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Oliver MH, Jaquiery AL, Connor KL, Phua HH, Harding JE, Thorstensen EB, Bloomfield FH. Effect of maternal periconceptional undernutrition in sheep on cortisol regulation in offspring from mid-late gestation, through to adulthood. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1122432. [PMID: 36817600 PMCID: PMC9932192 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1122432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Maternal periconceptional undernutrition (PCUN) alters fetal hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPAA) function and placental glucocorticoid metabolism in sheep. The effects of PCUN on HPAA function in adult life are not known. We investigated the effects of PCUN on fetal adrenal development across gestation and on cortisol regulation in adult offspring. METHODS Ewes were undernourished from 61 days before to 30 days after conception ('PCUN') or fed ad libitum ('N'). mRNA expression in the fetal adrenal gland of ACTH receptor (ACTHR), steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (STAR), cytochrome P450 17A1 (CYP17A1), 11beta-hydroxysteroid-dehydrogenase type 2 (11βHSD2), insulin-like growth factor-2 (IGF2), and in the fetal hippocampus of 11βHSD1, 11βHSD2, mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) and glucocorticoid receptor (GR) was determined at 50 (adrenal only), 85, 120 and 131 days of gestation (term=148 days). In adult offspring (≥ 3 years, N; 10 female, 5 male, PCUN; 10 female, 10 male) a combined arginine vasopressin (AVP, 0.1 μg/kg) and corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH, 0.5 μg/kg) challenge and a metyrapone (40 mg/kg) challenge were undertaken. mRNA expression of ACTHR, STAR and CYP17A1 were determined in adult adrenals. RESULTS Fetal adrenal STAR, CYP17A1 and IGF2 mRNA expression were not different between groups in early gestation but were higher in PCUN than N at 131 days' gestation (all p<0.01). PCUN reduced fetal hippocampal MR and GR mRNA expression by 50% at 85 day, but not in later gestation. Adult offspring plasma cortisol responses to AVP+CRH or metyrapone were not different between groups. Plasma ACTH response to AVP+CRH was lower in PCUN males but ACTH response to metyrapone was not different between groups. Adult adrenal ACTHR, STAR, and CYP17A1 mRNA expression were not affected by PCUN. CONCLUSIONS We conclude that the effects of PCUN on fetal HPAA function that became apparent in late gestation, are not reflected in adrenal cortisol secretion in mid-adulthood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark H. Oliver
- Liggins Institute, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- *Correspondence: Mark H. Oliver,
| | - Anne L. Jaquiery
- Liggins Institute, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Kristin L. Connor
- Department of Health Sciences, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Hui Hui Phua
- Liggins Institute, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Jane E. Harding
- Liggins Institute, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
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Martin GB. Frontiers in sheep reproduction - making use of natural responses to environmental challenges to manage productivity. Anim Reprod 2022; 19:e20220088. [PMID: 36504919 PMCID: PMC9731180 DOI: 10.1590/1984-3143-ar2022-0088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
This review addresses advances, directions and opportunities for research on sheep reproduction in the context of the global challenges of food security and climate change, and demand for 'clean, green and ethical' (CGE) animal management. The foundation of CGE management is an understanding of the physiological processes through which the reproductive system responds to changes in the animal's environment. These days, to the main environmental factors (photoperiod, nutrition, pheromones), we need to add stress from extreme weather events. With respect to nutrition in rams, we now have a deeper understanding of the responses of the brain centres that control gonadotrophin secretion (the kisspeptin system). At testis level, we have found that nutrition affects non-coding RNAs in Sertoli cells and germ cells, thus affecting the balance between cell proliferation and apoptosis. This proliferation-apoptosis balance is also affected during prenatal development, when undernutrition or stress in pregnant ewes seems to elicit epigenetic changes in developing gonads that could affect offspring fertility in adult life. With respect to nutrition in ewes, metabolic signals act directly on ovarian follicles, and thus change ovulation rate, but the variety of signals now includes the adipokines. An early concern was that nutritional supplements that increase ovulation rate would also increase embryo mortality but we now know that embryo survival is improved under field conditions. Finally, we had always thought that the efficiency gains from early puberty in lambs could only be achieved by accelerating fat accumulation, but we now know that faster muscle growth will achieve the same goal, offering two advantages in meat production systems. With respect to pheromones ('ram effect'), we have a deeper understanding of the brain responses (kisspeptin system) but, most importantly, a realization that the response of ewes to the ram signal involves cell division in memory centres. Many opportunities remain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Graeme Bruce Martin
- UWA Institute of Agriculture, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia,UWA School of Agriculture and Environment, University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia,Corresponding author:
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3
