Selected Grantee Publications

Maternal Western-Style Diet Reduces Social Engagement and Increases Idiosyncratic Behavior in Japanese Macaque Offspring

Mitchell et al., Brain, Behavior, and Immunity. 2022.

https://www.doi.org/10.1016/j.bbi.2022.07.004

Evidence points to an association between maternal obesity and risk of early-emerging neurodevelopmental disorders in offspring, yet few preclinical studies have tested for associations between maternal Western-style diet (mWSD) and offspring behavior. Using Japanese macaques, researchers found that mWSD offspring exhibited less proximity to peers and initiated fewer affiliative social behaviors. These outcomes appear to be mediated by increased maternal interleukin-12 during the third trimester of pregnancy. Additionally, mWSD offspring displayed increased idiosyncratic behavior, which was related to alterations in maternal adiposity and leptin. These findings suggest specific prevention and intervention targets for early-emerging neurodevelopmental disorder in humans. Supported by ORIP (P51OD011092), NIMH, and NICHD.