Maternal high-fat diet (HFD) often results in intrauterine and feto-placental
inflammation, and increases the risks of fetal programming of
metabolic diseases. Intake of
prebiotic is reported beneficial. However, its effects on HFD during pregnancy and lactation is not known. We evaluated the maternal intake of
fructooligosaccharide (FOS) and its impact on placental
inflammation, offspring's adiposity,
glucose, and lipid metabolism in their later life. Female Golden Syrian hamsters were fed with a control diet (CD, 26.4 % energy from fat) or HFD (60.7% energy from fat) in the presence or absence of FOS from preconception until lactation. All pups were switched over to CD after lactation and continued until the end. Placental
inflammation was upregulated in HFD-fed dam, as measured by a high concentration of
hsCRP in the serum and amniotic fluid. Neutrophil infiltration was significantly increased in the decidua through the chorionic layer of the placenta. The expression of pro-inflammatory
cytokines such as COX2, NFκβ,
IL-8, TGFβ
mRNA was increased in the chorioamniotic membrane (P <.05). The HFD/CD hamsters had more adiposity, higher
triglyceride, and low HDL at 12 months of age compared to CD/CD (P <.05). However, HFD+FOS/CD-fed hamsters prevented adverse effects such as placental
inflammation, neutrophil infiltration,
glucose, and
lipid profiles in the offspring (P <.05). Anti-inflammatory and
lipid-lowering effects of FOS may reduce placental
inflammation by lowering neutrophil infiltration and decreasing the production of pro-inflammatory
cytokines. Intake of FOS during pregnancy may be beneficial in maintaining lipid metabolism and preventing excess adiposity for mother and their offspring.