Impact of Maternal Protein Restriction on Wnt4 Expression and Histological Liver and Kidney Development in Rat Embryo

Maternal protein restriction can negatively affect fetal growth and organ development, particularly in the liver and kidney, through structural and molecular alterations. This study aimed to investigate the effect of maternal protein restriction on Wnt4 gene expression and fetal liver and kidney development in rat embryos. The study included 30 adult female rats (Rattus norvegicus) divided into a control group fed a 20% protein diet and two experimental groups (LP1 and LP2) fed low-protein diets (10% and 5%, respectively). Protein restriction was initiated two weeks before mating and continued throughout gestation. On day 20 of pregnancy, embryos were collected. Liver and kidney tissues were processed for histopathological examination using H&E staining, and Wnt4 gene expression was analyzed using real-time RT-PCR. Histological findings showed that both LP1 and LP2 embryos initially developed hematopoietic elements, followed by a progressive reduction in these elements and the presence of abnormal erythrocytes. Liver sections from LP2 embryos showed inflammatory cell infiltration. Kidney development was delayed in LP1 embryos, while LP2 embryos exhibited severe tubular degeneration and marked suppression of nephrogenesis. Molecular analysis revealed that Wnt4 expression was highest in the control group and progressively decreased in LP1 and LP2 groups, with the lowest levels observed under severe protein restriction. Maternal protein restriction impairs fetal liver and kidney development and significantly reduces Wnt4 gene expression in a dose-dependent manner..