Efeito do consumo materno de ácido linoleico conjugado sobre parâmetros físicos, bioquímicos e comportamentais da prole de ratos

Abstract

The type of fat offered during pregnancy and lactation can trigger problems such as anxiety, depression and metabolic changes in the offspring or protect against these diseases. Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA) is a group of conjugated isomers of linoleic acid and is known to exert beneficial functions in the body. However, little is known about the influence of this lipid on the maternal diet and the offspring. Therefore, the objective of the study is to evaluate the influence of CLA offered during the gestation and lactation phase on physical, biochemical and behavioral parameters of the offspring. Three groups were formed: control (CG) - diet without CLA; CLA1 - diet containing 1% CLA; and CLA3 - diet containing 3% CLA. Diets were offered to mothers from the 7th day of pregnancy until the end of lactation. The following behavioral tests were used: Elevated Plus Maze (EPM), Open Field (OF) and Light-Dark Box (LDB). The levels of malonaldehyde (MDA) and glutathione were measured in the offspring's brain. To assess metabolic changes, body weight, murinometry, body fat, biochemical analyzes, fat and fatty acid profile of the liver were measured. For data analysis, the Oneway ANOVA statistical test was used, followed by the Tukey test (p≤0.05). CLA1 and CLA3 presented a greater number of entries in the open arms and time spent in the central area in EPM, translocated and ambulated more in the clear area of the LDB and performed a longer rearing time in the OF compared to the CG (p≤0.05). In addition, a higher concentration of glutathione and lower MDA was observed in the brain tissue of animals from CLA1 and CLA3, as well as a greater amount of retroperitoneal and epididymal fat, total cholesterol and High Density Lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c), when compared to CG (p≤0.05). In contrast, lower waist circumference and lower blood glucose values were observed in these groups versus the CG (p≤0.05). Regarding the fatty acid profile in the liver, CLA3 showed a greater amount of MUFA versus GC and CLA1. However, in this group the amount of PUFA in the n-3 series and total PUFA was lower when compared to the GC and lower values of n-6 PUFA versus GC and CLA1 (p≤0.05). The CLA content in the liver was found in insignificant amounts (p≥0.05). Maternal intake of CLA at both concentrations induced a decrease in anxiety parameters and cerebral lipid peroxidation, as well as improved fatty acid profile in the liver, increased levels of HDL-c and Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT). Consumption of CLA at crucial stages of life is safe and can benefit the offspring. The effects were independent of the dose, but tests on humans must be performed to confirm the results.