LABORATORY OF NUTRITION AND NEURODEVELOPMENT

 Research lines

Maternal Nutrition and Development

Maternal nutrition is a key environmental determinant during gestation that directly impacts the organization of the developing brain. Based on the concept of fetal programming, we investigate how early metabolic exposures condition susceptibility to diseases in later stages of life (the two-hit hypothesis).

Scientific Approach and Research Focus
We focus on how maternal metabolic syndrome (induced by high-fructose diets) generates a chronic, low-grade inflammatory state that alters the intrauterine environment. Through epigenetic mechanisms, these inflammatory mediators interfere with key neurodevelopmental processes, potentially affecting cognitive, emotional, and behavioral functions in the offspring.

Research Lines
Our approach is multidisciplinary, integrating neuroscience, metabolism, and data analysis across two main areas:

• Basic Researhc: Study of the molecular and cellular mechanisms impacting brain development and behavior in experimental models.
• Clinical Research: Data analysis and statistics in collaboration with clinical laboratories to identify associations and potential biomarkers in human populations.

Outreach and Public Engagement
We promote awareness regarding brain care and healthy habits within the community through outreach activities, including:

• Organization of Brain Awareness Week (workshops, talks, and community/school activities).
• Production of science communication materials, including the development of children’s and young adult literature.

Contact and Social Media:

• Semana del cerebro Bahía Blanca
• Instagram: @semanadelcerebrobb