors. These factors usually involve in expressional regulation of various molecules influencing on sperm production in the testis. A number of ways are employed to control the transcription of specific genes, including epigenetic modifications of DNA and histone molecules. DNA methylation of CpG dinucleotides is a commonly used regulatory mechanism for testicular genes associated with the fertility. Previous studies have demonstrated the infertility induced by improper DNA methylation of these genes. In the present research, we attempted to determine transcriptional expression of some of these genes in the rat testis at different postnatal ages using real-time PCR analysis. These genes include neurotrophin 3 (Ntf3), insulin-like growth factor II (Igf2), JmjC-domain-containing histone demethylase 2A 1 (Jhm2da), paired box 8 transcription factor (Pax8), small nuclear ribonucleoprotein polypeptide N (Snrpn), and 5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (Mthfr). The expression levels of Ntf3, Igf2, and Snrpn genes were the highest at the neonatal age, followed by transient decreases at the prepubertal age. Expression of Jhm2da and Mthfr genes were continuously increased from the neonate to 1 year of age. The levels of Pax8 mRNA at the early ages were higher than those at the later ages of postnatal development. These findings suggest that expression of some fertility-associated testicular genes in the rat during postnatal period could be differentially regulated by the control of the degree of DNA methylation.

• Korean Journal of Rural Living Science
• /
• v.5 no.2
• /
• pp.125-134
• /
• 1994

This study was performed to observe the effects of dietary fat levels and sources on lipids contents and cellularities of liver, brain, and adipose tissue of early weaned rats. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were prematurely weaned from postnatal 17th day with the experimental diets differ in fat levels : low(5%), medium(10%), high(20%) and fat sources : butter, soybean oil, butter＋ soybean oil. On the postnatal 29th day, contents of total lipid, triglyceride, cholesterol and phospholipid of serum, liver, brain and adipose tissue were determined, and DNA was determined to assess the cell growth. Rats early weaned fed high fat diet showed lower total lipid and triglyceride levels in serum and liver than those fed medium or low fat diet Rats early weaned fed high fat diet had adipocytes of fewer number, but larger size than those of rats fed low or medium fat diets. Rats early weaned fed soybean oil diet had more adipocytes thu those fed butter diet. Rats normally weaned to commercial chow diet showed lower total lipid, triglyceride, and cholesterol levels in serum and liver, had fewer adipocytes than all early weaned rats except for rats fed high fat-butter diet. These results suggest that high fat-butter diet is ideal weaning diet at early weaning.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Research
• /
• v.33 no.2
• /
• pp.189-198
• /
• 1993

The present study was undertaken to provide basic data on endochondral ossification for the axis in developing Miniature Schnauzers. This study was determined to the morphological features and development of growth plast in the axis of this experimental animals by histological and histochemical methods. The axis from 2 healthy Miniature Schnauzers(postnatal 6hr, 5week) was used. The obtained results were as follows : 1. In 5-week-old Miniature Schnauzer, the axis consisted of 4 separate ossification centers : centrum l, intercentrum 2, centrum 2 and epiphysis. Intercentrum 2 was intercalated between centrum 1 cranially, centrum 2 caudally. 2. The space of centrum 1 was more broader than the other ossification centers. 3. The zone of reserved chondrocytes was more extensive than the zone of proliferative chondrocytes, trabeculation was weakly observed, however, the proximal epiphyseal plate of axis was actively trabeculation observed in the zone of calcified chondrocytes. 4. Eighteen columns of chondrocytes were observed in the centrum 1 and five to seven columns of chondrocytes were observed in the centrum 2 of Miniature Schnauzer(postnatal 5 week) 5. A positive reaction to alcianophility was observed in all the territorial matrix at the zone of hypertrophic chondrocytes in this experimental animals.

