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Barcellos JOJ, Zago D, Fagundes HX, Pereira GR, Sartori ED. Foetal programming in sheep: Reproductive and productive implications. Anim Reprod Sci 2024; 265:107494. [PMID: 38723401 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2024.107494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2024] [Revised: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/24/2024]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of pregnant ewe nutrition on the performance of offspring in terms of meat, wool production, and reproduction. Foetal programming in sheep has focused on several aspects related to foetal growth, postnatal production, behaviour, and immunological performance. Currently, significant efforts are being made to understand the endocrine, metabolic, and epigenetic mechanisms involved in offspring development. Current studies have not only evaluated the foetal period, despite the pre-conception parental nutrition has demonstrated an effect on the foetal, embryonic, and pre-implantation periods and can generate permanent effects in the foetal and postnatal phases. The performance of offspring is the result of interactions between the genome, epigenome, and environmental interventions during conception. Several factors influence the expression of phenotypic characteristics in progenies; however, this study focused on presenting data on the effect of pregnant ewe nutrition alone on foetal growth and the productive aspects of their offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Daniele Zago
- Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul - Department of Animal Science, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Helena Xavier Fagundes
- Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul - Department of Animal Science, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | | | - Everton Dezordi Sartori
- Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul - Department of Animal Science, Porto Alegre, Brazil
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Zhang H, Zha X, Zhang B, Zheng Y, Liu X, Elsabagh M, Ma Y, Wang H, Shu G, Wang M. Dietary rumen-protected L-arginine or N-carbamylglutamate enhances placental amino acid transport and suppresses angiogenesis and steroid anabolism in underfed pregnant ewes. ANIMAL NUTRITION (ZHONGGUO XU MU SHOU YI XUE HUI) 2023; 15:149-158. [PMID: 38023379 PMCID: PMC10679858 DOI: 10.1016/j.aninu.2023.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2022] [Revised: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the effects of dietary supplementation of underfed Hu ewes from d 35 to 110 of gestation with either rumen-protected L-arginine (RP-Arg) or N-carbamylglutamate (NCG) on placental amino acid (AA) transport, angiogenic gene expression, and steroid anabolism. On d 35 of gestation, 32 Hu ewes carrying twin fetuses were randomly divided into four treatment groups, each consisting of eight ewes, and were fed the following diets: A diet providing 100% of NRC's nutrient requirements for pregnant ewes (CON); A diet providing 50% of NRC's nutrient requirements for pregnant ewes (RES); RES diet plus 5 g/d NCG (RES + NCG); or RES diet plus 20 g/d RP-Arg (RES + ARG). On the d 110 of pregnancy, blood samples were taken from the mother, and samples were collected from type A cotyledons (COT; the fetal portions of the placenta). The levels of 17β-estradiol and progesterone in the maternal serum and both the capillary area density (CAD) and capillary surface density (CSD) in type A COT were decreased in response to Arg or NCG supplementation when compared to the RES group. The concentrations of arginine, leucine, putrescine and spermidine in type A COT were higher (P < 0.05) in the RES + ARG or RES + NCG group than in the RES group. The mRNA expression levels of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and solute carrier family 15, member 1 (SLC15A1) were increased (P < 0.05) while those of progesterone receptor (PGR) and fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) were decreased in type A COT by supplementation with either NCG or RP-Arg compared to the RES group. The results suggest that providing underfed pregnant ewes from d 35 to 110 of gestation with a diet supplemented with NCG or RP-Arg improves placental AA transport, and reduces the expression of angiogenic growth factor genes and steroid anabolism, leading to better fetal development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Zhang
- Laboratory of Metabolic Manipulation of Herbivorous Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety, the Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Xia Zha
- Laboratory of Metabolic Manipulation of Herbivorous Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety, the Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Bei Zhang
- Laboratory of Metabolic Manipulation of Herbivorous Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety, the Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Yi Zheng
- Laboratory of Metabolic Manipulation of Herbivorous Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety, the Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Xiaoyun Liu
