Physical exercise counteracts the increase in velocity of propagation of cortical spreading depression imposed by early over-nutrition in rats

Effects of Fructose and Palmitic Acid on Gene Expression in Drosophila melanogaster Larvae: Implications for Neurodegenerative Diseases

One of the largest health problems worldwide is the development of chronic noncommunicable diseases due to the consumption of hypercaloric diets. Among the most common alterations are cardiovascular diseases, and a high correlation between overnutrition and neurodegenerative diseases has also been found. The urgency in the study of specific damage to tissues such as the brain and intestine led us to use Drosophila melanogaster to study the metabolic effects caused by the consumption of fructose and palmitic acid in specific tissues. Thus, third instar larvae (96 ± 4 h) of the wild Canton-S strain of D. melanogaster were used to perform transcriptomic profiling in brain and midgut tissues to test for the potential metabolic effects of a diet supplemented with fructose and palmitic acid. Our data infer that this diet can alter the biosynthesis of proteins at the mRNA level that participate in the synthesis of amino acids, as well as fundamental enzymes for the dopaminergic and GABAergic systems in the midgut and brain. These also demonstrated alterations in the tissues of flies that may help explain the development of various reported human diseases associated with the consumption of fructose and palmitic acid in humans. These studies will not only help to better understand the mechanisms by which the consumption of these alimentary products is related to the development of neuronal diseases but may also contribute to the prevention of these conditions.

Neurobiological approaches of high-fat diet intake in early development and their impact on mood disorders in adulthood: A systematic review

The early stage of development is a vulnerable period for progeny neurodevelopment, altering cytogenetic and correct cerebral functionality. The exposure High-Fat Diet (HFD) is a factor that impacts the future mental health of individuals. This review analyzes possible mechanisms involved in the development of mood disorders in adulthood because of maternal HFD intake during gestation and lactation, considering previously reported findings in the last five years, both in humans and animal models. Maternal HFD could induce alterations in mood regulation, reported as increased stress response, anxiety-like behavior, and depressive-like behavior. These changes were mostly related to HPA axis dysregulations and neuroinflammatory responses. In conclusion, there could be a relationship between HFD consumption during the early stages of life and the development of psychopathologies during adulthood. These findings provide guidelines for the understanding of possible mechanisms involved in mood disorders, however, there is still a need for more human clinical studies that provide evidence to improve the understanding of maternal nutrition and future mental health outcomes in the offspring.