Impact of high-fat diet on ovarian epigenetics: Insights from altered intestinal butyric acid levels

• DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e33170
• Publication Date: 2024-06-15T06:32:43Z
• Authors: Jia Qi; Congcong Xia; Yulin Zhang; Ruike Ding; Yanru Zhang; Wenbin Cao; Chenjing Duan; Zijing Yao; Hongyu Qin; Yun Ye; Pengxiang Qu; Yandong Li; Enqi Liu
• Keywords: H1-99; 0301 basic medicine; 0303 health sciences; Science (General); Ovary; Butyric acid; Social sciences (General); Q1-390; High-fat diet; Gut; Epigenetics; Research Article

ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of a high-fat diet (HFD) on gut bacterium Roseburia intestinalis and butyric acid levels, to assess their impact ovarian function epigenetic markers in mice.MethodsA total 20 female ICR mice aged 4 weeks were randomly assigned two groups fed either control (CD) or an HFD for 36 weeks. Post-intervention, ileal contents analyzed quantification using ELISA, while feces obtained expression assessment via qPCR. Histological evaluations intestinal tissues included H&E Alcian Blue-Periodic Acid Schiff (AB-PAS) staining, alongside immunohistochemical analysis F4/80, immunofluorescent detection Occludin, ZO-1, 5 mC, H3K36me3. Ovarian health was assessed through follicle counts morphological evaluations. Statistical analyses performed GraphPad Prism 8.0, with P < 0.05 considered significant.ResultsAfter weeks, group showed significantly higher body weight compared CD (P 0.01). The led decrease reduction goblet cells, increase inflammation. revealed impaired follicular development enhanced inflammation mice, staining showing downregulation mC H3K36me3.ConclusionOur study demonstrates that long-term negatively impacts regulation. We found decreased levels its metabolite, acid, which contribute these adverse effects. Additionally, associated compromised mucosal barrier may outcomes reproductive health.