- Laboratory of Metabolic Manipulation of Herbivorous Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety, the Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Mabrouk Elsabagh
- Department of Animal Production and Technology, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences and Technologies, Niğde Ömer Halisdemir University, Nigde 51240, Turkey
- Department of Nutrition and Clinical Nutrition, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kafrelsheikh University, KafrelSheikh, Egypt
| | - Yi Ma
- Laboratory of Metabolic Manipulation of Herbivorous Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety, the Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Hongrong Wang
- Laboratory of Metabolic Manipulation of Herbivorous Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety, the Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Guihua Shu
- Laboratory of Metabolic Manipulation of Herbivorous Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
- Department of Pediatrics, Northern Jiangsu People's Hospital, Clinical Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225001, China
| | - Mengzhi Wang
- Laboratory of Metabolic Manipulation of Herbivorous Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety, the Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
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El Bilbeisi AH, Abo Khosa SM, Taleb MH, El Afifi AM. Assessment of serum, dietary zinc levels, and other risk factors during the third trimester among pregnant women with and without pregnancy-induced hypertension: a case-control study. Front Nutr 2023; 10:1155529. [PMID: 37342547 PMCID: PMC10277684 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2023.1155529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Background This study assessed serum, dietary zinc levels, and other risk factors during the third trimester among pregnant women with and without pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH). Methods This case-control study was conducted in 2022, in the three main Obstetrics and Gynecology departments in Gaza Strip, Palestine. One hundred sixty pregnant women, during the third trimester, aged ≥20 years, were selected using a convenient sampling method. Data were obtained using an interview-based questionnaire, food frequency questionnaire, anthropometric measures, and biochemical tests. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 24. Results The participants' mean age was 30.7 ± 5.6 years. A total of 47 (58.8%) of cases and 6 (7.5%) of controls were insufficiently active; and the mean of blood pressure (mmHg) was 133.3 ± 11.9/85.11 ± 10.0 for cases and 112.8 ± 9.5/68.02 ± 7.2 for controls with significant differences between the two groups (P = <0.005). The mean serum zinc level (μg/dl) was 67.15 ± 16.5 for cases and 68.45 ± 18.0 for controls without significant differences between the two groups (P = 0.636). For newborns, the mean birth weight (g) was 2,904.6 ± 486 for cases, and 3,128.3 ± 501 for controls, and the mean Apgar score was 8.03 ± 0.62 for cases and 8.30 ± 1.17 for controls, with significant differences between the two groups (P = <0.005). Furthermore, 43 (53.8%) of cases have family history of hypertension; 5 (6.2%) were primiparous; 19 (23.8%) have previous caesarian section; 33 (41.2%) have history of preeclampsia; and 62 (77.5%) have edema, with significant differences between the two groups (P = <0.005). Additionally, the total zinc dietary daily intake (mg/day) was 4.15 ± 2.10 for cases and 4.88 ± 3.02 for controls, with significant differences between the two groups (P = 0.041). After adjustment for confounding variables, participants in the case group have higher odds of having low total zinc dietary intake compared to those in the control group [OR = 1.185, 95% CI = (1.016-1.382), P = 0.030]. Conclusion The current study showed the main risk factors of PIH among pregnant women in the Gaza Strip, Palestine. Furthermore, low maternal dietary zinc intake was associated with a high level of PIH. Moreover, having PIH could increase the risk of low birth weight and low Apgar scores. Therefore, reducing the main risk factors of PIH could reduce the adverse effect on both mother and birth outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdel Hamid El Bilbeisi
- Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, College of Applied and Health Sciences, A’Sharqiyah University, Ibra, Oman
- Department of Clinical Nutrition, Al-Azhar University – Gaza, Gaza, Palestine
| | - Sahar M. Abo Khosa
- Department of Clinical Nutrition, Al-Azhar University – Gaza, Gaza, Palestine
| | - Mahmoud H. Taleb
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Azhar University – Gaza, Gaza, Palestine
