Small litter size at birth is associated with insulin resistance and low energy expenditure in adulthood

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the effect of litter size standardization at birth on adult metabolic parameters. Methods: Female Wistar rats were mated and became pregnant at 12 weeks of age. Offspring were divided into control(C), S8(8) and S4(4 newborns/litter) groups. At 12 weeks of age, food intake (FI,g/day), glucose (G,mg/dL), insulin (I,pM), cholesterol (Chol,mg/dL), triacylglycerols (TAG,mg/dL) levels, white and brown adipose tissue (BAT) masses (g/100g) adiposity index (AI,% BW) were determined. Results: (mean±SEM p<0.05, n=6to32)1p<0.05 vs C and S8; 2p<0.05 vs S8 and S4; 3p<0.05 vs C; 4p<0.05 vs S8 Conclusion: Results suggest that the litter size is associated with insulin resistance and low energy expenditure in adulthood.