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Zilkha N, Chuartzman SG, Fishman R, Ben-Dor S, Kimchi T. Maternal high-fat or low-protein diets promote autism-related behavior and altered social behavior within groups in offspring male mice. Sci Rep 2024; 14:19227. [PMID: 39164365 PMCID: PMC11336096 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-70062-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2024] [Accepted: 08/12/2024] [Indexed: 08/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Maternal malnutrition has been associated with neurodevelopmental deficits and long-term implications on the offspring's health and behavior. Here, we investigated the effects of maternal low-protein diet (LPD) or obesity-inducing maternal high-fat diet (HFD) on dyadic social interactions, group organization and autism-related behaviors in mice. We found that maternal HFD induced an autism-related behavioral phenotype in the male offspring, including a robust decrease in sociability, increased aggression, cognitive rigidity and repetitive behaviors. Maternal LPD led to a milder yet significant effect on autism-related symptoms, with no effects on olfactory-mediated social behavior. Under naturalistic conditions in a group setting, this manifested in altered behavioral repertoires, increased magnitude in dominance relations, and reduced interactions with novel social stimuli in the HFD male offspring, but not in the LPD offspring. Finally, we found HFD-induced transcriptomic changes in the olfactory bulbs of the male offspring. Together, our findings show that maternal malnutrition induces long-lasting effects on aggression and autism-related behaviors in male offspring, and potential impairments in brain regions processing chemosensory signals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noga Zilkha
- Department of Brain Sciences, Weizmann Institute of Science, 76100, Rehovot, Israel
| | | | - Ruth Fishman
- Department of Brain Sciences, Weizmann Institute of Science, 76100, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Shifra Ben-Dor
- Department of Life Sciences Core Facilities, Weizmann Institute of Science, 76100, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Tali Kimchi
- Department of Brain Sciences, Weizmann Institute of Science, 76100, Rehovot, Israel.
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Foscolou A, Papandreou P, Gioxari A, Skouroliakou M. Optimizing Dietary Habits in Adolescents with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: Personalized Mediterranean Diet Intervention via Clinical Decision Support System-A Randomized Controlled Trial. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 11:635. [PMID: 38929215 PMCID: PMC11201884 DOI: 10.3390/children11060635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2024] [Revised: 05/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
The hypothesis of this randomized controlled trial was that a clinical decision support system (CDSS) would increase adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MD) among adolescent females with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). The objective was to assess the impact of personalized MD plans delivered via a CDSS on nutritional status and psychological well-being. Forty adolescent females (15-17 years) with PCOS were randomly assigned to the MD group (n = 20) or the Control group (n = 20). The MD group received personalized MD plans every 15 days via a CDSS, while the Control group received general nutritional advice. Assessments were conducted at baseline and after 3 months. Results showed significantly increased MD adherence in the MD group compared to the Control group (p < 0.001). The MD group exhibited lower intakes of energy, total fat, saturated fat, and cholesterol, and higher intakes of monounsaturated fat and fiber (p < 0.05). Serum calcium and vitamin D status (p < 0.05), as well as anxiety (p < 0.05) were improved. In conclusion, tailored dietary interventions based on MD principles, delivered via a CDSS, effectively manage PCOS in adolescent females. These findings highlight the potential benefits of using technology to promote dietary adherence and improve health outcomes in this population. ClinicalTrials.gov registry: NCT06380010.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Foscolou
- Department of Nutritional Science and Dietetics, School of Health Sciences, 24100 Kalamata, Greece;
| | - Panos Papandreou
- Department of Nutrition, IASO Hospital, 37-39 Kifissias Ave., 15123 Athens, Greece
| | - Aristea Gioxari
- Department of Nutritional Science and Dietetics, School of Health Sciences, 24100 Kalamata, Greece;
| | - Maria Skouroliakou
- Department of Dietetics and Nutritional Science, School of Health Science and Education, Harokopio University, 70 El. Venizelou Ave., 17676 Athens, Greece;
