Different dietary compositions alter pubertal onset in Wistar rats

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Endocrinology
• Neuroendocrinology
• Nutritional Science

Background:

• Puberty initiation is a complex process regulated by neuroendocrine signals.
• Dietary factors are increasingly recognized for their influence on developmental timing.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of different diets on the onset of puberty in female rats.
• To explore the neuroendocrine mechanisms, including hypothalamic neuropeptide crosstalk, involved in diet-induced pubertal changes.

Main Methods:

• Female Wistar rats were fed high-fat, high-carbohydrate, high-protein, cafeteria, or standard diets for 21 days.
• Body weight, vaginal opening, and hormonal profiles (FSH, LH, estradiol) were monitored.
• Gene and protein expression of key neuropeptides (e.g., Kiss1, Pomc, Gnrh) and histone acetylation were analyzed in the hypothalamus.

Main Results:

• High-fat, high-carbohydrate, and cafeteria diets led to earlier vaginal opening and increased body weight and hormone levels.
• Upregulation of Kiss1, Kiss1r, Pomc, Lep, Lepr, and Gnrh, with downregulation of Npy, Agrp, and Mkrn3 observed.
• Increased hypothalamic KISS1, KISS1R, LEPR, POMC protein levels and global histone acetylation were noted in high-fat and high-carbohydrate diet groups.

Conclusions:

• Dietary composition significantly modulates pubertal onset via neuroendocrine pathways.
• High-fat and high-carbohydrate diets expedite puberty by altering hypothalamic neuropeptide and hormone expression.
• Nutrition plays a vital role in reproductive development with implications for adolescent health.