1
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Wada Y, Kamioka H, Shimpo M, Shimada M. Real-world survey of eating attitudes and spending behaviors related to healthy foods/supplements in women seeking to become pregnant. Clin Nutr ESPEN 2024; 61:399-406. [PMID: 38777461 DOI: 10.1016/j.clnesp.2024.04.005] [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: 09/06/2023] [Revised: 03/03/2024] [Accepted: 04/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Since 2022, fertility treatments have been partially covered by insurance in Japan. Women who wish to become pregnant may explore various means of conception as fertility treatments have shown low success rates. Therefore, we aimed to clarify the state of knowledge, behavior, and attitudes toward health foods among women who are actively trying to become pregnant. METHODS A web-based research company surveyed the eating attitudes and behaviors towards healthy foods of 900 women seeking to become pregnant. Regression analysis for the total amount spent on pregnancy was conducted, with "amount spent on actions undertaken to conceive" as the dependent variable. Multiple regression analysis on actions undertaken to conceive was performed using age, family income, body mass index, duration of hospital visits, duration of actions undertaken to conceive, cumulative amount incurred to conceive, awareness of dietary guidelines, adherence to dietary practices, number of types of health foods and supplements, whether participants considered consumption of nutritious foods and supplements to be important, and cumulative amount spent on healthy foods and supplements. The effect size for the Chi-square test was determined with Cramer's coefficient of association. RESULTS Increasing age was associated with a longer time to conceive, longer hospital visits, higher conception costs (including fertility treatment), and a higher intake of healthy food products. The number of healthy food types had the greatest impact on the cost incurred to conceive. Folic acid was the most commonly consumed healthy food, followed by iron and calcium. CONCLUSIONS This study clarified the real-world situation regarding healthy foods for women seeking pregnancy in Japan. The information necessary for pregnant women to select safe healthy foods was clarified, which may lead to the establishment of risk-communication measures to ensure safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasuyo Wada
- Department of Health Promotion, National Institute of Public Health, Minami, Wako-shi, Saitama, Japan.
| | - Hiroharu Kamioka
- Department of Ecological Symbiotic Science, Graduate School of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture, Sakuragaoka, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Misa Shimpo
- Faculty of Health and Human Development, Department of Food and Health Sciences, The University of Nagano, Miwa, Nagano City, Japan
| | - Mikiko Shimada
- Department of Nutrition, Faculty of Health Care, Kiryu University, Kasakakecho-Azami, Midori-shi, Gunma, Japan
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2
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Qi J, Su Y, Zhang H, Ren Y. Association between dietary inflammation index and female infertility from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey: 2013-2018. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2024; 15:1309492. [PMID: 38757001 PMCID: PMC11096589 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2024.1309492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2023] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective To investigate the relationship between dietary inflammatory index (DII) scores and infertility in US adults aged 18 to 45. Methods Data were gathered from the 2013-2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). In total, 3496 women were included in the study. To examine the relationship between DII, EDII and infertility, a weighted multivariable logistic regression analysis using continuous factors or categorical variables grouped by quartiles was conducted. Using subgroup analysis stratified based on DII and infertility features, the association between DII and infertility has been further studied. In order to determine whether there was a nonlinear relationship between DII and infertility, restricted cubic spline (RCS) analysis was carried out. Results For statistical analysis, a total of 3496 individuals - 367 patients with infertility and 3129 persons without infertility - were included. A multivariable logistic regression study revealed a positive relationship between DII and infertility. A significant difference in subgroup analysis was shown in age group and race, although RCS analysis demonstrated nonlinear relationship between the DII and infertility. Conclusion For participants aged 18-45 years, higher DII scores were positively correlated with infertility. In addition, anti-inflammatory diets might improve infertility outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Qi
- Department of Gynecology, Hebei General Hospital, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Yujie Su
- Department of Gynecology, Shandong Provincial Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital Affiliated to Qingdao University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Huanhuan Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Hebei General Hospital, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Yanan Ren
- Department of Gynecology, Hebei General Hospital, Shijiazhuang, China
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3
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Xu H, Wen Q, Xing X, Chen Y, Zhu Q, Tan M, Zhang M, Pan T, Wu S. High Dietary Inflammatory Index increases the risk of female infertility: An analysis of NHANES 2013-2018. Nutr Res 2024; 125:50-60. [PMID: 38503022 DOI: 10.1016/j.nutres.2024.02.006] [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: 10/12/2023] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
Diet-related inflammation, which can be evaluated using the dietary inflammatory index (DII), is increasingly related to female infertility. However, studies on the association between DII and infertility are limited. In this study, we aim to explore the association between DII and infertility and its dose-effect relationship among women aged 20 to 45 years through a cross-sectional analysis of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2013-2018. A total of 2613 women aged 20 to 45 years were included and analyzed. The DII was calculated using the first 24-hour dietary recall interview data and divided into quartiles. Weighted multivariable logistic regression and restricted cubic spline analysis were used to explore the relationship between DII and infertility. The odds ratio (OR) (95% confidence interval [CI]) for the association between DII and infertility was 1.06 (0.96-1.19) after multivariable adjustment. Compared with the first quartile (anti-inflammatory diet), the fourth quartile of DII (pro-inflammatory diet) was more strongly associated with an increased risk of infertility, with an OR of 1.61 (95% CI, 1.05-2.47). Restricted cubic splines showed a J-shaped nonlinear association between DII and infertility (P for nonlinear = .003), with a cutoff point of 2.45. When DII was higher than 2.45, the OR for infertility was 1.95 (95% CI, 1.49-2.54). Similar results were observed among the subgroup analyses. In conclusion, this study found high DII (pro-inflammatory diet) increases the risk of female infertility. DII had a J-shaped nonlinear relationship with female infertility, whose cut point is 2.45. Controlling the intake of pro-inflammatory food may be beneficial for female infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huanying Xu
- Foshan Clinical Medical School of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Chancheng District, Foshan, Guangdong Province, China; TCM Gynecology Department, Foshan Fosun Chancheng Hospital, Chancheng District, Foshan, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Qidan Wen
- Foshan Clinical Medical School of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Chancheng District, Foshan, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Xiaoyan Xing
- Foshan Clinical Medical School of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Chancheng District, Foshan, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Yu Chen
- TCM Gynecology Department, Foshan Fosun Chancheng Hospital, Chancheng District, Foshan, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Qiaoling Zhu
- TCM Gynecology Department, Foshan Fosun Chancheng Hospital, Chancheng District, Foshan, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Minhua Tan
- TCM Gynecology Department, Foshan Fosun Chancheng Hospital, Chancheng District, Foshan, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Miaomiao Zhang
- TCM Gynecology Department, Foshan Fosun Chancheng Hospital, Chancheng District, Foshan, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Ting Pan
- TCM Gynecology Department, Foshan Fosun Chancheng Hospital, Chancheng District, Foshan, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Suzhen Wu
- Foshan Clinical Medical School of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Chancheng District, Foshan, Guangdong Province, China; TCM Gynecology Department, Foshan Fosun Chancheng Hospital, Chancheng District, Foshan, Guangdong Province, China.