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Sabião TDS, Oliveira FCD, Bressan J, Pimenta AM, Hermsdorff HHM, Oliveira FLPD, Mendonça RDD, Carraro JCC. Fatty acid intake and prevalence of depression among Brazilian graduates and postgraduates (CUME Study). J Affect Disord 2024; 346:182-191. [PMID: 37949241 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2023.11.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2023] [Revised: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dietary fatty acids are related to the development of several inflammatory-related diseases, which may include depression. So, the association between fatty acids, culinary oils and fat intake and depression in highly educated Brazilians was evaluated. METHODS Multicenter cross-sectional study using baseline data from the Cohort of Universities of Minas Gerais. The diagnosis of depression was self-reported, and the daily intake of fatty acids was assessed using a 144-item food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). RESULTS A total of 7157 participants (68.83 % women) with a median age of 33 years were included. The prevalence of depression was 12.60 % (N = 902). In the adjusted analyses, it was observed that individuals with the highest intake of omega-6 fatty acids (n-6) (OR: 1.36, 95 % CI 1.11-1.67) had a higher prevalence of depression. This increased n-6 intake was identified as a risk factor for depression only among male participants, while among overweight participants, higher n-6 intake was also positively associated with depression. Conversely, a higher ratio of polyunsaturated to monounsaturated and saturated fatty acids (PM/S) was also found to be positively associated with depression, but this association was observed only among non-overweight participants. No associations were found between the consumption of culinary oils or fats and depression. LIMITATIONS Cross-sectional design limits the assessment of causality. The use of the FFQ can make estimates more difficult. CONCLUSION Higher consumption of n-6, and higher PM/S ratios were associated with depression, and individual factors can interfere. The mental health care policies should include specific nutritional strategies.
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Aucoin M, LaChance L, van der Wurff I, Miller S, Naidoo U, Jenkins A, Cooley K. Dietary counselling plus omega-3 supplementation in the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder: protocol for a randomized wait-list controlled pilot trial (the "EASe-GAD Trial"). Pilot Feasibility Stud 2023; 9:186. [PMID: 37950301 PMCID: PMC10636887 DOI: 10.1186/s40814-023-01414-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Anxiety disorders are prevalent and disabling conditions involving excessive worry and tension. Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), the most common anxiety disorder, affects 5% of individuals from high-income countries and many individuals report that treatment options are not accessible, effective, or tolerable. Clinical evidence suggests that nutrition interventions, based on the Mediterranean diet and supplementation of omega-3 fatty acids, can significantly improve symptoms of depression; however, the effect of nutrition interventions on anxiety symptoms has not been studied in a clinical population. The primary objective of the present study is to assess the feasibility and acceptability of a dietary counselling and omega-3 fatty acid supplementation intervention delivered to adult women with GAD. The secondary objectives include assessing changes in anxiety symptom severity, assessing changes in quality of life, assessing changes in biomarkers, and evaluating the components of the program. METHODS This study is a randomized, wait-list controlled pilot trial delivering a 12-week, dietary counselling intervention and omega-3 supplementation to 50 adult women with GAD. Participants will complete seven individual counselling sessions which include education, personalized recommendations, mindful eating techniques, motivational interviewing, and goal setting. They will be provided with recipes, instructional videos, and food items. The intervention is designed based on the Social Cognitive Theory and previous research that has been done by the author team to identify dietary constituents with the most evidence to support their use in the treatment of anxiety disorders. Questionnaires and blood work will be completed at baseline, after the waiting period (for those in the waitlist group), and after the intervention. DISCUSSION Results from this study will lay the foundation for future large-scale studies in this area and may provide preliminary evidence of the role of diet counselling and omega-3 supplementation in the management of GAD. Research on the role of nutrition in psychiatric care has been identified as a priority by a number of international organizations. The present trial directly addresses the call for the research that is most needed to advance the field. TRIAL REGISTRATION This protocol was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov on October 10, 2022; NCT05573672 . Trial sponsor: The Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine, 1255 Sheppard Ave E, Toronto, ON M2K 1E2, 416-498-1255. Steering committee: Composed of MA, LL, KC, IvdW, SM, UN, AJ. The committee meets monthly to oversee the trial. Protocol identifier: CCNM_EASe-GADCT_2201v4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monique Aucoin
- Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine, Toronto, Canada.
