Role of Fish oil in Reducing Risks of Paternal Obesity and thereby Improving Offspring Metabolic Health

Latha Ramalingam (NFS) PI, 2022 Falk Tenure-track Assistant Professor Research Seed Grants. 7/1/22-6/30/23

Paternal obesity impacts early-life nutrition and offspring health yet is infrequently considered as a priority contributing factor to child health. In the US, two in three males of reproductive age are overweight or obese underscoring the public health importance of considering paternal influences on child health: Examining this relationship can aid in childhood obesity prevention efforts. The objective of this research is to identify whether the use of fish oil aids in preventing adverse effects of paternal obesity and improves offspring metabolic health in mice. Specifically, the polyunsaturated omega-3 fatty acid (n-3 PUFA) in fish oil may influence the metabolic effects the supplement has during the preconception period in fathers and its impact on mice offspring. This project will also identify biological mechanisms mediating the effects of n-3PUFAs on the health of the mice offspring.