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4
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Klobodu C, Vitolins MZ, Deutsch JM, Fisher K, Nasser JA, Stott D, Murray MJ, Curtis L, Milliron BJ. Examining the Role of Nutrition in Cancer Survivorship and Female Fertility: A Narrative Review. Curr Dev Nutr 2024; 8:102134. [PMID: 38584676 PMCID: PMC10997918 DOI: 10.1016/j.cdnut.2024.102134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Revised: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Female cancer survivors have a higher chance of experiencing infertility than females without a history of cancer diagnosis. This risk remains high despite advances in fertility treatments. There is a need to augment fertility treatments with cost-effective methods such as nutritional guidance to improve fertility chances. The aim of this review article is to connect the current literature on cancer survivorship nutrition and fertility nutrition, focusing on the importance of integrating nutritional guidance into fertility counseling, assessment, and treatment for female cancer survivors. Consuming a healthful diet comprising whole grains, soy, fruits, vegetables, seafood, and unsaturated fats has improved both female fertility and cancer survivorship. Similarly, maintaining a healthy body weight also improves female fertility and cancer survivorship. Therefore, dietary interventions to support female cancer survivors with fertility challenges are of immense importance. The period of follow-up fertility counseling and assessment after cancer treatment may provide a unique opportunity for implementing nutritional guidance for female cancer survivors. Dietary interventions are a promising strategy to improve pregnancy chances and overall quality of life among female cancer survivors; thus, researchers should investigate perceptions regarding fertility, barriers, and challenges to changing nutrition-related behaviors, and preferences for nutritional guidance to support fertility treatments in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cynthia Klobodu
- Department of Nutrition and Food Science, California State University, Chico, College of Natural Sciences, CA, United States
| | - Mara Z Vitolins
- Department of Epidemiology and Prevention, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, United States
| | - Jonathan M Deutsch
- Department of Health Sciences, College of Nursing and Health Professions, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Kathleen Fisher
- Department of Nursing, College of Nursing and Health Professions, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Jennifer A Nasser
- Department of Health Sciences, College of Nursing and Health Professions, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Dahlia Stott
- Department of Health Sciences, College of Nursing and Health Professions, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Michael J Murray
- Northern California Fertility Medical Center, Sacramento, CA, United States
| | - Laura Curtis
- Department of Nutrition and Food Science, California State University, Chico, College of Natural Sciences, CA, United States
| | - Brandy-Joe Milliron
- Department of Health Sciences, College of Nursing and Health Professions, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
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5
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Nkechika V, Zhang N, Belsham DD. The Involvement of the microRNAs miR-466c and miR-340 in the Palmitate-Mediated Dysregulation of Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Gene Expression. Genes (Basel) 2024; 15:397. [PMID: 38674332 PMCID: PMC11048885 DOI: 10.3390/genes15040397] [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: 02/25/2024] [Revised: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Diets high in saturated fatty acids are associated with obesity and infertility. Palmitate, the most prevalent circulating saturated fatty acid, is sensed by hypothalamic neurons, contributing to homeostatic dysregulation. Notably, palmitate elevates the mRNA levels of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (Gnrh) mRNA and its activating transcription factor, GATA binding protein 4 (Gata4). GATA4 is essential for basal Gnrh expression by binding to its enhancer region, with Oct-1 (Oct1) and CEBP-β (Cebpb) playing regulatory roles. The pre- and post-transcriptional control of Gnrh by palmitate have not been investigated. Given the ability of palmitate to alter microRNAs (miRNAs), we hypothesized that palmitate-mediated dysregulation of Gnrh mRNA involves specific miRNAs. In the mHypoA-GnRH/GFP neurons, palmitate significantly downregulated six miRNAs (miR-125a, miR-181b, miR-340, miR-351, miR-466c and miR-503), and the repression was attenuated by co-treatment with 100 μM of oleate. Subsequent mimic transfections revealed that miR-466c significantly downregulates Gnrh, Gata4, and Chop mRNA and increases Per2, whereas miR-340 upregulates Gnrh, Gata4, Oct1, Cebpb, and Per2 mRNA. Our findings suggest that palmitate may indirectly regulate Gnrh at both the pre- and post-transcriptional levels by altering miR-466c and miR-340, which in turn regulate transcription factor expression levels. In summary, palmitate-mediated dysregulation of Gnrh and, consequently, reproductive function involves parallel transcriptional mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa Nkechika
- Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, 1 King’s College Circle, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada; (V.N.); (N.Z.)
| | - Ningtong Zhang
- Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, 1 King’s College Circle, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada; (V.N.); (N.Z.)
| | - Denise D. Belsham
- Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, 1 King’s College Circle, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada; (V.N.); (N.Z.)
- Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, 1 King’s College Circle, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
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6
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Zheng J, Wang X, Xie S, Wang H, Shen J, Zhang T. The mediating role of trust in government in intergenerational transmission of fertility intentions. Front Public Health 2024; 12:1338122. [PMID: 38496397 PMCID: PMC10941980 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1338122] [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: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024] Open
Abstract
China's one-child policy was in effect from 1982 to 2015. However, the literature examining the association between people's trust in local government and intergenerational transmission of fertility intentions is scarce. To fill this gap, we investigated the impact of individuals' sibship size on their ideal number of children, the mediating effect of their trust in local government on the issue of fertility between two successive generations, and the moderating effect of education level on sibship size related to trust in local governments. Based on the 2019 Chinese Social Survey data, 2,340 respondents aged 18-35 participated in the analysis. The results showed that (i) individuals' number of siblings significantly positively predicted their ideal number of children; (ii) individuals' number of siblings significantly negatively predicted their trust in the local government, which in turn significantly negatively influenced fertility intentions; (iii) the mediating mechanism was significant in residents with higher levels of education, but not in people with lower degrees of education. Fertility-boosting incentives can prioritize couples who are the only child in their family. It is necessary for local governments to improve their credibility and strengthen their pregnancy-related communication with groups with higher levels of education.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Tao Zhang
- Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Macao Polytechnic University, Macao, Macao SAR, China
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7
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Cristodoro M, Zambella E, Fietta I, Inversetti A, Di Simone N. Dietary Patterns and Fertility. BIOLOGY 2024; 13:131. [PMID: 38392349 PMCID: PMC10886842 DOI: 10.3390/biology13020131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2024] [Revised: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
Diet has a key role in the reproductive axis both in males and females. This review aims to analyze the impacts of different dietary patterns on fertility. It appears that the Mediterranean diet has a predominantly protective role against infertility, while the Western diet seems to be a risk factor for infertility. Moreover, we focus attention also on dietary patterns in different countries of the World (Middle Eastern diet, Asian diet). In particular, when analyzing single nutrients, a diet rich in saturated fatty acids, cholesterol, animal proteins, and carbohydrates with high glycemic index is highly associated with male and female infertility. Finally, we evaluate the effects of vegetarian, vegan, and ketogenic diets on fertility, which seem to be still unclear. We believe that comprehension of the molecular mechanisms involved in infertility will lead to more effective and targeted treatments for infertile couples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Cristodoro
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Via Rita Levi Montalcini 4, Pieve Emanuele, 20072 Milano, Italy
| | - Enrica Zambella
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Via Rita Levi Montalcini 4, Pieve Emanuele, 20072 Milano, Italy
| | - Ilaria Fietta
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Via Rita Levi Montalcini 4, Pieve Emanuele, 20072 Milano, Italy
| | - Annalisa Inversetti
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Via Rita Levi Montalcini 4, Pieve Emanuele, 20072 Milano, Italy
- IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Via Manzoni 56, 20089 Rozzano, Italy
| | - Nicoletta Di Simone
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Via Rita Levi Montalcini 4, Pieve Emanuele, 20072 Milano, Italy
- IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Via Manzoni 56, 20089 Rozzano, Italy
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8
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Piera-Jordan CÁ, Prieto Huecas L, Serrano De La Cruz Delgado V, Zaragoza Martí A, García Velert MB, Tordera Terrades C, Sánchez-SanSegundo M, Hurtado-Sánchez JA, Tuells J, Martín Manchado L. Influence of the Mediterranean diet on seminal quality-a systematic review. Front Nutr 2024; 11:1287864. [PMID: 38425483 PMCID: PMC10902424 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2024.1287864] [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: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Currently, there is a growing interest in the study of fertility because fertility-related problems affect up to 15% of the world's population. The aim of this study was to determine the influence of the Mediterranean diet on seminal quality in men of reproductive age. For this purpose, a systematic review of the literature was carried out following the PRISMA method. Electronic searches were carried out in the international databases PubMed, Scopus, the Cochrane Library, and Web of Science. In total, 10 articles with 2032 men were included. As inclusion criteria, articles published between 2012 and 2022 were selected, including those that included men aged between 18 and 55 years. Nutritional status was assessed through weight, height, and BMI. Dietary habits were evaluated through different indexes and food frequency questionnaires, and finally, semen quality was evaluated by measuring sperm concentration and motility (progressive and non-progressive). In six (60%) of the included articles, a positive relationship between adherence to the Mediterranean diet and semen quality was demonstrated; in two (20%) of the articles, no association was found; and finally, in two (20%) of the included articles, the relationship between dietary patterns typical of DM and semen quality was evaluated. Dietary habits influence semen quality. Adherence to the Mediterranean diet can improve male reproductive health, as it is a diet with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. This is the first systematic review about the influence of the Mediterranean diet on semen quality, and the results are positive. These findings may allow us to provide better advice to our patients and to establish interventions with the aim of improving the results of assisted reproduction techniques.
