Effects of maternal drinking patterns and epigallocatechin-3-gallate treatment on behavioural and molecular outcomes in a mouse model of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders - 17/05/25
Abstract |
Prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) impairs fetal development leading to fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD). Antioxidants like epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) may mitigate alcohol-induced oxidative stress, a major contributor to FASD. This study assessed the effects of PAE on cognition and behaviour under two drinking patterns and the role of postnatal EGCG therapy in a FASD-like mouse model. C57BL/6J mice were divided into five groups: control, moderate drinking (Mod), binge drinking (Bin), Mod+EGCG, and Bin+EGCG. Cognitive and behavioural performance were assessed using Rotarod test, T-Maze, and Morris Water Maze (MWM). Western blot analyses evaluated brain and cerebellum biomarkers related to neuronal plasticity, maturation, differentiation, transport, and proliferation. PAE impaired motor coordination, significantly reducing rotarod walking time in both drinking patterns. Spatial learning and memory were also disrupted, decreasing T-maze success rate. It also decreased time in the platform area and distance travelled in MWM. Both drinking patterns affected neuronal plasticity (BDNF, DYRK1A) and maturation (NeuN), astrocyte differentiation (GFAP, s100β), neuronal transport (MBP) and proliferation (GDNF, Wnt-3) via oxidative stress (Nrf2). Our results show how EGCG treatment significantly improved behavioural tests results and restored most brain and cerebellum biomarkers, reaching levels similar to control. These findings highlight the impact of PAE on cognition and behaviour and how EGCG may counteract its effects by reducing oxidative stress and enhancing brain plasticity. Our findings open the door to future studies on the mechanism of action of this antioxidant in order to use it as a therapeutic tool in this vulnerable population.
Le texte complet de cet article est disponible en PDF.Graphical Abstract |
The comparisons presented in this figure are defined as follows: Mod denotes the comparison between the moderate group and the control group, while ME represents the comparison between the moderate group and the moderate group treated with EGCG. Similarly, Bin refers to the comparison between the binge group and the control group, and BE corresponds to the comparison between the binge group and the binge group treated with EGCG. Symbols are used to indicate statistical outcomes: = indicates the absence of significant differences between the groups, ↑ means a significant increase in the parameter measured, and ↓ denotes a significant decrease. EGCG was used as the treatment under investigation across the experimental groups.
The comparisons presented in this figure are defined as follows: Mod denotes the comparison between the moderate group and the control group, while ME represents the comparison between the moderate group and the moderate group treated with EGCG. Similarly, Bin refers to the comparison between the binge group and the control group, and BE corresponds to the comparison between the binge group and the binge group treated with EGCG. Symbols are used to indicate statistical outcomes: = indicates the absence of significant differences between the groups, ↑ means a significant increase in the parameter measured, and ↓ denotes a significant decrease. EGCG was used as the treatment under investigation across the experimental groups.Le texte complet de cet article est disponible en PDF.
Highlights |
• | PAE produces a disbalance in brain biomarkers and cognitive performance. |
• | Postnatal EGCG therapy restores biomarker levels affected by PAE. |
• | EGCG mitigates motor coordination, memory and learning deficits produced by PAE. |
• | EGCG is a potential therapeutic agent for FASD-related neurodevelopmental deficits. |
Keywords : FASD, Epigallocatechin-3-gallate, Prenatal alcohol exposure, Neurodevelopment biomarkers, Neuronal plasticity, Behavioural alterations
Plan
Vol 187
Article 118138- juin 2025 Retour au numéro
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