Introduction/Background: Maternal high-fat feeding has been identified as a risk factor for metabolic disorders involving abnormal glucose homeostasis and reduced whole-body insulin sensitivity. Recognizing factors like HB9, which play a role in the development of pancreatic β-cells and the release of insulin, is crucial for preventing disruptions in glucose metabolism.
Methods: Twenty female Wistar rats were randomly divided into normal (N) and high-fat (HF) groups, each receiving their specific diets during the pre-pregnancy, pregnancy, and lactation periods (10 weeks). At the end of lactation, the animals' body weight, food consumption, and calorie intake were measured. Additionally, fasting plasma levels of glucose, insulin, and corticosterone were assessed, and the homeostatic model assessment of β-cell function (HOMA-β) was calculated.  Pancreatic tissue was collected to evaluate HB9 protein levels, while the adrenal glands were separated and weighed.
Results: The HF group showed significant increases in adrenal gland weight, plasma corticosterone levels, and pancreatic HB9 protein expression compared to the N group. Despite this, there were no significant variations in plasma glucose and insulin concentrations, HOMA-β index, or body weight among the study groups. Whereas, the HF group consumed less food.
Conclusions:  Chronic intake of high-fat foods can act as a psychophysical stressor, triggering the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and resulting in elevated plasma corticosterone levels in female rat dams. This rise in corticosterone may lead to an upsurge in HB9 protein expression, potentially prevent disturbances in glucose regulation.