Chronic starvation induces microglial cell depletion in an activity-based anorexia model

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Gastroenterology
• Psychiatry

Background:

• Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a severe psychiatric disorder with unknown causes, linked to reduced brain volume and gut microbiome imbalance.
• The gut-brain axis is implicated in AN pathophysiology.
• The activity-based anorexia (ABA) rat model mimics AN-related brain volume loss.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of chronic starvation on brain cell populations in the ABA model.
• To evaluate the potential protective effects of omega-3 fatty acids (FA) and probiotics against starvation-induced brain changes.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a chronic ABA rat model with daily oral supplementation of omega-3 FA and probiotics.
• Employed immunohistochemistry and qPCR to analyze astrocyte (GFAP), microglia (IBA1), oligodendrocyte (OLIG1/2), neuron (MAP2), and proliferating cell (Ki-67) markers.
• Assessed running wheel activity and food intake in supplemented ABA rats.

Main Results:

• Significant reductions in astrocytes and microglia were observed across all ABA groups, linked to decreased proliferating cells.
• Supplementation with omega-3 FA and probiotics reduced running wheel activity and food intake but did not alter brain cell populations.
• Glial cell depletion is proposed as a potential cause of diminished brain volume in ABA rats.

Conclusions:

• Glial cell depletion may underlie the reduced brain volume observed in activity-based anorexia.
• Omega-3 fatty acids and probiotics show promise in mitigating AN-related symptoms and warrant further investigation as therapeutic strategies.