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Athar F, Karmani M, Templeman N. Metabolic hormones are integral regulators of female reproductive health and function. Biosci Rep 2024; 44:BSR20231916. [PMID: 38131197 PMCID: PMC10830447 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20231916] [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: 11/03/2023] [Revised: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The female reproductive system is strongly influenced by nutrition and energy balance. It is well known that food restriction or energy depletion can induce suppression of reproductive processes, while overnutrition is associated with reproductive dysfunction. However, the intricate mechanisms through which nutritional inputs and metabolic health are integrated into the coordination of reproduction are still being defined. In this review, we describe evidence for essential contributions by hormones that are responsive to food intake or fuel stores. Key metabolic hormones-including insulin, the incretins (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide and glucagon-like peptide-1), growth hormone, ghrelin, leptin, and adiponectin-signal throughout the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis to support or suppress reproduction. We synthesize current knowledge on how these multifaceted hormones interact with the brain, pituitary, and ovaries to regulate functioning of the female reproductive system, incorporating in vitro and in vivo data from animal models and humans. Metabolic hormones are involved in orchestrating reproductive processes in healthy states, but some also play a significant role in the pathophysiology or treatment strategies of female reproductive disorders. Further understanding of the complex interrelationships between metabolic health and female reproductive function has important implications for improving women's health overall.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faria Athar
- Department of Biology, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia V8P 5C2, Canada
| | - Muskan Karmani
- Department of Biology, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia V8P 5C2, Canada
| | - Nicole M. Templeman
- Department of Biology, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia V8P 5C2, Canada
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10
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Pecora G, Sciarra F, Gangitano E, Venneri MA. How Food Choices Impact on Male Fertility. Curr Nutr Rep 2023; 12:864-876. [PMID: 37861951 PMCID: PMC10766669 DOI: 10.1007/s13668-023-00503-x] [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] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Increasing evidence on the significance of nutrition in reproduction is emerging from both animal and human studies, suggesting an association between nutrition and male fertility. Here, we have highlighted the impact of the various food groups on reproductive hormones and on spermatogenesis, and the effects of classical and latest dietary patterns such as Mediterranean diet, Western diet, intermittent fasting, ketogenic diet, and vegan/vegetarian diet on male fertility. RECENT FINDINGS Nutrients are the precursors of molecules involved in various body's reactions; therefore, their balance is essential to ensure the correct regulation of different systems including the endocrine system. Hormones are strongly influenced by the nutritional status of the individual, and their alteration can lead to dysfunctions or diseases like infertility. In addition, nutrients affect sperm production and spermatogenesis, controlling sexual development, and maintaining secondary sexual characteristics and behaviors. The consumption of fruit, vegetables, fish, processed meats, dairy products, sugars, alcohol, and caffeine importantly impact on male fertility. Among dietary patterns, the Mediterranean diet and the Western diet are most strongly associated with the quality of semen. Nutrients, dietary patterns, and hormonal levels have an impact on male infertility. Therefore, understanding how these factors interact with each other is important for strategies to improve male fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Pecora
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 329, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Sciarra
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 329, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Elena Gangitano
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 329, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Mary Anna Venneri
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 329, 00161, Rome, Italy.
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Alesi S, Habibi N, Silva TR, Cheung N, Torkel S, Tay CT, Quinteros A, Winter H, Teede H, Mousa A, Grieger JA, Moran LJ. Assessing the influence of preconception diet on female fertility: a systematic scoping review of observational studies. Hum Reprod Update 2023; 29:811-828. [PMID: 37467045 PMCID: PMC10663051 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmad018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Revised: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Preconception diet is a proposed modifiable risk factor for infertility. However, there is no official guidance for women in the preconception period as to which dietary approaches may improve fertility. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE A comprehensive synthesis of the relevant evidence is key to determine the potentially effective dietary patterns and components as well as evidence gaps, and to provide information for nutritional recommendations for couples planning a pregnancy. SEARCH METHODS In this systematic scoping review, four electronic databases (Medline and EMBASE via Ovid processing, CAB Direct, and CINAHL via EBSCO) were searched for observational studies (prospective and retrospective cohort, cross-sectional, and case-control studies) from inception to 27 September 2021. Eligible studies included women of reproductive age during the preconception period, and evaluated exposures related to preconception diet and outcomes related to fertility. Results were synthesized using a descriptive approach. OUTCOMES A total of 36 studies were eligible for inclusion (31 prospective, 3 cross-sectional, and 2 case-control studies) and were published between 2007 and 2022. Of the assessed dietary exposures, increased adherence to the Mediterranean diet displayed the strongest and most consistent association with improved clinical pregnancy rates. Reducing trans fatty acids (TFAs), saturated fatty acids, and discretionary food intake (fast food and sugar-sweetened beverages) were associated with improvements in live birth, clinical pregnancy rates, and related ART outcomes. The dietary components of seafood, dairy, and soy demonstrated inconsistent findings across the few included studies. WIDER IMPLICATIONS Due to heterogeneity and the limited available literature on most exposures, there is insufficient evidence to support any specific dietary approach for improving fertility. However, following some of the dietary approaches outlined in this review (anti-inflammatory diets, reducing TFA, and discretionary food intake) are consistent with broad healthy eating guidelines, have little to no associated risk, and offer a plausible set of possible benefits. This warrants further exploration in randomized controlled trials.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nahal Habibi
- Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- Robinson Research Institute, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Thais Rasia Silva
- Postgraduate Program in Endocrinology and Metabolism, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Nicole Cheung
- Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | | | | | - Alejandra Quinteros
- Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | | | | | - Aya Mousa
- Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Jessica A Grieger
- Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- Robinson Research Institute, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Lisa J Moran
- Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
- Robinson Research Institute, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
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12