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Reid DS, Burnett DD, Contreras-Correa ZE, Lemley CO. Differences in bovine placentome blood vessel density and transcriptomics in a mid to late-gestating maternal nutrient restriction model. Placenta 2021; 117:122-130. [PMID: 34883456 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2021.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Prenatal development is reliant on a functioning placenta, which can be influenced by maternal nutrition. Moreover, the variation in cotyledonary capacity within an animal has not been fully examined to date. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine the effect of (1) placentome size and (2) maternal nutrient restriction on molecular, microscopic, and macroscopic features of bovine placentomes during late gestation. METHODS Pregnant cows (n = 6) were placed into one of 2 treatments: CON (100% NRC) vs RES (60% of NRC) from day 140 until slaughter at day 240 of gestation. Placentomes of various sizes were perfused to assess macroscopic blood vessel density of the cotyledon. Microscopic imaging and RNA extraction for sequencing was performed. RESULTS Macroscopic blood vessel density relative to placentome weight was not different (P = 0.42) among small, medium, or large placentomes. Cotyledonary microscopic blood vessel number, area, and perimeter was increased (P < 0.005) in high versus low blood perfusion areas. Differential expressed gene (DEG) analysis showed 209 upregulations and 168 downregulations in the RES group (P ≤ 0.0001). Gene Ontology (GO) analysis showed that downregulated enriched terms were involved in blood vessel and mesenchymal stem cells development, whereas upregulated enriched terms were involved with translation and ribosomal function. DISCUSSION This study demonstrates that placentome function is uniform across various placentome sizes within an animal. However, microscopic heterogeneity exists within each placentome. Maternal nutrient constraints alter placental transcriptomics which may yield compensatory mechanisms involved in nutrient transport including increased perimeter.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dana S Reid
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS, 39762, USA
| | - Derris D Burnett
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS, 39762, USA
| | - Zully E Contreras-Correa
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS, 39762, USA
| | - Caleb O Lemley
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS, 39762, USA.
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Sartori ED, Sessim AG, Brutti DD, Lopes JF, McManus CM, Barcellos JOJ. Fetal programming in sheep: effects on pre- and postnatal development in lambs. J Anim Sci 2020; 98:5902497. [PMID: 32894763 DOI: 10.1093/jas/skaa294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2020] [Accepted: 09/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
This systematic review and meta-analysis aim to summarize the effects of maternal undernutrition or overnutrition during pregnancy on fetal weight and morphometric measurements during pregnancy, at birth, and postnatal period in sheep. After completing the search, selection, and data extraction steps, the measure of effect was generated by the individual comparison of each indicator with the average of the control and treated group (undernutrition or overnutrition) using the DerSimonian and Laird method for random effects. Subgroup analyses were also performed for lambing order, litter size, sex, as well as level, timing, and duration of the intervention. Fetal weight during the first third of pregnancy was not affected by maternal undernutrition or overnutrition. On the other hand, undernutrition in the second and last third of gestation reduces the weight of the lamb both during pregnancy, at birth, and during the postnatal period, requiring at least 120 postnatal days to achieve the same weight as its contemporaries in the control treatment. However, this reduction in weight is not accompanied by reductions in morphometric measurements, demonstrating that the animals were lighter, but of equal size. In overnutrition, there is an increase in fetal weight in the second third of gestation. However, in the last third of the gestational period, there are no differences in fetal weight for the multiparous subgroup, but it was reduced in primiparous ewes. There are no effects of overnutrition on birth weight; however, this result is highly heterogeneous. Thus, maternal nutrition of ewe during pregnancy has effects on fetal and postnatal weight, but not on size. Furthermore, the effects of undernutrition are more homogeneous while overnutrition showed heterogeneous responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Everton D Sartori
- Department of Animal Science, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Amir G Sessim
- Department of Animal Science, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Danielle D Brutti
- Department of Animal Science, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Jusecléia F Lopes
- Department of Animal Science, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Concepta M McManus
- University of Brasilia, Darcy Ribeiro University Campus, Brasília, Distrito Federal, Brazil
| | - Júlio O J Barcellos
- Department of Animal Science, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
