Maternal protein malnutrition induced-hypertension: New evidence about the autonomic and respiratory dysfunctions and epigenetic mechanisms

Maternal protein malnutrition during the critical stages of development (pregnancy, lactation and first infancy) can lead to adult hypertension. Studies have shown that renal and cardiovascular dysfunctions can be associated to the development of hypertension in humans and rats exposed to maternal protein malnutrition. The etiology of hypertension, however, includes a complex network involved in central and peripheral blood pressure control. Recently, the hyperactivity of the sympathetic nervous system in protein-restricted rats has been reported. Studies have shown that protein malnutrition during pregnancy and/or lactation alters blood pressure control through mechanisms that include central sympathetic-respiratory dysfunctions and epigenetic modifications, which may contribute to adult hypertension. Thus, this review will discuss the historical context, new evidences of neurogenic disruption in respiratory-sympathetic activities and possible epigenetic mechanisms involved in maternal protein malnutrition induced- hypertension.