Brain Sciences (Sep 2023)

Molecular Study of the Protective Effect of a Low-Carbohydrate, High-Fat Diet against Brain Insulin Resistance in an Animal Model of Metabolic Syndrome

  • Abdulhadi Bima,
  • Basmah Eldakhakhny,
  • Aliaa A. Alamoudi,
  • Zuhier Awan,
  • Abrar Alnami,
  • Salwa Mohamed Abo-Elkhair,
  • Hussein Sakr,
  • Fatma Mohamed Ghoneim,
  • Ayman Elsamanoudy

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci13101383
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 13, no. 10
p. 1383

Abstract

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Brain insulin resistance is linked to metabolic syndrome (MetS). A low-carbohydrate, high-fat (LCHF) diet has been proposed to have a protective effect. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the brain insulin resistance markers in a rat animal model of MetS and the protective effects of the LCHF diet. Four groups of male rats (10/group) were created. Group I (Control) was fed a regular diet. Groups II–IV were injected with dexamethasone (DEX) to induce MetS. Group II received DEX with a regular diet. Group III (DEX + LCHF) rates were fed a low-carbohydrate, high-fat diet, while Group IV (DEX + HCLF) rats were fed a high-carbohydrate, low-fat (HCLF) diet. At the end of the four-week experiment, HOMA-IR was calculated. Moreover, cerebral gene expression analysis of S-100B, BDNF, TNF-α, IGF-1, IGF-1 R, IGFBP-2, IGFBP-5, Bax, Bcl-2, and caspase-3 was carried out. In the DEX group, rats showed a significant increase in the HOMA-IR and a decrease in the gene expression of IGF-1, IGF-1 R, IGFBP-2, IGFBP-5, BDNF, and Bcl2, with a concomitant rise in S100B, TNF-α, Bax, and caspase-3. The LCHF diet group showed a significantly opposite effect on all parameters. In conclusion, MetS is associated with dysregulated cerebral gene expression of BDNF, S100B, and TNF-α and disturbed IGF-1 signaling, with increased apoptosis and neuroinflammation. Moreover, the LCHF diet showed a protective effect, as evidenced by preservation of the investigated biochemical and molecular parameters.

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