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Deshpande S, Patel KD, Parulkar T, Mahabalesh K, Madhusudhan P, Madhusudhan DK, Thimmapuram J. Effect of Heartfulness meditation based integrative therapy on infertility outcomes: A retrospective case series evaluation. J Ayurveda Integr Med 2023; 14:100793. [PMID: 37797350 PMCID: PMC10562913 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaim.2023.100793] [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: 11/02/2021] [Revised: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In Indian context, infertility is often a silent struggle. Despite the high prevalence of infertility in the country, the majority of couples do not share their struggles with family or friends due to social stigma, thus increasing their psychological vulnerability. Heartfulness meditation has shown to decrease stress, anxiety, loneliness and improve sleep along with quality of life. OBJECTIVES The current retrospective series evaluated the effectiveness of Heartfulness-based integrative therapy on infertility outcomes. METHODS The program consisted of a 5- day onsite lifestyle modification workshop and online follow up meditation sessions. RESULTS 54 couples with infertility participated in the program with a mean age of 30.74 years (SD 5.04) for females and 34.03 years (SD 4.54) for males. 15 couples presented with male infertility, 16 couples presented with female infertility and in 5 couples both partners had infertility problems. Further, 18 couples had unexplained infertility. 24 couples conceived with 18 natural conceptions, five via assisted reproductive technology and one spontaneous abortion. CONCLUSION The program was beneficial in the cohort who utilized it as prescribed resulting in conception of 24 out of 54 couples. Future research investigating the causal relationship of Heartfulness meditation on fertility outcomes in a randomized control study could solidify this treatment method to be used independently or as an adjuvant therapy with assisted reproductive technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Divya K Madhusudhan
- GCSRT, Department of Postgraduate Medical Education, Harvard Medical School, USA
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13
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Deierlein AL, Litvak J, Liu C, Stein CR. Diet quality, diet-related factors and disability status among male adults of reproductive age in the USA. Public Health Nutr 2023; 26:1976-1985. [PMID: 37395178 PMCID: PMC10564594 DOI: 10.1017/s1368980023001222] [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: 10/19/2022] [Revised: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine diet quality and diet-related factors among male adults of reproductive age with and without disabilities. DESIGN Cross-sectional data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys, 2013-2018. SETTING Disability was reported as serious difficulty hearing, seeing, concentrating, walking, dressing and/or running errands due to physical, mental or emotional conditions. Diet quality was assessed by the Healthy Eating Index (HEI)-2015 and diet-related factors included self-rated diet healthfulness, food security and food assistance programmes. Multivariable linear regression estimated differences in HEI-2015 scores. Multivariable Poisson regression estimated adjusted prevalence ratios (aPR) and 95 % CI for diet-related factors. PARTICIPANTS In total, 3249 males, 18-44 years; of whom, 441 (13·4 %) reported having disabilities. RESULTS Compared with males without disabilities, those with disabilities had a 2·69-point (95 % CI: -4·18, -1·20) lower mean total HEI-2015 score and approximately one-third to half of a point lower HEI-2015 component scores for greens and beans, total protein foods, seafood and plant proteins, fatty acids and added sugars. Males with any disabilities were more likely to have low food security (aPR = 1·57; 95 % CI: 1·28, 2·92); household participation in food assistance programmes (aPR = 1·61; 95 % CI: 1·34, 1·93) and consume fast food meals during the previous week (1-3 meals: aPR = 1·11; 95 % CI: 1·01-1·21 and 4 or more meals: aPR = 1·18; 95 % CI: 1·01-1·38) compared with males with no disabilities. CONCLUSIONS Factors affecting diet and other modifiable health behaviours among male adults of reproductive age with disabilities require further investigation. Health promotion strategies that are adaptive to diverse populations within the disability community are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jaqueline Litvak
- School of Global Public Health, New York University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Chang Liu
- School of Global Public Health, New York University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Cheryl R Stein
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
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14
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McFadden C. From the Ground Up: A Multidisciplinary Approach to Past Fertility and Population Narratives. HUMAN NATURE (HAWTHORNE, N.Y.) 2023; 34:476-500. [PMID: 37723407 PMCID: PMC10543153 DOI: 10.1007/s12110-023-09459-x] [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] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/20/2023]
Abstract
Population dynamics form a crucial component of human narratives in the past. Population responses and adaptations not only tell us about the human past but also offer insights into the present and future. Though an area of substantial interest, it is also one of often limited evidence. As such, traditional techniques from demography and anthropology must be adapted considerably to accommodate the available archaeological and ethnohistoric data and an appropriate inferential framework must be applied. In this article, I propose a ground-up, multidisciplinary approach to the study of past population dynamics. Specifically, I develop an empirically informed path diagram based on modern fertility interactions and sources of past environmental, sociocultural, and biological evidence to guide high-resolution case studies. The proposed approach is dynamic and can evolve in response to data inputs as case studies are undertaken. In application, this approach will create new knowledge of past population processes which can greatly enhance our presently limited knowledge of high-frequency, small-scale demographic fluctuations, as well as contribute to our broader understanding of significant population disturbances and change throughout human history.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clare McFadden
- Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, 04103, Leipzig, Germany.
- School of Archaeology and Anthropology, Australian National University, Acton, ACT, 2601, Australia.
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15
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Ahmad F, Calabrese CM, Terranegra A. The Era of Precision Nutrition in the Field of Reproductive Health and Pregnancy. Nutrients 2023; 15:3128. [PMID: 37513546 PMCID: PMC10384942 DOI: 10.3390/nu15143128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
When it comes to reproductive health, various lifestyle habits can act as major contributors to either an optimized or worsened scenario of female and male fertility [...].
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatima Ahmad
- Division of Biological and Biomedical Sciences (BBS), College of Health & Life Sciences (CHLS), Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Doha 34110, Qatar
- Sidra Medicine, Translational Medicine Department, Doha 26999, Qatar
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16
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Abdullah AA, Ahmed M, Oladokun A. Characterization and risk factors for unexplained female infertility in Sudan: A case-control study. World J Methodol 2023; 13:98-117. [PMID: 37456975 PMCID: PMC10348085 DOI: 10.5662/wjm.v13.i3.98] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2022] [Revised: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Female infertility with unknown causes (unexplained) remains one of the mysteries in the reproductive health field, where the diagnostic evidence is still weak and the proposed treatments still work with unknown methods. However, several studies have proposed some possible causes and risk factors for unexplained female infertility.
AIM To characterize and identify factors associated with unexplained infertility in Sudanese women.
METHODS A matched (age and body mass index) case-control study was conducted from March 2021 to February 2022. The study samples were 210 women with unexplained infertility (UI) and 190 fertile women of reproductive age who were attending the maternity hospitals and fertility clinics in Khartoum, Sudan. The risk factors of unexplained infertility were identified using a structured, pre-tested questionnaire containing information on socio-demographic variables, anthropometrics, clinical diagnosis of infertility, behavioral factors, physical activity assessment, diversity, and consumption of different food groups by the study participants.
RESULTS The results showed a higher proportion of women diagnosed with UI were residents of rural areas than controls (21.4% vs 11.1%, P < 0.05), and previous miscarriages and/or abortions were more common in fertile women compared with infertile women (13.16% vs 5.71%, P < 0.05). Additionally, infertile women had a significantly (P < 0.05) higher proportion of family history of infertility (explained and unexplained) compared with controls. Finally, after controlling for the effects of potentially confounding variables using multivariable logistic regression analysis, only marital status, family history of infertility, use of modern contraceptives, smoking, caffeine consumption, physical activity level, meals consumed, other vitamin-A-rich fruits and vegetables, and other vegetables were found to be significant (P < 0.05) factors associated with unexplained infertility among Sudanese women.