- University of Guelph, Guelph, Canada.
| | - Laura LaChance
- McGill University, Montreal, Canada
- St. Mary's Hospital, Montreal, Canada
| | - Inge van der Wurff
- Health Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, Open University of the Netherlands, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | | | - Umadevi Naidoo
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA
| | | | - Kieran Cooley
- Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine, Toronto, Canada
- Southern Cross University, Lismore, Australia
- University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, Australia
- Pacific College of Health and Science, San Diego, USA
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da Costa Silva Kindelan S, Queiroz MP, Barbosa MQ, Viera VB, Guerra GC, Fernandes de Souza Araújo D, Jacielly dos Santos J, Lucia de Azevedo Oliveira M, Milhomens Ferreira Melo PC, Rufino Freitas JC, Gomes Dutra LM, Frazão Tavares de Melo MF, Barbosa Soares JK. Maternal rat prenatal and neonatal treatment with pequi pulp reduces anxiety and lipid peroxidation in brain tissue of rat offspring at adolescence. Heliyon 2023; 9:e19757. [PMID: 37809698 PMCID: PMC10559064 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e19757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2023] [Revised: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The Pequi fruit (Caryocar Brasiliense cambess), typical of the Brazilian cerrado or savannah, is a source of essential fatty acids, carotenoids, and phenolic compounds. The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of consuming this fruit on anxiety behavior and lipid peroxidation in the brains of rats whose mothers were treated (by gavage) during pregnancy and lactation with Pequi fruit (pulp or nuts) at 2000 mg/kg of body weight. Anxiety parameters were assessed using the open field (OF), elevated plus maze (EPM), and light/dark box (LDB) tests. The brain was removed to measure malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. Data were analyzed using One-way Anova (p < 0.05). In the OF, the animals in the pulp group presented more time spent in the central area (20.37 ± 0.73 vs Control: 12.51 ± 0.39; Nuts: 8.28 ± 0.40) and increased locomotion (159.7 ± 6.10) compared to the other groups (Control: 127.3 ± 5.54; Nuts: 139.08 ± 6.57). In the EPM, the pulp group entered into the open arms (8.57 ± 0.36) and stayed more time in the central area (19.44 ± 1.17) compared to the Nuts group (7.14 ± 0.34; 13.00 ± 1.57). In the LDB the pulp group entered more (8.00 ± 0.42 vs Control: 7.16 ± 0.16 and Nuts: 7.42 ± 0.75) and stayed longer in the clear light side (92.18 ± 6.42) than all the other groups (Control: 71.44 ± 3.53; Nuts: 80.57 ± 6.50), respectively. Pulp group presented lower MDA in the brain (55.34 ± 3.04) compared to Control (72.06 ± 4.66) and Nuts (66.57 ± 2.45). We conclude that Pequi pulp consumption during pregnancy and lactation reduces lipid peroxidation in brain tissue and induces anxiolytic-like behavior in rat offspring. These effects were not observed in the Pequi nuts group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suedna da Costa Silva Kindelan
- Program of Natural Sciences and Biotechnology, Federal University of Campina Grande, Cuité, Paraiba, Brazil
- Laboratory of Experimental Nutrition, Department of Nutrition, Federal University of Campina Grande, Cuité, Paraiba, Brazil
| | - Michelly Pires Queiroz
- Laboratory of Experimental Nutrition, Department of Nutrition, Federal University of Campina Grande, Cuité, Paraiba, Brazil
| | - Mayara Queiroga Barbosa
- Laboratory of Experimental Nutrition, Department of Nutrition, Federal University of Campina Grande, Cuité, Paraiba, Brazil
| | - Vanessa Bordin Viera
- Program of Natural Sciences and Biotechnology, Federal University of Campina Grande, Cuité, Paraiba, Brazil
- Laboratory of Experimental Nutrition, Department of Nutrition, Federal University of Campina Grande, Cuité, Paraiba, Brazil
| | - Gerlane Coelho Guerra
- Department of Biophysics and Pharmacology, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil
| | | | - Jany Jacielly dos Santos
- Laboratory of Experimental Nutrition, Department of Nutrition, Federal University of Campina Grande, Cuité, Paraiba, Brazil
| | | | | | - Juliano Carlo Rufino Freitas
- Program of Natural Sciences and Biotechnology, Federal University of Campina Grande, Cuité, Paraiba, Brazil
