A recent study published in Liver International reveals that a high-fat and sugary diet consumed by mothers during pregnancy can lead to liver stress in their unborn babies, with lasting effects into early childhood. The research highlights the role of bile acids in the development and progression of liver diseases, providing new insights into how metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) may begin in the womb.
Bile acids, essential for digestion and the absorption of fats in the small intestine, can become toxic at elevated levels, leading to liver damage. While the mother’s body is equipped to detoxify these acids, the fetus is not. Excess bile acids can either circulate back to the mother for detoxification or accumulate in the fetal liver, setting the stage for future liver issues.
The findings suggest that excessive bile acids during fetal development may be a critical factor in the early onset of MASLD, a condition affecting up to 30% of children. Dr. Jed Friedman, associate vice provost for diabetes programs at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences and co-senior author of the study, emphasized the public health concerns, noting that maternal obesity or poor dietary habits predispose the next generation to metabolic diseases, including obesity and diabetes, from the womb onwards.
The study also observed that juvenile offspring exposed to a high-fat diet in utero exhibited liver damage, including increased collagen levels—an indicator of fibrosis—and activation of liver cells involved in scar tissue formation. These liver changes were evident even after the animals were weaned and had switched to a different diet.
Furthermore, the research found that offspring of mothers who consumed a high-fat diet had an increased number of bile duct cells, suggesting the liver was attempting to compensate for the damage caused by the toxic buildup of bile acids.
“The study provides strong evidence that MASLD originates in utero, with the mother’s high-fat diet playing a key role,” said Dr. Friedman. “Elevated bile acid levels in fetuses could offer valuable insights into the early stages of MASLD and how it progresses before it becomes more severe.”
The findings underscore the powerful impact of a mother’s diet during pregnancy on her child’s long-term health. By making healthier dietary choices, expectant mothers can help reduce the risk of metabolic diseases like MASLD in their children as they grow.
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