Intrauterine growth restriction alters the hepatic proteome in fetal pigs

Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is a major problem in both humans and animals. The IUGR fetus has abnormal metabolism of nutrients in the liver. This study was conducted with comparative proteomic approach and biochemical analyses to test the hypothesis that IUGR alters the hepatic proteome in the fetal liver. Livers were obtained from IUGR and normal-weight fetal pigs at Day 110 of gestation. Twenty-two differentially expressed proteins in the liver were identified between IUGR and normal fetal pigs. These proteins participate in the intermediary metabolism of nutrients (including glucose, amino acids, protein, lipids, vitamins and minerals), oxidative stress, as well as cell structure and growth. Of particular interest, the IUGR fetus had a higher activity of glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase and a lower activity of lipoprotein lipase than the normal ones. These results indicate altered metabolism of nutrients, abnormal ammonia utilization, and reduced capacity for detoxification in the liver of IUGR fetus. Collectively, the findings have important implication for explaining low food efficiency and understanding the mechanism responsible for impaired growth in IUGR neonates.