Repercussions of the Maternal Obesogenic Diet on the Oxidative Balance and Pancreatic Metabolism in Male Juvenile Offspring

Abstract

Background/Objectives: The consumption of diets with high fat, salt, and sugar content has been associated with increasing the risk of developing a range of pathologies, including cardiovascular disease, obesity, and diabetes. Furthermore, there is growing evidence to suggest a relationship between variation in the nutritional environment and pancreatic dysregulation, which may be a consequence of oxidative stress. This study aimed to examine the effects of a high-fat, high-carbohydrate (obesogenic) maternal diet during pregnancy and lactation on the metabolic health and pancreatic structure of rat offspring. Methods: Pregnant rats were divided into two groups: one fed a standard diet and the other an obesogenic diet. After weaning, male pups from both groups were fed the same diet until they were 30 days old, which is when they were euthanized. Results: Metabolic and murinometric changes: Increased body weight and pancreas size, elevated blood glucose and cholesterol levels, and reduced glucose tolerance (which is indicative of the beginning of insulin resistance). Oxidative stress: Higher levels of oxidative damage markers and decreased antioxidants in the pancreas, suggesting a state of oxidative stress in this organ. Changes in pancreatic structure: Increased size and number of pancreatic islets and decreased size and number of pancreatic acini. Conclusions: A maternal obesogenic diet induces metabolic alterations, increases oxidative stress, and causes changes in the structure of the pancreas in rat offspring, suggesting a higher risk of developing metabolic diseases such as type 2 diabetes in adulthood.