Polyphenols and IUGR Pregnancies: Effects of Maternal Hydroxytyrosol Supplementation on Hepatic Fat Accretion and Energy and Fatty Acids Profile of Fetal Tissues

Abstract

Maternal supplementation with hydroxytyrosol, a polyphenol present in olive leaves and fruits, is a highly promising strategy to improve the oxidative and metabolic status of fetuses at risk of intrauterine growth restriction, which may diminish the appearance of low-birth-weight neonates. The present study aimed to determine whether hydroxytyrosol, by preventing lipid peroxidation, may influence the fat accretion and energy homeostasis in the liver, as well as the fatty acid composition in the liver and muscle. The results indicate that hydroxytyrosol treatment significantly decreased the energy content of the fetal liver, without affecting fat accretion, and caused significant changes in the availability of fatty acids. There were significant increases in the amount of total polyunsaturated fatty acids, omega-3 and omega-6, which are highly important for adequate fetal tissue development. However, there were increases in the omega-6/omega-3 ratio and the desaturation index, which make further studies necessary to determine possible effects on the pro/anti-inflammatory status of the fetuses.

Maternal Supplementation with Polyphenols and Omega-3 Fatty Acids during Pregnancy: Effects on Growth, Metabolism, and Body Composition of the Offspring

“…Hydroxytyrosol is a polyphenol present in olive leaves and fruits with even higher antioxidant capacity than vitamin E [ 2 ]. Maternal supplementation during pregnancy improves oxidative and metabolic status of IUGR fetuses [ 3 , 4 ] and therefore incidence of LBW neonates and postnatal development of piglets [ 5 , 6 ]. Specifically, hydroxytyrosol diminishes lipid peroxidation and increases the fetal availability of omega-3 and omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n3 and n6 PUFAs) [ 4 ].…”

“…In this sense, concomitant administration of polyphenols like hydroxytyrosol, which also have metabolism-regulatory, anti-inflammatory and immuno-modulatory properties [ 18 ], may be useful. In turn, addition of n3 PUFAs may be also positive for hydroxytyrosol-based protocols since hydroxytyrosol raises the fetal availability of n3 and n6 PUFAs but increasing the ratio n6/n3 [ 4 ]; increases in the ratio n6/n3 may induce a pro-inflammatory stage and a consequent risk for pregnancy success [ 11 , 19 ].…”

Maternal Supplementation with Polyphenols and Omega-3 Fatty Acids during Pregnancy: Prenatal Effects on Growth and Metabolism

“…Maternal supplementation with polyphenols during pregnancy is being thoughtfully studied because of their antioxidant properties [2] and, more specifically, the interest in using hydroxytyrosol (a polyphenol present in olive oil and fruits) is increasing not only due to its antioxidant capacity, but also because of its metabolism-regulatory, anti-inflammatory, and immuno-modulatory properties [3]. Hydroxytyrosol has also been shown to diminish lipid peroxidation in swine fetuses, increasing their availability of omega-3 and omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 and n-6 PUFA) [4]. Our group has previously shown the usefulness of this compound to counteract the appearance of intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) and, therefore, to diminish the incidence of low birth weight (LBW) neonates and to favor the postnatal development of the piglets [4][5][6][7].…”

Effects of Early Resveratrol Intervention on Skeletal Muscle Mitochondrial Function and Redox Status in Neonatal Piglets with or without Intrauterine Growth Retardation

“…Offspring affected by a low birth weight (LBW) after suffering processes of intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) is receiving increased attention in both human medicine and animals production, owing to the short-term (incremental morbidity and mortality of neonates) and long-term repercussions of LBW (decreased growth patterns, health status, and performance of individuals) [1]. The main reason for IUGR is the decrease of nutrients and oxygen to the fetus by the placenta [2].…”