Moderate maternal caloric restriction affects mitochondrial biogenesis and redox homeostasis in the pups’ hypothalamus

Caloric restriction (CR) is known as the best strategy to promote health and life span in various animal models. However, its effects during pregnancy remain to be elucidated. Our objective was to evaluate the effect of maternal CR on pups’ hypothalamus mitochondrial and redox status. Adult female Wistar rats underwent 20% CR during pregnancy, supplemented with a micronutrient mix. Pups were euthanized in postnatal day (PND) 0 and 7, and hypothalamus was dissected. The protocol was approved by an ethical commission under the n° 30044. Our results showed mitochondrial biogenesis was reduced in PND0 and PND7. In PND0, mitochondrial superoxide levels were decreased while dichlorofluorescein oxidation increased. In PND7, alterations in reactive oxygen species concentrations were abolished. Superoxide dismutase activity and reduced glutathione content were diminished in PND0, while catalase activity was enhanced. In PND7, the antioxidant system was shifted. Catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and glutaredoxin activities, as well as reduced glutathione content increased. Apparently, pups born to restricted dams present unbalanced antioxidant system and diminished mitochondrial function. The former was restored to normal function in PND7, the latter was only partially restored. Our data suggest a huge impact on pups’ hypothalamus elicited by maternal CR.