Maternal polyphenol intake impairs cerebellar redox homeostasis in newborn rats

Introduction Polyphenols are compounds found in plants that have been extensively studied due to the health benefits of its consumption in adulthood. Meanwhile, recent evidence suggests that polyphenol consumption during pregnancy may not be safe for the fetus. Objective The goal of this study was to evaluate the effect of naringenin supplementation during pregnancy on brain redox homeostasis and mitochondrial activity of the newborn rat. Methods Adult female Wistar rats were divided into two groups: (1) vehicle (1 mL/Kg p.o.) or (2) naringenin (50 mg/Kg p.o.). Naringenin was administered once a day during pregnancy. The offspring were euthanized on postnatal day 7, as well the dams, and brain regions were dissected. Results The offspring cerebellum was the most affected region, presenting increased activity of the mitochondrial electron transport system, allied to increased reactive species levels, lipid peroxidation, and glutathione concentration. The nitric oxide levels suffered structure-dependent alteration, with decreased levels in the pups' cerebellum and increased in the hippocampus. The offspring parietal cortex was not affected, as well as the parameters evaluated in the dams' brains. Conclusion Maternal consumption of naringenin alters offspring cerebellar redox homeostasis, which could be related to adverse effects on the motor and cognitive development in the descendants.