Long-Term Effect of Early Protein Malnutrition on Growth Curve, Hematological Parameters and Macrophage Function of Rats

Abstract

SummaryTo evaluate the long-term effect of mild-early maternal protein malnutrition on weight gain, hematological parameters and macrophage function in rats at adult age, we compared rats whose dams were fed diets containing either 9.5% (low protein-LPD) or 23% protein (normal-NPD) for the first 12 d of lactation. At 80 d of age, the functions of spreading, phagocytosis and killing Candida albicans were determined in resident peritoneal macrophages, whereas leukocytes and red blood cells were counted in peripheral blood. The number of resident peritoneal macrophages from LPD was the same as from NPD, but the ability of spreading and phagocytosing opsonised yeast was impaired. Besides, they were not able to block the germ tube formation or kill C. albicans to the same extent as in the control group. The low protein diet produced a significant reduction in the pups' growth and in hematological parameters although no difference was found in leukocyte counts. Taken together the data suggest that protein malnutrition during early lactation induces permanent alterations in macrophage function, body composition and hematological status, which are not restored completely even after a normal protein diet is supplied.

Long-term effects of neonatal malnutrition on microbicide response, production of cytokines, and survival of macrophages infected by Staphylococcus aureus sensitive/resistant to methicillin

“…Corroborating this finding, Kawakami et al 23 found that phagocytes' antimicrobial systems are potentially affected by malnutrition. Prestes- Carneiro et al 20 also found that superoxide production decreases during severe protein malnutrition.…”

“…Prestes-Carneiro et al 20 found that malnutrition from the first to twelfth day of lactation compromised the microbicidal response, represented by lower rate of phagocytosis. Other researchers have reported a deficit in the production of nitric oxide 4,21 .…”

“…According to Prestes-Carneiro et al 20 in the case of inflammatory stimuli, macrophages from malnourished animals do not respond with the same intensity as macrophages from nourished animals, which allows the development of inflammation and/or infection. Other studies have also reported low phagocytic capacity in animals subjected to malnutrition, whether neonatal or not 4,22 .…”

“…Protein-calorie deficiencies may induce irreversible cell damage that triggers the mechanism of programmed cell death 20 . FerreiraSilva et al 24 found a reduction in the viability of alveolar macrophages after perinatal malnutrition.…”

Perinatal Malnutrition Programs Sustained Alterations in Nitric Oxide Released by Activated Macrophages in Response to Fluoxetine in Adult Rats

“…In fact, experimental studies on immunological alterations occurring long after restricted periods of malnutrition are almost nonexistent. A rare example is a study by Prestes-Carneiro et al [31] , showing a long-term effect on macrophage function in adulthood in rats submitted to protein malnutrition during the first 12 days of lactation.…”