Maternal Physical Activity and Sex Impact Markers of Hepatic Mitochondrial Health

Abstract

Although maternal physical activity did not attenuate maternal WD-induced hepatic steatosis as has been previously reported in older adult offspring, it did significantly increase hepatic markers of mitochondrial biogenesis and mitophagy. Furthermore, female offspring had elevated hepatic markers of mitochondrial health, possibly explaining why female rats are protected against maternal WD-induced hepatic steatosis. Future studies are warranted to shed light on the time line of hepatic steatosis development under the influence of maternal physical activity.