1
|
Glover CN, Borowiec BG, Joyce W. Editorial: Common methodological issues in comparative biochemistry and physiology. Comp Biochem Physiol A Mol Integr Physiol 2024; 296:111697. [PMID: 39002941 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2024.111697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/15/2024]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - William Joyce
- Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Kervella M, Cansell C, Criscuolo F, Bouillaud F. Utilization of a Clark electrode device as a respirometer for small insects: A convincing test on ants allowing to detect discontinuous respiration. JOURNAL OF INSECT PHYSIOLOGY 2024:104698. [PMID: 39159873 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinsphys.2024.104698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2024] [Revised: 08/14/2024] [Accepted: 08/15/2024] [Indexed: 08/21/2024]
Abstract
Respirometry provides a direct measure of an organism's O2 consumption rate (VO2), which is a significant component of its metabolic rate (energy expenditure). Amongst ants, variations in lifespan between different social castes (such as workers and queens) can be substantial, varying depending to the species. As metabolic rate is higher in short-living species, we aimed to determine how VO2 and longevity may have coevolved within ant casts. Measuring VO2 in such tiny animal models can be challenging, and as a first methodological step, we validate the use of a Clark electrode, initially designed for measuring mitochondrial respiration control pathways, for assessing VO2 in ants within a sealed chamber. This was done by comparing it with stop-flow VO2 and CO2 production, using a traditional indirect calorimetry device. The global aim is to provide a reliable protocol to conduct accurate comparisons of metabolic rates within and among ant species. As expected, using Clark electrode entails high time resolution and revealed that queens and workers exhibited discontinuous respiration, with episodes of apnea lasting up to 20 min.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maïly Kervella
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, IPHC UMR 7178, 23 rue du Loess, 67037 Strasbourg Cedex 2, F-67000 Strasbourg, France; Inserm U1016, CNRS UMR 8104, Institut Cochin, Université Paris-Cité-Paris 5, Paris, France.
| | - Céline Cansell
- Université Paris-Saclay, AgroParisTech, CNRS UMR 0914, INRAE, PNCA, Paris, France
| | - François Criscuolo
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, IPHC UMR 7178, 23 rue du Loess, 67037 Strasbourg Cedex 2, F-67000 Strasbourg, France
| | - Frederic Bouillaud
- Inserm U1016, CNRS UMR 8104, Institut Cochin, Université Paris-Cité-Paris 5, Paris, France
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Liu W, Liao SS, Bao MH, Huo DL, Cao J, Zhao ZJ. Lactating striped hamsters (Cricetulus barabensis) do not decrease the thermogenic capacity to cope with extreme cold temperature. ZOOLOGY 2024; 166:126195. [PMID: 39128254 DOI: 10.1016/j.zool.2024.126195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2023] [Revised: 07/20/2024] [Accepted: 07/25/2024] [Indexed: 08/13/2024]
Abstract
For small non-hibernating mammals, a high thermogenic capacity is important to increase activity levels in the cold. It has been previously reported that lactating females decrease their thermogenic activity of brown adipose tissue (BAT), whereas their capacity to cope with extreme cold remains uncertain. In this study we examined food intake, body temperature and locomotor behavior, resting metabolic rate, non-shivering thermogenesis, and cytochrome c oxidase activity, and the rate of state 4 respiration of liver, skeletal muscle, and BAT in striped hamsters (Cricetulus barabensis) at peak lactation and non- breeding hamsters (controls). The lactating hamsters and non- breeding controls were acutely exposed to -15°C, and several markers indicative of thermogenic capacity were examined. In comparison to non-breeding females, lactating hamsters significantly increased food intake and body temperature, but decreased locomotor behavior, and the BAT mass, indicative of decreased BAT thermogenesis at peak lactation. Unexpectedly, lactating hamsters showed similar body temperature, resting metabolic rate, non-shivering thermogenesis with non-breeding females after acute exposure to -15°C. Furthermore, cytochrome c oxidase activity of liver, skeletal muscle and BAT, and serum thyroid hormone concentration, and BAT uncoupling protein 1 expression, in lactating hamsters were similar with that in non-breeding hamsters after acute extreme cold exposure. This suggests that lactating females have the same thermogenic capacity to survive cold temperatures compared to non-breeding animals. This is particularly important for females in the field to cope with cold environments during the period of reproduction. Our findings indicate that the females during lactation, one of the highest energy requirement periods, do not impair their thermogenic capacity in response to acute cold exposure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wei Liu
- College of Life and Environmental Science, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Sha-Sha Liao
- College of Life and Environmental Science, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Meng-Huan Bao
- College of Life and Environmental Science, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Da-Liang Huo
- College of Life and Environmental Science, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Jing Cao
- College of Life and Environmental Science, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou 325035, China; Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Water Environment and Marine Biological Resources Protection, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Zhi-Jun Zhao
- College of Life and Environmental Science, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou 325035, China; Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Water Environment and Marine Biological Resources Protection, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou 325035, China.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Viblanc VA, Pardonnet S, Tamian A, McCaw LK, Dobson FS, Boonstra R. Down-regulating the stress axis: Living in the present while preparing for the future. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2024; 354:114541. [PMID: 38685390 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2024.114541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Revised: 04/24/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
The measurement of glucocorticoid (GC) hormones provides us with a window into the stress physiology of vertebrates and the adaptative responses they use to cope with predictable and unpredictable changes in the environment. Baseline GCs inform us about the metabolic demands they are subject to at that point in their yearly life-history stage, whereas GC changes (often increases) in response to acute challenges inform us on their capacity to cope with more immediate environmental challenges. However, baseline GC levels and the kinetics of GC responses to acute stressors can vary substantially among and within species, depending on individual characteristics (age, sex, condition, life-history stage). In addition, a thorough understanding of the stress status of an animal requires moving beyond the measurement of GCs alone by focusing on downstream measures of metabolic activation, such as oxidative stress. Here, we evaluated the changes in blood cortisol and oxidative stress markers in wild adult Columbian ground squirrels (Urocitellus columbianus), following a 30-min capture-handling stress performed in mid-late June. Measurements were taken when males were post-reproductive and preparing for hibernation and adult females were weaning litters. We found three key results. First, the time-course of GC increase was markedly slower (by an order of magnitude) than what is currently reported in the literature for most species of mammals, birds and reptiles. Second, there were marked differences in the male and female response, linked to differences in life-history stage: females close to weaning had abolished GC responses, whereas post-reproductive males did not. Third, there were mild to moderate increases in oxidative damage and decreases in oxidative defenses in response to our short-term challenge, consistent with the idea that short-term acute metabolic activation may carry physiological costs. However, these changes were not correlated to the changes in GCs, a novel result suggesting a disconnect between the hormonal stress response and oxidative damage.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vincent A Viblanc
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, IPHC UMR 7178, F-67000 Strasbourg, France.
| | - Sylvia Pardonnet
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, IPHC UMR 7178, F-67000 Strasbourg, France
| | - Anouch Tamian
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, IPHC UMR 7178, F-67000 Strasbourg, France
| | - Laura K McCaw
- Department of Biological Sciences, Centre for the Neurobiology of Stress, University of Toronto Scarborough, Toronto, ON M1C 1A4, Canada
| | - F Stephen Dobson
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, IPHC UMR 7178, F-67000 Strasbourg, France; Department of Biological Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA
| | - Rudy Boonstra
- Department of Biological Sciences, Centre for the Neurobiology of Stress, University of Toronto Scarborough, Toronto, ON M1C 1A4, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Tamian A, Viblanc VA, Dobson FS, Saraux C. Population density and vegetation resources influence demography in a hibernating herbivorous mammal. Oecologia 2024; 205:497-513. [PMID: 38981874 DOI: 10.1007/s00442-024-05583-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/11/2024]
Abstract
Demography of herbivorous mammal populations may be affected by changes in predation, population density, harvesting, and climate. Whereas numerous studies have focused on the effect of single environmental variables on individual demographic processes, attempts to integrate the consequences of several environmental variables on numerous functional traits and demographic rates are rare. Over a 32-year period, we examined how forage availability (vegetation assessed through NDVI) and population density affected the functional traits and demographic rates of a population of Columbian ground squirrels (Urocitellus columbianus), a herbivorous hibernating rodent. We focused on mean population phenology, body mass, breeding success, and survival. We found a negative effect of population density on demographic rates, including on breeding success and pup and adult survival to the next year. We found diverging effects of vegetation phenology on demographic rates: positive effects of a later start of the growing season on adult and yearling female survival, and juvenile survival, but no clear effect on male survival. Interestingly, neither population density nor vegetation affected population phenology or body condition in the following year. Vegetative growth rate had a positive influence on female mass gain (somatic investment) over a season, but both vegetative growth rate and biomass, surprisingly, had negative effects on the survival of young through their first hibernation. Thus, ground squirrels appeared to benefit more from later timing of vegetation than increases in vegetative biomass per se. Our study provides evidence for complex ecological effects of vegetation and population density on functional traits and demographic rates of small mammal populations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anouch Tamian
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, IPHC UMR 7178, F-67000, Strasbourg, France
| | - Vincent A Viblanc
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, IPHC UMR 7178, F-67000, Strasbourg, France
| | - F Stephen Dobson
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, IPHC UMR 7178, F-67000, Strasbourg, France
- Department of Biological Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, 36849, AL, USA
| | - Claire Saraux
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, IPHC UMR 7178, F-67000, Strasbourg, France.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Szangolies L, Gallagher CA, Jeltsch F. Individual energetics scale up to community coexistence: Movement, metabolism and biodiversity dynamics in fragmented landscapes. J Anim Ecol 2024; 93:1065-1077. [PMID: 38932441 DOI: 10.1111/1365-2656.14134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
Unravelling the intricate mechanisms that govern community coexistence remains a daunting challenge, particularly amidst ongoing environmental change. Individual physiology and metabolism are often studied to understand the response of individual animals to environmental change. However, this perspective is currently largely lacking in community ecology. We argue that the integration of individual metabolism into community theory can offer new insights into coexistence. We present the first individual-based metabolic community model for a terrestrial mammal community to simulate energy dynamics and home range behaviour in different environments. Using this model, we investigate how ecologically similar species coexist and maintain their energy balance under food competition. Only if individuals of different species are able to balance their incoming and outgoing energy over the long-term will they be able to coexist. After thoroughly testing and validating the model against real-world patterns such as of home range dynamics and field metabolic rates, we applied it as a case study to scenarios of habitat fragmentation - a widely discussed topic in biodiversity research. First, comparing single-species simulations with community simulations, we find that the effect of habitat fragmentation on populations is strongly context-dependent. While populations of species living alone in the landscape were mostly positively affected by fragmentation, the diversity of a community of species was highest under medium fragmentation scenarios. Under medium fragmentation, energy balance and reproductive investment were also most similar among species. We therefore suggest that similarity in energy balance among species promotes coexistence. We argue that energetics should be part of community ecology theory, as the relative energetic status and reproductive investment can reveal why and under what environmental conditions coexistence is likely to occur. As a result, landscapes can potentially be protected and designed to maximize coexistence. The metabolic community model presented here can be a promising tool to investigate other scenarios of environmental change or other species communities to further disentangle global change effects and preserve biodiversity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Leonna Szangolies
- Plant Ecology and Nature Conservation, University of Potsdam, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Cara A Gallagher
- Plant Ecology and Nature Conservation, University of Potsdam, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Florian Jeltsch
- Plant Ecology and Nature Conservation, University of Potsdam, Potsdam, Germany
- Berlin-Brandenburg Institute of Advanced Biodiversity Research (BBIB), Berlin, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Koh NYY, Miszkiewicz JJ, Fac ML, Wee NKY, Sims NA. Preclinical Rodent Models for Human Bone Disease, Including a Focus on Cortical Bone. Endocr Rev 2024; 45:493-520. [PMID: 38315213 PMCID: PMC11244217 DOI: 10.1210/endrev/bnae004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Revised: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024]
