Effects of natural ligands of PPARgamma on lipid metabolism in placental tissues from healthy and diabetic rats.

EVANGELINA CAPOBIANCO, VERÓNICA WHITE, ROMINA HIGA, NORA MARTÍNEZ, ALICIA JAWERBAUM

MOLECULAR HUMAN REPRODUCTION.

Oxford Journals

Lugar: UK; Año: 2008 vol. 14 p. 491 - 499

1360-9947

The ligand-dependent nuclear receptor PPARg plays an important role in placental development and function. The aim of this study was to analyse the influence of natural PPARg ligands on placental lipid metabolism in control and diabetic rats after midpregnancy, as well as the concentrations of the PPARg endogenous agonist 15deoxyD12,14Prostaglandin J2 (15dPGJ2). In vitro experiments showed that 15dPGJ2 did not regulate placental concentrations of triglycerides, cholesteryl esters, phospholipids and free fatty acids, but decreased the de novo synthesis of these lipid species. PPAR agonists were administered in vivo through dietary supplementation with either 6% olive oil or 6% safflower oil. These treatments led to increases in placental lipid mass in control tissues and more markedly in diabetic tissues. In addition, they led to reductions in the de novo lipid synthesis both in control and diabetic placental tissues. 15dPGJ2 concentrations were greatly reduced in the placenta from diabetic rats fed with the standard diet. Both dietary supplementations increased the concentrations of 15dPGJ2 in placentas from control and diabetic rats. These data indicate that, in the placenta, PPARg natural ligands regulate the concentration of their own endogenous ligands. In addition, they increase the placental capacity to accumulate maternal-derived lipids, and reduce the de novo lipid synthesis, thus regulating metabolic pathways that are altered in the placenta from diabetic rats and involved in the lipid transfer to the developing fetus.