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Britt JL, Noorai RE, Duckett SK. Differentially expressed genes in cotyledon of ewes fed mycotoxins. BMC Genomics 2020; 21:680. [PMID: 32998709 PMCID: PMC7528493 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-020-07074-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2020] [Accepted: 09/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ergot alkaloids (E+) are mycotoxins produced by the endophytic fungus, Epichloë coenophiala, in tall fescue that are associated with ergotism in animals. Exposure to ergot alkaloids during gestation reduces fetal weight and placental mass in sheep. These reductions are related to vasoconstrictive effects of ergot alkaloids and potential alterations in nutrient transport to the fetus. Cotyledon samples were obtained from eight ewes that were fed E+ (n = 4; E+/E+) or E- (endophyte-free without ergot alkaloids; n = 4; E-/E-) seed during both mid (d 35 to 85) and late (d 85-133) gestation to assess differentially expressed genes associated with ergot alkaloid induced reductions in placental mass and fetal weight, and discover potential adaptive mechanisms to alter nutrient supply to fetus. RESULTS Ewes fed E+/E+ fescue seed during both mid and late gestation had 20% reduction in fetal body weight and 33% reduction in cotyledon mass compared to controls (E-/E-). Over 13,000 genes were identified with 110 upregulated and 33 downregulated. Four genes had a |log2FC| > 5 for ewes consuming E+/E+ treatment compared to controls: LECT2, SLC22A9, APOC3, and MBL2. REViGO revealed clusters of upregulated genes associated glucose, carbohydrates, lipid, protein, macromolecular and cellular metabolism, regulation of wound healing and response to starvation. For downregulated genes, no clusters were present, but all enriched GO terms were associated with anion and monocarboxylic acid transport. The complement and coagulation cascade and the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor signaling pathway were found to be enriched for ewes consuming E+/E+ treatment. CONCLUSIONS Consumption of ergot alkaloids during gestation altered the cotyledonary transcriptome specifically related to macronutrient metabolism, wound healing and starvation. These results show that ergot alkaloid exposure upregulates genes involved in nutrient metabolism to supply the fetus with additional substrates in attempts to rescue fetal growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- J L Britt
- Department of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Clemson University, Clemson, SC, 29634, USA
| | - R E Noorai
- Clemson University Genomics and Bioinformatics Facility, Clemson University, Clemson, SC, 29634, USA
| | - S K Duckett
- Department of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Clemson University, Clemson, SC, 29634, USA.
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Greene MA, Britt JL, Powell RR, Feltus FA, Bridges WC, Bruce T, Klotz JL, Miller MF, Duckett SK. Ergot alkaloid exposure during gestation alters: 3. Fetal growth, muscle fiber development, and miRNA transcriptome1. J Anim Sci 2019; 97:3153-3168. [PMID: 31051033 DOI: 10.1093/jas/skz153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2019] [Accepted: 05/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The objective of this study was to assess how exposure to ergot alkaloids during 2 stages of gestation alters fetal growth, muscle fiber formation, and miRNA expression. Pregnant ewes (n = 36; BW = 83.26 ± 8.14 kg; 4/group; 9 groups) were used in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement with 2 tall fescue seed treatments [endophyte-infected (E+) vs. endophyte-free (E-)] fed during 2 stages of gestation (MID, days 35 to 85 vs. LATE, days 86 to 133), which created 4 possible treatments (E-/E-, E+/E-, E-/E+, or E+/E+). Ewes were individually fed a total mixed ration containing E+ or E- fescue seed according to treatment assignment. Terminal surgeries were conducted on day 133 of gestation for the collection of fetal measurements and muscle samples. Data were analyzed as a 2 × 2 factorial with fescue treatment, stage of gestation, and 2-way interaction as fixed effects. Fetuses exposed to E+ seed during LATE gestation had reduced (P = 0.0020) fetal BW by 10% compared with E- fetuses; however, fetal body weight did not differ (P = 0.41) with E+ exposure during MID gestation. Fetuses from ewes fed E+ seed during MID and LATE gestation tended to have smaller (P = 0.058) kidney weights compared with E- fetuses. Liver weight was larger (P = 0.0069) in fetuses fed E- during LATE gestation compared with E+. Fetal brain weight did not differ by fescue treatment fed during MID (P = 0.36) or LATE (P = 0.40) gestation. The percentage of brain to empty body weight (EBW) was greater (P = 0.0048) in fetuses from ewes fed E+ fescue seed during LATE gestation, which is indicative of intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). Primary muscle fiber number was lower (P = 0.0005) in semitendinosus (STN) of fetuses exposed to E+ during MID and/or LATE gestation compared with E-/E-. miRNA sequencing showed differential expression (P < 0.010) of 6 novel miRNAs including bta-miR-652_R+1, mdo-miR-22-3p, bta-miR-1277_R-1, ppy-miR-133a_L+1_1ss5TG, hsa-miR-129-1-3p, and ssc-miR-615 in fetal STN muscle. These miRNA are associated with glucose transport, insulin signaling, intracellular ATP, hypertension, or adipogenesis. This work supports the hypothesis that E+ tall fescue seed fed during late gestation reduces fetal weight and causes asymmetrical growth, which is indicative of IUGR. Changes in primary fiber number and miRNA of STN indicate that exposure to E+ fescue fed during MID and LATE gestation alters fetal muscle development that may affect postnatal muscle growth and meat quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maslyn A Greene
