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Altered placental methyl donor transport in the dexamethasone programmed rat.

TitleAltered placental methyl donor transport in the dexamethasone programmed rat.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2012
AuthorsWyrwoll CS, Kerrigan D, Holmes MC, Seckl JR, Drake AJ
JournalPlacenta
Volume33
Issue3
Pagination220-3
Date Published2012 Mar
ISSN1532-3102
AbstractThere is increasing evidence for a role for epigenetic modifications in early life 'programming' effects. Altered placental methyl donor transport may impact on the establishment of epigenetic marks in the fetus. This study investigated the effects of prenatal glucocorticoid overexposure on placental methyl donor transport. Glucocorticoids increased folate but decreased choline transport and reduced fetal plasma methionine levels. There was no change in global DNA methylation in fetal liver. These data suggest prenatal glucocorticoid overexposure causes complex alterations in the placental transport of key methyl donors which may have important implications for maternal diet and nutrient supplementation in pregnancy.
Alternate JournalPlacenta