CONCLUSION Married women with a family history of infertility who smoke and consume a high amount of caffeine, who live a sedentary lifestyle, and who consume more than two meals free of vitamin-A-rich fruits and/or vegetables and/or other vegetables per day are at the highest risk of developing unexplained infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdullah Abdulslam Abdullah
- Reproductive Health Sciences Program, Pan African University Life and Earth Sciences Institute, University of Ibadan, Ibadan 119, Oyo state, Nigeria
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan 119, Oyo state, Nigeria
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, University of Gadarif, Al-Gadarif 32211, Sudan
| | - Musa Ahmed
- Reproductive Health Sciences Program, Pan African University Life and Earth Sciences Institute, University of Ibadan, Ibadan 119, Oyo state, Nigeria
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan 119, Oyo state, Nigeria
- Department of Veterinary Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, AL-Salam University, Al-fula 120, West Kordofan, Sudan
| | - Adesina Oladokun
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan 119, Oyo state, Nigeria
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17
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Fledderjohann J, Patterson S, Owino M. Food Insecurity: A Barrier to Reproductive Justice Globally. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SEXUAL HEALTH : OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE WORLD ASSOCIATION FOR SEXUAL HEALTH 2023; 35:296-311. [PMID: 38595861 PMCID: PMC10903663 DOI: 10.1080/19317611.2023.2201841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Revised: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 04/07/2023] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
Objective: Reproductive Justice identifies three core reproductive rights for all people: (1) the right to not have a child; (2) the right to have a child; and (3) the right to parent children in safe and healthy environments. We aim to illustrate that food insecurity infringes upon on all three of these rights and so is a pressing issue for reproductive justice and for sexual and reproductive health more broadly. Methods: Using a phenomenological approach, we outline potential pathways between food insecurity and reproductive justice. Results: There are numerous potential pathways between food insecurity and reproductive justice, including entry into sexual relationships for material support, links to sexually transmitted infections and infertility, structural violence, prioritization and spending tradeoffs between food and other basic necessities, biological impacts of malnutrition, restricted reproductive choices, population control measures, and social stigma and exclusion. Marginalized people are disproportionately impacted by food insecurity and its consequences, with implications for sexual health and pleasure and for reproductive justice. Conclusions:Meaningful and equitable collaboration between people with lived experience of food insecurity, human rights and reproductive justice activists, and academics is critical to sensitively contextualize this work and mobilize broader social change.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sophie Patterson
- Faculty of Health and Medicine, Lancaster University, Bailrigg Campus, Lancaster, UK
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, Canada
| | - Maureen Owino
- Faculty of Environmental Studies and Urban Health, York University, Toronto, Canada
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18
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Parker J. Pathophysiological Effects of Contemporary Lifestyle on Evolutionary-Conserved Survival Mechanisms in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:life13041056. [PMID: 37109585 PMCID: PMC10145572 DOI: 10.3390/life13041056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Revised: 04/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is increasingly being characterized as an evolutionary mismatch disorder that presents with a complex mixture of metabolic and endocrine symptoms. The Evolutionary Model proposes that PCOS arises from a collection of inherited polymorphisms that have been consistently demonstrated in a variety of ethnic groups and races. In utero developmental programming of susceptible genomic variants are thought to predispose the offspring to develop PCOS. Postnatal exposure to lifestyle and environmental risk factors results in epigenetic activation of developmentally programmed genes and disturbance of the hallmarks of health. The resulting pathophysiological changes represent the consequences of poor-quality diet, sedentary behaviour, endocrine disrupting chemicals, stress, circadian disruption, and other lifestyle factors. Emerging evidence suggests that lifestyle-induced gastrointestinal dysbiosis plays a central role in the pathogenesis of PCOS. Lifestyle and environmental exposures initiate changes that result in disturbance of the gastrointestinal microbiome (dysbiosis), immune dysregulation (chronic inflammation), altered metabolism (insulin resistance), endocrine and reproductive imbalance (hyperandrogenism), and central nervous system dysfunction (neuroendocrine and autonomic nervous system). PCOS can be a progressive metabolic condition that leads to obesity, gestational diabetes, type two diabetes, metabolic-associated fatty liver disease, metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. This review explores the mechanisms that underpin the evolutionary mismatch between ancient survival pathways and contemporary lifestyle factors involved in the pathogenesis and pathophysiology of PCOS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jim Parker
- School of Medicine, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia
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19
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Vogt MC, Hobert O. Starvation-induced changes in somatic insulin/IGF-1R signaling drive metabolic programming across generations. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2023; 9:eade1817. [PMID: 37027477 PMCID: PMC10081852 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.ade1817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2022] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Exposure to adverse nutritional and metabolic environments during critical periods of development can exert long-lasting effects on health outcomes of an individual and its descendants. Although such metabolic programming has been observed in multiple species and in response to distinct nutritional stressors, conclusive insights into signaling pathways and mechanisms responsible for initiating, mediating, and manifesting changes to metabolism and behavior across generations remain scarce. By using a starvation paradigm in Caenorhabditis elegans, we show that starvation-induced changes in dauer formation-16/forkhead box transcription factor class O (DAF-16/FoxO) activity, the main downstream target of insulin/insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) receptor signaling, are responsible for metabolic programming phenotypes. Tissue-specific depletion of DAF-16/FoxO during distinct developmental time points demonstrates that DAF-16/FoxO acts in somatic tissues, but not directly in the germline, to both initiate and manifest metabolic programming. In conclusion, our study deciphers multifaceted and critical roles of highly conserved insulin/IGF-1 receptor signaling in determining health outcomes and behavior across generations.
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20
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The Influence of Metabolic Factors and Diet on Fertility. Nutrients 2023; 15:nu15051180. [PMID: 36904180 PMCID: PMC10005661 DOI: 10.3390/nu15051180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2023] [Revised: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Infertility is a disease globally affecting 20-30% of the reproductive age female population. However, in up to 50% on recorded cases, problems with infertility are ascribed to men; therefore, it is important to popularize healthy eating also in this group. During the last decade, it has been observed that society's lifestyle changed drastically: reduced energy expenditure in physical activity per day, increased consumption of hypercaloric and high-glycemic-index foods with high content of trans fats, and reduced consumption of dietary fiber, which negatively affects fertility. Increasing evidence points to a link between diet and fertility. It is becoming clear that well-planned nutrition can also contribute to the effectiveness of ART. The low-GI plant-based diet appears to have a positive effect, especially when it is based on Mediterranean dietary patterns: rich in antioxidants, vegetable protein, fiber, MUFA fatty acids, omega-3, vitamins, and minerals. Importantly, this diet has been shown to protect against chronic diseases associated with oxidative stress, which also translates into pregnancy success. As lifestyle and nutrition seem to be important factors affecting fertility, it is worth expanding knowledge in this regard among couples trying to conceive a child.
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21
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Deepak Kumar K, Huntriss R, Green E, Bora S, Pettitt C. Development of a nutrition screening tool to identify need for dietetic intervention in female infertility. J Hum Nutr Diet 2023; 36:154-168. [PMID: 35762584 PMCID: PMC10087620 DOI: 10.1111/jhn.13055] [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: 01/19/2022] [Revised: 06/11/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND One in seven couples are impacted by infertility in the UK, and female infertility is often associated with several health conditions impacted by nutrition. Despite many studies aimed at identifying the critical role of nutrition in infertility, there is currently no screening tool that identifies nutritional risk factors for infertility. AIM To propose a self-administered screening tool to identify women who would benefit from nutritional intervention to promote fertility. METHODS A narrative review was carried out to identify and summarise modifiable nutritional risk factors that can influence female fertility, including comorbidities that can influence nutrition intake, absorption, and metabolism. KEY FINDINGS A nutrition screening tool outlining modifiable nutrition risk factors potentially improving female fertility has been proposed, comprising of BMI, medical history and quality of diet and lifestyle which would aid in designing evidence based dietetic services for female infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Claire Pettitt
- Nutrition and Dietetic Research Group, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, UK
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22
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Klobodu C, Deutsch J, Vitolins MZ, Fisher K, Nasser JA, Stott D, Milliron BJ. Optimizing Fertility Treatment With Nutrition Guidance: Exploring Barriers and Facilitators to Healthful Nutrition Among Female Cancer Survivors With Fertility Challenges. Integr Cancer Ther 2023; 22:15347354231191984. [PMID: 37559460 PMCID: PMC10416655 DOI: 10.1177/15347354231191984] [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: 12/18/2022] [Revised: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Young women diagnosed with cancer are at an increased risk for infertility compared to women without a cancer diagnosis. Consuming a healthful diet comprised of whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and unsaturated fats has been found to improve both fertility and cancer survivorship. Given this reason, dietary interventions tailored to support female cancer survivors with fertility challenges are of immense importance. Therefore, the aim of this study was to explore barriers and facilitators to healthful nutrition among female cancer survivors with fertility challenges, to inform the development of dietary interventions for this population. METHODS Using a formative research design, interview, survey, and dietary intake data were collected from 20 female cancer survivors of reproductive age. Participant-check focus group discussions were conducted to validate findings. All interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim. Transcripts were coded and analyzed using a thematic analysis approach. Quantitative data were analyzed using means, standard deviations, ranges, frequencies, and percentages. RESULTS The average age of respondents was 31.47 ± 3.5 years and the average BMI was 24.78 ± 4.1 kg/m2. All participants were college educated, 45% identified as White, 50% as Black, and 10% as Hispanic or Latinx. Cancer diagnoses included breast, thyroid, ovarian, leukemia, and gastrointestinal cancers. The following themes were identified: (1) Lack of nutrition-related resources and detailed guidance, (2) Work-life balance, (3) Perceived rigidity of dietary guidance, (4) Treatment-related fatigue, (5) Having trust in healthcare providers, (6) Higher motivation to change nutrition behavior, and (7) Recognizing the additional benefits of nutrition. CONCLUSION These findings indicate a sought-after yet unmet need for post-cancer treatment fertility nutrition recommendations. Interventions should be tailored to women's needs and focus on improving their self-efficacy to make healthful dietary choices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cynthia Klobodu
- Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- California State University Chico, Chico, CA, USA
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23
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Roba KT, Hassen TA, Wilfong T, Legese Alemu N, Darsene H, Zewdu G, Negese T, Yifru B, Mohammed E, Raru TB. Association of undernutrition and female infertility in East Africa: Finding from multi-country demographic and health surveys. Front Glob Womens Health 2022; 3:1049404. [PMID: 36589148 PMCID: PMC9797807 DOI: 10.3389/fgwh.2022.1049404] [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: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Infertility is one of the public health problems affecting a significant number of women in the reproductive age group. Although female fertility is predominantly affected by gynecological and systemic diseases, lifestyle and nutritional factors also play an important role in secondary female infertility. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the pooled prevalence of secondary female infertility and its association with undernutrition using nationwide data from the Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) of eastern African countries. Methods The data of ten East African countries that comprise a weighted sample of 38,020 women data were accessed from measure DHS. Data processing and analysis were performed using STATA 15 software. A multilevel mixed-effect logistic regression model was fitted to examine the association between undernutrition and secondary infertility. Variables with a p-value < 0.05 were declared as significant factors associated with secondary infertility. Model comparison was done based on Akaike and Bayesian Information Criteria (AIC and BIC). To measure variation (random effects), Community-level variance with standard deviation and intra-cluster correlation coefficient (ICC) was used. Result The proportion of women who have secondary infertility was 16.32% with 95%CI (15.96, 16.69), of which 26.94% were undernourished. This study found that being undernutrition (AOR = 1.74; 95%CI: 1.54-1.98) and overweight (AOR = 1.72; 95%CI: 1.62-1.86) were significantly associated with secondary infertility. Women aged >35 years (AOR = 3.47; 95%CI: 2.66-4.55), and rural residents (AOR = 1.16; 95%CI: 1.02-1.37) are other factors that are positively associated with secondary infertility. However, primary education (AOR = 0.87; 95%CI: 0.77-0.97) and richer wealth index (AOR = 0.84; 95%CI: 0.73-0.97) are protective factors for secondary infertility. Conclusion This study indicated that there is a strong association between secondary infertility and undernutrition growing in Eastern Africa. Therefore, Health information dissemination and awareness creation on the impact of malnutrition on infertility should be given to the community and health care providers. Given this, it may lead to integrating nutrition counseling into both clinical settings for infertility management as well as national dietary guidelines for individuals of reproductive age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kedir Teji Roba
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, College of Health and Medical Science, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia
| | - Tahir Ahmed Hassen
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, College of Health and Medical Science, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia
| | - Tara Wilfong
- School of Public Health, College of Health and Medical Science, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia
| | - Nanati Legese Alemu
- School of Pharmacy, College of Health and Medical Science, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia
| | - Hiwot Darsene
- Food and Nutrition Case Team, Ministry of Health, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Gelila Zewdu
- Food and Nutrition Case Team, Ministry of Health, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Tarekegn Negese
- Food and Nutrition Case Team, Ministry of Health, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Belaynesh Yifru
- Food and Nutrition Case Team, Ministry of Health, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Eptisam Mohammed
- School of Public Health, College of Health and Medical Science, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia
| | - Temam Beshir Raru
- School of Public Health, College of Health and Medical Science, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia,Correspondence: Temam Beshir Raru
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Zohar I, Alperson-Afil N, Goren-Inbar N, Prévost M, Tütken T, Sisma-Ventura G, Hershkovitz I, Najorka J. Evidence for the cooking of fish 780,000 years ago at Gesher Benot Ya'aqov, Israel. Nat Ecol Evol 2022; 6:2016-2028. [PMID: 36376603 DOI: 10.1038/s41559-022-01910-z] [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: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Although cooking is regarded as a key element in the evolutionary success of the genus Homo, impacting various biological and social aspects, when intentional cooking first began remains unknown. The early Middle Pleistocene site of Gesher Benot Ya'aqov, Israel (marine isotope stages 18-20; ~0.78 million years ago), has preserved evidence of hearth-related hominin activities and large numbers of freshwater fish remains (>40,000). A taphonomic study and isotopic analyses revealed significant differences between the characteristics of the fish bone assemblages recovered in eight sequential archaeological horizons of Area B (Layer II-6 levels 1-7) and natural fish bone assemblages (identified in Area A). Gesher Benot Ya'aqov archaeological horizons II-6 L1-7 exhibited low fish species richness, with a clear preference for two species of large Cyprinidae (Luciobarbus longiceps and Carasobarbus canis) and the almost total absence of fish bones in contrast to the richness of pharyngeal teeth (>95%). Most of the pharyngeal teeth recovered in archaeological horizons II-6 L1-7 were spatially associated with 'phantom' hearths (clusters of burnt flint microartifacts). Size-strain analysis using X-ray powder diffraction provided evidence that these teeth had been exposed to low temperature (<500 °C), suggesting, together with the archaeological and taphonomic data, that the fish from the archaeological horizons of Area B had been cooked and consumed on site. This is the earliest evidence of cooking by hominins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irit Zohar
- The Steinhardt Museum of Natural History, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.
- Beit Margolin, Oranim Academic College of Education, Kiryat Tivon, Israel.
| | - Nira Alperson-Afil
- Institute of Archaeology, Martin (Szusz) Department of Land of Israel Studies and Archaeology, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Naama Goren-Inbar
- Institute of Archaeology, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Marion Prévost
- Institute of Archaeology, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Thomas Tütken
- Institute of Geosciences, Johannes Gutenberg University of Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | | | - Israel Hershkovitz
- Department of Anatomy and Anthropology, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- The Shmunis Family Anthropology Institute, the Dan David Center for Human Evolution and Biohistory Research, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Jens Najorka
- Department of Core Research Laboratories, The Natural History Museum, London, UK
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25
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Stamm B, Barbhaiya M, Siegel C, Lieber S, Lockshin M, Sammaritano L. Infertility in systemic lupus erythematosus: what rheumatologists need to know in a new age of assisted reproductive technology. Lupus Sci Med 2022; 9:9/1/e000840. [PMID: 36600642 DOI: 10.1136/lupus-2022-000840] [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: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Fertility is often a concern for women with SLE. In addition to known indirect factors that influence the ability of a woman with SLE to become pregnant, such as cytotoxic agents, other medications, advanced age and psychosocial effects of the disease, direct disease-related factors are believed to influence fertility. These include diminished ovarian reserve, menstrual irregularities (a function of disease activity) and the presence of antiphospholipid antibodies. The question of whether SLE intrinsically affects fertility, however, remains unanswered. In this review, we address known factors affecting fertility, assess current data regarding a direct impact of SLE on fertility and evaluate potential disease-related risk factors. We focus primarily on studies measuring anti-Müllerian hormone and antral follicle count, the most widely measured markers of ovarian reserve. Our goal is to provide information to rheumatologists faced with counselling patients with SLE regarding their fertility, family planning and options for assisted reproductive technologies, which now include fertility preservation through oocyte cryopreservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bessie Stamm
- Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Hospital for Special Surgery-Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA.,Barbara Volcker Center for Women and Rheumatic Disease, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, NY, USA
| | - Medha Barbhaiya
- Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Hospital for Special Surgery-Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA.,Barbara Volcker Center for Women and Rheumatic Disease, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, NY, USA.,Department of Population Health Sciences, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Caroline Siegel
- Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Hospital for Special Surgery-Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Sarah Lieber
- Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Hospital for Special Surgery-Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Michael Lockshin
- Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Hospital for Special Surgery-Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA.,Barbara Volcker Center for Women and Rheumatic Disease, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, NY, USA
| | - Lisa Sammaritano
- Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Hospital for Special Surgery-Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA .,Barbara Volcker Center for Women and Rheumatic Disease, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, NY, USA
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The Effect of Alternating High-Sucrose and Sucrose Free-Diets, and Intermittent One-Day Fasting on the Estrous Cycle and Sex Hormones in Female Rats. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14204350. [DOI: 10.3390/nu14204350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Revised: 10/11/2022] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Relationships between diet, sex hormone concentrations, and the estrous cycle are important from the perspective of infertility and estrogen-dependent disease prevention and treatment. Four dietary interventions reflecting modern eating behaviors were explored. The study involved 50 female rats divided into five feeding groups. The impact of the amount of sucrose consumed (9% and 18% of the dietary energy content), alternating high-sucrose and sucrose-free diets, and a high-sucrose diet combined with intermittent one-day fasting on the estrous cycle and sex hormone concentrations in female rats was assessed. Even low amounts of dietary sucrose (9% of the dietary energy content) were found to lead to increased estradiol (E2) concentrations and decreased progesterone (Pg) concentrations. A high-sucrose diet, even when periodically applied, additionally led to a reduced concentration of luteinizing hormone (LH). The largest changes in the hormones tested were observed with one-day fasting coupled with the high-sucrose diet; in addition, the estrous phase was shortened and the estrous cycle was disrupted. The results of this study show that both the amount of dietary sucrose and also its uptake pattern affect the estrous cycle and sex hormone concentrations in female rats.
