Objective: Previous studies established that between generations changes in feeding protocol can have significant impact on reproductive physiology. The aim of the study was to determinate effects of mothers' nutrition and nutrition of the offspring on the characteristics of vaginal smear and serum lipid content.
Methods: Ten female rats were randomly divided in two groups; first group fed with food containing high content of saturated fatty acids (HFD) and the second with standard laboratory chow (CD). After coupling and lactation period their offspring were further randomly divided into two subgroups fed HFD or CD forming four study groups: (a) CD-CD, (b) CD-HFD, (c) HFD-CD and (d) HFD-HFD. The dams and offspring at the age of 37 and 18 weeks, respectively, were subjected to biochemical analysis of the blood and cytological analysis of the vaginal smears. Additionally body weight was recorded and body mass index (BMI) was calculated.
Results: The HFD-HFD group presented with highest levels of triglycerides and the CD-HFD with the highest levels of cholesterol. Therefore, triglyceride and cholesterol levels were significantly different among the groups (p = 0.001 and p = 0.002, respectively). Vaginal cytological smears analysis showed features of irregular phase interchanges or extended estrous phase in offspring of high-fat fed dams.
Conclusion: Maternal HFD consumption predisposes offspring to increased risk of developing metabolic abnormalities and estrous disorders.
Keywords: Epigenetic; estrous; high-fat diet; offspring.