OBJECTIVE: To investigate flaxseed as a partial source of protein and an exclusive source of lipids and fibers in the development of the central nervous system by analyzing hippocampal fatty acid composition and cognitive and locomotor functions. METHODS: Experimental diets were given to dams during preconception, pregnancy, and lactation and to their pups after weaning. Female Wistar rats were separated into three groups according to experimental diet: a control group (CG) and a flaxseed group (FG), fed ad libitum diets, and a modified control group (MCG), pair-fed with the FG. After weaning, the pups received their mothers' diets. After 30 d, eight males from each group were tested in a Morris water maze to assess learning, memory, and motor function. RESULTS: The offspring of FG dams showed a lower body mass than CG dams, probably due to non-nutritional factors and an imbalance between ω-3 and ω-6 fatty acids of the seed, and displayed a higher concentration of α-linolenic acid, possibly suggesting inhibition of arachidonic acid synthesis. The content of docosahexaenoic acid in the hippocampus was higher in the FG followed by the MCG compared with the CG. Hippocampal docosahexaenoic acid content correlated with better spatial memory performance in the FG, whereas arachidonic acid content correlated with longer time in solving the task. CONCLUSION: Flaxseed during perinatal and postweaning periods improves spatial memory to the detriment of growth. These findings indicate that there must be caution in encouraging the maternal intake of flaxseed during pregnancy and lactation.
OBJECTIVE: To investigate flaxseed as a partial source of protein and an exclusive source of lipids and fibers in the development of the central nervous system by analyzing hippocampal fatty acid composition and cognitive and locomotor functions. METHODS: Experimental diets were given to dams during preconception, pregnancy, and lactation and to their pups after weaning. Female Wistar rats were separated into three groups according to experimental diet: a control group (CG) and a flaxseed group (FG), fed ad libitum diets, and a modified control group (MCG), pair-fed with the FG. After weaning, the pups received their mothers' diets. After 30 d, eight males from each group were tested in a Morris water maze to assess learning, memory, and motor function. RESULTS: The offspring of FG dams showed a lower body mass than CG dams, probably due to non-nutritional factors and an imbalance between ω-3 and ω-6 fatty acids of the seed, and displayed a higher concentration of α-linolenic acid, possibly suggesting inhibition of arachidonic acid synthesis. The content of docosahexaenoic acid in the hippocampus was higher in the FG followed by the MCG compared with the CG. Hippocampal docosahexaenoic acid content correlated with better spatial memory performance in the FG, whereas arachidonic acid content correlated with longer time in solving the task. CONCLUSION: Flaxseed during perinatal and postweaning periods improves spatial memory to the detriment of growth. These findings indicate that there must be caution in encouraging the maternal intake of flaxseed during pregnancy and lactation.
Authors: Marilia Ferreira Frazão Tavares de Melo; Diego Elias Pereira; Renally de Lima Moura; Elisiane Beatriz da Silva; Flávio Augusto Lyra Tavares de Melo; Celina de Castro Querino Dias; Maciel da Costa Alves Silva; Maria Elieidy Gomes de Oliveira; Vanessa Bordin Viera; Maria Manuela Estevez Pintado; Sócrates Golzio Dos Santos; Juliana Késsia Barbosa Soares Journal: Front Neurosci Date: 2019-01-23 Impact factor: 4.677
Authors: Roberta Cristina de França Silva; Mikaelle Albuquerque de Souza; Jaielison Yandro Pereira da Silva; Carolina da Silva Ponciano; Vanessa Bordin Viera; Camila Carolina de Menezes Santos Bertozzo; Gerlane Coelho Guerra; Daline Fernandes de Souza Araújo; Marta Maria da Conceição; Celina de Castro Querino Dias; Maria Elieidy Oliveira; Juliana Kessia Barbosa Soares Journal: PLoS One Date: 2021-03-17 Impact factor: 3.240