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Oyelowo OT, Taire EO, Ajao OI. Skipping the first active meal appears to adversely alter reproductive function in female than male rats. Curr Res Physiol 2022; 5:414-420. [PMID: 36267644 PMCID: PMC9576489 DOI: 10.1016/j.crphys.2022.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
There is a growing consciousness about chrono-nutrition and its physiological functions. The human feeding pattern establishes three meals a day, meal timing however may not be adhered to. Previous studies have reported ovarian dysfunctions in breakfast skipping among females. In this study, the investigation was carried out on the effects of breakfast skipping on reproductive functions in the male rat and comparison, to the female rat. Eight-week-old animals (10 rats per group) were used to mimic post-adolescence. Rats are active at night thus the meal model was divided as follows. Female rats who had all three meals (ControlF), Female rats who had a no-first-active meal (NFAMF), Male rats who had all three meals (ControlM), and Male rats who had a no-first-active meal (NFAMM). All animals were fed the same amount of food every day. After the expiration of the four weeks experiment, serum testosterone, estrogen, Luteinising Hormone (LH) Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH), and prolactin (PRL) were quantified using ELISA. Sperm was also analyzed. There was a significant increase (p < 0.05) in the testosterone level and sperm count in the NFAMM compared to the ControlM while the estrogen level was significantly reduced in the NFAMF compared to the ControlF. LH, FSH, and PRL levels were significantly reduced in the NFAMF compared to the NFAMM. These findings further confirm that post-adolescent females are prone to breakfast skipping. The increase in testosterone levels and sperm count in the males establish that breakfast skipping might not interfere with the reproductive physiology in males as it does in females.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oluwakemi T. Oyelowo
- Corresponding author. Department of Physiology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria.
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Safari Hasanabad M, Ghorbanlou M, Masoumi R, Shokri S, Rostami B, Mirzaei-Alamouti H, Catt S, Green MP, Nejatbakhsh R. Effects of dietary supplementation of different oils and conjugated linoleic acid on the reproductive and metabolic aspects of male mice. Andrologia 2022; 54:e14598. [PMID: 36161725 DOI: 10.1111/and.14598] [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: 10/20/2021] [Revised: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The present study was carried out to examine first, if diets enriched with 320 g of the base diet with common dietary oils including fish oil, olive oil, hydrogenated sunflower seed (H-SFS) oil, flaxseed oil and sunflower seed oil (SFS) could induce weight gain and alter reproductive and metabolic characteristics of male mice. Second, whether the addition of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA, 10% of the diet) could ameliorate any negative effects. In this cross-sectional study, 90 four-week-old male NMRI mice were used in two consecutive experiments. A high level of dietary oils negatively affected some reproductive and metabolic characteristics of male mice (p < 0.05), specifically, sunflower seed oil enrichment resulted in higher HDL levels and apoptosis of germinal epithelial cells. An olive oil-enriched diet caused an increase in plasma triglyceride concentrations and germinal cell apoptosis, as well as a decrease in sperm concentration and perturbed spermatogenesis. When CLA was fed in conjunction with dietary oils it successfully mitigated some of the negative reproductive and metabolic characteristics. We conclude that male reproductive processes are affected by high dietary oils, even before signs of obesity are evident. Inclusion of dietary CLA may provide some benefit to offset negative effects, although further studies are required.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mehrdad Ghorbanlou
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Reza Masoumi
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Zanjan, Zanjan, Iran
| | - Saeed Shokri
- School of Rural Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Dubbo, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Behnam Rostami
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Zanjan, Zanjan, Iran
| | | | - Sally Catt
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Mark P Green
- School of BioSciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Reza Nejatbakhsh
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran
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Alesi S, Villani A, Mantzioris E, Takele WW, Cowan S, Moran LJ, Mousa A. Anti-Inflammatory Diets in Fertility: An Evidence Review. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14193914. [PMID: 36235567 PMCID: PMC9570802 DOI: 10.3390/nu14193914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2022] [Revised: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 09/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Infertility is a global health concern affecting 48 million couples and 186 million individuals worldwide. Infertility creates a significant economic and social burden for couples who wish to conceive and has been associated with suboptimal lifestyle factors, including poor diet and physical inactivity. Modifying preconception nutrition to better adhere with Food-Based Dietary Guidelines (FBDGs) is a non-invasive and potentially effective means for improving fertility outcomes. While several dietary patterns have been associated with fertility outcomes, the mechanistic links between diet and infertility remain unclear. A key mechanism outlined in the literature relates to the adverse effects of inflammation on fertility, potentially contributing to irregular menstrual cyclicity, implantation failure, and other negative reproductive sequelae. Therefore, dietary interventions which act to reduce inflammation may improve fertility outcomes. This review consistently shows that adherence to anti-inflammatory diets such as the Mediterranean diet (specifically, increased intake of monounsaturated and n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, flavonoids, and reduced intake of red and processed meat) improves fertility, assisted reproductive technology (ART) success, and sperm quality in men. Therefore, integration of anti-inflammatory dietary patterns as low-risk adjunctive fertility treatments may improve fertility partially or fully and reduce the need for prolonged or intensive pharmacological or surgical interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Alesi
- Monash Centre for Health Research and Implementation (MCHRI), School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3168, Australia
| | - Anthony Villani
- School of Health and Behavioural Sciences, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, QLD 4556, Australia
| | - Evangeline Mantzioris
- Clinical and Health Sciences & Alliance for Research in Nutrition, Exercise and Activity (ARENA), University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA 5001, Australia
| | - Wubet Worku Takele
- Monash Centre for Health Research and Implementation (MCHRI), School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3168, Australia
| | - Stephanie Cowan
- Monash Centre for Health Research and Implementation (MCHRI), School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3168, Australia
| | - Lisa J. Moran
- Monash Centre for Health Research and Implementation (MCHRI), School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3168, Australia
| | - Aya Mousa
- Monash Centre for Health Research and Implementation (MCHRI), School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3168, Australia
- Correspondence: ; Fax: +61-3-9594-7554
