| Abstract [eng] |
Background Fetal programming is a concept based on the idea that various environmental factors before birth can lead to developmental abnormalities in the fetus and increase the risk of developing various chronic diseases at any stage of life. One such factor may be maternal malnutrition, which results in an inadequate supply of nutrients to the embryo and fetus. Malnutrition remains a significant problem in modern society. The causes can vary: the beauty standard of a slim body, living in economically underdeveloped countries or war zones, and religious customs. There is a growing amount of research examining the influence of maternal nutrition on the anthropometric indicators of offspring, changes in the regulation of metabolism in various organ systems, and, less frequently, changes in the structure and function of internal organs caused by a lack of energy resources. Histomorphological studies, meanwhile, focus on changes in the parenchyma of internal organs. This study was focused on the connective tissue of the internal organ stroma and potential changes in its location, size, and volume. Since the stroma is not merely a passive structure, it actively regulates tissue homeostasis, intercellular signaling, and immune and regenerative processes, therefore, changes in the stroma could also be important in identifying the underlying causes of various diseases. Aim and Objectives The purpose of this study is to evaluate the interface between malnutrition in maternal rats prior to and prior - during gestation and changes in the stroma of the internal organs (pancreas, liver, and thyroid gland) of first-generation offspring. Objectives: to measure and evaluate changes in the connective tissue of the stroma, areas of lymphocytic infiltration, and the size of adipocytes in the pancreas, liver, and thyroid gland of the first-generation offspring in microscope slides, to compare the obtained data between the study groups and between the sexes. Methods Using CellSens software, microscope slides of the first-generation rat offspring from the control group (whose mothers were fed a normal diet) and the experimental groups - the first (whose mothers’ diets were restricted prior to pregnancy) and the second (whose mothers’ diets were restricted until pregnancy and throughout the entire gestation period) - pancreas, liver, and thyroid gland were examined, and changes in the areas of stromal connective tissue, lymphocytic infiltration, and fat cell size were measured. The data was compared between the study groups and by sex. Results An increased amount of connective tissue was observed in all glands in both experimental groups. Areas of lymphocytic infiltration in the pancreas and thyroid gland were larger in the offspring of both experimental groups, while in the liver, they were larger in the offspring of the second experimental group than in those of the control group. In the pancreas of offspring of food-restricted mothers, fat cells were smaller, while in the thyroid gland they were larger than in the offspring of mothers who had not experienced starvation, no fat cells were found in the liver stroma. The most pronounced stromal changes were observed in the second experimental group. Most stromal changes were observed in the glands of male offspring. Conclusions Maternal malnutrition is associated with changes in the stroma of the pancreas, liver, and thyroid gland in offspring. The nature of stromal changes may be determined by the duration and timing of maternal nutritional deficiency. Male individuals are more sensitive to maternal nutritional restriction. |
