Neurodevelopmental effects of parental high fat/high sugar diets assessed by structural MRI in a mouse model

Motivation: Obesity and neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) rates are increasing worldwide. Diets high in fat and sugar prior to and during pregnancy can induce an elevated risk for NDD diagnosis, but the individual impacts of fat and sugar are unknown. Goal(s): This study aimed to determine how high fat, high sugar, or their combination impact brain development. Approach: Using mouse models and MRI we evaluated brain development in early adulthood to identify brain regions volumetrically altered by parental diet. Results: Volume changes were produced by diets high in fat and diets high in both fat and sugar, but not by diets high in sugar only. Impact: Parental consumption of a high fat or a high fat and high sugar diet prior to and during pregnancy induces neurodevelopment changes that last well into adulthood, with possible implications for development of NDDs in humans.