Immunobiochemical Repercussions Of Prednisone Treatment In Wistar Rats In A Model Of Transgenerational Obesity

Prednisone is used as immunosuppressive and anti-inflammatory, and its use may trigger several adverse effects, especially in obese individuals and their next generations. The objective was to evaluate the interaction between obesity and immunobiochemical parameters in rats treated with prednisone in a transgenerational obesity model. Obesity was neonatally induced by monosodium glutamate solution administration in female Wistar rats (MSG), while in other females was administered saline solution (SAL). After 90 days, rats were classified as obese according to the Lee Index and then mated to obtain the next generation. The male offspring rats from SAL dams were classified as control group (NOb/SAL), while obese male offspring from MSG dams were separated into two groups: non-obese (NOb/MSG) and obese (Ob/MSG), all n=12, following the Lee Index score. After 90 days of life, rats were exposed to daily oral prednisone treatment (1.25mg/Kg/day) for 21 days, where the Oral Tolerance Test Glucose (OGTT) was performed on the 1st and 20th days of treatment and body weight measured weekly. On the last day, blood samples were collected for leukogram, immunoglobulins and biochemical measurements. The OGTT showed higher transaminases and glucose levels in NOb/MSG and Ob/MSG groups, especially at 60’ and 120’ and the area under the curve from OGTT. These groups also decreased the leukocyte and immunoglobulin G; and a triglycerides reduction only in Ob/MSG group. We can conclude the use of prednisone in transgenerational obesity evidenced the occurrence of glucose intolerance, hepatotoxicity, and immunosuppressive effect, suggesting caution in its use under these conditions.