Assessment of early exposure to high-fat diet on protein involved in neurogenesis: studies, in vivo in hippocampus of adult mice and in vitro in neuroblast

Abstract

Maternal high-fat diet (HFD) during periods of pregnancy and lactation promotes neurological injuries to offspring, such as: 1) damage on hippocampus-dependent processes learning and memory; 2) changes in neurotransmitter systems (serotoninergic system, e.g.); and 3) change in the signaling pathway for neuronal proliferation/differentiation. These possible effects morphological and functional can be associated with changes in the neurogenic molecular mechanisms. In addition, Notch signaling pathway plays a key role, since it negatively modulates neuronal differentiation. Activation of the Notch pathway leads to up-regulation of the target gene Hes5, which inhibit the pro-neural gene Mash1. Thus, one exacerbated answer of this signaling pathway may possibly impair the hippocampal neurogenesis. Besides modulate the Notch signaling pathway, early exposure HFD can also change the development of neurotransmitter system of the serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT), that plays a pro-neurogenic role. Thus, we believe that mice offspring's brains early exposure to maternal HFD, as well as exposure in vitro of neuroblasts (immature neurons) to saturated fatty acids may possibly promote changes in the molecular events that modulate neurogenic process. Therefore, the present research will evaluate the Notch signaling pathway and the development serotonergic system: in hippocampus of the adult mice offspring from dams exposure to HFD during pregnancy and lactation; and in neuroblast in vitro (Neuro-2a cells) exposure to saturated fatty acids. (AU)