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Chronic marginal iron intakes during early development in mice alter brain iron concentrations and behavior despite
C L Kwik-Uribe1, M S Golub, C L Keen
1Departments of Nutrition and. Internal Medicine, University of California, Davis 95616, USA.
Abstract:
The objective of this study was to investigate the behavioral and cognitive outcomes associated with chronic marginal iron (Fe) intakes during early development. Offspring (3 males and 3 females/litter) of Swiss-Webster female mice who had been fed a control Fe diet (75 microg Fe/g diet) or marginal Fe diet (14 microg Fe/g diet) for 9 wk before mating were weaned on postnatal (PND) 21. Offspring of marginal Fe dams were fed either the marginal Fe diet (marginal group) or a control diet (replete group) from PND 21 throughout the duration of the study, whereas offspring of control dams consumed the control diet ad libitum (control group). On PND 30, 45 and 60, one male and female per litter underwent grip strength and auditory startle testing. A Morris maze was used to assess cognitive function in males starting at PND 50. Marginal Fe mice consistently demonstrated significantly lower grip strength, which was independent of differences in body weight. In addition, marginal Fe males demonstrated attenuated startle responsiveness, as well as altered performance in the Morris water maze. These differences in performance were found in association with lower brain Fe concentrations. Postnatal Fe supplementation did not reverse all of these disturbances because differences in brain Fe concentrations and maze learning persisted. This study demonstrates that chronic marginal Fe intakes during early development can result in persistent biochemical and behavioral changes in mice.
Insights
Chronic marginal iron intake in early development led to lasting behavioral and cognitive deficits in mice, impacting grip strength and spatial learning. These effects persisted even after iron repletion, highlighting long-term consequences.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Biology
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Iron is crucial for brain development and function.
- Early life nutrition significantly impacts long-term health outcomes.
- Marginal iron intake is a common nutritional issue with potential developmental consequences.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the long-term behavioral and cognitive effects of chronic marginal iron intake during early development.
- To assess the impact of early marginal iron exposure on motor function, sensory processing, and learning.
- To determine if postnatal iron supplementation can reverse the observed deficits.
Main Methods:
- Swiss-Webster mice dams were fed control or marginal iron diets before and during gestation.
- Offspring were exposed to control or marginal iron diets post-weaning.
- Grip strength, auditory startle response, and Morris water maze performance were assessed at various postnatal ages.
- Brain iron concentrations were measured.
Main Results:
- Mice with chronic marginal iron intake exhibited significantly reduced grip strength, independent of body weight.
- Marginal iron-exposed males showed diminished startle responses and impaired performance in the Morris water maze.
- These behavioral deficits correlated with lower brain iron concentrations.
- Postnatal iron repletion did not fully reverse the observed brain iron deficits or cognitive impairments.
Conclusions:
- Chronic marginal iron intake during early development causes persistent biochemical and behavioral changes in mice.
- Early life iron deficiency can lead to long-lasting cognitive and motor deficits.
- The timing and duration of iron exposure are critical factors in developmental outcomes.