Maternal edible Bird’s nest diet improves learning and memory function of offspring rats via the ERK-CREB-BDNF pathway

Nutrient supplementation during gestation and lactation is the basis for neurodevelopment, improving brain development including the learning and memory function of the offspring. Maternal supplementation with edible bird's nest (EBN) has beneficial roles in the brain development of the offspring, but the mechanism has not been elucidated. In the current study, pregnant rats were given EBN (4.5 g/kg, 9 g/kg) and sialic acid (45 mg/kg) until the offspring were weaned. EBN was more effective at increasing learning and memory and hippocampal development than sialic acid of the offspring. In detail, EBN increased the synaptic plasticity of existing neurons and enhanced hippocampal neurogenesis of offspring, as well as upregulated the ERK-CREB-BDNF signaling pathway. It was concluded that maternal administration of EBN improved the learning and memory function of the offspring by accelerating hippocampus development by regulating the ERK-CREB-BDNF signaling pathway. Overall, EBN might be a potential maternal supplement in promoting neurodevelopment in offspring.