• Journal of the Korean Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
• /
• v.26 no.6
• /
• pp.565-580
• /
• 2000

This study was designed to evaluate the influence of cultured epidermal tissue graft and the administration of transforming growth factor(TGF)-${\beta}_3$ on maxillary growth in surgically created palatal defects. A total of 155 rats were divided into 2 groups according to surgical timing : postnatal 2 weeks(n=95), 4 weeks(n=40) and control(unoperated) group(n=20). The postnatal 2-week surgical group was subdivided into 3 groups according to repair methods: conventional surgery(Von Langenbeck technique)group(n=23); cultured tissue graft group(n=25); and full thickness skin graft group(n=25). Additionally, recombinant human TGF-${\beta}_3$ was administered(30ng or 150ng) on collagen matrix in surgically created palatal defects during surgery(9 conventional surgeries, 9 cultured tissue grafts) in 2-week-old rats. The results showed that all types of surgical treatment decreased maxillary growth compared with the control(unoperated) group(p<0.0001). On the other hand, the tissue graft group, whether cultured tissue or grafted skin, contributed to increased maxillary growth(p<0.0001).And exogenous TGF-${\beta}_3$ might play a role in connective tissue proliferation and new bone generation during wound healing on palatal defects. Our results suggest that grafting cultured epidermis with collagen matrix decreases the scar tension on maxillary growth more than conventional palatal surgery does. Therefore, exogenous TGF-${\beta}_3$ may contribute to accelerate wound healing on palatal defects.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
• /
• v.59 no.4
• /
• pp.165-173
• /
• 2016

Purpose: To identify the effects of modified parenteral nutrition (PN) and enteral nutrition (EN) regimens on the growth of very low birth weight (VLBW) infants. Methods: The study included VLBW infants weighing <1,500 g, admitted to Chungnam National University Hospital between October 2010 and April 2014, who were alive at the time of discharge. Subjects were divided according to 3 periods: period 1 (n=37); prior to the PN and EN regimen being modified, period 2 (n=50); following the PN-only regimen modification, period 3 (n=37); following both PN and EN regimen modification. The modified PN regimen provided 3 g/kg/day of protein and 1 g/kg/day of lipid on the first day of life. The modified EN regimen provided 3.5-4.5 g/kg/day of protein and 150 kcal/kg/day of energy. We investigated growth rate, anthropometric measurements at 40 weeks postconceptional age (PCA) and the incidence of extrauterine growth restriction (EUGR) at 40 weeks PCA. Results: Across the 3 periods, clinical characteristics, including gestational age, anthropometric measurements at birth, multiple births, sex, Apgar score, surfactant use and PDA treatment, were similar. Growth rates for weight and height, from time of full enteral feeding to 40 weeks PCA, were higher in period 3. Anthropometric measurements at 40 weeks PCA were greatest in period 3. Incidence of weight, height and head circumference EUGR at 40 weeks PCA decreased in period 3. Conclusion: Beginning PN earlier, with a greater supply of protein and energy during PN and EN, is advantageous for postnatal growth in VLBW infants.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
• /
• v.39 no.4
• /
• pp.144-152
• /
• 2012

Objective: Concerns are growing about the decrease in male reproductive health. Caffeine is one of the popular nutrients that has been implicated as a risk factor for infertility. In the present study, we examined whether in utero and lactational exposure to caffeine affects the reproductive function of the offspring of rats. Methods: Pregnant rats received caffeine via drinking water during gestation (26 and 45 mg/kg) and lactation (25 and 35 mg/kg). Body and reproductive organ weight, seminiferous tubule diameter, germinal epithelium height, sperm parameters, fertility rate, number of implantations, and testosterone level of the offspring were assessed from birth to adulthood. Results: Significant dose-related decreases were observed in the body and reproductive organ weight, seminiferous tubule diameter, and germinal epithelium height of the offspring. Sperm density had declined significantly in offspring of the low-dose and high-dose groups, by 8.81% and 19.97%, respectively, by postnatal day 150. The number of viable fetuses had decreased significantly in females mated with male offspring of the high-dose group at postnatal days 60, 90, 120, and 150. There were also significant reductions in testosterone levels of high-dose group offspring from birth to postnatal day 150. Conclusion: It is concluded that maternal caffeine consumption impairs gonadal development and has long-term adverse effects on the reproductive efficiency of male offspring rats.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
• /
• v.7 no.4
• /
• pp.281-286
• /
• 2013

