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Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor activation regulates lipid metabolism in the feto-placental unit from diabetic rats

Laboratory of Reproduction and Metabolism, CEFYBO-CONICET-UBA, School of Medicine, University of Buenos Aires, Paraguay 2155, 17th floor, C1121ABG Buenos Aires, Argentina

Correspondence should be addressed to A Jawerbaum; Email: a.jawerbaum{at}abaconet.com.ar

Maternal diabetes promotes an overaccumulation of lipids in the feto-placental unit and impairs feto-placental development and growth. Here, we investigated the role played by the nuclear receptor peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) in lipid metabolism in fetuses and placentas from control and neonatal streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Placentas and fetuses were studied on day 13.5 of gestation. The concentrations of PPAR (by Western blot) and its endogenous agonist leukotriene B₄ (LTB₄) (by enzyme immunoassay) were analysed. Placental explants and fetuses were cultured with LTB₄ or clofibrate, and then lipid metabolism analysed (concentrations and synthesis from ¹⁴C-acetate of triglycerides, phospholipids, cholesterol and cholesteryl esters; release of glycerol and free fatty acids (FFAs)). We found that maternal diabetes led to increases in placental concentrations of triglycerides and cholesteryl esters, and fetal concentrations of phospholipids. PPAR agonists downregulated fetal and placental lipid concentrations in control and diabetic rats. The synthesis of lipids was reduced in the diabetic placenta but increased in fetuses from diabetic animals. PPAR agonists reduced the synthesis of lipids in control placenta and in the fetuses from control and diabetic rats. Glycerol and FFA release was enhanced in the diabetic placenta and in control placenta cultured with PPAR agonists. Maternal diabetes led to reductions in fetal and placental LTB₄ concentrations and to increases in placental PPAR concentrations. Overall, these data support a novel role of PPAR as a regulator of lipid metabolism in the feto-placental unit, relevant in maternal diabetes where fetal and placental PPAR, LTB₄ and lipid concentrations are altered.