- Department of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Clemson University, Clemson, SC
| | - Jessica L Britt
- Department of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Clemson University, Clemson, SC
| | - Rhonda R Powell
- Clemson Light Imaging Facility, Clemson University, Clemson, SC
| | - F Alex Feltus
- Department of Genetics, Clemson University, Clemson, SC
| | - William C Bridges
- §Department of Mathematical Sciences, Clemson University, Clemson, SC
| | - Terri Bruce
- Clemson Light Imaging Facility, Clemson University, Clemson, SC.,Department of Bioengineering, Clemson University, Clemson, SC
| | - James L Klotz
- USDA-ARS-Forage Production Research Unit, Lexington, KY
| | - Markus F Miller
- Department of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Clemson University, Clemson, SC
| | - Susan K Duckett
- Department of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Clemson University, Clemson, SC
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Wallace JM. Competition for nutrients in pregnant adolescents: consequences for maternal, conceptus and offspring endocrine systems. J Endocrinol 2019; 242:T1-T19. [PMID: 30615597 DOI: 10.1530/joe-18-0670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2019] [Accepted: 01/07/2019] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
The competition for nutrients that arises when pregnancy coincides with continuing or incomplete growth in young adolescent girls increases the risk of preterm delivery and low birthweight with negative after-effects for mother and child extending beyond the perinatal period. Sheep paradigms involving nutritional management of weight and adiposity in young, biologically immature adolescents have allowed the consequences of differential maternal growth status to be explored. Although nutrient reserves at conception play a modest role, it is the dietary manipulation of the maternal growth trajectory thereafter which has the most negative impact on pregnancy outcome. Overnourishing adolescents to promote rapid maternal growth is particularly detrimental as placental growth, uteroplacental blood flows and fetal nutrient delivery are perturbed leading to a high incidence of fetal growth restriction and premature delivery of low birthweight lambs, whereas in undernourished adolescents further maternal growth is prevented, and depletion of the maternal body results in a small reduction in birthweight independent of placental size. Maternal and placental endocrine systems are differentially altered in both paradigms with downstream effects on fetal endocrine systems, organ development and body composition. Approaches to reverse these effects have been explored, predominantly targeting placental growth or function. After birth, growth-restricted offspring born to overnourished adolescents and fed to appetite have an altered metabolic phenotype which persists into adulthood, whereas offspring of undernourished adolescents are largely unaffected. This body of work using ovine paradigms has public health implications for nutritional advice offered to young adolescents before and during pregnancy, and their offspring thereafter.
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Stage-specific feed intake restriction differentially regulates placental traits and proteome of goats. Br J Nutr 2019; 119:1119-1132. [PMID: 29759106 DOI: 10.1017/s0007114518000727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
A total of twenty-four healthy twin-bearing Liuyang black goats were allocated to two trials. In Trial 1, twelve goats received either the control diet (CG, n 6, 100 % feed) or restricted diet (RG, n 6, 60 % feed of CG) from gestation days 26 to 65 after synchronisation. In Trial 2, the remaining goats were randomly and equally divided into two treatments: CG and RG from days 95 to 125 of gestation. Placental traits, fetal weight, serum parameters, nitric oxide (NO), angiogenesis gene expression and cotyledon proteome were measured at the end of each trial. In early pregnancy, the total and relative weights of placenta, uterine caruncle and cotyledon, as well as fetus, were increased (P<0·05) in RG. The NO content in maternal serum was also increased (P<0·05) in RG. In all, fifty differentially expressed proteins were identified in cotyledon. The up-regulated proteins are related to proliferation and fission of trophoblast cell and the placenta angiogenesis. During the late pregnancy trial, placental weight was increased (P<0·05) in RG, but weight of the fetus was decreased (P<0·05). The capillary density in the cotyledon was also decreased (P<0·01). A total of fifty-eight proteins were differentially expressed in cotyledon. The up-regulated proteins in RG are related to placenta formation, blood flow regulation and embryonic development. These results indicated that feed intake restriction during gestation influenced the placental and fetal development in a stage-dependent manner. These findings have important implications for developing novel nutrient management strategies in goat production.