Abstract
Preclinical models (typically ovariectomized rats and genetically altered mice) have underpinned much of what we know about skeletal biology. They have been pivotal for developing therapies for osteoporosis and monogenic skeletal conditions, including osteogenesis imperfecta, achondroplasia, hypophosphatasia, and craniodysplasias. Further therapeutic advances, particularly to improve cortical strength, require improved understanding and more rigorous use and reporting. We describe here how trabecular and cortical bone structure develop, are maintained, and degenerate with aging in mice, rats, and humans, and how cortical bone structure is changed in some preclinical models of endocrine conditions (eg, postmenopausal osteoporosis, chronic kidney disease, hyperparathyroidism, diabetes). We provide examples of preclinical models used to identify and test current therapies for osteoporosis, and discuss common concerns raised when comparing rodent preclinical models to the human skeleton. We focus especially on cortical bone, because it differs between small and larger mammals in its organizational structure. We discuss mechanisms common to mouse and human controlling cortical bone strength and structure, including recent examples revealing genetic contributors to cortical porosity and osteocyte network configurations during growth, maturity, and aging. We conclude with guidelines for clear reporting on mouse models with a goal for better consistency in the use and interpretation of these models.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Natalie Y Y Koh
- Bone Cell Biology & Disease Unit, St. Vincent's Institute of Medical Research, Fitzroy, VIC 3065, Australia
- Department of Medicine at St. Vincent's Hospital, The University of Melbourne, Fitzroy, VIC 3065, Australia
| | - Justyna J Miszkiewicz
- School of Social Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
- Vertebrate Evolution Development and Ecology, Naturalis Biodiversity Center, 2333 CR Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Mary Louise Fac
- Bone Cell Biology & Disease Unit, St. Vincent's Institute of Medical Research, Fitzroy, VIC 3065, Australia
- Department of Medicine at St. Vincent's Hospital, The University of Melbourne, Fitzroy, VIC 3065, Australia
| | - Natalie K Y Wee
- Bone Cell Biology & Disease Unit, St. Vincent's Institute of Medical Research, Fitzroy, VIC 3065, Australia
- Department of Medicine at St. Vincent's Hospital, The University of Melbourne, Fitzroy, VIC 3065, Australia
| | - Natalie A Sims
- Bone Cell Biology & Disease Unit, St. Vincent's Institute of Medical Research, Fitzroy, VIC 3065, Australia
- Department of Medicine at St. Vincent's Hospital, The University of Melbourne, Fitzroy, VIC 3065, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Rivi V, Batabyal A, Lukowiak K. The multifaceted effects of flavonoids on neuroplasticity. Restor Neurol Neurosci 2024:RNN230150. [PMID: 38995810 DOI: 10.3233/rnn-230150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/14/2024]
Abstract
There has been a significant increase in the incidence of multiple neurodegenerative and terminal diseases in the human population with life expectancy increasing in the current times. This highlights the urgent need for a more comprehensive understanding of how different aspects of lifestyle, in particular diet, may affect neural functioning and consequently cognitive performance as well as in enhancing overall health. Flavonoids, found in a variety of fruits, vegetables, and derived beverages, provide a new avenue of research that shows a promising influence on different aspects of brain function. However, despite the promising evidence, most bioactive compounds lack strong clinical research efficacy. In the current scoping review, we highlight the effects of Flavonoids on cognition and neural plasticity across vertebrates and invertebrates with special emphasis on the studies conducted in the pond snail, Lymnaea stagnalis, which has emerged to be a functionally dynamic model for studies on learning and memory. In conclusion, we suggest future research directions and discuss the social, cultural, and ethnic dependencies of bioactive compounds that influence how these compounds are used and accepted globally. Bridging the gap between preclinical and clinical studies about the effects of bioactive natural compounds on brain health will surely lead to lifestyle choices such as dietary Flavonoids being used complementarily rather than as replacements to classical drugs bringing about a healthier future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Veronica Rivi
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Anuradha Batabyal
- Department of Physical and Natural Sciences, FLAME University, India
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Ken Lukowiak
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Stellatelli OA, Bonavita MI, Victorel C, Gómez Alés R, Moreno Azócar DL, Block C, Cruz FB. Thermo-physiological changes and reproductive investment in a liolaemid lizard at the extreme of the slow-fast continuum. J Exp Biol 2024; 227:jeb247506. [PMID: 38826150 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.247506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/04/2024]
Abstract
Gravid female lizards often experience reduced thermal preferences and impaired locomotor performance. These changes have been attributed to the physical burden of the clutch, but some authors have suggested that they may be due to physiological adjustments. We compared the thermal biology and locomotor performance of the lizard Liolaemus wiegmannii 1 week before and 1 week after oviposition. We found that gravid females had a thermal preference 1°C lower than that of non-gravid females. This was accompanied by a change in the thermal dependence of maximum running speed. The thermal optimum for locomotor performance was 2.6°C lower before oviposition than after. At relatively low temperatures (22 and 26°C), running speeds of females before oviposition were up to 31% higher than for females after oviposition. However, at temperatures above 26°C, females achieved similar maximum running speeds (∼1.5 m s-1) regardless of reproductive stage. The magnitude of the changes in thermal parameters and locomotor performance of L. wiegmannii females was independent of relative clutch mass (clutches weighed up to 89% of post-oviposition body mass). This suggests that the changes are not simply due to the clutch mass, but are also due to physiological adjustments. Liolaemus wiegmannii females simultaneously adjusted their own physiology in a short period in order to improve locomotor performance and allocated energy for embryonic development during late gravid stage. Our findings have implications for understanding the mechanisms underlying life histories of lizards on the fast extreme of the slow-fast continuum, where physiological exhaustion could play an important role.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Oscar A Stellatelli
- Grupo Vertebrados, Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras (IIMyC), Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, B7602AYJ Mar del Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Mauro I Bonavita
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Biodiversidad y Medioambiente (INIBIOMA), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y ́ Técnicas - Universidad Nacional del Comahue, 8400 San Carlos de Bariloche, Río Negro, Argentina
| | - Candela Victorel
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Biodiversidad y Medioambiente (INIBIOMA), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y ́ Técnicas - Universidad Nacional del Comahue, 8400 San Carlos de Bariloche, Río Negro, Argentina
| | - Rodrigo Gómez Alés
- Gabinete Diversidad y Biología de Vertebrados del Árido (DIBIOVA), Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Físicas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de San Juan, J5402DCS San Juan, Argentina
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Centro Científico Tecnológico CONICET San Juan, J5400ARL San Juan, San Juan, Argentina
| | - Débora L Moreno Azócar
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Biodiversidad y Medioambiente (INIBIOMA), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y ́ Técnicas - Universidad Nacional del Comahue, 8400 San Carlos de Bariloche, Río Negro, Argentina
| | - Carolina Block
- Grupo Vertebrados, Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras (IIMyC), Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, B7602AYJ Mar del Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Félix B Cruz
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Biodiversidad y Medioambiente (INIBIOMA), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y ́ Técnicas - Universidad Nacional del Comahue, 8400 San Carlos de Bariloche, Río Negro, Argentina
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Balčiauskas L, Balčiauskienė L. Insight into Body Condition Variability in Small Mammals. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:1686. [PMID: 38891733 PMCID: PMC11171198 DOI: 10.3390/ani14111686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2024] [Revised: 06/01/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
The body condition index (BCI) is an indicator of both reproductive success and health in small mammals and might help to understand ecological roles of species. We analyzed BCI data from 28,567 individuals trapped in Lithuania between 1980 and 2023. We compared BCIs between species and examined differences in age groups, gender, and reproductive statuses within each species. Seven out of eighteen species had sample sizes with N < 100. In terms of species, we found that seven of the eight species with the highest average BCIs are granivores or omnivores, which can consume animal-based food at least seasonally. The two contrasting (decreasing or increasing) BCI patterns observed during ontogeny can be related to diet differences among juveniles, subadults, and adult animals. Our results demonstrate that reproductive stress has a negative impact on the BCI of adult females in all analyzed species and nearly all adult males. Although the animals with extremely low BCI consisted mostly of shrews, for the first time we found 23 common and pygmy shrews exhibiting the Chitty effect, i.e., a very high body mass resulting in a BCI > 5.0. This is the first multi-species approach of body condition at middle latitudes. The results increase our understanding of how changing environmental conditions are affecting small mammals.
Collapse
|
11
|
Forero SA, Liu S, Shetty N, Ophir AG. Re-wiring of the bonded brain: Gene expression among pair bonded female prairie voles changes as they transition to motherhood. GENES, BRAIN, AND BEHAVIOR 2024; 23:e12906. [PMID: 38861664 PMCID: PMC11166254 DOI: 10.1111/gbb.12906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2024] [Revised: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024]
Abstract
Motherhood is a costly life-history transition accompanied by behavioral and neural plasticity necessary for offspring care. Motherhood in the monogamous prairie vole is associated with decreased pair bond strength, suggesting a trade-off between parental investment and pair bond maintenance. Neural mechanisms governing pair bonds and maternal bonds overlap, creating possible competition between the two. We measured mRNA expression of genes encoding receptors for oxytocin (oxtr), dopamine (d1r and d2r), mu-opioids (oprm1a), and kappa-opioids (oprk1a) within three brain areas processing salience of sociosensory cues (anterior cingulate cortex; ACC), pair bonding (nucleus accumbens; NAc), and maternal care (medial preoptic area; MPOA). We compared gene expression differences between pair bonded prairie voles that were never pregnant, pregnant (~day 16 of pregnancy), and recent mothers (day 3 of lactation). We found greater gene expression in the NAc (oxtr, d2r, oprm1a, and oprk1a) and MPOA (oxtr, d1r, d2r, oprm1a, and oprk1a) following the transition to motherhood. Expression for all five genes in the ACC was greatest for females that had been bonded for longer. Gene expression within each region was highly correlated, indicating that oxytocin, dopamine, and opioids comprise a complimentary gene network for social signaling. ACC-NAc gene expression correlations indicated that being a mother (oxtr and d1r) or maintaining long-term pair bonds (oprm1a) relies on the coordination of different signaling systems within the same circuit. Our study suggests the maternal brain undergoes changes that prepare females to face the trade-off associated with increased emotional investment in offspring, while also maintaining a pair bond.
Collapse
MESH Headings
- Animals
- Female
- Arvicolinae/genetics
- Receptors, Opioid, mu/genetics
- Receptors, Opioid, mu/metabolism
- Pair Bond
- Maternal Behavior/physiology
- Nucleus Accumbens/metabolism
- Pregnancy
- Receptors, Oxytocin/genetics
- Receptors, Oxytocin/metabolism
- Receptors, Opioid, kappa/genetics
- Receptors, Opioid, kappa/metabolism
- Gyrus Cinguli/metabolism
- Preoptic Area/metabolism
- Receptors, Dopamine D1/genetics
- Receptors, Dopamine D1/metabolism
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Sydney Liu
- Department of PsychologyCornell UniversityIthacaNew YorkUSA
| | - Netra Shetty
- Department of PsychologyCornell UniversityIthacaNew YorkUSA
| | | |
Collapse
|
12
|
Singh A, Singh R, Parganiha A, Tripathi MK. Annual rhythm in immune functions of blood leucocytes in an ophidian, Natrix piscator. Sci Rep 2024; 14:12157. [PMID: 38802537 PMCID: PMC11130258 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-63033-8] [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: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Annual variations in animal's physiological functions are an essential strategy to deal with seasonal challenges which also vary according to the time of year. Information regarding annual adaptations in the immune-competence to cope with seasonal stressors in reptiles is scarce. The present research plan was designed to analyze the presence of circannual immune rhythms in defense responses of the leucocytes in an ophidian, Natrix piscator. Peripheral blood leucocytes were obtained, counted, and superoxide anion production, neutrophil phagocytosis, and nitrite release were tested to assess the innate immune functions. Peripheral blood lymphocytes were separated by centrifugation (utilizing density gradient) and the cell proliferation was measured. The Cosinor rhythmometry disclosed the presence of significant annual rhythms in the number of leucocytes, superoxide anion production, nitric oxide production, and proliferation of stimulated lymphocytes. The authors found that respiratory burst activity and proliferative responses of lymphocytes were crucial immune responses that showed the annual rhythm. It was summarized that the immune function of the N. piscator is a labile attribute that makes the animal competent to cope with the seasonal stressor by adjustment in the potency of response.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alka Singh
- Department of Zoology, Udai Pratap Autonomous College, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, 221002, India
| | - Ramesh Singh
- Department of Zoology, Udai Pratap Autonomous College, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, 221002, India
| | - Arti Parganiha
- School of Studies in Life Science, Pandit Ravishankar Shukla University, Raipur, Chhattisgarh, 492010, India
| | - Manish Kumar Tripathi
- Department of Zoology, School of Studies of Life Sciences, Guru Ghasidas Vishwavidyalaya (A Central University), Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh, 495009, India.
