Dietary methionine requirements for metabolites in TPN-fed neonatal piglets

Asha De Silva
PhD Student
Department of Biochemistry

Date: September 9, 2024
Time: 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. 
Room: CSF 1302

Abstract:

Feeding preterm neonates Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN) is often a necessary life-saving measure. A key nutrient in TPN is methionine, which is needed for the synthesis of proteins and key methylated metabolites, as well as for regulating gene expression patterns that can program the risk of diseases later in life. Moreover, we have shown that if methionine is diverted to one metabolite, it is then unavailable for other metabolites. Hence, it is essential to establish the amount of methionine required for each metabolite. Previous studies have determined a methionine requirement of TPN-fed pigs but based only on the methionine requirement for whole-body protein synthesis. It is still unclear how much methionine is used to synthesize creatine, phosphatidylcholine, and DNA methylation. We hypothesize that piglets require more dietary methionine for these non-protein pathways. Twenty (6-10 d old) Yucatan miniature neonatal piglets were fed with TPN intravenously. After 6 d of TPN feeding, each pig received a different methionine level (0.05 g/kg/d - 0.55 g/kg/d), and using radioisotope kinetics, the synthesis of various metabolites was traced. Breakpoint curves will determine the methionine requirement for each metabolite. This research will provide recommendations for the optimum methionine level for neonatal TPN solutions to enhance early neonatal development and adult health