Maternal and postweaning high-fat diets disturb hippocampal gene expression, learning, and memory function.

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Developmental Biology
• Nutritional Science

Background:

• Maternal diet impacts offspring neurodevelopment.
• High-fat diets are linked to cognitive deficits.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate if excess saturated fat during development affects hippocampal gene expression and spatial memory.
• To determine the long-term effects of maternal and postweaning high-fat diets on learning and memory.

Main Methods:

• Animal model: Dams fed high-fat or control diets during gestation and lactation; offspring weaned to high-fat or control diets.
• Behavioral testing: Morris Water Maze for spatial learning/memory, open field test for motor activity.
• Molecular analysis: RT-PCR and ELISA for hippocampal gene and protein expression (BDNF, ARC, NGF, NR2B, synaptophysin, synaptotagmin).

Main Results:

• High-fat diet exposure impaired spatial learning and memory acquisition and retention.
• Maternal and/or postweaning high-fat diets significantly decreased mRNA and protein levels of BDNF, ARC, NGF, NR2B, and synaptophysin.
• Synaptotagmin levels increased in offspring of dams fed high-fat diets.

Conclusions:

• Excess saturated fat consumption during critical developmental periods negatively impacts hippocampal synaptic plasticity and cognitive function.
• Dietary fat exposure alters the expression of key genes involved in synaptic efficacy, leading to lasting learning and memory deficits.