The effect of maternal vitamin D deficiency on offspring development and muscle protein metabolism

Abstract

Vitamin D (Vit. D) deficiency is a worldwide public health problem and is considered as a risk factor for the development of various diseases such as Obesity, Diabetes, Sarcopenia and Hypertension. Although this hormone exerts direct effects on the muscular-skeletal system, little is known if the maternal levels of Vit. D affect protein gain during the postnatal development of skeletal muscle throughout the individual's life. Therefore, the objective of this study is to investigate the effect of maternal nutritional deficiency of Vit. D during gestation and lactation in the development and metabolism of proteins in skeletal muscles of rats at different stages of life and the molecular mechanisms and signaling pathways. For this, Wistar Hannover rats with Vit. D- deficient diet will be used, during gestation and lactation, and male offspring will be sacrificed and compared to controls after 21, 90 and 180 days. Animals of 21 days will be treated with calcitriol until 90 days of age. Through histological and immunohistochemical techniques, the muscle phenotype will be determined and correlated with the expression of genes and proteins related to myogenesis, muscular atrophy, autophagy and oxidative stress. In addition, the signaling pathways of Akt/FoxO, myostatin and Insulin/IGF-1 as well as muscle mitochondrial activity will be analyzed. These results will contribute to a better understanding of the physiological role of Vit. D in the development and control of skeletal muscle mass. (AU)