Fat and Carbohydrate Distribution in Maternal Diet Programs Liver SIRT1 Expression and Fatty Acid Profile in Offspring

Background: Amount of fat and carbohydrate in maternal diet during gestation and lactation has permanent effects on fetal metabolism. SIRT1 is a nutrient-responsive histone deacetylase that modulates the lipid and glucose metabolism in response to energy stress and extends life span. Herein, we assessed the effects of carbohydrate and fat distribution in a maternal isocaloric diet on fetal gene and protein levels of SIRT1, as well as liver fatty acid profile. Twenty C57BL/6 female mice were inseminated and randomly received the AIN 93G isocaloric pair-fed LF-HC (16% and 64% of calorie as fat and carbohydrate) or HF-LC (48% and 32% of calorie as fat and carbohydrate) diet during gestation and lactation. After weaning, all offspring received LF-HC diet up to the adolescence. Liver tissue were extracted for final analysis. Results: SIRT1 gene and protein levels were lower in both sexes born from HF-LC-fed mothers than LF-HC-fed one, significant differences were only observed between males in the gene expression (p<0.001) and females in protein level (p<0.001). Saturated fatty acids and cholesterol were increased while unsaturated fatty acids decreased at the liver of male and female offspring born from HF-LC-fed mothers (p<0.001). Conclusions: Maternal dietary fat and carbohydrate distribution, regardless of calorie intake, modify the offspring hepatic fatty acid profile, as well as SIRT1 gene and protein expression which effects on life span.