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The effect of early weaning on feeding behavior parameters in rodents: A systematic review
Swane Miranda Alves1, Elifrances Galdino de Oliveira2, Eulália Rebeca Da Silva Araújo2
1Graduate Program in Nutrition, Federal University of Pernambuco (UFPE), Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil.
Insights
Early weaning disrupts neurodevelopment and lifelong feeding behaviors by altering brain signaling. This review examines how early separation impacts feeding control mechanisms and potential interventions.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Biology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Breastfeeding is crucial for somatic and neurodevelopment.
- Early weaning is a significant neonatal stressor with lasting effects.
- Feeding behavior is modulated by central and peripheral systems, including neurotransmitters and hormones.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the effects of early weaning on feeding behavior control.
- To analyze alterations in neural plasticity and molecular pathways regulating feeding.
- To explore potential interventions for reversing early weaning-induced changes.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on early weaning and feeding behavior.
- Analysis of neurodevelopmental and molecular impacts.
- Examination of pharmacological, herbal, and lifestyle interventions.
Main Results:
- Early weaning alters neurodevelopment, impacting feeding behavior regulation.
- Common consequences include hyperphagia, increased body mass, and molecular changes.
- The hypothalamus and gastrointestinal signaling are key affected pathways.
Conclusions:
- Early weaning has profound, lifelong consequences on feeding behavior control.
- Alterations in neurotransmitter and hormonal systems are implicated.
- Further research into effective interventions is warranted.
Abstract:
Breastfeeding is essential for somatic development, especially neurodevelopment. The abrupt termination of the mother-child bond, early weaning, is a stressful event during the neonatal period. This has lifelong consequences. The impact on neural plasticity will be reflected in behavioral expression, including feeding behavior. This behavior is modulated by encephalic and peripheral structures, such as the serotonergic and dopaminergic neurotransmission systems, as well as hormonal signaling, leptin, and ghrelin. The central nervous system, particularly the hypothalamus, receives information from the gastrointestinal tract to regulate hunger and satiety. Early weaning alters these mechanisms that control feeding behavior. The alterations most commonly reported in the literature are hyperphagia, increased body mass, and molecular alterations related to the control of feeding behavior. Studies have attempted to identify the factors involved in the changes in feeding behavior control caused by early weaning. Furthermore, pharmacological interventions, herbal medicines, calcium supplementation, and physical activity have been investigated as potential means of reversing these changes. Consequently, the objective of this literature review was to analyze the effects of early weaning on the modulation of parameters that act to control feeding behavior.