- Department of Zoology, Udai Pratap Autonomous College, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, 221002, India.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Held JP, Dbouk NH, Strozak AM, Grub LK, Ryou H, Schaffner SH, Patel MR. Germline status and micronutrient availability regulate a somatic mitochondrial quality control pathway via short-chain fatty acid metabolism. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.05.20.594820. [PMID: 38826313 PMCID: PMC11142046 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.20.594820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2024]
Abstract
Reproductive status, such as pregnancy and menopause in women, profoundly influences metabolism of the body. Mitochondria likely orchestrate many of these metabolic changes. However, the influence of reproductive status on somatic mitochondria and the underlying mechanisms remain largely unexplored. We demonstrate that reproductive signals modulate mitochondria in the Caenorhabditis elegans soma. We show that the germline acts via an RNA endonuclease, HOE-1, which despite its housekeeping role in tRNA maturation, selectively regulates the mitochondrial unfolded protein response (UPRmt). Mechanistically, we uncover a fatty acid metabolism pathway acting upstream of HOE-1 to convey germline status. Furthermore, we link vitamin B12's dietary intake to the germline's regulatory impact on HOE-1-driven UPRmt. Combined, our study uncovers a germline-somatic mitochondrial connection, reveals the underlying mechanism, and highlights the importance of micronutrients in modulating this connection. Our findings provide insights into the interplay between reproductive biology and metabolic regulation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- James P. Held
- Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Nadir H. Dbouk
- Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Adrianna M. Strozak
- Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Lantana K. Grub
- Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Hayeon Ryou
- Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | | | - Maulik R. Patel
- Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
- Department of Cell & Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA
- Evolutionary Studies, Vanderbilt University, VU Box #34-1634, Nashville, TN, USA
- Diabetes Research and Training Center, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA
- Quantitative Systems Biology Center, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Ginther SC, Cameron H, White CR, Marshall DJ. Metabolic loads and the costs of metazoan reproduction. Science 2024; 384:763-767. [PMID: 38753775 DOI: 10.1126/science.adk6772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
Reproduction includes two energy investments-the energy in the offspring and the energy expended to make them. The former is well understood, whereas the latter is unquantified but often assumed to be small. Without understanding both investments, the true energy costs of reproduction are unknown. We present a framework for estimating the total energy costs of reproduction by combining data on the energy content of offspring (direct costs) and the metabolic load of bearing them (indirect costs). We find that direct costs typically represent the smaller fraction of the energy expended on reproduction. Mammals pay the highest reproductive costs (excluding lactation), ~90% of which are indirect. Ectotherms expend less on reproduction overall, and live-bearing ectotherms pay higher indirect costs compared with egg-layers. We show that the energy demands of reproduction exceed standard assumptions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Samuel C Ginther
- Centre for Geometric Biology, School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Hayley Cameron
- Centre for Geometric Biology, School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
- School of Biosciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Craig R White
- Centre for Geometric Biology, School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Dustin J Marshall
- Centre for Geometric Biology, School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Veloso-Frías J, Soto-Gamboa M, Mastromonaco G, Acosta-Jamett G. Seasonal Hair Glucocorticoid Fluctuations in Wild Mice ( Phyllotis darwini) within a Semi-Arid Landscape in North-Central Chile. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:1260. [PMID: 38731264 PMCID: PMC11083726 DOI: 10.3390/ani14091260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2024] [Revised: 04/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Mammals in drylands face environmental challenges exacerbated by climate change. Currently, human activity significantly impacts these environments, and its effects on the energy demands experienced by individuals have not yet been determined. Energy demand in organisms is managed through elevations in glucocorticoid levels, which also vary with developmental and health states. Here, we assessed how anthropization, individual characteristics, and seasonality influence hair glucocorticoid concentration in the Darwin's leaf-eared mouse (Phyllotis darwini) inhabiting two areas with contrasting anthropogenic intervention in a semi-arid ecosystem of northern Chile. Hair samples were collected (n = 199) to quantify hair corticosterone concentration (HCC) using enzyme immunoassays; additionally, sex, body condition, and ectoparasite load were recorded. There were no differences in HCC between anthropized areas and areas protected from human disturbance; however, higher concentrations were recorded in females, and seasonal fluctuations were experienced by males. The results indicate that animals inhabiting semi-arid ecosystems are differentially stressed depending on their sex. Additionally, sex and season have a greater impact on corticosterone concentration than anthropogenic perturbation, possibly including temporal factors, precipitation, and primary production. The influence of sex and seasonality on HCC in P. darwini make it necessary to include these variables in future stress assessments of this species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joseline Veloso-Frías
- Institute of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Austral University of Chile, Valdivia 5090000, Chile;
| | - Mauricio Soto-Gamboa
- Institute of Environmental and Evolutionary Sciences, Austral University of Chile, Valdivia 5090000, Chile;
| | | | - Gerardo Acosta-Jamett
- Institute of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Austral University of Chile, Valdivia 5090000, Chile;
- Center for Surveillance and Evolution of Infectious Diseases (CSEID), Austral University of Chile, Valdivia 5090000, Chile
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Ryan CP, Lee NR, Carba DB, MacIsaac JL, Lin DTS, Atashzay P, Belsky DW, Kobor MS, Kuzawa CW. Pregnancy is linked to faster epigenetic aging in young women. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2317290121. [PMID: 38588424 PMCID: PMC11032455 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2317290121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024] Open
Abstract
A central prediction of evolutionary theory is that energy invested into reproduction comes at the expense of somatic maintenance and repair, accelerating biological aging. Supporting this prediction are findings that high fertility among women predicts shorter lifespan and poorer health later in life. However, biological aging is thought to begin before age-related health declines, limiting the applicability of morbidity and mortality for studying the aging process earlier in life. Here, we examine the relationship between reproductive history and biological aging in a sample of young (20 to 22yo) men and women from the Cebu Longitudinal Health and Nutrition Survey, located in the Philippines (n = 1,735). We quantify biological aging using six measures, collectively known as epigenetic clocks, reflecting various facets of cellular aging, health, and mortality risk. In a subset of women, we test whether longitudinal changes in gravidity between young and early-middle adulthood (25 to 31yo) are associated with changes in epigenetic aging during that time. Cross-sectionally, gravidity was associated with all six measures of accelerated epigenetic aging in women (n = 825). Furthermore, longitudinal increases in gravidity were linked to accelerated epigenetic aging in two epigenetic clocks (n = 331). In contrast, the number of pregnancies a man reported fathering was not associated with epigenetic aging among same-aged cohort men (n = 910). These effects were robust to socioecological, environmental, and immunological factors, consistent with the hypothesis that pregnancy accelerates biological aging and that these effects can be detected in young women in a high-fertility context.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Calen P. Ryan
- Robert N. Butler Columbia Aging Center, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY10032
| | - Nanette R. Lee
- USC-Office of Population Studies Foundation, University of San Carlos, Talamban, Cebu City6000, Philippines
| | - Delia B. Carba
- USC-Office of Population Studies Foundation, University of San Carlos, Talamban, Cebu City6000, Philippines
| | - Julie L. MacIsaac
- BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BCV5Z 4H4, Canada
| | - David T. S. Lin
- BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BCV5Z 4H4, Canada
| | - Parmida Atashzay
- BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BCV5Z 4H4, Canada
| | - Daniel W. Belsky
- Robert N. Butler Columbia Aging Center, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY10032
- Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY10032
- Child and Brain Development Program, Canadian Institute for Advanced Research, TorontoONM5G 1M1, Canada
| | - Michael S. Kobor
- BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BCV5Z 4H4, Canada
- Child and Brain Development Program, Canadian Institute for Advanced Research, TorontoONM5G 1M1, Canada
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 2A1, Canada
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics, Vancouver, BCV5Z 4H4, Canada
| | | |
Collapse
|
17
|
Blanco MB, Smith DL, Greene LK, Yoder AD, Ehmke EE, Lin J, Klopfer PH. Telomere dynamics during hibernation in a tropical primate. J Comp Physiol B 2024; 194:213-219. [PMID: 38466418 DOI: 10.1007/s00360-024-01541-9] [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: 09/12/2023] [Revised: 01/13/2024] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024]
Abstract
Hibernation is a widespread metabolic strategy among mammals for surviving periods of food scarcity. During hibernation, animals naturally alternate between metabolically depressed torpor bouts and energetically expensive arousals without ill effects. As a result, hibernators are promising models for investigating mechanisms that buffer against cellular stress, including telomere protection and restoration. In non-hibernators, telomeres, the protective structural ends of chromosomes, shorten with age and metabolic stress. In temperate hibernators, however, telomere shortening and elongation can occur in response to changing environmental conditions and associated metabolic state. We investigate telomere dynamics in a tropical hibernating primate, the fat-tailed dwarf lemur (Cheirogaleus medius). In captivity, these lemurs can hibernate when maintained under cold temperatures (11-15 °C) with limited food provisioning. We study telomere dynamics in eight fat-tailed dwarf lemurs at the Duke Lemur Center, USA, from samples collected before, during, and after the hibernation season and assayed via qPCR. Contrary to our predictions, we found that telomeres were maintained or even lengthened during hibernation, but shortened immediately thereafter. During hibernation, telomere lengthening was negatively correlated with time in euthermia. Although preliminary in scope, our findings suggest that there may be a preemptive, compensatory mechanism to maintain telomere integrity in dwarf lemurs during hibernation. Nevertheless, telomere shortening immediately afterward may broadly result in similar outcomes across seasons. Future studies could profitably investigate the mechanisms that offset telomere shortening within and outside of the hibernation season and whether those mechanisms are modulated by energy surplus or crises.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M B Blanco
- Duke Lemur Center, Durham, NC, 27705, USA.