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Do preterm girls need different nutrition to preterm boys? Sex-specific nutrition for the preterm infant. Pediatr Res 2021; 89:313-317. [PMID: 33184497 DOI: 10.1038/s41390-020-01252-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2020] [Revised: 10/08/2020] [Accepted: 10/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Boys born preterm are recognised to be at higher risk of adverse outcomes than girls born preterm. Despite advances in neonatal intensive care and overall improvements in neonatal morbidity and mortality, boys born preterm continue to show worse short- and long-term outcomes than girls. Preterm birth presents a nutritional crisis during a critical developmental period, with postnatal undernutrition and growth-faltering common complications of neonatal intensive care. Furthermore, this preterm period corresponds to that of rapid in utero brain growth and development, and the developmental window relating to foetal programming of adult non-communicable diseases, the prevalence of which are associated both with preterm birth and sex. There is increasing evidence to show that from foetal life, boys and girls have different responses to maternal nutrition, that maternal breastmilk composition differs based on foetal sex and that early neonatal nutritional interventions affect boys and girls differently. This narrative review examines the evidence that sex is an important moderator of the outcomes of preterm nutrition intervention, and describes what further knowledge is required before providing nutrition intervention for infants born preterm based on their sex. IMPACT: This review examines the increasing evidence that boys and girls respond differently to nutritional stressors before birth, that maternal breastmilk composition differs by foetal sex and that nutritional interventions have different responses based on infant sex. Boys and girls born preterm are given standard nutritional support which does not take infant sex into account, and few studies of neonatal nutrition consider infant sex as a potential mediator of outcomes. By optimising early nutrition for boys and girls born preterm, we may improve outcomes for both sexes. We propose future studies of neonatal nutritional interventions should consider infant sex.
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Premkumar MH, Massieu LA, Anderson DM, Gokulakrishnan G. Human Milk Supplements: Principles, Practices, and Current Controversies. Clin Perinatol 2020; 47:355-368. [PMID: 32439116 DOI: 10.1016/j.clp.2020.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Human milk is the most optimal source of nutrition for preterm and term infants. However, in most preterm infants, breast milk fails to meet the energy needs of the newborn infant. Overwhelming evidence supports the fortification of breast milk in preterm infants to facilitate better short-term outcomes. Several single-nutrient and multinutrient breast milk supplements and fortifiers are used to improve the macronutrient and micronutrient content of breast milk. An individualized fortification strategy has the potential to offer better results compared with standard fortification strategies. Human milk-derived fortification is promising, but the benefits in exclusively human milk-fed preterm infants are unclear.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muralidhar H Premkumar
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, USA.
| | | | - Diane M Anderson
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Ganga Gokulakrishnan
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
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5
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Amissah E, Lin L, Gamble GD, Crowther CA, Bloomfield FH, Harding JE. Macronutrient Supplements in Preterm and Small-for-Gestational-Age Animals: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Sci Rep 2019; 9:14715. [PMID: 31605011 PMCID: PMC6789152 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-51295-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2019] [Accepted: 09/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Early macronutrient supplementation in preterm and/or small-for-gestational-age (SGA) infants may improve growth but have detrimental effects on later cardio-metabolic health which may be sex-specific. We systematically reviewed the long-term effects of early macronutrient supplementation in preterm and SGA animals and whether these differ by sex. Using Cochrane Neonatal and SYRCLE methodologies we included random or quasi-random studies that allocated non-human mammals to macronutrient supplements or no supplements between birth and weaning and assessed post-weaning outcomes. We used random-effects models to calculate standardized mean differences (SMD) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Six studies provided low to very-low-quality evidence that macronutrient supplementation increased weight in juvenile rats (SMD; 95% CI: 2.13; 1.00, 3.25; 1 study, n = 24), increased leptin concentrations in older adults (1.31; 0.12, 2.51; 1 study, n = 14 male rats), but decreased leptin concentrations in young adults (-1.13; -2.21, -0.05; 1 study, n = 16 female rats) and improved spatial learning and memory (qualitative data; 1 study). There was no evidence of sex-specific effects and no overall effect on length, serum lipids, body composition, HOMA-IR, or blood pressure. Macronutrient supplements may affect later growth, metabolism, and neurodevelopment of preterm and SGA animals, but evidence is limited and low quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Amissah
- Liggins Institute, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Luling Lin
- Liggins Institute, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Gregory D Gamble
- Liggins Institute, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | | | | | - Jane E Harding
- Liggins Institute, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.