We examined the effect of parental folate deficiency on the folate content, global DNA methylation, folate receptor-alpha (FR${\alpha}$), insulin-like-growth factor-2 (IGF-2) and -1 receptor (IGF-1R) in the liver and plasma homocysteine in the postnatal rat. Male and female rats were randomly fed a folic acid-deficient (paternal folate-deficient, PD and maternal folate-deficient, MD), or folic acid-supplemented diet (paternal folate-supplemented, PS and maternal-folate-supplemented, MS) for four weeks. They were mated and grouped accordingly: $PS{\times}MS$, $PS{\times}MD$, $PD{\times}MS$, and $PD{\times}MD$. Pups were killed on day 21 of lactation. The hepatic folate content was markedly reduced in the $PD{\times}MD$ and $PS{\times}MD$ and $PD{\times}MS$ as compared with the $PS{\times}MS$ group. The hepatic global DNA methylation was decreased in the $PD{\times}MS$ and $PS{\times}MD$ groups as much as in the $PD{\times}MD$ group, and all the three groups were significantly lower as compared to the $PS{\times}MS$ group. There were no significant differences in the hepatic FR${\alpha}$, IGF-2 and IGF-1R expressions among the groups. Positive correlations were found between the hepatic folate content and global DNA methylation and protein expressions of FR${\alpha}$, IGF-2 and IGF-1R, whereas an inverse correlation was found between hepatic folate content and plasma homocysteine level in the 3-week-old rat pup. The results of this study show that both paternal and maternal folate deficiency at mating can influence the folate content and global DNA methylation in the postnatal rat liver.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
• /
• v.22 no.4
• /
• pp.471-482
• /
• 2009

Nutrient availability may control muscle growth directly and indirectly through its influence on regulatory factors. We analyzed the effects of nutrient availability on the breast muscle insulin-like growth factor system. Real time RT-PCR was used to quantify the level of transcription in breast muscle from Langshan (LS) layer and Arbor Acres (AA) broiler chickens subjected to different feeding regimens during embryonic and postnatal development. The AA chickens were fed AA diet (AA, control group) while the LS chickens were either fed LS diet (LL) or AA diet (LA). According to our results, insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-II (embryonic day 16 (E16) - postnatal day 42 (P42)), IGF-I receptor (IGF-IR, E18-P42), and IGF binding protein (IGFBP)-2 (E18-P42), -5 (E16-P14), -7 (E12-P0), and -3 (E12-P0) were positively correlated with IGF-I, while IGFBP-3 (P0-P28) was negatively correlated with IGF-I. In comparison, IGF-IR (E18-P42), IGFBP-2 (E18-P42), IGFBP-5 (E14-P0), and IGFBP-3 (E16-P0) were positively correlated with IGF-II, while IGF-IR (E10-E16) and IGFBP-3 (P0-P28) were negatively correlated with IGF-II. Moreover, IGFBP-2 (E16-P42), -7 (E10-E16), and -3 (E10-E16) were positively correlated with IGF-IR, while IGFBP-3 (P0-P28) was negatively correlated with IGF-IR. Finally, IGFBP-7 (E12-P0) was positively correlated with IGFBP-3, while IGFBP-2 (P0-P28) and -7 (P0-P42) were negatively correlated with IGFBP-3. Overall, the AA chickens exhibited higher levels of IGF-I, IGF-IR, and IGFBP-2 mRNA expression than the LL chickens, while the opposite was true for IGFBP-7. No strain differences in IGF-I, IGF-IR, and IGFBP-7 mRNA expression were detected between LA and AA chickens; however, a strain difference was observed for IGFBP-2. LA chickens exhibited higher levels of IGFBP-2 than LL chickens, while the opposite was true for IGFBP-7. Our data show the first evidence that certain genes may be correlated during specific developmental periods and that strain differences in the expression of those genes in LS and AA chickens are due to differential responses to the same diet.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
• /
• v.26 no.7
• /
• pp.867-886
• /
• 1993

Vitamin B-6 status parameters of mothers were assessed in relation to th condition of the infant at birth and during the neonatal period. Parameters were assessed at birth and then weekly in 18 mother-infant pairs during the neonatal period ; mothers were supplemented postnatally with 2 or 27 mg PN-HCI/d. Vitamin B-6 inadequacy in the 2mg supplemented group was suggested by the vitamin status parameters. Mothers whose infants had unsatisfactory Apgar scores at 5min after birth(<7) had lower vitamin B-6 status parameters than mothers whose infants were scored satisfactory. Also, infants who scored unsatisfactory at birth and whose mothers were supplemented with the low level of PN had significantly lower vitamin B-6 status parameters at 7 days of age than infants who scored satisfactory. Infants scored unsatisfactory showed some beneficial effects in both vitamin B-6 status and growth associated with the higher level of maternal postnatal vitamin B-6 supplement. In summary, the mother's prenatal and postnatal vitamin B-6 intake were significantly related to the condition of her infant at birth and during the neonatal period, respectively.