Identifying effects of binge-eating in adolescence on cognitive function and the gut microbiome

Project Member(s): Kendig, M.

Funding or Partner Organisation: Brain and Behavior Research Foundation
Brain and Behavior Research Foundation

Start year: 2022

Summary: Binge-eating disorder is a debilitating disease that typically emerges during adolescence, a sensitive developmental window where diet can have lasting effects. Binges typically involve high-fat, high-sugar foods, which are associated with cognitive impairment in adolescence, and with dysregulated composition of the gut microbiota. However, the long-term effects of binge-like consumption of foods high in fat and sugar remain to be fully elucidated, as does the importance of the gut microbiota in these changes. This project will study the effects of binge-like consumption of palatable foods on cognition, brain function, metabolic markers and gut microbiota composition. Experiments will expose adolescent rats to a palatable ‘cafeteria-style’ diet for 4 weeks, either continuously or in ‘binges’ for a few days each week. Cognitive function, gut microbiota composition and adiposity are measured. Experiments will test effects of adolescent binge eating on these markers in early adulthood and also whether effects are still evident after a period of reversal to chow. This design allows me to identify whether binge-like consumption of an unhealthy diet leads to a common or unique microbiota ‘phenotype’ relative to continuous access to the diet. By repeatedly assessing gut microbiota composition over diet exposure, I will be able to systematically track within-animal changes and link these to cognitive function. These measures will be supplemented by post-mortem quantification of inflammatory and neurotrophic gene expression in key brain regions regulating spatial memory (hippocampus) and appetite (hypothalamus). The knowledge to be gained has the potential to inform the development of early detection tools, and novel interventions for binge eating.

FOR Codes: Behavioural neuroscience, Nutritional science, Expanding knowledge in psychology, Nutrition, Overweight and obesity

Acknowledgement of Country

UTS acknowledges the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation, the Boorooberongal people of the Dharug Nation, the Bidiagal people and the Gamaygal people, upon whose ancestral lands our university stands. We would also like to pay respect to the Elders both past and present, acknowledging them as the traditional custodians of knowledge for these lands.