Maternal sucrose consumption alters steroid levels in the mother, placenta, and fetus

Abstract

Maternal diet impacts the development of the fetal brain and can have long-term consequences for offspring behavior. Amounts of sucrose (table sugar) are high in modern diets, but we do not know how a maternal high-sucrose diet affects the next generation. Our previous data in rats show that a maternal high-sucrose diet (25% of calories from sucrose), which is human-relevant, alters the metabolism of the mother and has long-term effects on the offspring. Adult female offspring showed elevated corticosterone levels in the blood and brain. Adult male offspring had an increased preference for highly palatable food and were more motivated to work for a sugar reward. In this study with rats, we examined how a maternal high-sucrose diet affects steroids in the dam, placenta, and fetus at E19.5. Maternal sucrose intake increased maternal and fetal levels of glucocorticoids (11-deoxycorticosterone (DOC) and 11-dehydrocorticosterone (DHC)) and the mineralocorticoid aldosterone. In addition, maternal sucrose intake decreased levels of androgens (androstenedione and testosterone) in the placenta and fetal brain. Moreover, maternal sucrose intake reduced placenta mass. In summary, we found dramatic changes in maternal, placental, and fetal steroids that might mediate the long-term effects of maternal sucrose consumption on adult offspring neuroendocrinology and behavior.