Maternal odd-chain fatty acid-rich algal oil supplementation during pregnancy improves litter characteristics of intrauterine growth restricted pregnant mice via regulating placental function

Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) severely impairs fetal development and offspring health. Odd-chain fatty acid (OCFA) possess beneficial biological activities in regulating insulin resistance, inflammation and oxidative stress. However, the effects of OCFA on improving IUGR through regulating placental function and maternal health remain unclear. Herein, maternal OCFA-rich algal oil supplementation improved variable coefficient of fetal weight and fetal oxidative stress in low protein diet (LPD)-induced IUGR mice model. OCFA-rich algal oil also improved placental dysfunction, placental fatty acid metabolism disorder, maternal insulin resistance, oxidative stress and intestinal injury, suggesting an improved maternal health. OCFA-rich algal oil reshaped the intestinal microbiome of dams, decreasing unclassified Bacteroidales and Parvibacter, and increasing Weissella, which positively impacted insulin resistance and intestinal injury. Overall, OCFA-rich algal oil supplementation during pregnancy ameliorated oxidative stress, insulin resistance and intestinal injury in LPD-induced IUGR pregnant mice, improved placental functions and litter characteristics, and further enhanced fetal antioxidant capacity.