- Department of Biology, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27708, USA.
| | - D L Smith
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of California, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
| | - L K Greene
- Duke Lemur Center, Durham, NC, 27705, USA
- Department of Biology, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27708, USA
| | - A D Yoder
- Department of Biology, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27708, USA
| | - E E Ehmke
- Duke Lemur Center, Durham, NC, 27705, USA
| | - J Lin
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of California, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
| | - P H Klopfer
- Department of Biology, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27708, USA
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Araujo JF, Valgas AAN, de Oliveira DR, Verrastro L, Oliveira GT. Pesticides compromise health: a comparison between lizards collected within and outside an agricultural area. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2024; 196:334. [PMID: 38430330 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-024-12498-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/24/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024]
Abstract
Reptiles are the least studied vertebrates regarding the impact of pesticides on their health, despite being good models for ecotoxicological studies given their abundance and easy handling. Salvator merianae is widely distributed in South America and often found in agricultural cultivation areas. Here, we compared the morphological, biochemical, and physiological parameters of S. merianae from an exposed area (EA) to pesticides and a reference area (RA) or control. These parameters were measured in plasma (albumin, alanine transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase, glucose, total proteins, uric acid, triglycerides, VLDL, and corticosterone) and in erythrocytes (TBARS, glutathione S-transferase, superoxide dismutase, and catalase activity). Blood samples were collected from 28 lizards (EA: three juveniles, three adult females, and three adult males; RA: nine juveniles, four females, and five males) in southern Brazil during the reproductive period. We observed a decrease in body mass, the ratio between body mass and total length and snout-vent length in juvenile lizards collected at EA. The levels of TBARS, glutathione S-transferase, triglycerides, VLDL, and uric acid were altered for juveniles in EA. When comparing the two areas, females differed in superoxide dismutase activity and total proteins, while males differed in superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione S-transferase activity. This set of results shows that S. merianae, especially juveniles, suffers a negative impact when inserted in an agricultural area. The analyzed biomarkers proved suitable for monitoring these lizards and the quality of this environment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J F Araujo
- Laboratório de Fisiologia da Conservação, Escola de Ciências da Saúde e da Vida, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - A A N Valgas
- Laboratório de Herpetologia, Departamento de Zoologia, Universidade Federal Do Rio Grande Do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - D R de Oliveira
- Laboratório de Herpetologia, Departamento de Zoologia, Universidade Federal Do Rio Grande Do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - L Verrastro
- Laboratório de Herpetologia, Departamento de Zoologia, Universidade Federal Do Rio Grande Do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Guendalina Turcato Oliveira
- Laboratório de Fisiologia da Conservação, Escola de Ciências da Saúde e da Vida, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Garratt M, Try H, Neyt C, Brooks RC. Exposure to female olfactory cues hastens reproductive ageing and increases mortality when mating in male mice. Proc Biol Sci 2024; 291:20231848. [PMID: 38412966 PMCID: PMC10898972 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2023.1848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Theories of ageing predict that investment in reproduction will trade-off against survival and later-life reproduction. Recent evidence from invertebrates suggests that just perceiving cues of a potential mate's presence can reduce lifespan, particularly in males, and that activation of neuroendocrine reward pathways associated with mating can alleviate these effects. Whether similar effects occur in vertebrates remains untested. We tested whether exposure to olfactory cues from the opposite sex would influence mortality and reproductive senescence in male mice. We observed that males exposed to female olfactory cues from middle- to old age (from 10 to 24 months of age) showed reduced late-life fertility, irrespective of whether they had also been allowed to mate with females earlier in life. Males that were exposed to female odours in conjunction with mating also showed an increased mortality rate across the exposure period, indicating that olfactory cues from females can increase male mortality in some environments. Our results show that exposure to female odours can influence reproductive ageing and mortality in male mice, highlighting that sensory perception of mates may be an important driver of life-history trade-offs in mammals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael Garratt
- Department of Anatomy, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Heather Try
- Evolution and Ecology Research Centre, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales 2052, Australia
| | - Christine Neyt
- Department of Anatomy, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Robert C Brooks
- Evolution and Ecology Research Centre, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales 2052, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Pagano AM, Rode KD, Lunn NJ, McGeachy D, Atkinson SN, Farley SD, Erlenbach JA, Robbins CT. Polar bear energetic and behavioral strategies on land with implications for surviving the ice-free period. Nat Commun 2024; 15:947. [PMID: 38351211 PMCID: PMC10864307 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-44682-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Declining Arctic sea ice is increasing polar bear land use. Polar bears on land are thought to minimize activity to conserve energy. Here, we measure the daily energy expenditure (DEE), diet, behavior, movement, and body composition changes of 20 different polar bears on land over 19-23 days from August to September (2019-2022) in Manitoba, Canada. Polar bears on land exhibited a 5.2-fold range in DEE and 19-fold range in activity, from hibernation-like DEEs to levels approaching active bears on the sea ice, including three individuals that made energetically demanding swims totaling 54-175 km. Bears consumed berries, vegetation, birds, bones, antlers, seal, and beluga. Beyond compensating for elevated DEE, there was little benefit from terrestrial foraging toward prolonging the predicted time to starvation, as 19 of 20 bears lost mass (0.4-1.7 kg•day-1). Although polar bears on land exhibit remarkable behavioral plasticity, our findings reinforce the risk of starvation, particularly in subadults, with forecasted increases in the onshore period.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anthony M Pagano
- U. S. Geological Survey, Alaska Science Center, Anchorage, AK, 99508, USA.
| | - Karyn D Rode
- U. S. Geological Survey, Alaska Science Center, Anchorage, AK, 99508, USA
| | - Nicholas J Lunn
- Wildlife Research Division, Science and Technology Branch, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2E9, Canada
| | - David McGeachy
- Wildlife Research Division, Science and Technology Branch, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2E9, Canada
| | | | - Sean D Farley
- Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Anchorage, AK, 99518, USA
| | - Joy A Erlenbach
- School of Biological Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, 99164, USA
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge, Kodiak, AK, 99615, USA
| | - Charles T Robbins
- School of Biological Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, 99164, USA
- School of the Environment, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, 99164, USA
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Borries C, Lu A, Ossi-Lupo K, Koenig A. Timing of conceptions in Phayre's leaf monkeys: Energy and phytochemical intake. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL ANTHROPOLOGY 2024; 183:e24881. [PMID: 38018374 DOI: 10.1002/ajpa.24881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2023] [Revised: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Raising offspring imposes energetic costs, especially for female mammals. Consequently, seasons favoring high energy intake and sustained positive energy balance often result in a conception peak. Factors that may weaken this coordinated effect include premature offspring loss and adolescent subfertility. Furthermore, seasonal ingestion of phytochemicals may facilitate conception peaks. We examined these factors and potential benefits of a conception peak (infant survival and interbirth interval) in Phayre's leaf monkeys (Trachypithecus phayrei crepusculus). MATERIALS AND METHODS Data were collected at Phu Khieo Wildlife Sanctuary, Thailand (78 conceptions). We estimated periods of high energy intake based on fruit and young leaf feeding and via monthly energy intake rates. Phytochemical intake was based on fecal progestin. We examined seasonality (circular statistics and cox proportional hazard models) and compared consequences of timing (infant survival and interbirth intervals, t-test, and Fisher exact test). RESULTS Conceptions occurred in all months but peaked from May to August. This peak coincided with high fecal progestin rather than presumed positive energy balance. Primipara conceived significantly later than multipara. Neither infant survival nor interbirth intervals were related to the timing of conception. DISCUSSION Periods of high energy intake may not exist and would not explain the conception peak in this population. However, the presumed high intake of phytochemicals was tightly linked to the conception peak. Timing conceptions to the peak season did not provide benefits, suggesting that the clustering of conceptions may be a mere by-product of phytochemical intake. To confirm this conclusion, seasonal changes in phytochemical intake and hormone levels need to be studied more directly.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carola Borries
- Department of Anthropology, Stony Brook University, SUNY, Stony Brook, New York, USA
- Interdepartmental Doctoral Program in Anthropological Sciences, Stony Brook University, SUNY, Stony Brook, New York, USA
| | - Amy Lu
- Department of Anthropology, Stony Brook University, SUNY, Stony Brook, New York, USA
- Interdepartmental Doctoral Program in Anthropological Sciences, Stony Brook University, SUNY, Stony Brook, New York, USA
| | - Kerry Ossi-Lupo
- Interdepartmental Doctoral Program in Anthropological Sciences, Stony Brook University, SUNY, Stony Brook, New York, USA
| | - Andreas Koenig
- Department of Anthropology, Stony Brook University, SUNY, Stony Brook, New York, USA
- Interdepartmental Doctoral Program in Anthropological Sciences, Stony Brook University, SUNY, Stony Brook, New York, USA
- Graduate Program in Ecology and Evolution, Stony Brook University, SUNY, Stony Brook, New York, USA
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Amir Abdul Nasir AF, Niehaus AC, Cameron SF, Ujvari B, Madsen T, von Hippel FA, Gao S, Dillon DM, Buck CL, Charters J, Heiniger J, Blomberg S, Wilson RS. Manganese Exacerbates Seasonal Health Declines in a Suicidally Breeding Mammal. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2024; 43:74-86. [PMID: 37750553 DOI: 10.1002/etc.5753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2022] [Revised: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 09/27/2023]
Abstract
Reproductive costs must be balanced with survival to maximize lifetime reproductive rates; however, some organisms invest in a single, suicidal bout of breeding known as semelparity. The northern quoll (Dasyurus hallucatus) is an endangered marsupial in which males, but not females, are semelparous. Northern quolls living near mining sites on Groote Eylandt, Northern Territory, Australia, accumulate manganese (Mn) in their brains, testes, and hair, and elevated Mn impacts motor performance. Whether Mn is associated with other health declines is yet unknown. In the present study we show that male and female northern quolls with higher Mn accumulation had a 20% reduction in immune function and a trend toward reduced cortisol concentrations in hair. The telomere lengths of male quolls did not change pre- to postbreeding, but those with higher Mn levels had longer telomeres; in contrast, the telomeres of females shortened during the breeding season but recovered between the first year and second year of breeding. In addition, the telomeres of quolls that were recaptured declined at significantly higher rates in quolls with higher Mn between prebreeding, breeding, and/or postbreeding seasons. Future research should determine whether changes in cortisol, immune function, or telomere length affect reproductive output or survival-particularly for semelparous males. Environ Toxicol Chem 2024;43:74-86. © 2023 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ami F Amir Abdul Nasir
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, Saint Lucia, Queensland, Australia
| | - Amanda C Niehaus
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, Saint Lucia, Queensland, Australia
| | - Skye F Cameron
- Australian Wildlife Conservancy, Subiaco East, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Beata Ujvari
- Centre for Integrative Ecology, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Waurn Ponds, Victoria, Australia
| | - Thomas Madsen
- Centre for Integrative Ecology, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Waurn Ponds, Victoria, Australia
| | - Frank A von Hippel
- Department of Community, Environment and Policy, The University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA
