High-fat diet and stress during pregnancy increase the risk of mental disorders in children.

Stress and a high-fat diet during pregnancy have the same effect on the brain development of unborn children: they lead to an increased risk of mental disorders. This is highlighted by the results of a study coordinated by the Italian National Institute of Health, part of the European Union's Embed Project. The research, published in the journal Molecular Psychiatry , also suggests the possibility of developing intervention strategies, both pharmacological and nutritional, that can address both these aspects. "The results of this study, a collaborative effort by ISS researchers," emphasizes President Rocco Bellantone , "reaffirm once again the centrality of prevention. Pregnancy is a time of profound physical and psychological change. Focusing on positive lifestyle changes during this phase can bring lasting well-being to the expectant mother and her baby, and it is a strategy that doctors monitoring pregnancy should focus on, informing women about small changes that are possible and perhaps keeping a progress diary with them."

Different effects in males and females

"Following exposure to stress or a high-fat diet during pregnancy," explains Francesca Cirulli , study coordinator and research director at the Center for Behavioral Sciences and Mental Health at the Istituto Superiore di Sanità, "we observed changes in the structure and function of the placenta in animal models, and we also identified the genes active in the brains of male and female fetuses to identify signs of inflammation and oxidative stress. The results also show that both stress and a maternal high-fat diet cause similar effects, but differ depending on the fetus's sex. In males, analysis of proteins expressed by the placenta indicates a potential increased risk of future cardiometabolic diseases. In females, however, the brain is more affected, with an increase in genes linked to inflammation and oxidative stress."

Prevention strategies

In preclinical models, Cirulli continues, the research team also tested the efficacy of antioxidant compounds as a protective measure against prenatal, psychological, or metabolic stress. "Among existing antioxidants," he continues, "we focused on N-acetylcysteine ​​(NAC), a substance derived from the amino acid cysteine. NAC helps neutralize free radicals and may have positive effects in reducing inflammation and improving signal transmission in the brain." The research could lead to the study of new pharmacological targets or protective nutritional elements to prevent the negative effects of adverse situations experienced during pregnancy. Such approaches would have the dual effect of protecting both the mother and the fetus. "Our group, for example," Cirulli concludes, "is focusing on developing interventions that modify a pregnant woman's overall lifestyle. Introducing antioxidants or polyunsaturated fatty acids (omega-3s), found in many foods, into the diets of women at risk of obesity or psychological stress is a feasible approach during pregnancy. These nutritional strategies could then be combined with psychological support and advice on improving lifestyle, with multiplying positive effects on the well-being of the mother and the unborn child."

The study (first author Chiara Musillo and corresponding author Alessandra Berry), funded by the Eranet-Neuron program, involved the Reference Center for Behavioral Sciences and Mental Health, the National Center for Preclinical and Clinical Drug Research and Evaluation, the Reference Center for Gender Medicine, and the Large Instrumentation and Core Facilities Service. The study also included the Istituto Superiore di Sanità, the German Institute for Human Nutrition in Potsdam, and the Neurocure Cluster of Excellence at Charité in Berlin.