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Carr DJ, David AL, Aitken RP, Milne JS, Borowicz PP, Wallace JM, Redmer DA. Placental vascularity and markers of angiogenesis in relation to prenatal growth status in overnourished adolescent ewes. Placenta 2016; 46:79-86. [PMID: 27697225 PMCID: PMC5063007 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2016.08.076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2016] [Revised: 07/15/2016] [Accepted: 08/16/2016] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Introduction Placental vascularity may be important in the development of fetal growth restriction (FGR). The overnourished adolescent ewe is a robust model of the condition, with ∼50% of offspring demonstrating FGR (birthweight >2 standard deviations below optimally-fed control mean). We studied whether placental vascularity, angiogenesis and glucose transport reflect FGR severity. Methods Singleton pregnancies were established in adolescent ewes either overnourished to putatively restrict fetoplacental growth (n = 27) or control-fed (n = 12). At 131d (term = 145d) pregnancies were interrupted and fetuses classified as FGR (n = 17, <4222 g, -2SD below control-fed mean) or non-FGR (n = 10). Placentome capillary area density (CAD), number density (CND), surface density (CSD), and area per capillary (APC) in the fetal cotyledon (COT) and maternal caruncle (CAR) were analysed using immunostaining. COT/CAR mRNA expression of angiogenic ligands/receptors and glucose transporters were measured by qRT-PCR. Results Fetal weight was reduced in FGR vs. Non-FGR/Control groups. Total placentome weight was Control > Non-FGR > FGR and fetal:placental weight ratios were higher in overnourished versus Control groups. COT vascular indices were Non-FGR > FGR > Control. COT-CAD, CSD and APC were significantly greater in Non-FGR overnourished versus Control and intermediate in FGR groups. CAR vascularity did not differ. CAR-VEGFA/FLT1/KDR/ANGPT1/ANGPT2/SLC2A1/SLC2A3 mRNA was lower and COT-ANGPT2 higher in overnourished versus Control groups. Discussion Relative to control-intake pregnancy, overnourished pregnancies are characterised by higher COT vascularity, potentially a compensatory response to reduced nutrient supply, reflected by higher fetal:placental weight ratios. Compared with overnourished pregnancies where fetal growth is relatively preserved, overnourished pregnancies culminating in marked FGR have less placental vascularity, suggesting incomplete adaptation to the prenatal insult. Overnourishment of adolescent sheep dams produces FGR in approximately 50% of cases. Cotyledonary vascularity is increased in overnourished vs. control-intake pregnancy. Cotyledonary vascularity is highest in non-FGR cases, suggesting greater adaptation. Changes in cotyledonary vascularity are mirrored by angiopoietin-2 mRNA expression. Caruncular angiogenic ligands are reduced in FGR without any changes in vascularity.
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Affiliation(s)
- David J Carr
- Rowett Institute of Nutrition and Health, University of Aberdeen, Greenburn Road, Bucksburn, Aberdeen, AB21 9SB, UK; UCL Institute for Women's Health, University College London, 86-96 Chenies Mews, London, WC1E 6HX, UK.