| | - Sisi Gao
- Michigan Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Danielle M Dillon
- Department of Biological Sciences, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Arizona, USA
| | - C Loren Buck
- Department of Biological Sciences, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Arizona, USA
| | - Jordan Charters
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, Saint Lucia, Queensland, Australia
| | - Jaime Heiniger
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, Saint Lucia, Queensland, Australia
| | - Simone Blomberg
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, Saint Lucia, Queensland, Australia
| | - Robbie S Wilson
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, Saint Lucia, Queensland, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Pikula J, Brichta J, Seidlova V, Piacek V, Zukal J. Higher antibody titres against Pseudogymnoascus destructans are associated with less white-nose syndrome skin lesions in Palearctic bats. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1269526. [PMID: 38143741 PMCID: PMC10739372 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1269526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Serological tests can be used to test whether an animal has been exposed to an infectious agent, and whether its immune system has recognized and produced antibodies against it. Paired samples taken several weeks apart then document an ongoing infection and/or seroconversion. Methods In the absence of a commercial kit, we developed an indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to detect the fungus-specific antibodies for Pseudogymnoascus destructans, the agent of white-nose syndrome in bats. Results and Discussion Samples collected from European Myotis myotis (n=35) and Asian Myotis dasycneme (n=11) in their hibernacula at the end of the hibernation period displayed 100% seroprevalence of antibodies against P. destructans, demonstrating a high rate of exposure. Our results showed that the higher the titre of antibodies against P. destructans, the lower the infection intensity, suggesting that a degree of protection is provided by this arm of adaptive immunity in Palearctic bats. Moreover, P. destructans infection appears to be a seasonally self-limiting disease of Palearctic bats showing seroconversion as the WNS skin lesions heal in the early post-hibernation period.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiri Pikula
- Department of Ecology and Diseases of Zoo Animals, Game, Fish and Bees, University of Veterinary Sciences Brno, Brno, Czechia
- CEITEC: Central European Institute of Technology, University of Veterinary Sciences Brno, Brno, Czechia
| | - Jiri Brichta
- Department of Ecology and Diseases of Zoo Animals, Game, Fish and Bees, University of Veterinary Sciences Brno, Brno, Czechia
| | - Veronika Seidlova
- Department of Ecology and Diseases of Zoo Animals, Game, Fish and Bees, University of Veterinary Sciences Brno, Brno, Czechia
| | - Vladimir Piacek
- Department of Ecology and Diseases of Zoo Animals, Game, Fish and Bees, University of Veterinary Sciences Brno, Brno, Czechia
| | - Jan Zukal
- Institute of Vertebrate Biology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Brno, Czechia
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Chapman OS, McLean BS. Seasonal and sex-specific changes in the gastrointestinal tracts of Peromyscus maniculatus. J Mammal 2023; 104:1364-1376. [PMID: 38059007 PMCID: PMC10697414 DOI: 10.1093/jmammal/gyad086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Functional traits are phenotypic characteristics that contribute to fitness of individuals in dynamic and changing environments. In mammals, both categorical and continuous (e.g., quantitative) functional traits have been extensively utilized as proxies for diet, locomotion, and other aspects of species ecology, but there has been less focus on form and function of soft tissues. This is particularly true for the digestive system, which varies in size and complexity across Class Mammalia and plays a major role in the energetics of species. To guide more effective utilization of gastrointestinal (GI) morphology as a functional proxy in small mammal ecology, we examined how GI tracts (lengths and masses of four GI sections) varied within a population of deer mice (Peromyscus maniculatus) in the Southern Appalachian Mountains of North Carolina, United States. We collected samples of adult P. maniculatus monthly for 1 year and measured GI tracts to quantify variation with respect to seasonality and trophic level, providing insight into plasticity in this soft tissue trait over time. We found that season had a significant effect on the total length and wet mass of the GI tract, with January mice having the longest GI tracts and lengths being shortest in the summer. The relative shortening of the GI tract in summer corresponded with a partial trophic increase detected by stable isotope signatures. GI length and wet mass also were affected by reproduction, but males and females responded in sex-specific ways to demands of reproduction, with reproductively active males having shorter and lighter GI tracts than nonreproductively active males. Our study provides proof-of-concept for understanding population-level plasticity in a rarely collected soft tissue trait, which may also be complementary to standard craniodental measurements as a functional dietary proxy to understand mammalian ecology and community assembly.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Olivia S Chapman
- Department of Biology, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, 325 McIver Street, Greensboro, North Carolina 27412, USA
| | - Bryan S McLean
- Department of Biology, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, 325 McIver Street, Greensboro, North Carolina 27412, USA
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Rödel HG, Ibler B, Ozogány K, Kerekes V. Age-specific effects of density and weather on body condition and birth rates in a large herbivore, the Przewalski's horse. Oecologia 2023; 203:435-451. [PMID: 37971561 PMCID: PMC10684615 DOI: 10.1007/s00442-023-05477-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/05/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
Reproduction in young females can show a particularly sensitive response to environmental challenges, although empirical support from individual-based long-term studies is scarce. Based on a 20-year data set from a free-roaming Przewalski's horse population (Equus ferus przewalskii), we studied effects of large-herbivore density (horses + cattle) and weather conditions experienced during different life stages on females' annual birth rates. Foaling probability was very low in 2-year-olds, reaching maximum values in 5 to 10-year-olds, followed by a decrease in older females indicating reproductive senescence. Mother's previous reproductive investment affected her current reproduction; young and old mothers (as opposed to middle-aged ones), which had nursed a foal for at least 60 days during the previous year, reproduced with a lower probability. Foaling probability and body condition of young females were lower when large-herbivore density was high. Reproduction was also influenced by interactive weather effects during different life stages. Low late-summer precipitation during the females' year of birth was associated with a pronounced decrease in foaling probability in response to harsh late-winter temperatures prior to the mating season. In turn, increased amounts of late-summer rain during this early age together with more late-summer rain during the females' current pregnancy led to an increased reproductive probability in 2-3-year-olds. These results were corroborated by the ameliorating effects of late-summer rain on body condition in such females. In conclusion, our findings highlight the interactive importance of weather conditions experienced during early life, and of density and weather during current pregnancy on foaling probability, particularly in young females.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Heiko G Rödel
- Laboratoire d'Ethologie Expérimentale et Comparée UR 4443 (LEEC), Université Sorbonne Paris Nord, 93430, Villetaneuse, France.
| | - Benjamin Ibler
- Heimat-Tierpark Olderdissen (Bielefeld Zoo), Dornberger Straße 149a, 33619, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Katalin Ozogány
- HUN-REN-UD Behavioural Ecology Research Group, University of Debrecen, Egyetem tér 1, 4032, Debrecen, Hungary
- Department of Evolutionary Zoology and Human Biology, University of Debrecen, Egyetem tér 1, 4032, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Viola Kerekes
- Department of Evolutionary Zoology and Human Biology, University of Debrecen, Egyetem tér 1, 4032, Debrecen, Hungary.
- Hortobágy National Park Directorate, Sumen utca. 2, 4024, Debrecen, Hungary.
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Teeple K, Rajput P, Scinto S, Schoonmaker J, Davis C, Dinn M, McIntosh M, Krishnamurthy S, Plaut K, Casey T. Impact of high-fat diet and exposure to constant light on reproductive competence of female ICR mice. Biol Open 2023; 12:bio060088. [PMID: 37843404 PMCID: PMC10602010 DOI: 10.1242/bio.060088] [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: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Obesity and exposure to light at night are prevalent in modern society and associated with changes in physiology and behavior that can affect a female's ability to support offspring growth during pregnancy and lactation. A 2X3 factor study of ICR mice was conducted to determine the effect of diet [control (CON; 10% fat) or high fat (HF; 60% fat)] and exposure to regular 12 h light:dark cycles (LD) or continuous low (L5) or high (L100) lux of light on gestation length, birth litter size, milk composition and litter growth to lactation day 12. HF diet reduced birth litter size, but increased postnatal d 12 litter weight (P<0.05), whereas constant light tended to increase litter weight (P=0.07). Continuous light increased gestation length, altered dam feed intake, increased serum prolactin and increased final dam and mammary gland weight (P<0.05), while decreasing mammary ATP content and milk lactose (P<0.05). Correlation analysis indicated a positive relationship between final litter weight and mammary size, metabolic stores (e.g. maternal fat pad weight), kcal of feed intake, and gestation length (P<0.05). Although CON mice spent more time eating than HF dams, the calorically dense HF diet was related to greater rates of litter growth to peak lactation. Constant light circadian disrupting effects appear to be confounded by a potential long day photoperiod response exemplified by higher circulating levels of prolactin and increased body and mammary weight of females exposed to these conditions. Other model systems may be better to study the interacting effects of obesity and circadian disruption on reproductive competence.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kelsey Teeple
- Department of Animal Science, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
| | - Prabha Rajput
- Neurotherapeutics Lab, Pharmaceutical Engineering and Technology, Indian Institute of Technology (Banaras Hindu University), Varanasi, UP 221005, India
| | - Sara Scinto
- Department of Animal Science, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
| | - Jenna Schoonmaker
- Department of Animal Science, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
| | - Corrin Davis
- Department of Animal Science, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
| | - Michayla Dinn
- Department of Animal Science, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
| | - Mackenzie McIntosh
- Histology Core, College of Veterinary Medicine, Purdue University West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
| | - Sairam Krishnamurthy
- Neurotherapeutics Lab, Pharmaceutical Engineering and Technology, Indian Institute of Technology (Banaras Hindu University), Varanasi, UP 221005, India
| | - Karen Plaut
- Department of Animal Science, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
| | - Theresa Casey
- Department of Animal Science, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Josefson CC, De Moura Pereira L, Skibiel AL. Chronic Stress Decreases Lactation Performance. Integr Comp Biol 2023; 63:557-568. [PMID: 37253624 DOI: 10.1093/icb/icad044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The ability to provision offspring with milk is a significant adaptive feature of mammals that allows for considerable maternal regulation of offspring beyond gestation, as milk provides complete nutrition for developing neonates. For mothers, lactation is a period of marked increases in energetic and nutritive demands to support milk synthesis; because of this considerable increase in demand imposed on multiple physiological systems, lactation is particularly susceptible to the effects of chronic stress. Here, we present work that explores the impact of chronic stress during lactation on maternal lactation performance (i.e., milk quality and quantity) and the expression of key milk synthesis genes in mammary tissue using a Sprague-Dawley rat model. We induced chronic stress using a well-established, ethologically relevant novel male intruder paradigm for 10 consecutive days during the postpartum period. We hypothesized that the increased energetic burden of mounting a chronic stress response during lactation would decrease lactation performance. Specifically, we predicted that chronic exposure to this social stressor would decrease either milk quality (i.e., composition of proximate components and energy density) or quantity. We also predicted that changes in proximate composition (i.e., lipid, lactose, and protein concentrations) would be associated with changes in gene expression levels of milk synthesis genes. Our results supported our hypothesis that chronic stress impairs lactation performance. Relative to the controls, chronically stressed rats had lower milk yields. We also found that milk quality was decreased; milk from chronically stressed mothers had lower lipid concentration and lower energy density, though protein and lactose concentrations were not different between treatment groups. Although there was a change in proximate composition, chronic stress did not impact mammary gland expression of key milk synthesis genes. Together, this work demonstrates that exposure to a chronic stressor impacts lactation performance, which in turn has the potential to impact offspring development via maternal effects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chloe C Josefson
