Cognitive performance in a low-calorie experimental diet

Abstract

Background. Low-calorie dietary regimens are considered an experimental approach to metabolic correction. However, their effects on behavioral and problem-oriented responses in animals remain ambiguous and may depend on the intensity of energy restriction, duration of exposure, and the behavioral model used. Aim. To assess behavioral and cognition-oriented indicators in rats under a low-calorie experimental diet and compare them with changes in body weight, waist circumference, capillary glycemia, and visceral fat mass.
Materials and methods. The study included 24 adult outbred white rats aged 3–3.5 months: a control group (n=12) and a low-calorie regimen group (n=12). Control animals received a standard diet and water ad libitum, whereas animals in the experimental group received 70% of the calculated daily amount of feed with free access to water. Behavioral parameters were assessed using the Open Field test, whereas problem-oriented performance was evaluated using the Heuristic Decision test. Body weight, waist circumference, capillary glycemia, and visceral fat mass were analyzed as metabolic and somatometric parameters. Statistical analysis was performed using nonparametric tests. Data are presented as Me [Q1; Q3].
Results. The low-calorie regimen was associated with decreased body weight, waist circumference, capillary glycemia, and visceral fat mass. Terminal visceral fat mass was lower than in controls. No between-group differences were found in the final Open Field and Heuristic Decision test parameters. However, the low-calorie group showed reduced horizontal, vertical, and exploratory activity.
Conclusions. In this model, the low-calorie diet induced pronounced metabolic changes without statistically confirmed deterioration in final heuristic task performance.