MATERIALS-METHODS:

Placental explants obtained from control and neonatal-streptozotocin-induced- diabetic rats on day 13.5 of gestation were cultured in the presence or absence of ligands of the three PPARs isoforms (clofibrate, 15deoxydelta12,14prostaglandin J2 and carbaprostacyclin; which are PPARα, PPARγ and PPARδ agonists respectively) for further analysis of lipid metabolism. Lipid levels (triglycerides, cholesterol, cholesteryl esters and phospholipids) were analysed by thin layer chromatography, de novo lipid synthesis was assessed by incorporation of 14C-acetate as a tracer, and lipid catabolism was studied through the evaluation of glycerol release.

RESULTS:

Placental tissues from diabetic rats showed increased triglycerides and cholesteryl ester levels, decreased de novo lipid synthesis and enhanced lipid catabolism when compared to controls. PPARα activation reduced lipid levels and synthesis, and increased lipid catabolism in the placenta. PPARγ activation did not modify placental lipid mass and catabolism, but significantly reduced de novo lipid synthesis. PPARδ ligands reduced phospholipid levels and de novo lipid synthesis, and increased placental lipid catabolism.

CONCLUSIONS:

These results provide evidence of novel PPARs functions as regulators of placental lipid metabolism, a first step in the understanding of pathways that may allow the regulation of placental lipid metabolism and the prevention of the lipid overload transferred to the developing fetus in maternal diabetes.

Keywords: diabetes in pregnancy, placenta, lipids, peroxisome proliferator activated receptors