Maternal PPAR gamma protects nursing neonates by suppressing the production of inflammatory milk

Genes Dev. 2007 Aug 1;21(15):1895-908. doi: 10.1101/gad.1567207. Epub 2007 Jul 24.

Abstract

Lactation is a highly demanding lipid synthesis and transport process that is crucial for the development of newborn mammals. While PPAR gamma is known to promote adipogenesis and lipogenesis in adipose tissue, its role in the lactating mammary gland is unexplored. Here, we report that a targeted deletion of PPAR gamma in mice results in the production of "toxic milk" containing elevated levels of inflammatory lipids. Surprisingly, ingestion of this "toxic milk" causes inflammation, alopecia, and growth retardation in the nursing neonates. Genomic profiling reveals that PPAR gamma deficiency leads to increased expression of lipid oxidation enzymes in the lactating mammary gland. Consistently, metabolomic profiling detects increased levels of oxidized free fatty acids in the pups nursed by PPAR gamma-deficient mothers. Therefore, maternal PPAR gamma is pivotal for maintaining the quality of milk and protecting the nursing newborns by suppressing the production of inflammatory lipids in the lactating mammary gland.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Alopecia / etiology
  • Alopecia / pathology
  • Animals
  • Animals, Newborn
  • Arachidonate 12-Lipoxygenase / metabolism
  • Fatty Acids, Nonesterified / chemistry
  • Fatty Acids, Nonesterified / metabolism
  • Female
  • Growth Disorders / etiology
  • Inflammation / etiology
  • Inflammation Mediators / metabolism*
  • Lactation / metabolism
  • Lipid Metabolism
  • Male
  • Mammary Glands, Animal / metabolism
  • Mammary Glands, Animal / pathology
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Mice, Knockout
  • Mice, Transgenic
  • Milk / metabolism*
  • Milk / toxicity
  • Oxidation-Reduction
  • PPAR gamma / deficiency
  • PPAR gamma / genetics
  • PPAR gamma / metabolism*
  • Pregnancy

Substances

  • Fatty Acids, Nonesterified
  • Inflammation Mediators
  • PPAR gamma
  • Arachidonate 12-Lipoxygenase