- Education and Health Center, Academic Unit of Biology and Chemistry, Federal University of Campina Grande, Cuité, Pariba, Brazil
| | - Larissa Maria Gomes Dutra
- Laboratory of Experimental Nutrition, Department of Nutrition, Federal University of Campina Grande, Cuité, Paraiba, Brazil
| | | | - Juliana Kessia Barbosa Soares
- Program of Natural Sciences and Biotechnology, Federal University of Campina Grande, Cuité, Paraiba, Brazil
- Laboratory of Experimental Nutrition, Department of Nutrition, Federal University of Campina Grande, Cuité, Paraiba, Brazil
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Alharbi MH. Influence of Weight-Control Attempts as Based on Self-Perception of Macronutrient Intake Among Young Females and Its Association with Mood Disorder. Psychol Res Behav Manag 2023; 16:3319-3331. [PMID: 37636582 PMCID: PMC10460184 DOI: 10.2147/prbm.s418005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Background There are a few studies on the association between macronutrients and mood, but none on weight control based on self-perception of specific macronutrients and mood. Objective To assess the association between anxiety and depression levels and weight-control attempts among young females based on self-perception of diet that impacts weight by limiting or boosting a certain macronutrient. Methods A cross-sectional survey conducted on young females (n=302) with an age range of 19 to 29. Dietary intake was measured using the Food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) and 24h-dietary recall. Anxiety and depression were measured using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) questionnaire. Results Analysis of the data showed a significant and inverse association of macronutrients - carbohydrates (OR 0.86; 95% CI 0.77-0.95; p < 0.01), protein (OR 0.87; 95% CI 0.78-0.97; p < 0.05), and fat (OR 0.79; 95% CI 0.63-0.99; p < 0.05) - with the odds of abnormal anxiety was noted. In addition, lower omega-3 intake was significantly associated with abnormal anxiety score (OR 0.85; 95% CI 0.76-0.97; p < 0.05) and abnormal depression score (OR 0.31; 95% CI 0.14-0.68; p < 0.01). Increased calorie intake is associated with an increased risk of anxiety scores. Conclusion This preliminary study found the importance of monitoring dietary intake, especially macronutrients, among the young population to screen for any onset of mood symptoms, especially for those who are following a specific diet without any supervision. Young people should be aware of the importance of following a balanced diet and seek dietitians' consultation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mudi H Alharbi
- Clinical Nutrition Department, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Taibah University, Madinah, 42353, Saudi Arabia
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Vasović DD, Vesković M, Šutulović N, Hrnčić D, Takić M, Jerotić Đ, Matić M, Stanojlović O, Ivković S, Jovanović Macura I, Mladenović D. Shortened Daily Photoperiod Alleviates Anxiety-like Behaviour by Antioxidant Effect and Changes Serum Fatty Acid Profile in Diabetic Rats. J Pers Med 2023; 13:jpm13050744. [PMID: 37240914 DOI: 10.3390/jpm13050744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2023] [Revised: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of our study was to investigate the effects of a shortened daily photoperiod on anxiety-like behaviour, brain oxidative stress, lipid status and fatty acid composition of serum lipids in a streptozotocin (STZ)-induced model of diabetes mellitus in rats. Male Wistar rats were divided into the following groups: first group-control group (C12/12); second group-diabetic group (DM12/12; 100 mg/kg STZ); third group-control group exposed to a light/dark cycle 6/18 h (C6/18); fourth group-diabetic group exposed to a light/dark cycle 6/18 h (DM6/18). Anxiety-like behaviour was tested three weeks following STZ injection by elevated plus maze (EPM) and open-field test (OFT). Oxidative stress parameters were measured in the cortex, hippocampus and thalamus, while lipid status and fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs) were measured in the serum. Both EPM and OFT showed a lower degree of anxiety-like behaviour in the DM6/18 vs. DM12/12 group. Lipid peroxidation in the cortex, hippocampus and thalamus was significantly lower in the DM6/18 vs. DM12/12 group (p < 0.05), associated with an increased level of antioxidant enzymes and protein thiols in the cortex and thalamus. In the DM6/18 group, oleic, vaccenic, dihomo-γ-linolenic and docosahexaenoic acid concentrations were significantly higher in comparison to the DM12/12 group. A shortened daily photoperiod alleviates anxiety-like behaviour in diabetic rats by reduced lipid peroxidation and changes in the serum fatty acids profile.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dolika D Vasović
