What question did this study set out to answer?

The aim is to assess the impact of early postnatal malnutrition and subsequent catch-up growth on metabolic and neurodevelopmental outcomes in preterm rats.

February 8, 2026Open Access

Exploring the Effects of Early Nutritional Interventions on Growth, Metabolic Profiles, and Neurodevelopment in Preterm Rat Models

Key Points

The aim is to assess the impact of early postnatal malnutrition and subsequent catch-up growth on metabolic and neurodevelopmental outcomes in preterm rats.
Conducted an experimental study on 142 neonatal rats divided into normal and malnourished groups.
Malnourished rats were further categorized based on catch-up growth patterns.
Measured growth velocity, serum glucose, insulin, leptin, triglycerides, and neurodevelopmental outcomes at day 60.
Rats with accelerated catch-up growth showed higher growth velocity initially, but the difference decreased over time.
Higher serum glucose levels were found in rats with rapid catch-up growth compared to those with normal or no catch-up.
Malnourished rats with normal catch-up growth displayed better learning behavior than those with accelerated or no catch-up growth.

Abstract

Background: During the critical window of development, malnutrition can have long-term metabolic and neurodevelopmental consequences. Objective: To evaluate the effect of early postnatal malnutrition and catch-up growth on metabolic profile and neurodevelopment in a preterm rat model, while adjusting for current body weight. Methods: This experimental study was conducted on 142 neonatal rats. Rats were randomly allocated to normal (N) and malnourished (R) groups, from days 2-11 of postnatal life. Using litter size modification, malnourished rats were divided into three subgroups based on catch-up growth patterns (accelerated (RC), normal (RN) or no (RR) catchup), from days 11-21. Rats were provided food ad libitum from day 21 to 60. Growth velocity, serum glucose, insulin, leptin, triglycerides, and neurodevelopmental outcomes were compared among groups at day 60 while adjusting for body weight. Results: During the catch-up growth phase, rats with accelerated growth (RC) exhibited significantly higher growth velocity (p<0.001) than normally fed rats (N), but this difference diminished by the study's end. Serum glucose concentrations were significantly higher in rats with rapid catch-up growth compared to those with normal (p=0.003) or no (p<0.001) catch-up growth. Serum insulin (p=0.15) and leptin (p=0.97) levels did not significantly differ among subgroups. Malnourished rats with normal catch-up growth demonstrated better-learned behaviour than rats with rapid (p=0.013) or no (p=0.009) catch-up growth. Conclusion: Catch-up growth at a normal velocity after early postnatal malnutrition preserves metabolic health while limiting neurodevelopmental deficit. Accelerated catch-up growth, though transiently beneficial for growth, can increase vulnerability to neurodevelopmental deficits. These findings urge a nuanced approach in developmental biology and pediatric medicine for effective interventions and improved outcomes among preterm infants.

KI fragen

Bookmark

View Full Paper