Limited effects of omega-3 supplementation on offspring metabolic and hypothalamic programming under a maternal cafeteria diet.

Abstract

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the impact of supplementing the maternal cafeteria diet with omega-3 fatty acids (ω3) on serum glucose, insulin, and leptin levels, as well as hypothalamic mRNA expression levels of pro-opiomelanocortin (Pomc), neuropeptide-Y (Npy), agouti-related protein (Agrp), and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (Bdnf) genes in the offspring.

Methods: Pregnant C57BL/6J mice were divided into four groups (n = 8 each): cafeteria diet, cafeteria diet plus ω3 supplementation (300 mg/kg/day), chow diet, and chow diet plus ω3 supplementation. Gestation and lactation were monitored, and blood and tissue samples were collected from 62 offspring.

Results: No significant differences were observed in maternal body weight at pregnancy onset. However, dietary intervention influenced weight gain and intake during gestation and lactation. The cafeteria diet group consumed more energy, fat, saturated fat, and less protein and fiber, with similar carbohydrate intake. This group showed higher serum glucose levels in offspring than the control group, while insulin and leptin levels remained unaffected. Supplementing the maternal cafeteria diet with ω3 had no beneficial effect on serum glucose, insulin, or leptin. Neither the cafeteria diet nor ω3 supplementation altered hypothalamic Pomc, Npy, Agrp, or Bdnf mRNA expression.

Discussion: These findings suggest that the maternal cafeteria diet may adversely affect some biochemical parameters in offspring without inducing short-term changes in nutrition-related gene expression. Ω3 supplementation conferred no apparent therapeutic benefit. Limitations include the absence of adiposity measurements and long-term follow-up, which may have influenced outcomes. Further research is needed to explore long-term metabolic consequences and underlying epigenetic mechanisms.