Transgenerational Obesity Modulation of Gut Mucosal Immunity

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Gastroenterology
• Nutritional Science

Background:

• Rising obesity rates in the US raise concerns about transgenerational health impacts.
• Maternal obesity may negatively affect offspring's physiological functions, including gut immunity.
• Previous studies link Western diet (WD) consumption to decreased gut immune cell density.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of maternal Western diet (WD) consumption on the gut mucosal immunity of offspring.
• To determine if diet-induced changes in gut immunity are reversible in progeny.
• To assess the influence of offspring's diet on fecal microbiome composition and infection response.

Main Methods:

• Mice were fed a high-fat, high-sugar Western diet (WD) or a control diet.
• Offspring gut immune cell populations (Paneth cells, intraepithelial lymphocytes) were analyzed.
• Fecal microbiome composition and response to infection were assessed in offspring.
• Reversibility of diet-induced immune changes was evaluated by switching offspring to a healthy diet.

Main Results:

• WD consumption by dams decreased Paneth cell and intraepithelial lymphocyte (IEL) density in offspring.
• Paneth cell loss was reversible upon switching offspring to a healthy diet, while IEL loss was not.
• Offspring diet composition determined fecal microbiome structure and infection susceptibility.
• Offspring from obese dams could prevent gut immunity impairment by consuming a healthy diet.

Conclusions:

• Maternal WD exposure impacts offspring gut immunity, with partial reversibility.
• Offspring's dietary choices play a critical role in modulating gut microbiome and immune responses.
• A healthy diet in offspring is crucial for preventing gut immune dysfunction, even with maternal obesity history.