Effects of maternal malnutrition during lactation on the prostateof rat offspring at puberty: a histological, immunohistochemical,and morphometric study

IntroductionMalnutrition is one of the most common childhood challenges in developing countries,particularly protein malnutrition, which often occurs during lactation. Extensivelaboratory evidence indicates that a suboptimal environment during early developmentis associated with an increased incidence of metabolic disorders. With regard tothe reproductive system, it has been shown that food restriction can inhibit both theonset and the maintenance of reproductive capability.Aim of the workThis histological, immunohistochemical, and morphometric study aims to evaluatethe influence of maternal protein malnutrition during lactation on the structure of theprostate of the rat offspring at puberty.Materials and methodsAt parturition, eight dames with their offspring were randomly assigned to either ofthe following groups: the control group, with free access to a standard laboratorydiet containing 23% protein, and a protein-restricted (PR) group, with free accessto a PR diet containing 8% protein. After weaning, all male pups had free accessto a standard laboratory diet. At puberty (40 days) serum levels of estradiol andtestosterone were estimated and specimens from the prostate were processed forhistological and immunohistochemical staining for detection of activated caspase-3,Ki-67, and androgen receptor expression. Both groups were then evaluated with asubsequent morphometric analysis.ResultsProstatic lobes from the PR groups showed reduced glandular weight, epithelial cellheight, and acinar diameter, whereas collagen deposition was increased. Androgenreceptor expression and levels of estradiol and testosterone were significantlydecreased, but the expression of activated caspase-3 and Ki-67 was significantlyincreased.ConclusionMaternal malnutrition during lactation caused profound morphological changes inthe prostate with evident decrease in androgen receptor expression in pubertal maleoffspring.