Early Programming of Alterations in Renal and Vascular Nitric Oxide System Induced by Zinc-Related Deficiencies

pp 459-464

Abstract

Background
Several studies have reported that nutritional deficiencies during fetal and postnatal life predispose to the development of diseases such as hypertension and renal disorders during adulthood. The ubiquitous distribution of zinc and its chemical properties determine their essentiality in the biological systems.

Objectives

To assess whether renal and cardiovascular alterations induced by moderate zinc restriction during fetal life, lactation period and/or growth are associated with changes in the nitric oxide system.

Material and Methods
Female Wistar rats received low zinc diet or control diet from the beginning of pregnancy up to weaning. After weaning, male offspring were randomly fed with low zinc diet or control diet for 60 days.

Results
Zinc deficiency through pre-weaning and post-weaning growth induced increase in blood pressure and reduced glomerular filtration volume in adult life; these findings were associated with reductions in renal and vascular nitric oxide system. In addition, low zinc intake during intrauterine life induced low birth weight offspring which had a negative correlation with blood pressure in adulthood.

Conclusions

Zinc deficiency during prenatal and postnatal growth constitutes a risk factor for cardiovascular and kidney diseases as it induces alterations in blood pressure and renal function regulation in adult life.