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6
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Bloomfield FH. Impact of prematurity for pancreatic islet and beta-cell development. J Endocrinol 2018; 238:R161-R171. [PMID: 29895718 DOI: 10.1530/joe-18-0021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2018] [Accepted: 06/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
As increasing numbers of babies born preterm survive into adulthood, it is becoming clear that, in addition to the well-described risks of neurodevelopmental sequelae, there also are increased risks for non-communicable diseases, including diabetes. Epidemiological studies indicate that risks are increased even for birth at late preterm and early term gestations and for both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Thus, factors related to preterm birth likely affect development of the fetal and neonatal beta-cell in addition to effects on peripheral insulin sensitivity. These factors could operate prior to preterm birth and be related to the underlying cause of preterm birth, to the event of being born preterm itself, to the postnatal care of the preterm neonate or to a combination of these exposures. Experimental evidence indicates that factors may be operating during all these critical periods to contribute to altered development of beta-cell mass in those born preterm. Greater understanding of how these factors impact upon development of the pancreas may lead to interventions or management approaches that mitigate the increased risk of later diabetes.
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7
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Sex-Specific Human Milk Composition: The Role of Infant Sex in Determining Early Life Nutrition. Nutrients 2018; 10:nu10091194. [PMID: 30200404 PMCID: PMC6165076 DOI: 10.3390/nu10091194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2018] [Revised: 08/26/2018] [Accepted: 08/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Male and female infants respond differentially to environmental stimuli, with different growth and neurodevelopmental trajectories. Male infants are more likely to be disadvantaged when subjected to adversity and show a higher risk of perinatal complications. However, the underlying causes of this sex-bias are not well defined and optimising the early life nutritional care may be necessary to minimise the “male disadvantage” that may be experienced early in life. Experimental models have demonstrated that animal milk composition differs according to offspring sex, suggesting that the tailoring of early life nutrition may be one mechanism to maximise health protection and development to infants of both sexes. However, evidence for a sex-specificity in human milk composition is limited and conflicting, with studies documenting higher milk energy content for either male or female infants. These data show sex differences, however, there has been limited compositional analysis of the current data nor strategies proposed for how sex-specific compositional differences in early life nutrition may be used to improve infant health. The present narrative review highlights that an improved understanding of sex-specific human milk composition is essential for promoting optimal infant growth and development.
