Memorial University DAI: Developmental origins of cardiovascular disease in Yucatan miniature swine

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Title	Developmental origins of cardiovascular disease in Yucatan miniature swine
Author	Myrie, Semone B.
Description	Thesis (Ph.D.)--Memorial University of Newfoundland, 2009. Biochemistry
Date	2009
Pagination	xviii, 224 leaves : ill.
Subject	Miniature pigs--Cardiovascular system--Diseases; Miniature pigs--Development;
Degree	Ph.D.
Degree Grantor	Memorial University of Newfoundland. Dept. of Biochemistry
Discipline	Biochemistry
Language	Eng
Notes	Includes bibliographical references (leaves 209-224)
Abstract	Epidemiological studies have consistently indicated that low birth weight is associated with increased risks of chronic diseases in adulthood. Due to limitations of human studies, various animal models are used to elucidate the mechanisms regulating developmental programming of chronic adult diseases. A large proportion (80-90%) of the human incidence of intrauterine growth restriction, resulting in low birth weight, is may be due to impaired nutrient perfusion through the placenta. Spontaneous low birth weight animal models also represent placental insufficiency and may be appropriate models for the human. The overall objective of this thesis was to determine whether the spontaneous naturally occurring low birth weight (i.e., runt) Yucatan miniature pig represents a suitable model for studying developmental origins of chronic adult diseases by investigating biological markers of obesity and cardiovascular diseases. The runts showed qualities similar to low birth weight infants, i.e., small size at birth, an increased rate of postnatal growth (catch-up growth), and organ and metabolic changes which led to the development of obesity and early indicators of cardiovascular diseases. Specifically, runts experienced catch-up growth (prior to sexual maturity at 7 mo old). The catch-up growth was partly due to increased feed intake, which was independent of the post-weaning diet provided, suggesting developmental programming of food intake regulation. Catch-up growth was also associated with increased adiposity in the runts. Furthermore, blood pressure was inversely related to birth weight, similar to findings in epidemiological studies. The higher blood pressure in the runts was significantly correlated to lower nephron number. The results showed that low birth weight was associated with a dyslipidaemic plasma profile as indicated by the higher plasma triglyceride levels in the runts in both the fasted and postprandial states. Finally, a post-weaning dietary intake also plays an important role as a determinant of chronic disease outcomes; a post-weaning Western-style diet that was high in salt, fat and sugar exacerbate early programming of blood pressure and lipid profile in the runts. Overall, the Yucatan miniature swine has many attributes for a good animal model to explore mechanisms that contribute to the developmental origins of human adult chronic diseases.
Type	Text
Resource Type	Electronic thesis or dissertation
Format	Image/jpeg; Application/pdf
Source	Paper copy kept in the Centre for Newfoundland Studies, Memorial University Libraries
Local Identifier	a3315264
Rights	The author retains copyright ownership and moral rights in this thesis. Neither the thesis nor substantial extracts from it may be printed or otherwise reproduced without the author's permission.
Collection	Electronic Theses and Dissertations
Scanning Status	Completed
PDF File	(26.80 MB) -- http://collections.mun.ca/PDFs/theses/Myrie_Semone.pdf
CONTENTdm file name	51082.cpd