Impact of the maternal protein restriction on MAPK-PI3K-AKT-mTOR signaling in the ovaries of adult rats

Abstract

Due to cultural, aesthetic, or economic reasons, the insufficient intake of dietary protein is a global concern. Proteins are considered one of the most important substances for the development and maintenance of the organism, having their activity divided between structural and functional actions. It is already recognized that the presence of proteins at adequate levels is essential for a good physiological functioning of the organism. Therefore, diets with restrictions or hypoproteic diets may produce severe functional complications mainly during the development and maturation of organs and systems, including the female genital system. The present study aims to evaluate the effect of maternal protein restriction on nutritional parameters, estrous cycle, histopathology, and the MAPK-PI3K-p-AKT-mTOR signaling pathway in the ovarian tissue of adult rats (Wistar lineage). For this purpose, it will be investigated the following parameters: monitoring of the estrous cycle during the experimental period, measurement of body weight and internal organs weights, food and liquid consumption, ovary evaluation and characterization through histopathological analysis, immunolocalization, and quantification of the target molecules (p38 MAPK: mitogen-activated protein kinase, PI3K: phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase, p-AKT: activated protein kinase B, mTOR: mammalian target protein of rapamycin) by immunohistochemistry and Western blot. These results will be important to elucidate the effects of maternal protein restriction at critical period of fetal programming (gestation + lactation) on the ovarian cell survival of the progeny (F1) in adulthood.