Early life parameters and personality affect oxidative status during adulthood in an altricial rodent. Issue 19 (5th October 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Rödel, Heiko G.; Jardim, Veridiana; Rangassamy, Marylin; Jaravel, Ludivine; Jacquet, Daphné; Monclús, Raquel; Féron, Christophe; Costantini, David
• Is Part Of: Physiological reports. Volume 10:Issue 19(2022)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2022-10-05
• Subjects: DNA damage -- exploration tendency -- litter size -- mound‐building mouse -- Mus spicilegus -- oxidative stress; Physiology -- Periodicals; 571
• DOI: 10.14814/phy2.15427
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2051-817X

Abstract

Abstract: It is increasingly recognized that alterations of the cellular oxidative status might be an important cost underlying challenging early life conditions. For example, an increased litter size can impose challenges as the offspring will face increased competition for maternal resources. Within a litter, individuals with relatively higher starting mass typically show higher growth rates, which can lead to increased oxidative damage. We investigated the long‐term consequences of these early life parameters on the oxidative status in mature mound‐building mice ( Mus spicilegus ). Individual differences in the animals' exploration tendency were assessed by repeated open field and novel object tests. We predicted less exploratory phenotypes, which typically show a higher stress responsiveness, to be particularly susceptible to possible effects of these early life parameters on oxidative status. We quantified oxidative damage of DNA (8‐hydroxy‐2'‐deoxyguanosine levels, 8‐OHdG) and proteins (protein carbonyl content, PCC), and activities of the antioxidants catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in liver and skeletal muscle tissue. 8‐OHdG levels were positively associated with CAT and SOD in both tissues, indicating that increased oxidative DNA damage was associated with an upregulation of antioxidant production. Hepatic DNA damage after maturity was increased in animals from larger litters. In less exploratory animals, DNA damage and the activity of CAT and SOD in the muscle were increased, but only in individuals with higher relative starting mass (measured on postnatal day 9). This interaction may be explained by the typically higher adrenocortical activity in less exploratory phenotypes and by the higher growth in relatively heavier pups, two factors known to increase oxidative stress. These findings contribute to enlightening the complex interplay between early life conditions, personality, and oxidative status. Abstract : Hepatic DNA damage was increased in adult mound‐building mice ( Mus spicilegus ) from larger litters, possibly due to increased sibling competition in such animals during early life. In less exploratory animals, DNA damage in skeletal muscle tissue was increased, but only in individuals with higher pup body mass relative to litter siblings, possibly due to the higher adrenocortical activity in less exploratory phenotypes and the higher growth in heavier pups, two factors known to increase oxidative stress. DNA damage levels were positively associated with catalase and superoxide dismutase activities in liver and muscle tissue, indicating that increased oxidative damage was associated with an upregulation of antioxidant production.