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Low-Carbohydrate and High-Protein Diet Suppresses Working Memory Function in Healthy Mice
Takeru Shima1, Tomonori Yoshikawa1, Hayate Onishi1
1Department of Health and Physical Education, Cooperative Faculty of Education, Gunma University.
Journal of Nutritional Science and Vitaminology
|January 3, 2023
Summary
Low-carbohydrate, high-protein diets may impair memory function by affecting brain neuroplasticity. This study found LC-HP diets suppressed memory in mice, despite unchanged lactate transport. Food choices are crucial for hippocampal health.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Metabolic Health
- Dietary Science
Background:
- Low-carbohydrate, high-protein (LC-HP) diets impact physiological and metabolic health.
- The effects of LC-HP diets on brain function, particularly glycometabolism and neuronal activity, remain unclear.
- The astrocyte-neuron lactate shuttle (ANLS) pathway is vital for maintaining brain functions, including memory.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate the impact of LC-HP diets on hippocampal memory function in mice.
- Evaluate changes in lactate transporters and ANLS-related neurotrophic factors in response to LC-HP diets.
- Determine the relationship between LC-HP diets, hippocampal neuroplasticity, and memory.
Main Methods:
- C57BL/6 mice were fed either an LC-HP diet or a control diet for 4 weeks.
- Memory function was assessed using the Y-maze test.
- Hippocampal mRNA levels of lactate transporters (Mct1, Mct4, Mct2), Dcx, Igf-1 receptor, and Bdnf were quantified.
Main Results:
- Four weeks of LC-HP diet feeding suppressed memory function in mice.
- Hippocampal mRNA levels of lactate transporters remained unchanged.
- LC-HP diets significantly decreased Dcx and Igf-1 receptor mRNA levels, indicating dysregulated neuroplasticity.
- Bdnf and related signaling in the hippocampus showed no change.
Conclusions:
- LC-HP diets can suppress hippocampal working memory, independent of alterations in the lactate transport system.
- The observed memory suppression is linked to the dysregulation of neuroplasticity markers (Dcx, Igf-1 receptor).
- Dietary choices play a critical role in maintaining hippocampal health and function.
