Maternal n-3 PUFA deprivation during pregnancy and lactation affects neurogenesis and apoptosis in adult offspring: associated with DNA methylation of BDNF transcripts

In this study, we hypothesized that n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) deficiency during pregnancy and lactation will make a lasting impact on brain neurogenesis and apoptosis of the adult offspring, and these harmful effects cannot be reversed by n-3 PUFA supplementation after weaning. Moreover, the underlying mechanisms may be attributable to the epigenetic changes of brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). C57BL/6 J female mice were fed with n-3 PUFA-deficient diet (n-3 def) or n-3 PUFA adequate diet (n-3 adq) throughout pregnancy and lactation.
Source: Nutrition Research - Category: Nutrition Authors: Source Type: research