Obesity induced by cafeteria diet disrupts fertility in the rat by affecting multiple ovarian targets

Abstract

Obesity constitutes a health problem of increasing worldwide prevalence. Among the health detriments caused by obesity, reproduction is disrupted. However, the mechanisms involved in this disruption are not fully understood. Animals fed a cafeteria diet constitute the model for the study of obesity that most closely reflects Western diet habits. The aims of this study were to evaluate whether a cafeteria diet affects ovarian function and to contribute to the understanding of the mechanisms involved. For that purpose, 22-day-old female Wistar rats were fed ad libitum with a standard diet (control group; n = 20) or cafeteria diet (CAF group; n = 20). The cafeteria diet induced obesity and hyperglycaemia, without altering serum triglycerides, cholesterol or C-reactive protein concentrations. This diet also altered ovarian function: the rats showed prolonged dioestrous phases, decreased serum oestradiol concentrations and increased number of antral atretic follicles. Moreover, follicular cysts were detected in the CAF group, concomitantly with a decrease in the number of anti-Müllerian hormone immunoreactive pre-antral follicles and COX-2-positive antral and pre-ovulatory follicles. The authors conclude that a cafeteria diet reduces ovarian reserve, induces the presence of follicular cysts and disturbs the ovulatory process, leading to the delayed pregnancy observed in these animals.

Effect of the induction of transgenerational obesity on maternal-fetal parameters

“…Then, excess body fat impairs female reproductive functions in humans and in laboratory models [Hall et al 2005]. It is suggested that a mechanism is the transmission by altering the epigenome through somatic or germ cells [Bazzano et al 2015]. An abnormal maternal intrauterine environment directly affects the fetus and their germ cells, which are the origin of the next generation [Aiken and Ozanne 2014].…”

Hypothyroidism Reduces the Size of Ovarian Follicles and Promotes Hypertrophy of Periovarian Fat with Infiltration of Macrophages in Adult Rabbits

“…Furthermore, hypertrophy and dysfunction of the visceral adipose tissue (VAT) have been associated with ovarian failure [3–5], suggesting an influence of periovarian environment in the follicles maturation. Other studies conducted in domestic and laboratory animals have confirmed that alterations in metabolism affect the ovarian function [6–9]. …”

Anti-obesity potential of Moringa olifera seed extract and lycopene on high fat diet induced obesity in male Sprauge Dawely rats

“…According to the World Health Organization criteria, obesity is recognized as one of the major causes for the development of chronic and disabling diseases ( WHO, 2011 ). Obesity has been associated with numerous disturbances such as cardiovascular disease (CVD), atherosclerosis ( Azimi et al, 2013 , Ouimet, 2013 ), osteoarthritis ( Collins et al, 2018 ), type 2 diabetes ( Nath et al, 2006 ) and hypertension ( Dorresteijn et al, 2012 ), respiratory disorders ( Zammit et al, 2010 ), chronic musculoskeletal problems ( Onyemaechi et al, 2016 ), lumbago ( Shiri et al, 2009 ), skin problems ( Yosipovitch et al, 2007 ), infertility ( Bazzano et al, 2015 ) and certain cancers ( Vucenik and Stains, 2012 ). Also, HFD induces obesity and abnormal lipid metabolism that is subsequently associated with accumulation of fat in the liver ( Altunkaynak, 2005 , Kameshwaran et al, 2013 ).…”