Early Postnatal Vitamin D Exposure Improves Colonic Integrity and Reduces Oxidative Stress in Young Adult Rats Subjected to Cerebral Palsy.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Cerebral palsy (CP) is a permanent motor disorder resulting from perinatal central nervous system injuries, often accompanied by systemic alterations, including gastrointestinal impairments. Vitamin D (VD) is a prohormone with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects that is essential for intestinal integrity. This study examined the impact of early postnatal VD exposure on somatic development, feeding behavior, intestinal histomorphometry, and oxidative stress in an experimental CP model.

METHODS

Thirty-two male Wistar pups were assigned to four groups (Control/CP + VD/Vehicle). The CP model involved perinatal anoxia combined with hindlimb restriction (P2-P28). VD (5 μg/kg/d) or Vehicle was administered intraperitoneally from P2-P30. The following parameters were assessed: somatic growth, indirect calorimetry, satiety behavior, colonic histomorphometry, and oxidative stress (MDA, carbonyls, SOD, CAT). Data were analyzed with ANOVA, considering p <0.05 to be significant.

RESULTS

VD partially attenuated early growth impairment, increasing body weight during the supplementation period. CPD animals exhibited a lower RQ and earlier satiety onset (session 5 vs. session 8). VD preserved colonic morphology, increasing mucosal thickness (p <0.0001). In addition, VD reduced colonic oxidative stress by decreasing MDA levels (p = 0.0080) and protein carbonyl levels (p <0.0001), while increasing catalase activity (p <0.0001).

CONCLUSION

Early postnatal VD administration modulates metabolic and intestinal parameters in experimental CP. VD partially attenuated early growth impairment, advanced satiety onset, preserved colonic structure, and reduced oxidative stress. These findings provide preclinical evidence that early postnatal VD supplementation may partially mitigate systemic alterations associated with CP.