- Eye Hospital, University Clinical Centre of Serbia, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Milena Vesković
- Institute of Pathophysiology "Ljubodrag Buba Mihailovic", Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Nikola Šutulović
- Laboratory for Neurophysiology, Institute of Medical Physiology "Richard Burian", Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Dragan Hrnčić
- Laboratory for Neurophysiology, Institute of Medical Physiology "Richard Burian", Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Marija Takić
- Group for Nutrition and Metabolism, Centre of Research Excellence in Nutrition and Metabolism, Institute for Medical Research, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Đurđa Jerotić
- Institute of Medical and Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Marija Matić
- Institute of Medical and Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Olivera Stanojlović
- Laboratory for Neurophysiology, Institute of Medical Physiology "Richard Burian", Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Sanja Ivković
- Department of Molecular Biology and Endocrinology, Vinca-Institute for Nuclear Sciences, National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Irena Jovanović Macura
- Institute for Biological Research "Sinisa Stankovic", National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Dušan Mladenović
- Institute of Pathophysiology "Ljubodrag Buba Mihailovic", Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
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Relationships between Dairy and Calcium Intake and Mental Health Measures of Higher Education Students in the United States: Outcomes from Moderation Analyses. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14040775. [PMID: 35215428 PMCID: PMC8877188 DOI: 10.3390/nu14040775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2021] [Revised: 02/02/2022] [Accepted: 02/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The prevalence of mental health concerns among university students in the United States (U.S.) continues to increase, while current treatments, including medication and counseling, present shortcomings. Higher dairy and calcium intakes are associated with protective effects on mental health; however, previous studies have focused on investigating singular relationships between dairy and calcium intakes and mental health measures. A more complex exploration of these relationships is warranted to better examine whether increasing dairy and calcium intakes could serve as an intervention to improve mental health. The present study sought to further characterize the relationships between dairy and calcium intake, perceived stress, and a variety of mental health measures using linear regression and moderation analyses. Methods: The present cross-sectional study involved students studying at three large U.S. universities, and data collection occurred from April to May 2020 when students were learning remotely due to the COVID-19 pandemic. An online survey comprising validated tools was distributed among students to assess dairy and calcium intake, perceived stress, anxiety, negative and positive moods, rumination, and resilience, sleep quality and duration, dietary risk, and physical activity. Results: A total of 1233 students completed the study. Higher dairy and calcium intake was coincident with lower perceived stress and higher positive mood scores, while higher calcium intake was also coincident with lower anxiety, rumination, and higher resilience scores. Additionally, as calcium intake increased, the relationship between perceived stress and anxiety and the relationship between perceived stress and negative mood weakened. Dairy intake did not have this effect. Conclusions: Based on the results, and considering that calcium is a shortfall nutrient, universities should consider initiating programs and public health campaigns to promote dairy and calcium intake among this population.
