ABSTRACT
Objective: To investigate the expression of gluconeogenic enzymes phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK) and G-6-Pase mRNA of hepatic tissue in rats with intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) and to explore the molecular mechanism of insulin resistance in IUGR rats. Methods: Pregnant rats were randomly divided into 2 groups: a normal group and a model group. hTe normal group were fed with 21% protein forage and the model group with 10% low protein forage to obtain IUGR pup rats. hTe pup rats were introduced to the normal group and the IUGR group prospectively. At 1, 3 and 8 weeks, the body weight, blood glucose, insulin concentration andinsulin resistance index of the pup rats were measured. Expression of PEPCK and G-6-Pase mRNA were detected by RT-PCR. Results: The birth weight of the IUGR group was significantly lower than that of the normal group (P0.05). The hepatic expression of PEPCK and G-6-Pase mRNA in the IUGR group was significantly higher than that of the normal group at 1, 3 and 8 weeks (P<0.01). Conclusion: The significantly increased expression of PEPCK and G-6-Pase mRNA of hepatic tissue in IUGR rats may increase gluconeogenesis, which is probably one of the molecular mechanisms of insulin resistance and diabetes in IUGR.