Sex- and Age-Specific Differences in Mice Fed a Ketogenic Diet

Area of Science:

• Metabolic research
• Nutritional science
• Animal models

Background:

• The ketogenic diet (KD), characterized by high fat and low carbohydrate intake, induces ketosis.
• KD is explored for neurological conditions, exercise performance, and weight loss.
• Limited research addresses sex- and age-specific effects of KD.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate sex- and age-specific differences in mice consuming a KD.
• To understand how the KD affects physiological parameters in different demographic groups.

Main Methods:

• Male and female C57BL/6N mice (12 or 24 weeks old) were fed either a KD or standard chow for 6 weeks.
• Parameters assessed included weight gain, adiposity, lipid profiles, and glycogen levels.
• Glucose tolerance and rotarod performance were evaluated.

Main Results:

• KD consumption led to weight gain, increased adiposity, hyperlipidemia, and cardiac/hepatic lipid accumulation.
• Glycogen depletion occurred in the heart, liver, and muscles, with variations by age and sex.
• Male mice (young and old) showed glucose intolerance on KD, while younger females exhibited improved rotarod performance.

Conclusions:

• The study highlights significant sex- and age-dependent variations in response to the KD.
• Adaptation to the KD is not uniform and is influenced by both sex and age.
• Further research is needed to elucidate these specific differences in KD efficacy and safety.