Projektergebnisse Effects of maternal undernutrition during

Effects of maternal undernutrition during pregnancy and postnatal high fat nutrition
on preference for voluntary exercise versus eating: Relations between behavioural
changes and endocrine and metabolic profiles
Applicant:
Professor Dr. Korinna Huber
Universität Hohenheim
Institut für Nutztierwissenschaften
Fachgebiet Funktionelle Anatomie der Nutztiere
Fruwirthstraße 35
70599 Stuttgart
Telephone: +49 711 45923998
E-Mail: korinna.huber uni-hohenheim.de
Subject Area
Funding
Animal Husbandry, Breeding and Hygiene
Funded from 2006 to 2008
Final Report
Final Report Year
2008
Final Report Abstract
My research project was based on previous findings in Prof Breier's laboratory which provide experimental
evidence that a mother's nutrition during pregnancy can result in a long-term shift in her offsprings' lifestyle choices
that are relevant to obesity prevention. Such a shift, if endorsed, has substantial and wide-ranging health
consequences throughout the lifespan. Preliminary results of my research in New Zealand have already been
presented at international scientific meetings showing that while IUGR offspring who did not exercise developed
obesity and associated metabolic changes, daily moderate exercise prevented obesity development and
normalised metabolic parameters. Importantly offspring of mothers who were undernourished during pregnancy
had a higher capacity for oxidative metabolism such that they can easily shift their energy metabolism from storage
to usage. A higher inherent preference for voluntary exercise in choice studies is compatible with these
physiological changes of muscle structure and function. The completion of this research programme is continuing in
my laboratory in Hannover and in Prof Breier's laboratory in Auckland. Specifically, studies of muscle fat
metabolism and of muscle morphology will be consolidated and compared with specific parameters characterising
liver metabolism, and with data about muscle glucose metabolism and data from learning and choice studies. The
overall goal of this work is to advance knowledge of prenatal influences on metabolic fluxes and adaptive
mechanisms that influence lifestyle choices and metabolic regulation.
Publications
(2007) Prenatal undernutrition increases the capacity for exercise. Endocrine Society's 89th Annual
Meeting, Toronto, Canada
JL Miles, NM Thompson, K Huber, B Breier
(2007) Prenatal induction of enhanced metabolic flexibility in skeletal muscle. International Society for
Developmental Origins of Health and Disease (DOHaD), Perth, Australia
K Huber, JL Miles, NM Thompson, Norman A, Breier B
DFG Programme
International Connection
Research Fellowships
New Zealand
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