Exposure to Trans Fat During the Developmental Period of Drosophila melanogaster Alters the Composition of Fatty Acids in the Head and Induces Depression-like Behavior

the importance of understanding the disorders caused by trans fatty acids (TFAs), this study sought to add different concentrations hydrogenated vegetable fat (HVF) to the diet of Drosophila melanogaster during the developmental period and evaluate the effects on neurobehavioral parameters. Longevity, hatching rate, and behavioral functions were assessed, such as negative geotaxis, forced swimming, light/dark, mating, and aggressiveness. The fatty acids (FAs) present in the heads of the flies were quantified as well as serotonin (5HT) and dopamine (DA) levels. Our findings showed that flies that received HVF at all concentrations during development showed reduced longevity and hatching rates, in addition to increased depression-like, anxiouslike, anhedonia-like, and aggressive behaviors. As for the biochemical parameters, there was a more significant presence of TFA in flies exposed to HVF at all concentrations evaluated and lower 5HT and DA levels. This study shows that HVF during the developmental phase can cause neurological changes and consequently induce behavioral disorders, thereby highlighting the importance of the type of FA offered in the early stages of life.(c) 2023 IBRO. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

This study investigated the effects of hydrogenated vegetable fat (HVF) on the neurobehavioral parameters of fruit flies during development and found that HVF reduced longevity and hatching rates, while increasing depression-like, anxious-like, anhedonia-like, and aggressive behaviors. In terms of biochemical parameters, fruit flies exposed to HVF had higher levels of trans fatty acids (TFA) and lower levels of serotonin (5HT) and dopamine (DA). These findings highlight the importance of the type of fat offered during early life stages.