To define the contribution of Meteorin-like (Metrnl) to cardiometabolic remodeling during the reproductive cycle.
Approach:
Human and Murine Models: Circulating Metrnl levels were assessed in murine and human late-pregnancy models. Wild-type and Metrnl knockout mice were analyzed across gestation, lactation, and weaning to evaluate cardiac structure and metabolism.
Key Findings:
Late pregnancy increased circulating METRNL, largely of placental origin.
Wild-type mice exhibited cardiac hypertrophy during pregnancy, which was enhanced during lactation and fully reversed after weaning.
Metrnl-/- mice showed exaggerated eccentric hypertrophy during gestation and lactation, with delayed regression post-weaning.
Impaired metabolic flexibility and myocardial lipid accumulation were observed in Metrnl-/- mice, indicating cardiac dysfunction.
Interpretation:
Metrnl is essential for physiological cardiometabolic adaptation during the reproductive cycle, coordinating metabolic remodeling to ensure appropriate cardiac changes.
Limitations:
The study primarily used murine models, which may not fully replicate human physiology.
The impact of other factors influencing cardiac remodeling during pregnancy and lactation was not explored.
Conclusion:
Metrnl plays a crucial role in mediating maternal cardiac adaptations during pregnancy and lactation.
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
