(P07-067-23) The Effect of Source of Protein Fed During Pregnancy on Development of Characteristics of Metabolic Syndrome in Offspring of Obese Wistar Rats

Objectives: To investigate the role of source of protein in maternal diet on development of metabolic syndrome in offspring of obese Wistar rats

Methods: The casein- and soy protein-based diets were fed to obese pregnant Wistar rats and compared for their effects on characteristics of the metabolic syndrome in male offspring. Dams` randomized to either a casein (C) or soy protein (S) diet (n=12). Male offspring were weaned to either a C or S diet for 17 weeks.

Results: Offspring of dams fed the S diet had higher birthweight (p < 0.01). Glucose metabolism was not altered at birth but fasting plasma glucose (p < 0.02), insulin (p < 0.0002) and insulin/glucose ratio (p < 0.03) were higher in offspring of S diet-fed dams. Pulse rate was higher in offspring of C diet-fed dams (p < 0.03). Food intake and body weight of offspring was affected by interactive effects of time and dams’ diet. They were increased over time in offspring of S diet-fed dams (p < 0.05). An interactive effect of pops’ and dams’ diets on body weight was observed (p < 0.002). No effect of pops’ diet on any other measured parameters was observed.

Conclusions: The results of this study indicate that although source of protein in maternal diet is still an influencing factor in outcome of the pregnancy in obese mothers, gestational obesity may mask this effect in certain extent possibly by imposing general detrimental effects on measured parameters regardless of the source of protein in maternal diet.

Funding Sources: This study is supported by the US foundation, University of North Florida.