Intergenerational Impact of Parental Zinc Deficiency on Metabolic and Redox Outcomes in Drosophila melanogaster

Abstract

Zinc deficiency is a common nutritional disorder with detrimental health consequences. Whether parental zinc deficiency induces intergenerational effects remains largely unknown. We investigated the effects of a combined maternal and paternal zinc deficiency on offspring's metabolic outcomes and gene expression changes in <i>Drosophila melanogaster</i>. The parent flies were raised on zinc-deficient diets throughout development, and their progeny were assessed. Offspring from zinc-deprived parents exhibited a significant (<i>p</i> < 0.05) increase in body weight and whole-body zinc levels. They also displayed disrupted glucose metabolism, altered lipid homeostasis, and diminished activity of antioxidant enzymes. Gene expression analysis revealed significant (<i>p</i> < 0.05) alterations in zinc transport genes, with increases in mRNA levels of <i>dZIP1</i> and <i>dZnT1</i> for female and male offspring, respectively. Both sexes exhibited reduced <i>dZnT35C</i> mRNA levels and significant (<i>p</i> < 0.05) increases in the mRNA levels of <i>DILP2</i> and proinflammatory markers, <i>Eiger</i> and <i>UPD2.</i> Overall, female offspring showed higher sensitivity to parental zinc deficiency. Our findings underscore zinc's crucial role in maintaining health and the gender-specific responses to zinc deficiency. There is the need for further exploration of the underlying mechanisms behind these intergenerational effects.