Feeding parenteral nutrition in the neonatal period programs metabolic disorders in adulthood in Yucatan miniature pigs.

Abstract:

Total parenteral nutrition (TPN) is a non-normal nutrition regimen; however, it is a life-saving feeding method during the neonatal period. Dyslipidemia, obesity and hypertension are common complex metabolic disorders with increased incidences around the world. Studies have shown that feeding TPN during the neonatal period can permanently alter metabolism. Consistent with developmental origins of adult disease, intrauterine growth restricted (IUGR) neonates have higher risk to develop metabolic diseases in later life. A larger proportion of IUGR or premature neonates require TPN as a life-saving measure in early life. However, whether these metabolic effects of feeding TPN in early life are exacerbated by IUGR and persist into adulthood is unknown. Studies have suggested that such permanent metabolic changes due to early TPN feeding are likely caused by epigenetic changes due to imbalances of dietary methyl nutrients. Betaine and creatine are novel methyl nutrients to TPN that may reverse these epigenetic changes. We hypothesized that the metabolic consequences of feeding TPN in early life would persist into adulthood, exacerbate the risk of developing metabolic diseases in adulthood in IUGR neonates and that supplementing betaine and creatine to TPN would prevent this development. Our data collectively suggest that feeding TPN in early life increases the risk for the development of metabolic disorders in adulthood, especially in IUGR neonates, and supplementing betaine and creatine to TPN might reduce this risk.

Webex direct link:

https://mun.webex.com/mun/j.php?MTID=mb849b2b4b9c196c4ecde9e915c1ea014