Behavioral disorders affect most diabetic patients and Zinc (Zn) has been used among adjuvant therapies for involvement in the etiology of depression and anxiety, however, the results are still controversial. The objective of this study was to compare the antidepressant, anxiolytic and neuroprotective activity of the supplementation of two Zn compounds in an animal model of Diabetes Mellitus type 1 (DM1). Thirty-eight (38) adult rats were randomized into four groups: Control (C; n = 8); Diabetic (D; n = 10); Diabetic Zn Sulfate Supplement (DSZ; n = 10) and Diabetic Zn Gluconate Supplement (DGZ; n = 10). The DSZ group received Zn sulfate supplementation and the DGZ group received Zn gluconate supplementation at a dose of 15 mg/kg for 4 weeks. Data (mean ±SEM) were analyzed by the Mann-Whitney test with a significance level of p < 0.05. The results indicate that Zn gluconate supplementation in diabetic animals presented an antidepressant effect demonstrated through the results obtained in the Forced Swim Test, and neuroprotective effect by attenuating alterations in the cerebral cortex; while Zn sulfate supplementation in diabetic animals showed an anxiolytic effect demonstrated by the results obtained in the open field test and the elevated plus maze test. Considering the set of results, supplementation with both zinc compounds showed neurobehavioral benefits in diabetic animals with different effects depending on the type of anion associated with Zn.

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This study investigated the effects of a maternal dyslipidaemic (DLP) diet on lipid metabolism, microbial counts in faeces and hepatic and intestinal morphology in rat offspring with respect to sex during different phases of life. Wistar rats (dams) were fed a control (CTL) or DLP during gestation and lactation. After weaning, CTL and DLP offspring were fed a standard diet. The effects of a maternal DLP on body composition, biochemical parameters, faecal microbiota and intestinal and hepatic histomorphometric characteristics in rat offspring were evaluated at 30 and 90 d of age. The DLP diet during gestation and lactation caused lower birth weight and a greater weight gain percentage at the end of the 90-d period in both male and female offspring. Female pups from DLP dams had higher liver fat levels compared with CTL (P≤0·001) at 90 d of age. Males from DLP dams had greater visceral fat weight and lower Lactobacillus spp. faecal counts at 90 d of age (P≤0·001) as well as lower faecal fat excretion (P≤0·05) and Bacteroides spp. faecal counts (P≤0·001) at 30 d of age when compared with pups from CTL dams. However, both dams and DLP pups showed damage to intestinal villi. A maternal DLP alters intestinal function and lipid metabolism in a sex-specific manner and is a potential predisposing factor for health complications in offspring from the juvenile period to the adult period.