Intrauterine growth-restricted (IUGR) fetal sheep have increased hepatic glucose production (HGP) that is resistant to suppression during a hyperinsulinemic-isoglycemic clamp (insulin clamp). We hypothesized that the IUGR fetal liver would have activation of metabolic and signaling pathways that support HGP and inhibition of insulin-signaling pathways. To test this, we used transcriptomic profiling with liver samples from control (CON) and IUGR fetuses receiving saline or an insulin clamp. The IUGR liver had upregulation of genes associated with gluconeogenesis/glycolysis, transcription factor regulation, and cytokine responses and downregulation of genes associated with cholesterol synthesis, amino acid degradation, and detoxification pathways. During the insulin clamp, genes associated with cholesterol synthesis and innate immune response were upregulated in CON and IUGR. There were 20-fold more genes differentially expressed during the insulin clamp in IUGR versus CON. These genes were associated with proteasome activation and decreased amino acid and lipid catabolism. We found increased TRB3, JUN, MYC, and SGK1 expression and decreased PTPRD expression as molecular targets for increased HGP in IUGR. As candidate genes for resistance to insulin's suppression of HGP, expression of JUN, MYC, and SGK1 increased more during the insulin clamp in CON compared with IUGR. Metabolites were measured with 1H-nuclear magnetic resonance and support increased amino acid concentrations, decreased mitochondria activity and energy state, and increased cell stress in the IUGR liver. These results demonstrate a robust response, beyond suppression of HGP, during the insulin clamp and coordinate responses in glucose, amino acid, and lipid metabolism in the IUGR fetus.
Keywords: developmental programming; fetus; gluconeogenesis; insulin resistance; liver.