- Department of Animal, Veterinary and Food Sciences, University of Idaho, 875 Perimeter Drive, MS 2330, Moscow, ID 83844, USA
| | - Lucelia De Moura Pereira
- Department of Animal, Veterinary and Food Sciences, University of Idaho, 875 Perimeter Drive, MS 2330, Moscow, ID 83844, USA
| | - Amy L Skibiel
- Department of Animal, Veterinary and Food Sciences, University of Idaho, 875 Perimeter Drive, MS 2330, Moscow, ID 83844, USA
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Gao W, Yang Y, Shi L. Seasonal dietary shifts alter the gut microbiota of a frugivorous lizard Teratoscincus roborowskii (Squamata, Sphaerodactylidae). Ecol Evol 2023; 13:e10363. [PMID: 37546566 PMCID: PMC10396791 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.10363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2023] [Revised: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Seasonal dietary shifts in animals are important strategies for ecological adaptation. An increasing number of studies have shown that seasonal dietary shifts can influence or even determine the composition of gut microbiota. The Turpan wonder gecko, Teratoscincus roborowskii, lives in extreme desert environments and has a flexible dietary shift to fruit-eating in warm seasons. However, the effect of such shifts on the gut microbiota is poorly understood. In this study, 16S rRNA sequencing and LC-MS metabolomics were used to examine changes in the gut microbiota composition and metabolic patterns of T. roborowskii. The results demonstrated that the gut microbes of T. roborowskii underwent significant seasonal changes, and the abundance of phylum level in autumn was significantly higher than spring, but meanwhile, the diversity was lower. At the family level, the abundance and diversity of the gut microbiota were both higher in autumn. Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, and Proteobacteria were the dominant gut microbes of T. roborowskii. Verrucomicrobia and Proteobacteria exhibited dynamic ebb and flow patterns between spring and autumn. Metabolomic profiling also revealed differences mainly related to the formation of secondary bile acids. The pantothenate and CoA biosynthesis, and lysine degradation pathways identified by KEGG enrichment symbolize the exuberant metabolic capacity of T. roborowskii. Furthermore, strong correlations were detected between metabolite types and bacteria, and this correlation may be an important adaptation of T. roborowskii to cope with dietary shifts and improve energy acquisition. Our study provides a theoretical basis for exploring the adaptive evolution of the special frugivorous behavior of T. roborowskii, which is an important progress in the study of gut microbes in desert lizards.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wei‐Zhen Gao
- College of Life SciencesXinjiang Agricultural UniversityUrumqiChina
| | - Yi Yang
- College of Life SciencesXinjiang Agricultural UniversityUrumqiChina
| | - Lei Shi
- College of Life SciencesXinjiang Agricultural UniversityUrumqiChina
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Dujon AM, Vincze O, Lemaitre JF, Alix-Panabières C, Pujol P, Giraudeau M, Ujvari B, Thomas F. The effect of placentation type, litter size, lactation and gestation length on cancer risk in mammals. Proc Biol Sci 2023; 290:20230940. [PMID: 37357861 PMCID: PMC10291710 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2023.0940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Reproduction is a central activity for all living organisms but is also associated with a diversity of costs that are detrimental for survival. Until recently, the cost of cancer as a selective force has been poorly considered. Considering 191 mammal species, we found cancer mortality was more likely to be detected in species having large, rather than low, litter sizes and long lactation lengths regardless of the placentation types. However, increasing litter size and gestation length are not per se associated with an enhanced cancer mortality risk. Contrary to basic theoretical expectations, the species with the highest cancer mortality were not those with the most invasive (i.e. haemochorial) placentation, but those with a moderately invasive (i.e. endotheliochorial) one. Overall, these results suggest that (i) high reproductive efforts favour oncogenic processes' dynamics, presumably because of trade-offs between allocation in reproduction effort and anti-cancer defences, (ii) cancer defence mechanisms in animals are most often adjusted to align reproductive lifespan, and (iii) malignant cells co-opt existing molecular and physiological pathways for placentation, but species with the most invasive placentation have also selected for potent barriers against lethal cancers. This work suggests that the logic of Peto's paradox seems to be applicable to other traits that promote tumorigenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Antoine M. Dujon
- Geelong, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Centre for Integrative Ecology, Deakin University, Waurn Ponds, Victoria 3216, Australia
- CREEC/CANECEV (CREES), MIVEGEC, IRD 224–CNRS 5290–Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Orsolya Vincze
- Institute of Aquatic Ecology, Centre for Ecological Research, Debrecen, Hungary
- Evolutionary Ecology Group, Hungarian Department of Biology and Ecology, Babes-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Jean-François Lemaitre
- CNRS, UMR 5558, Laboratoire de Biométrie et Biologie Evolutive, Université de Lyon, Université Lyon 1, Villeurbanne, France
| | - Catherine Alix-Panabières
- CREEC/CANECEV (CREES), MIVEGEC, IRD 224–CNRS 5290–Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
- Laboratory of Rare Human Circulating Cells (LCCRH), University Hospital of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Pascal Pujol
- CREEC/CANECEV (CREES), MIVEGEC, IRD 224–CNRS 5290–Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Arnaud de Villeneuve, Montpellier, France
| | - Mathieu Giraudeau
- Littoral Environnement Et Sociétés (LIENSs), UMR 7266,CNRS- La Rochelle Université, La Rochelle, France
| | - Beata Ujvari
- Geelong, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Centre for Integrative Ecology, Deakin University, Waurn Ponds, Victoria 3216, Australia
- CREEC/CANECEV (CREES), MIVEGEC, IRD 224–CNRS 5290–Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Frédéric Thomas
- CREEC/CANECEV (CREES), MIVEGEC, IRD 224–CNRS 5290–Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Lummertz Magenis M, Souza de Marcos P, Paganini Damiani A, Ricardo Cantareli da Silva A, Martins Longaretti L, Bahia Franca I, Da Silva J, Rodrigues Boeck C, Moraes de Andrade V. Genotoxic effects of caffeine in female mice exposed during pregnancy and lactation period and their offspring. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND HEALTH. PART C, TOXICOLOGY AND CARCINOGENESIS 2023; 41:36-60. [PMID: 37243358 DOI: 10.1080/26896583.2023.2213613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Caffeine is a widely consumed substance, and there is a discussion about its effects when ingested by women during pregnancy and lactation. We aimed to identify the genotoxic effects of caffeine in female mice that consumed it during pregnancy and lactation periods and its consequences in their offspring. Thirty-six couples of Swiss mice received water or caffeine (0.3 and 1.0 mg/mL) treatment during pregnancy and lactation. The male and female offspring were divided into 12 groups according to the treatment administered to the female mice. Genotoxicity was assessed using the comet assay and the micronucleus test. Both doses of caffeine showed genotoxic effects in pregnant and lactating mice groups compared to groups not administered caffeine. In relation to offspring, it can be observed that females and males of the offspring had low weight in early life. In both female and male offspring, genotoxicity was detected in the blood, liver, and kidney tissues. Thus, from the present study, we can suggest that the caffeine consumed by female mice during the periods of pregnancy and lactation led to genotoxic effects in their offspring.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marina Lummertz Magenis
- Laboratory of Translational Biomedicine, Graduate Program of Health Sciences, University of Southern Santa Catarina, Criciúma, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - Pamela Souza de Marcos
- Laboratory of Translational Biomedicine, Graduate Program of Health Sciences, University of Southern Santa Catarina, Criciúma, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - Adriani Paganini Damiani
- Laboratory of Translational Biomedicine, Graduate Program of Health Sciences, University of Southern Santa Catarina, Criciúma, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - Anderson Ricardo Cantareli da Silva
- Laboratory of Translational Biomedicine, Graduate Program of Health Sciences, University of Southern Santa Catarina, Criciúma, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - Luiza Martins Longaretti
- Laboratory of Translational Biomedicine, Graduate Program of Health Sciences, University of Southern Santa Catarina, Criciúma, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - Ive Bahia Franca
- Laboratory of Translational Biomedicine, Graduate Program of Health Sciences, University of Southern Santa Catarina, Criciúma, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - Juliana Da Silva
- Laboratory of Genetic Toxicology, Lutheran University of Brazil, Canoas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
- La Salle University, Canoas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Carina Rodrigues Boeck
- Graduate Program in Nanosciences, Master Degree in Health and Life Science, Franciscan University, Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Vanessa Moraes de Andrade
- Laboratory of Translational Biomedicine, Graduate Program of Health Sciences, University of Southern Santa Catarina, Criciúma, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Míguez S, Torre I, Arrizabalaga A, Freixas L. Influences of Maternal Weight and Geographic Factors on Offspring Traits of the Edible Dormouse in the NE of the Iberian Peninsula. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:life13051223. [PMID: 37240868 DOI: 10.3390/life13051223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Revised: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The main goal of this study was to analyze the reproductive patterns of edible dormouse (Glis glis) populations in the northeast of the Iberian Peninsula using an 18-year period of data obtained from nest boxes collected between 2004 and 2021. The average litter size in Catalonia (Spain) was 5.5 ± 1.60 (range: 2-9, n = 131), with litter sizes between 5 and 7 pups as the more frequent. The overall mean weight in pink, grey and open eyes pups was 4.8 g/pup, 11.7 g/pup and 23.6 g/pup, respectively. No differences in offspring weights between sexes were found in any of the three age groups. Maternal body weight was positively associated with mean pup weight, whereas no correlation between the weight of the mothers and litter size was found. The trade-off between offspring number and size was not detected at birth. Regarding litter size variation across the geographic gradient (and their climatic gradient associated) from the southernmost populations of the Iberian Peninsula located in Catalonia to the Pyrenees region in Andorra, no evidence to suggest that geographic variables affect litter size was found, discarding (1) an investment in larger litters to compensate shorter seasons related to higher altitudes or northern latitudes, and (2) variation in litter size related to weather changes (e.g., temperature and precipitation) along latitudinal and/or altitudinal gradients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Ignasi Torre
- BiBio Research Group, Natural Sciences Museum of Granollers, C/Francesc Macià 51, E-08402 Granollers, Spain
| | - Antoni Arrizabalaga
- BiBio Research Group, Natural Sciences Museum of Granollers, C/Francesc Macià 51, E-08402 Granollers, Spain
| | - Lídia Freixas
- BiBio Research Group, Natural Sciences Museum of Granollers, C/Francesc Macià 51, E-08402 Granollers, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Wang D, Li R, Wu YX, Fan XY, Liu XY, Yang F, Zhang TT, Ma JY, Hu YH. Molecular characterization of hexokinase (HK) in Haemaphysalis longicornis and evaluation of HK protein- and DNA-based vaccines against adult ticks. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2023; 79:1721-1730. [PMID: 36606406 DOI: 10.1002/ps.7346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Revised: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Haemaphysalis longicornis is an obligate hematophagous ectoparasite, which transmits various pathogens to humans, livestock and wild animals. Hexokinase (HK) is a key regulatory enzyme of the glycolytic pathway in the organisms. However, little is known about hexokinase and its functions in ticks. RESULTS The open reading frame of the H. longicornis HK (HlHK) gene was 1425 bp and encoded a protein of 474 amino acids, containing conserved domains for glucose, glucose 6-phosphate, and adenosine triphosphate. The expression of HlHK gene was detected at different developmental stages and in different tissues of unfed female ticks. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay revealed that both HK protein- and DNA-based vaccines increased the antibody levels of the immunized animals. A vaccination trail on rabbits against H. longicornis infestation indicated that the rHlHK protein and HlHK DNA vaccines reduced the number of attached female ticks by 9% and 12%, egg mass weight by 36% and 34%, and egg hatching rate by 41% and 17%, respectively. Overall, protein vaccination conferred 65.6% protection against adult female ticks, whereas the DNA vaccine conferred 51.8% protection. CONCLUSION This is the first report of the molecular characterization of the HK protein and sequencing of the HK gene from H. longicornis. Positive results from vaccination trials on rabbits of the recombinant HK protein and HK DNA suggest that these novel anti-tick vaccines potentially can be used as viable tick control tools for the management of the Asian longhorned tick. Additionally, inhibition of glucose metabolism may be a new strategy for tick control. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Duo Wang
