Effects of Diet and Ovariectomy on Toxoplasma gondii Brain Infection in Rats
Author Information
Author(s): Ahidjo Nene, Seke Etet Paul F, Ngarka Leonard, Maidawa Yaya Frederic, Ndianteng Ethel W, Eyenga Nna Aude L, Meka’a Zang Luc Yvan, Kemmo Christelle, Nwasike Caroline N C, Yonkeu Tatchou Floriane G, Njamnshi Wepnyu Y, Nfor Leonard N, Tsouh Fokou Patrick V, Djiogue Sefirin, Fekam Boyom Fabrice, Ngadjui Bonaventure T, Njamnshi Alfred K
Primary Institution: Brain Research Africa Initiative (BRAIN), The University of Yaoundé I
Hypothesis
Can a low-protein diet, a high-fat diet, or ovariectomy accelerate cognitive and motor alterations in Toxoplasma gondii-infected rats?
Conclusion
A low-protein diet can transform a slow early-stage T. gondii infection into an active neurotoxoplasmosis with neuropsychiatric manifestations in rats.
Supporting Evidence
- Low-protein diet feeding to T. gondii-infected rats accelerated the occurrence of the infection terminal stage.
- Significant decreases in body weight and cognitive impairment were observed in low-protein diet-fed infected rats.
- High-fat diet and ovariectomy had milder effects on the infection compared to low-protein diet.
Takeaway
Feeding rats a low-protein diet while they have a Toxoplasma infection can make them act sick faster, like they have a serious brain infection.
Methodology
Wistar rats were infected with T. gondii and subjected to behavioral tests and physiological measurements to assess cognitive and motor functions.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to the specific dietary conditions and the controlled laboratory environment.
Limitations
The study was conducted on a specific strain of rats and may not be generalizable to other species or human populations.
Participant Demographics
42 Wistar rats, 2 months old, with 18 males and 24 females.
Statistical Information
P-Value
P < 0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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