Unraveling the synergistic effects of Astaxanthin and DHA on perinatal undernutrition-induced oxidative stress and cognitive deficit

• Published in: Learning & behavior
• Main Authors: Hegde, Pramukh Subrahmanya, Agni, Megha Bhat, Rai, Praveen, Sadananda, Monika, Mirajkar, A. M., Kumar, B. Mohana, Ranade, Anu V., Gowda, K. M. Damodara
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 08.05.2025
• Subjects: Oxidative stress; Recognition memory; Astaxanthin; Docosahexaenoic acid; Spatial learning and memory; Hippocampus; Maternal undernutrition
• ISSN: 1543-4494; 1543-4508; 1543-4508
• DOI: 10.3758/s13420-025-00673-4

Perinatal undernutrition sensitizes offspring to the development of chronic adult metabolic diseases, including cognitive dysfunction, which poses significant public health issues. Undernutrition is the most powerful condition of physiological stress, and epidemiological studies indicate detrimental effects on cognitive function and behavior in human offspring exposed to inadequate perinatal nutrition, leading to increased peroxidation of PUFAs in the brain. To address these issues, the present study investigated the protective effects of the antioxidant nutraceuticals astaxanthin (AsX) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) on the protective effect of DHA in the presence of antioxidants on the cognitive dysfunction and oxidative stress induced by perinatal undernutrition. Using a Wistar rat model, AsX and DHA improved learning and memory skills in perinatally undernourished offspring. The cognitive parameters included the RAM and NOR tests, and the oxidative stress parameters were assessed by the estimation of GSH, MDA, total nitrite, and TAC. This study revealed spatial learning, memory dysfunction, and abnormal exploratory behavior in offspring exposed to perinatal undernutrition at different time points in postnatal life, and these effects were ameliorated by AsX and DHA. Similarly, oxidative stress induced by perinatal undernutrition was also ameliorated by AsX and DHA. Induced oxidative stress was significantly correlated with cognitive function. This study revealed the potential of AsX and DHA supplementation during the perinatal period for the future development of cognitive dysfunction.