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de Wijs-Meijler DPM, van Duin RWB, Duncker DJ, Scherrer U, Sartori C, Reiss IKM, Merkus D. Structural and functional changes of the pulmonary vasculature after hypoxia exposure in the neonatal period: a new swine model of pulmonary vascular disease. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2017; 314:H603-H615. [PMID: 29127236 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00362.2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Pulmonary vascular disease (PVD) represents an underestimated and increasing clinical burden not only in the neonatal period but also later in life, when exercise tolerance is decreased. Animal models performing long-term followup after a perinatal insult are lacking. This study aimed to develop and characterize a neonatal swine model with hypoxia-induced PVD during long-term followup after reexposure to normoxia and to investigate the exercise response in this model. Piglets were exposed to a normoxic ( n = 10) or hypoxic environment ( n = 9) for 4 wk. Neonatal hypoxia exposure resulted in pulmonary hypertension. Mean pulmonary artery pressure was elevated 1 day after reexposure to normoxia (30.2 ± 3.3 vs. 14.3 ± 0.9 mmHg) and remained significantly higher in the second week (32.8 ± 3.8 vs. 21.4 ± 1.2 mmHg), accompanied by decreased exercise tolerance. Exercise resulted in a trend toward an exaggerated increase of pulmonary artery pressure in hypoxia-exposed animals ( week 6, P = 0.086). Although pulmonary hypertension was transient, thickening of pulmonary arterioles was found at the end of followup. Furthermore, right ventricular dilation, lower right ventricular fractional area change ( week 8, 40.0 ± 2.7% vs. 29.5 ± 4.7%), and tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion ( week 8, 27.0 ± 2.5 vs. 22.9 ± 2.1 mm) persisted during followup. Male animals showed more severe PVD than female animals. In conclusion, we developed a neonatal swine model that allows examination of the long-term sequelae of damage to the developing neonatal lung, the course of the disease and the effect of therapy on long-term outcome. NEW & NOTEWORTHY The swine model of neonatal pulmonary vascular disease developed in the present study is the first that allows exercise testing and examination of long-term sequelae of a perinatal hypoxic insult, the course of the disease, and the effect of therapy on long-term outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daphne P M de Wijs-Meijler
- Division of Experimental Cardiology, Department of Cardiology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam , Rotterdam , The Netherlands.,Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Sophia Children's Hospital, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam , Rotterdam , The Netherlands
| | - Richard W B van Duin
- Division of Experimental Cardiology, Department of Cardiology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam , Rotterdam , The Netherlands
| | - Dirk J Duncker
- Division of Experimental Cardiology, Department of Cardiology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam , Rotterdam , The Netherlands
| | - Urs Scherrer
- Departments of Cardiology and Clinical Research, University Hospital Bern, Bern, Switzerland, and Facultad de Ciencias, Departamento de Biología, Universidad de Tarapacá , Arica , Chile
| | - Claudio Sartori
- Department of Internal Medicine, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois , Lausanne , Switzerland
| | - Irwin K M Reiss
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Sophia Children's Hospital, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam , Rotterdam , The Netherlands
| | - Daphne Merkus
- Division of Experimental Cardiology, Department of Cardiology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam , Rotterdam , The Netherlands
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Sulaiman SA, De Blasio MJ, Harland ML, Gatford KL, Owens JA. Maternal methyl donor and cofactor supplementation in late pregnancy increases β-cell numbers at 16 days of life in growth-restricted twin lambs. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab 2017; 313:E381-E390. [PMID: 28679621 DOI: 10.1152/ajpendo.00033.2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2017] [Revised: 05/18/2017] [Accepted: 06/27/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Restricted growth before birth (IUGR) increases adult risk of Type 2 diabetes by impairing insulin sensitivity and secretion. Altered fetal one-carbon metabolism is implicated in developmental programming of adult health and disease by IUGR. Therefore, we evaluated effects of maternal dietary supplementation with methyl donors and cofactors (MMDS), designed to increase fetal supply, on insulin action in the spontaneously IUGR twin lamb. In vivo glucose-stimulated insulin secretion and insulin sensitivity were measured at days 12-14 in singleton controls (CON, n = 7 lambs from 7 ewes), twins (IUGR, n = 8 lambs from 8 ewes), and twins from ewes that received MMDS (2 g rumen-protected methionine, 300 mg folic acid, 1.2 g sulfur, 0.7 mg cobalt) daily from 120 days after mating (~0.8 of term) until delivery (IUGR+MMDS, n = 8 lambs from 4 ewes). Body composition and pancreas morphometry were assessed in lambs at day 16 IUGR reduced size at birth and increased neonatal fractional growth rate. MMDS normalized long bone lengths but not other body dimensions of IUGR lambs at birth. IUGR did not impair glucose control or insulin action at days 12-14, compared with controls. MMDS increased metabolic clearance rate of insulin and increased β-cell numerical density and tended to improve insulin sensitivity, compared with untreated IUGR lambs. This demonstrates that effects of late-pregnancy methyl donor supplementation persist until at least the third week of life. Whether these effects of MMDS persist beyond early postnatal life and improve metabolic outcomes after IUGR in adults and the underlying mechanisms remain to be determined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siti A Sulaiman
- Robinson Research Institute and Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Miles J De Blasio
- Robinson Research Institute and Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - M Lyn Harland
- Robinson Research Institute and Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Kathryn L Gatford
- Robinson Research Institute and Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Julie A Owens
- Robinson Research Institute and Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
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