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Hebei Collaborative Innovation Center for Eco-Environment, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Ru Li
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Hebei Collaborative Innovation Center for Eco-Environment, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Ya-Xue Wu
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Hebei Collaborative Innovation Center for Eco-Environment, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Xiang-Yuan Fan
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Hebei Collaborative Innovation Center for Eco-Environment, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Xiao-Ya Liu
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Hebei Collaborative Innovation Center for Eco-Environment, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Feng Yang
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Hebei Collaborative Innovation Center for Eco-Environment, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Tian-Tian Zhang
- Institute of Paleontology, Hebei GEO University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Jing-Yi Ma
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Hebei Collaborative Innovation Center for Eco-Environment, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Yong-Hong Hu
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Hebei Collaborative Innovation Center for Eco-Environment, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, China
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Matthäus L, Kugelschafter K, Fietz J. Influence of ambient temperature on the phenology of the greater mouse-eared bat ( Myotis myotis). Ecol Evol 2023; 13:e10081. [PMID: 37214612 PMCID: PMC10196220 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.10081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Revised: 04/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023] Open
Abstract
In order to assess the consequences of climate change and evaluate its impacts on wildlife, it is essential to do so on a species-specific level. It is assumed that changes in the ambient temperature influence energy consumption as well as food availability and thus foraging behavior, reproduction, survival, and therefore population dynamics in bats. Based on this assumption, the present study aims to gain insights into the roosting and breeding behavior of the greater mouse-eared bat (Myotis myotis) in relation to changes of the ambient temperature. For this purpose, we investigated the effect of ambient temperature on the phenology of the greater mouse-eared bat by using activity data of the bats collected using light barriers at the maternity roosts. The light barrier used in this study is a system that detects the interruption of two light beams, for example, by a flying bat, and displays it as an electrical signal. The investigations have shown that the higher the winter temperatures, the earlier the greater mouse-eared bats returned to the roosts to form the maternity colony; however, this was only true for ambient temperatures below 0.5°C,birth season started earlier at higher spring temperatures,the dissolution of maternity roosts occurred earlier with earlier birth season and at higher ambient temperatures during lactation. The results revealed that ambient temperature has an influence on the phenology of the greater mouse-eared bat. Depending on the respective life history stage, an increase in ambient temperature can have a positive or negative effect on the fitness of the animals. In recent years, mild winters have been recorded more frequently, which can have an influence on the behavior of bats. Warm winters within certain limits seem to lead to an earlier formation of the maternity colony, which can be positive or negative for the bats depending on persistent weather conditions and thus insect availability. In the course of climate change, we can also expect earlier spring events and an increase in spring temperature, as well as hot spells in summer. These warm springs and summers seem to lead to an earlier beginning of births, a faster development of the juveniles and an earlier dissolution of the maternity roost. An advance of reproductive activities can be assumed to increase the chance to survive the following winter in both mothers and their young, as they have more time to build up sufficient energy reserves for hibernation before winter starts. Due to the climatic changes, phenological changes of the bats be expected. This study highlights that in order to understand the impact of climate change on biodiversity, it is necessary to investigate in detail effects on a species-specific level and also to consider direct and indirect effects of ambient temperature on different life history stages.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura Matthäus
- Institute of BiologyUniversity of HohenheimStuttgartGermany
| | | | - Joanna Fietz
- Institute of BiologyUniversity of HohenheimStuttgartGermany
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Watson H, Nilsson JÅ, Nilsson JF. Thermoregulatory costs of the innate immune response are modulated by winter food availability in a small passerine. J Anim Ecol 2023; 92:1065-1074. [PMID: 37032462 DOI: 10.1111/1365-2656.13914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/11/2023]
Abstract
In winter, a challenge to the immune system could pose a major energetic trade-off for small endotherms, whereby increasing body temperature (Tb ; i.e. eliciting fever) may be beneficial to fight off invading pathogens yet incur a cost for vital energy-saving mechanisms. Having previously shown that the availability and acquisition of energy, through manipulation of food predictability, influences the depth of rest-phase hypothermia in a wild bird in winter, we expected that the nocturnal thermoregulatory component of the acute-phase immune response would also be modulated by food availability. By manipulating winter food availability in the wild for great tits Parus major, we created an area offering a "predictable" and constant supply of food at feeding stations, while an unmanipulated area was subject to naturally "unpredictable" food. Birds were subject to an immune challenge shortly after dusk, and the thermoregulatory response was quantified via continuous recording of nocturnal Tb , using subcutaneous thermo-sensitive transponders. In response to immune challenge, all birds increased Tb above the level maintained prior to immune challenge (i.e. baseline). However, birds experiencing a naturally unpredictable food supply elevated Tb more than birds subject to predictable food resources, during the period of expected peak response and for the duration of the night. Furthermore, "unpredictable-food" females took longer to return to their baseline Tb . Assuming baseline nocturnal Tb reflects an individual's optimum, based on their available energy budget, the metabolic cost of eliciting an acute-phase response for "unpredictable-food" birds was more than double that of "predictable-food" birds. The absence of differences in absolute Tb during the peak response could support the idea of an optimal Tb for immune system activation. Alternatively, "predictable-food" birds could have acquired tolerance to endotoxin as a result of using feeding stations, thus affording them reduced costs associated with a smaller Tb increase. These findings shed new light on the trade-offs associated with food acquisition, thermoregulation and immune function in small-bodied endotherms. This knowledge is of increasing importance, given the predicted elevated pathogen risks associated with changes in climate and anthropogenic activities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Watson
- Evolutionary Ecology, Lund University, Lund, SE-223 62, Sweden
| | - Jan-Åke Nilsson
- Evolutionary Ecology, Lund University, Lund, SE-223 62, Sweden
| | - Johan F Nilsson
- Evolutionary Ecology, Lund University, Lund, SE-223 62, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Garratt M, Neyt C, Ladyman SR, Pyrski M, Zufall F, Leinders-Zufall T. Sensory detection of female olfactory cues as a central regulator of energy metabolism and body weight in male mice. iScience 2023; 26:106455. [PMID: 37020965 PMCID: PMC10067763 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.106455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2022] [Revised: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Olfactory stimuli from food influence energy balance, preparing the body for digestion when food is consumed. Social chemosensory cues predict subsequent energetic changes required for social interactions and could be an additional sensory input influencing energy balance. We show that exposure to female chemostimuli increases metabolic rate in male mice and reduces body weight and adipose tissue expansion when mice are fed a high-fat diet. These responses are linked to detection of female chemostimuli via G-protein Gαo-expressing vomeronasal sensory neurons. Males with Gαo deleted in the olfactory system are fertile but do not show changes in body weight when paired with females and show severely blunted changes in energy expenditure when exposed to female bedding. These results establish that metabolic and reproductive responses to females can be partly uncoupled in male mice and that detection of female chemostimuli is a central regulator of energy metabolism and lipid storage.
Collapse
|
36
|
Piper MDW, Zanco B, Sgrò CM, Adler MI, Mirth CK, Bonduriansky R. Dietary restriction and lifespan: adaptive reallocation or somatic sacrifice? FEBS J 2023; 290:1725-1734. [PMID: 35466532 PMCID: PMC10952493 DOI: 10.1111/febs.16463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Revised: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Reducing overall food intake, or lowering the proportion of protein relative to other macronutrients, can extend the lifespan of diverse organisms. A number of mechanistic theories have been developed to explain this phenomenon, mostly assuming that the molecules connecting diet to lifespan are evolutionarily conserved. A recent study using Drosophila melanogaster females has pinpointed a single essential micronutrient that can explain how lifespan is changed by dietary restriction. Here, we propose a likely mechanism for this observation, which involves a trade-off between lifespan and reproduction, but in a manner that is conditional on the dietary supply of an essential micronutrient - a sterol. Importantly, these observations argue against previous evolutionary theories that rely on constitutive resource reallocation or damage directly inflicted by reproduction. Instead, they are compatible with a model in which the inverse relationship between lifespan and food level is caused by the consumer suffering from varying degrees of malnutrition when maintained on lab food. The data also indicate that animals on different lab foods may suffer from different nutritional imbalances and that the mechanisms by which dietary restriction benefits the lifespan of different species may vary. This means that translating the mechanistic findings from lab animals to humans will not be simple and should be interpreted in light of the range of challenges that have shaped each organism's lifespan in the wild and the composition of the natural diets upon which they would feed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Brooke Zanco
- School of Biological SciencesMonash UniversityClaytonVictoriaAustralia
| | - Carla M. Sgrò
- School of Biological SciencesMonash UniversityClaytonVictoriaAustralia
| | | | - Christen K. Mirth
- School of Biological SciencesMonash UniversityClaytonVictoriaAustralia
| | - Russell Bonduriansky
- School of Biological, Earth and Environmental SciencesUniversity of New South WalesSydneyAustralia
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Taub M, Mazar O, Yovel Y. Pregnancy-related sensory deficits might impair foraging in echolocating bats. BMC Biol 2023; 21:60. [PMID: 36973777 PMCID: PMC10044376 DOI: 10.1186/s12915-023-01557-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Reproduction entails substantial demands throughout its distinct stages. The mammalian gestation period imposes various energetic costs and movement deficits, but its effects on the sensory system are poorly understood. Bats rely heavily on active sensing, using echolocation to forage in complete darkness, or when lighting is uncertain. We examined the effects of pregnancy on bat echolocation. RESULTS We show that pregnant Kuhl's pipistrelles (Pipistrellus kuhlii) altered their echolocation and flight behavior. Specifically, pregnant bats emitted longer echolocation signals at an ~ 15% lower rate, while flying more slowly and at a lower altitude compared to post-lactating females. A sensorimotor foraging model suggests that these changes could lead to an ~ 15% reduction in hunting performance during pregnancy. CONCLUSIONS Sensory deficits related to pregnancy could impair foraging in echolocating bats. Our study demonstrates an additional cost of reproduction of possible relevance to other sensory modalities and organisms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mor Taub
- School of Zoology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, 6997801, Tel Aviv, Israel.
| | - Omer Mazar
- Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, 6997801, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Yossi Yovel
- School of Zoology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, 6997801, Tel Aviv, Israel.
- Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, 6997801, Tel Aviv, Israel.