| | - Anna L David
- UCL Institute for Women's Health, University College London, 86-96 Chenies Mews, London, WC1E 6HX, UK
| | - Raymond P Aitken
- Rowett Institute of Nutrition and Health, University of Aberdeen, Greenburn Road, Bucksburn, Aberdeen, AB21 9SB, UK
| | - John S Milne
- Rowett Institute of Nutrition and Health, University of Aberdeen, Greenburn Road, Bucksburn, Aberdeen, AB21 9SB, UK
| | - Pawel P Borowicz
- Department of Animal Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND, 58108, USA
| | - Jacqueline M Wallace
- Rowett Institute of Nutrition and Health, University of Aberdeen, Greenburn Road, Bucksburn, Aberdeen, AB21 9SB, UK
| | - Dale A Redmer
- Department of Animal Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND, 58108, USA
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Zhang H, Sun L, Wang Z, Deng M, Nie H, Zhang G, Ma T, Wang F. N-carbamylglutamate and L-arginine improved maternal and placental development in underfed ewes. Reproduction 2016; 151:623-35. [DOI: 10.1530/rep-16-0067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2015] [Accepted: 03/15/2016] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
AbstractThe objectives of this study were to determine how dietary supplementation ofN-carbamylglutamate (NCG) and rumen-protected L-arginine (RP-Arg) in nutrient-restricted pregnant Hu sheep would affect (1) maternal endocrine status; (2) maternal, fetal, and placental antioxidation capability; and (3) placental development. From day 35 to day 110 of gestation, 32 Hu ewes carrying twin fetuses were allocated randomly into four groups: 100% of NRC-recommended nutrient requirements, 50% of NRC recommendations, 50% of NRC recommendations supplemented with 20g/day RP-Arg, and 50% of NRC recommendations supplemented with 5g/day NCG product. The results showed that in maternal and fetal plasma and placentomes, the activities of total antioxidant capacity and superoxide dismutase were increased (P<0.05); however, the activity of glutathione peroxidase and the concentration of maleic dialdehyde were decreased (P<0.05) in both NCG- and RP-Arg-treated underfed ewes. The mRNA expression of vascular endothelial growth factor and Fms-like tyrosine kinase 1 was increased (P<0.05) in 50% NRC ewes than in 100% NRC ewes, and had no effect (P>0.05) in both NCG- and RP-Arg-treated underfed ewes. A supplement of RP-Arg and NCG reduced (P<0.05) the concentrations of progesterone, cortisol, and estradiol-17β; had no effect on T4/T3; and improved (P<0.05) the concentrations of leptin, insulin-like growth factor 1, tri-iodothyronine (T3), and thyroxine (T4) in serum from underfed ewes. These results indicate that dietary supplementation of NCG and RP-Arg in underfed ewes could influence maternal endocrine status, improve the maternal–fetal–placental antioxidation capability, and promote fetal and placental development during early-to-late gestation.
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Wallace JM, Milne JS, Aitken RP, Adam CL. Impact of embryo donor adiposity, birthweight and gender on early postnatal growth, glucose metabolism and body composition in the young lamb. Reprod Fertil Dev 2014; 26:665-81. [DOI: 10.1071/rd13090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2013] [Accepted: 04/19/2013] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is a risk factor for metabolic syndrome, notably when associated with rapid postnatal catch-up growth. A sheep paradigm was used to assess relationships between prenatal and early postnatal growth trajectories, metabolism and body composition. Singletons (single-sire embryo transfer from obese and control donors) were gestated and suckled by overnourished adolescent dams and categorised by birthweight as IUGR or normal (N). Gestation length was equivalent in both categories and all lambs were delivered spontaneously preterm (PT; mean (± s.e.m.) 139.8 ± 1.7 days; term = 145–147 days). The IUGR lambs were smaller at birth, but fractional growth rates (FGR) for eight anthropometry parameters were higher and independent of gender (except thorax girth; males (M) < females (F)). At Day 48, fasting glucose (IUGR > N; M > F) and first-phase insulin response (to 20 min; IUGR < N; M < F) after glucose were influenced by prenatal growth and gender. Embryo donor adiposity influenced glucose tolerance only. Plasma insulin, insulin-like growth factor-1 (M > F) and leptin (M < F) were influenced by gender but not prenatal growth. At necropsy (Day 77), IUGR plus PT lambs had decreased carcass and visceral organ weights, but carcass composition was not different from N plus PT. In contrast, M were heavier, with lower internal fat mass, carcass fat percentage and perirenal fat leptin mRNA than F. Therefore, IUGR was associated with increased postnatal FGR and altered glucose handling, but, without absolute catch-up growth, gender had the predominant influence on postnatal leptinaemia and adiposity.
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