Early-life Supplementation of Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids Improved Growth and Skeletal Muscle Glucose Metabolism in the Heat Stress-Induced IUGR Neonatal Lamb

Authors

• Melanie Ryann White, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow

First Advisor

Dustin T. Yates

Date of this Version

12-2023

Document Type

Thesis

Citation

A thesis presented to the faculty of the Graduate College at the University of Nebraska in partial fulfillment of requirements for the degree of Master of Science

Major: Animal Science

Under the Supervision of Professor Dustin T. Yates

Lincoln, Nebraska, December 2023

Comments

Copyright 2023, Melanie Ryann White

Abstract

Our 1^st study determined whether metabolic deficits of IUGR-born neonatal lambs can be improved by ameliorating elevated inflammatory tone. Supplementation with ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (ω-3 PUFA) improved hindlimb insulin-stimulated glucose oxidation rates and basal lactate secretion. Ex vivo skeletal muscle-specific glucose oxidation rates were improved when heightened inflammatory tone was moderated. Pancreatic β cell function in response to hyperglycemia was improved by ω-3 PUFA supplementation. Tempered inflammatory tone also partially recovered skeletal muscle glycogen stores. Thus, we found that targeting heightened inflammatory tone inherent in IUGR-born neonatal lambs moderately improved glucose metabolism and pancreatic β cell responsiveness.

Our 2^nd study evaluated the efficacy of targeting heightened inflammatory tone of IUGR -born neonatal lambs with anti-inflammatory ω-3 PUFA on growth deficits. Growth metrics including rate of gain, bodyweight, and biometric measurements were partially or fully recovered by ω-3 PUFA supplementation. Muscle fat-to-protein ratios were not improved by ω-3 PUFA supplementation, but muscle carbohydrate content was. Myoblast populations were improved in IUGR-born neonates supplemented with ω-3 PUFA, but myoblast proliferation rates were not. From these findings, we can conclude that early-life treatment with ω-3 PUFAs is an effective strategy in recovering some growth deficits in IUGR-born lambs.

Advisor: Dustin T. Yates