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Navarro-Castilla Á, Hernández MC, Barja I. An Experimental Study in Wild Wood Mice Testing Elemental and Isotope Analysis in Faeces to Determine Variations in Food Intake Amount. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:ani13071176. [PMID: 37048432 PMCID: PMC10093285 DOI: 10.3390/ani13071176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Revised: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The analysis of carbon and nitrogen elemental (C, N) and isotopic compositions (δ13C, δ15N) in faeces are considered reliable methodologies for the study of diet in wildlife. Here, we tested the suitability of these techniques to detect variations in the amount of food intake. We captured wild wood mice (Apodemus sylvaticus) with Sherman live traps where bait access was initially free, and later it was experimentally limited inside by four different devices to cause intended variations in the amount ingested. The total C and N (%) and stable δ13C and δ15N isotopic values were determined for the bait and in mice faecal samples. Faecal values were lower than bait ones except for N, likely due to animal matter ingested before capture. No significant differences in total C, N and δ13C were found due to individual traits. However, breeding males showed higher δ15N values than breeding females, probably due to differences in energy and protein demands between both sexes during the breeding season. Only δ13C detected food intake variations (≥2 g). Despite further research being needed, these results initially support the potential of δ13C to provide information on the amount ingested, thus being useful to complement trophic ecology studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Álvaro Navarro-Castilla
- Eco- and Ethophysiology Lab, Departamento de Biología, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28049 Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación en Biodiversidad y Cambio Global (CIBC-UAM), Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, C. Darwin 2, 28049 Madrid, Spain
- Correspondence:
| | - M. Carmen Hernández
- Eco- and Ethophysiology Lab, Departamento de Biología, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28049 Madrid, Spain
| | - Isabel Barja
- Eco- and Ethophysiology Lab, Departamento de Biología, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28049 Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación en Biodiversidad y Cambio Global (CIBC-UAM), Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, C. Darwin 2, 28049 Madrid, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Górecka-Bruzda A, Jaworska J, Stanley CR. The Social and Reproductive Challenges Faced by Free-Roaming Horse (Equus caballus) Stallions. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:ani13071151. [PMID: 37048406 PMCID: PMC10093049 DOI: 10.3390/ani13071151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2023] [Revised: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
In captivity, intact male horses, due to their sexual drive, are usually socially isolated from other horses. This lifestyle strongly contrasts with that experienced by horses living in free-roaming, feral, or semi-feral conditions, where adult stallions have several roles in their social group, with successful reproduction being their primary drive. Reproductive skew in wild populations is high; many stallions will fail to reproduce at all, while others achieve high levels of reproductive success, siring a large number of foals. Successful stallions are those with particular characteristics and abilities that facilitate harem formation and tenure, allowing them to successfully take over a harem or establish a new one, protect mares from rival stallions, employ appropriate social behaviour to maintain group cohesion, and avoid kin-mating, for example through kin recognition mechanisms. Whilst the life of free-living stallions is far from stress-free, they retain ancestral adaptations to selection pressures (such as predation and competition) exhibited by their natural environment over thousands of years. Here, we discuss the challenges faced by free-living horse stallions, the roles they play in social groups, and their resulting social needs. By understanding these pressures and how stallions react to them, we highlighted the importance of the social environment for the stallion. It is hoped that a better understanding of wild stallions’ lives will lead to their needs being more clearly met in captivity, reducing stereotypical behaviour and improving welfare.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandra Górecka-Bruzda
- Department of Animal Behaviour and Welfare, Institute of Genetics and Animal Biotechnology, Polish Academy of Sciences, 05-552 Magdalenka, Poland
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +48-22-736-71-24
| | - Joanna Jaworska
- Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, Department of Gamete and Embryo Biology, 10-243 Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Christina R. Stanley
- Animal Behaviour & Welfare Research Group, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Chester, Chester CH1 4B, UK
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
McGrosky A, Pontzer H. The fire of evolution: energy expenditure and ecology in primates and other endotherms. J Exp Biol 2023; 226:297166. [PMID: 36916459 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.245272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/16/2023]
Abstract
Total energy expenditure (TEE) represents the total energy allocated to growth, reproduction and body maintenance, as well as the energy expended on physical activity. Early experimental work in animal energetics focused on the costs of specific tasks (basal metabolic rate, locomotion, reproduction), while determination of TEE was limited to estimates from activity budgets or measurements of subjects confined to metabolic chambers. Advances in recent decades have enabled measures of TEE in free-living animals, challenging traditional additive approaches to understanding animal energy budgets. Variation in lifestyle and activity level can impact individuals' TEE on short time scales, but interspecific differences in TEE are largely shaped by evolution. Here, we review work on energy expenditure across the animal kingdom, with a particular focus on endotherms, and examine recent advances in primate energetics. Relative to other placental mammals, primates have low TEE, which may drive their slow pace of life and be an evolved response to the challenges presented by their ecologies and environments. TEE variation among hominoid primates appears to reflect adaptive shifts in energy throughput and allocation in response to ecological pressures. As the taxonomic breadth and depth of TEE data expand, we will be able to test additional hypotheses about how energy budgets are shaped by environmental pressures and explore the more proximal mechanisms that drive intra-specific variation in energy expenditure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amanda McGrosky
- Department of Evolutionary Anthropology, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA
| | - Herman Pontzer
- Department of Evolutionary Anthropology, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA.,Duke Global Health Institute, Durham, NC 27708, USA
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Effects of severe fires on the survival and body condition of Gracilinanus agilis in a Cerrado remnant. Mamm Biol 2023. [DOI: 10.1007/s42991-022-00340-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
|
42
|
Tietje WD, Merriell B, Oli MK. Climatic influences on survival and reproductive transitions of big-eared woodrats in California oak woodland. J Mammal 2023. [DOI: 10.1093/jmammal/gyac108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Abstract
It is known that climatic factors can influence the reproductive performance of small mammal populations. However, this information has not been available for the big-eared woodrat (Neotoma macrotis), a keystone species that inhabits the California central coast ranges south to Mexico and the oak woodlands (Quercus spp.) of the western Sierra Nevada foothills. From 2002 to 2014, we livetrapped woodrats on 1.1-ha study plots in coastal-central California and recorded their age and reproductive status. We analyzed these data by a capture-mark-recapture (CMR) framework to estimate state-specific recapture probability (p) and monthly apparent survival (S) of juvenile, non-reproductive, and reproductive adult female woodrats, and the influence of rain and temperature on S and transition probability (Ψ) of the three states. Rainfall from the previous season did not markedly affect survival rates of the states, with one exception: it decreased the survival of nonreproductive woodrats. Nearly all breeding occurred during the cool, wet winter season. Juvenile woodrats had at least a 0.55 probability of breeding by their first winter, conditional on survival. Temperature during the breeding season had a marked negative influence on transition probability. During winter, survival of nonreproductive adult females was significantly higher than for juvenile and reproductive females, indicating a cost of reproduction. Physiological effects and diminished diet quality due to further climate warming could reduce the reproductive success of female big-eared woodrats with negative consequences on population growth and persistence.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- William D Tietje
- Department of Environmental Science, Policy and Management, University of California, Berkeley , Berkeley, California 94720 , USA
| | - Brandon Merriell
- Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, 110 Newins-Ziegler Hall, University of Florida , Gainesville, Florida 32611 , USA
| | - Madan K Oli
- Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, 110 Newins-Ziegler Hall, University of Florida , Gainesville, Florida 32611 , USA
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Taylor VJ. Lactation from the inside out: Maternal homeorhetic gastrointestinal adaptations regulating energy and nutrient flow into milk production. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2023; 559:111797. [PMID: 36243202 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2022.111797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2022] [Revised: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Lactation invokes homeorhetic processes to ramp up and supply milk synthesis components to fulfil nutritional, immunological and microbiological requirements of developing offspring, overseen by complex neuroendocrine networks. The maternal gut meets these intense metabolic demands, supported by hyperphagia and rapid adjustments to process larger food quantities. Enteroplasticity describes an inherent ability of the gastrointestinal tract to harness metabolic and structural adaptations that increase nutrient absorption. Most shifts in response to increased demands are transitory and by secreting milk, the continuous energetic drain out of the maternal body avoids development of pathological metabolic diseases. Lactation has various positive benefits for long-term maternal health but many females do not lactate for long post pregnancy and younger women are increasingly pre-disposed to excessive body mass and/or metabolic complications prior to reproducing. Inadvertently invoking intestinal adaptations to harvest and store excess nutrients has negative health implications with increased risks for both mother and offspring.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vicky J Taylor
- School of Life, Health and Chemical Sciences (LHCS), Faculty of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), The Open University, United Kingdom.
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Vrtílek M, Žák J, Reichard M. Evidence for reproductive senescence across ray-finned fishes: A review. Front Ecol Evol 2022. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2022.982915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The origin, incidence, and consequences of reproductive senescence vary greatly across the tree of life. In vertebrates, research on reproductive senescence has been mainly focused on mammals and birds, demonstrating that its variation is largely linked to critical life history traits, such as growth patterns, juvenile, and adult mortality, and reproductive strategy. Fishes represent half of the vertebrate taxonomic diversity and display remarkable variation in life history. Based on a thorough literature review, we summarize current evidence on reproductive senescence in ray-finned fishes (Actinopterygii). While survival and physiological senescence are acknowledged in fish, their potential age-related reproductive decline has often been disregarded due to the prevalence of indeterminate growth. We demonstrate that age-related reproductive decline is reported across fish phylogeny, environments, and traits. An important point of our review is that the incidence of reproductive senescence in a species depends on both the number of studies for that species and the coverage of its maximum lifespan by the study. Reproductive senescence was documented for one-third of the studied fish species, with females suffering an age-related decline in reproductive traits less often than males or both parents combined. Neither parental care nor migratory strategy corresponded with the occurrence of reproductive senescence in fish. The traits that were affected by reproductive senescence most often were sex-specific, with pre-mating and mating categories of traits declining in females and sperm quality and quantity in males. We also demonstrate that reproductive senescence can be buffered by indeterminate growth. We provide rich evidence of reproductive senescence across ray-finned fishes, but we highlight the need for better data on age-related reproduction in fishes.
Collapse
|
45
|
McLean BS, Barve N, Guralnick RP. Sex‐specific breeding phenologies in the North American deer mouse (
Peromyscus maniculatus
). Ecosphere 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/ecs2.4327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Bryan S. McLean
- Department of Biology University of North Carolina Greensboro Greensboro North Carolina USA
| | - Narayani Barve
- Florida Museum of Natural History University of Florida Gainesville Florida USA
| | - Robert P. Guralnick
- Florida Museum of Natural History University of Florida Gainesville Florida USA
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Stojanović O, Miguel-Aliaga I, Trajkovski M. Intestinal plasticity and metabolism as regulators of organismal energy homeostasis. Nat Metab 2022; 4:1444-1458. [PMID: 36396854 DOI: 10.1038/s42255-022-00679-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The small intestine displays marked anatomical and functional plasticity that includes adaptive alterations in adult gut morphology, enteroendocrine cell profile and their hormone secretion, as well as nutrient utilization and storage. In this Perspective, we examine how shifts in dietary and environmental conditions bring about changes in gut size, and describe how the intestine adapts to changes in internal state, bowel resection and gastric bypass surgery. We highlight the critical importance of these intestinal remodelling processes in maintaining energy balance of the organism, and in protecting the metabolism of other organs. The intestinal resizing is supported by changes in the microbiota composition, and by activation of carbohydrate and fatty acid metabolism, which govern the intestinal stem cell proliferation, intestinal cell fate, as well as survivability of differentiated epithelial cells. The discovery that intestinal remodelling is part of the normal physiological adaptation to various triggers, and the potential for harnessing the reversible gut plasticity, in our view, holds extraordinary promise for developing therapeutic approaches against metabolic and inflammatory diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ozren Stojanović
- Department of Cell Physiology and Metabolism, Centre Medical Universitaire (CMU), Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- Diabetes Centre, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Irene Miguel-Aliaga
- MRC London Institute of Medical Sciences, London, UK.
- Institute of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK.
| | - Mirko Trajkovski
- Department of Cell Physiology and Metabolism, Centre Medical Universitaire (CMU), Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.
- Diabetes Centre, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Cui J, Lei B, Newman C, Zhou Y, Wang Z. Food resources and competition rather than eco-geographic rules explain trait variations in two contrasting rat species: implications for future climate change. Glob Ecol Conserv 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gecco.2022.e02339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
|
48
|
Græsli AR, Thiel A, Fuchs B, Stenbacka F, Neumann W, Malmsten J, Singh NJ, Ericsson G, Arnemo JM, Evans AL. Body temperature patterns during pregnancy and parturition in moose. J Therm Biol 2022; 109:103334. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jtherbio.2022.103334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2022] [Revised: 09/07/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
|
49
|
Prakash A, Monteith KM, Vale PF. Mechanisms of damage prevention, signalling and repair impact disease tolerance. Proc Biol Sci 2022; 289:20220837. [PMID: 35975433 PMCID: PMC9382215 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2022.0837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The insect gut is frequently exposed to pathogenic threats and must not only clear these potential infections, but also tolerate relatively high microbe loads. In contrast to the mechanisms that eliminate pathogens, we currently know less about the mechanisms of disease tolerance. We investigated how well-described mechanisms that prevent, signal, control or repair damage during infection contribute to the phenotype of disease tolerance. We established enteric infections with the bacterial pathogen Pseudomonas entomophila in transgenic lines of Drosophila melanogaster fruit flies affecting dcy (a major component of the peritrophic matrix), upd3 (a cytokine-like molecule), irc (a negative regulator of reactive oxygen species) and egfr1 (epithelial growth factor receptor). Flies lacking dcy experienced the highest mortality, while loss of function of either irc or upd3 reduced tolerance in both sexes. The disruption of egfr1 resulted in a severe loss in tolerance in male flies but had no substantial effect on the ability of female flies to tolerate P. entomophila infection, despite carrying greater microbe loads than males. Together, our findings provide evidence for the role of damage limitation mechanisms in disease tolerance and highlight how sexual dimorphism in these mechanisms could generate sex differences in infection outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Arun Prakash
- Institute of Evolutionary Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3FL, UK
| | - Katy M. Monteith
- Institute of Evolutionary Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3FL, UK
| | - Pedro F. Vale
- Institute of Evolutionary Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3FL, UK
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Chinn SM, Schlichting PE, Smyser TJ, Bowden CF, Beasley JC. Factors influencing pregnancy, litter size, and reproductive parameters of invasive wild pigs. J Wildl Manage 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/jwmg.22304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah M. Chinn
- University of Georgia Savannah River Ecology Laboratory and Warnell Scholl of Forestry and Natural Resources Aiken SC 29802 USA
| | | | - Timothy J. Smyser
- National Wildlife Research Center, United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services Fort Collins CO 80521 USA
| | - Courtney F. Bowden
- National Wildlife Research Center, United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services Fort Collins CO 80521 USA
| | - James C. Beasley
- University of Georgia Savannah River Ecology Laboratory and Warnell Scholl of Forestry and Natural Resources Aiken SC 29802 USA
| |
Collapse
|