Clinical Report: Meteorin-like Protein Regulates Cardiometabolic Changes
Overview
This study investigates the role of Meteorin-like (Metrnl) protein in cardiac remodeling during pregnancy and lactation. Findings indicate that Metrnl is involved in physiological cardiac adaptations, with its absence leading to exaggerated hypertrophy and delayed recovery post-weaning.
Background
Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of mortality in women, particularly during the unique physiological changes of pregnancy and lactation. Understanding the molecular mechanisms of cardiac remodeling during these periods is important, as inadequate adaptation may lead to long-term cardiac issues. The role of Metrnl in these adaptations has not been previously defined.
Data Highlights
Condition
Cardiac Changes
Metabolic Changes
Late Pregnancy
Increased circulating METRNL
Enhanced fatty acid metabolism
Lactation
Further cardiac hypertrophy
Suppressed fatty acid metabolism
Weaning
Reversal of hypertrophy
Normalization of metabolism
Metrnl-/- Mice
Exaggerated eccentric hypertrophy
Impaired metabolic flexibility
Key Findings
Circulating METRNL levels increase during late pregnancy, primarily from placental sources.
Wild-type mice exhibit cardiac hypertrophy during pregnancy, which is exacerbated during lactation.
Cardiac changes in wild-type mice are fully reversible after weaning.
Metrnl-/- mice show exaggerated eccentric hypertrophy and delayed recovery post-weaning.
Impaired metabolic flexibility and myocardial lipid accumulation are observed in Metrnl-/- mice.
Clinical Implications
The findings indicate that Metrnl is involved in cardiac adaptations during pregnancy and lactation.
Conclusion
Metrnl is involved in coordinating metabolic remodeling and ensuring appropriate cardiac changes during the reproductive cycle.
by Albert Blasco-Roset, Celia Ruperez, Artur Navarro-Gascon, Francisco Javier Godoy-Nieto, Fàtima Crispi, Francesca Crovetto, Eduard Gratacós, Francesc Villarroya, Tania Quesada-López, Anna Planavila