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Xavier S, Soch A, Younesi S, Malik S, Spencer SJ, Sominsky L. Maternal diet before and during pregnancy modulates microglial activation and neurogenesis in the postpartum rat brain. Brain Behav Immun 2021; 98:185-197. [PMID: 34418500 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2021.08.223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2021] [Revised: 08/11/2021] [Accepted: 08/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The implications of poor maternal diet on offspring metabolic and neuroimmune development are well established. Increasing evidence now suggests that maternal obesity and poor diet can also increase the risk of postpartum mood disorders, but the mechanisms are unknown. Here we investigated the effects of a poor, high-fat-high-sugar diet (HFSD) on peripheral and central inflammation, neurogenesis and postpartum anxiety-like behaviours. We hypothesised that long-term consumption of a HFSD pre- and post-conception would increase the levels of circulating cytokines and induce microglial activation, particularly in the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus (ARC), as the primary brain region involved in the integration of satiety signalling; and this would lead to increased anxiety, stress responsivity and disrupted neurogenesis. We further hypothesised that these effects would be ameliorated by consumption of a healthier diet during pregnancy - specifically a diet high in omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). As expected, the HFSD significantly increased pre-conception body weight, elevated circulating cytokines and activated microglia in the ARC, as well as in the basolateral amygdala. The HFSD also significantly increased the numbers of immature (doublecortin (DCX)-positive) neurons in the subgranular/granular region of the hippocampus, a neurogenic response that was, surprisingly, mimicked by consumption of a diet high in omega-3 PUFAs. Despite these effects of peri-pregnancy dietary imbalance, we detected no differences in anxiety-like behaviours or hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis reactivity between the groups. A shift to a healthier diet post-conception reversed the peripheral inflammation and alleviated the microglial activation. These novel data indicate the importance of a balanced peri-pregnancy diet and highlight the need for future research into key triggers that alter the neuroimmune balance in the maternal brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soniya Xavier
- School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Alita Soch
- School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Simin Younesi
- School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Sajida Malik
- School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Sarah J Spencer
- School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; ARC Centre of Excellence for Nanoscale Biophotonics, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Luba Sominsky
- School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Barwon Health Laboratory, Barwon Health University Hospital, Geelong, VIC, Australia; Institute for Physical and Mental Health and Clinical Transformation, School of Medicine, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia.
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Tsan L, Décarie-Spain L, Noble EE, Kanoski SE. Western Diet Consumption During Development: Setting the Stage for Neurocognitive Dysfunction. Front Neurosci 2021; 15:632312. [PMID: 33642988 PMCID: PMC7902933 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2021.632312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2020] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The dietary pattern in industrialized countries has changed substantially over the past century due to technological advances in agriculture, food processing, storage, marketing, and distribution practices. The availability of highly palatable, calorically dense foods that are shelf-stable has facilitated a food environment where overconsumption of foods that have a high percentage of calories derived from fat (particularly saturated fat) and sugar is extremely common in modern Westernized societies. In addition to being a predictor of obesity and metabolic dysfunction, consumption of a Western diet (WD) is related to poorer cognitive performance across the lifespan. In particular, WD consumption during critical early life stages of development has negative consequences on various cognitive abilities later in adulthood. This review highlights rodent model research identifying dietary, metabolic, and neurobiological mechanisms linking consumption of a WD during early life periods of development (gestation, lactation, juvenile and adolescence) with behavioral impairments in multiple cognitive domains, including anxiety-like behavior, learning and memory function, reward-motivated behavior, and social behavior. The literature supports a model in which early life WD consumption leads to long-lasting neurocognitive impairments that are largely dissociable from WD effects on obesity and metabolic dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda Tsan
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States.,Department of Biological Sciences, Human and Evolutionary Biology Section, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Léa Décarie-Spain
- Department of Biological Sciences, Human and Evolutionary Biology Section, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Emily E Noble
- Department of Foods and Nutrition, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
| | - Scott E Kanoski
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States.,Department of Biological Sciences, Human and Evolutionary Biology Section, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
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