Etiology of Adult Disease : Stem Cell Defect Caused by Poor Nutrition in the Womb

在这项研究中，我们调查了胎儿期营养不良对成年期干细胞特性的影响。采用基因芯片技术，对两种宫内发育迟缓（IUGR）大鼠模型，地塞米松和雷帕霉素暴露的后代骨髓基因表达谱进行了分析。结果，蛋白酶基因表达，如组织蛋白酶K和颗粒酶B，这是骨髓细胞迁移所必需的，在两个IUGR模型中显着改变。提示胎儿期营养不良可能影响成年期骨髓干细胞龛的功能。

In this study, we have investigated the influence of malnutrition during fetal period on stem cell properties of adulthood. Two models of rat intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR), dexamethasone or rapamycin exposure were analysed for gene expression profile of offspring's bone marrow using microarray technology. As a result, protease gene expression, such as cathepsin K and granzyme B, which are indispensable for bone marrow cell migration, were altered significantly in both of IUGR models in common. This result indicates that malnutrition during fetal period may affect the function of stem cell niche in the adulthood bone marrow.