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Brink LR, Bender TM, Davies R, Luo H, Miketinas D, Shah N, Loveridge N, Gross G, Fawkes N. Optimizing Maternal Nutrition: The Importance of a Tailored Approach. Curr Dev Nutr 2022; 6:nzac118. [PMID: 36157850 PMCID: PMC9492153 DOI: 10.1093/cdn/nzac118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2022] [Revised: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Improving nutritional status during pregnancy is a global interest. Frequently, women either fail to meet or exceed nutrient recommendations. Current strategies to improve maternal nutrition focus on a "one-size-fits-all" approach and fail to consider individual factors that affect the mother's overall nutritional status. The objectives of this review were to determine the importance of key nutrients for optimal maternal and fetal health, to explore to what extent current recommendations consider individual factors, and to explore novel strategies to close the gap between current guidelines and real-world challenges through more personalized approaches. This review intercalated different nutritional guidelines and recent scientific publications and research initiatives related to maternal nutrition. Based on that, an overview of current recommendations, challenges related to present approaches, and perspectives for future directions are described. Current guidelines are not optimally supporting adequate nutrient intake and health of expectant mothers and their offspring. Existing recommendations are not consistent and do not sufficiently take into account how interindividual variation leads to differences in nutrient status. Personalized nutrition offers women the opportunity to improve their health by using strategies that are tailored to their unique nutritional needs. Such strategies can include personalized supplementation, holistic lifestyle interventions, digital and application-based technologies, and dietary assessment through blood biomarker and genetic analysis. However, these approaches warrant further investigation and optimization. More personalized approaches have the potential to optimize mothers' and their offspring's health outcomes more appropriately to their nutritional needs before, during, and after pregnancy. Moving away from a generalized "one-size-fits-all" approach can be achieved through a variety of means. Future aims should be to provide supporting evidence to create customized subpopulation-based or individualized recommendations, improve nutrition education, and develop novel approaches to improve adherence to dietary and lifestyle interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren R Brink
- Medical and Scientific Affairs, Reckitt/Mead Johnson Nutrition Institute, Evansville, IN, USA
| | - Tonya M Bender
- Medical and Scientific Affairs, Reckitt/Mead Johnson Nutrition Institute, Evansville, IN, USA
| | - Rosalind Davies
- Medical and Scientific Affairs, Reckitt/Mead Johnson Nutrition Institute, Slough, UK
| | | | - Derek Miketinas
- Nutrition and Food Sciences, Texas Woman's University, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Neil Shah
- Medical and Scientific Affairs, Reckitt/Mead Johnson Nutrition Institute, Slough, UK
| | - Nik Loveridge
- Medical and Scientific Affairs, Reckitt/Mead Johnson Nutrition Institute, Slough, UK
| | - Gabriele Gross
- Medical and Scientific Affairs, Reckitt/Mead Johnson Nutrition Institute, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Neil Fawkes
- Medical and Scientific Affairs, Reckitt/Mead Johnson Nutrition Institute, Slough, UK
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Kohil A, Chouliaras S, Alabduljabbar S, Lakshmanan AP, Ahmed SH, Awwad J, Terranegra A. Female infertility and diet, is there a role for a personalized nutritional approach in assisted reproductive technologies? A Narrative Review. Front Nutr 2022; 9:927972. [PMID: 35938101 PMCID: PMC9353397 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2022.927972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Female infertility is a major public health concern and a global challenge. It is a disorder of the reproductive system, defined as the inability to achieve a clinical pregnancy. Nutrition and other environmental factors are found to impact reproductive health in women as well as the outcome of assisted reproductive technologies (ART). Dietary factors, such as polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), fiber as well as the intake of Mediterranean diet appear to exert beneficial effects on female reproductive outcomes. The exact mechanisms associating diet to female fertility are yet to be identified, although genomic, epigenomic, and microbial pathways may be implicated. This review aims to summarize the current knowledge on the impact of dietary components on female reproduction and ART outcomes, and to discuss the relevant interplay of diet with genome, epigenome and microbial composition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amira Kohil
- Research Department, Sidra Medicine, Doha, Qatar
| | | | | | | | | | - Johnny Awwad
- Reproductive Medicine Unit, Sidra Medicine, Doha, Qatar
| | - Annalisa Terranegra
- Research Department, Sidra Medicine, Doha, Qatar
- *Correspondence: Annalisa Terranegra
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Claydon EA, Davidson DL, McCarty KM, Wang J. I Had to Go in a Bubble: Investigating the Effects of COVID-19 on Fertility Treatments and Nutrition. WOMEN'S HEALTH REPORTS (NEW ROCHELLE, N.Y.) 2022; 3:617-623. [PMID: 35814606 PMCID: PMC9258793 DOI: 10.1089/whr.2022.0028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Background: Individuals modify their lifestyles including nutrition to improve fertility. The COVID-19 pandemic limited access to clinical offices or resulted in the closure of fertility clinics. The pandemic also impacted diet through reduced availability and lifestyle choices. This article's purpose was to understand the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic on diet, lifestyle, and the course of fertility treatment. Methods: The research was conducted through qualitative data collected for a larger study regarding fertility and nutritional guidance. Thematic analysis from eight interviews was used to uncover major and subthemes among the transcripts. Results: The results showed two resulting main themes: disruption and distress on the fertility journey of these individuals, as well as the added stress of limited food access, which reduced their ability to continue their dietary choices. Conclusions: Our findings indicate substantial disruptions to food access and to individuals' fertility treatment during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. Recommendations from these findings suggest that consistent clinic policies can allow for increased support system integration. A further recommendation is the need for a multidisciplinary team to support the individuals going through fertility treatments, such as a registered dietitian to help meal plan around their diet protocol. A registered dietitian would be able to assist patients in making adjustments when faced with limited access to certain food resources as a result of the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth A Claydon
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, West Virginia University School of Public Health, Morgantown, West Virginia, USA
| | - Diana L Davidson
- Department of Sociology, West Virginia University Eberly College of Arts and Sciences, Morgantown, West Virginia, USA
| | - Kathleen M McCarty
- Child Health Research Center, The University of Queensland, Queensland, Australia
| | - Jeffrey Wang
- American Fertility Services, Greenwich, Connecticut, USA
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Crohn's Disease and Female Infertility: Can Nutrition Play a Supporting Role? Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14122423. [PMID: 35745153 PMCID: PMC9230147 DOI: 10.3390/nu14122423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Revised: 06/06/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Crohn's disease (CD) is a chronic inflammatory disease (IBD) that can affect the entire gastrointestinal tract in a non-continuous mode. CD is generally diagnosed most commonly between 15 and 35 years of age and may affect female fertility. The role of diet in supporting wellbeing outcome and reproductive potential in women is well-known; however, no effective efforts have been made to improve women's awareness in CD. Our review aims to describe the burden of CD on women's fertility, reporting the most relevant nutrients that support reproductive function to ensure women diagnosed with IBD an adequate health-related quality of life.
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Sweet L, Vasilevski V. Women's experiences of pregnancy and lactation after bariatric surgery: A scoping review. Midwifery 2022; 110:103338. [DOI: 10.1016/j.midw.2022.103338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Revised: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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Kellow NJ, Le Cerf J, Horta F, Dordevic AL, Bennett CJ. The Effect of Dietary Patterns on Clinical Pregnancy and Live Birth Outcomes in Men and Women Receiving Assisted Reproductive Technologies: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Adv Nutr 2022; 13:857-874. [PMID: 35293975 PMCID: PMC9156378 DOI: 10.1093/advances/nmac023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Revised: 01/05/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The nutritional status of reproductive-aged couples can have a significant impact on fertility status, but the effect of dietary patterns on pregnancy outcomes in people using assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs) is currently unknown. This review aimed to synthesize the published research investigating the relation between preconception dietary patterns and clinical pregnancy or live birth in men and women of reproductive age undergoing ART. Six electronic databases were systematically searched for original research published between January 1978 and June 2021. Original research reporting on the effect of predefined dietary patterns on either clinical pregnancy and/or live birth rates following in vitro fertilization (IVF) or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) in men and women aged 18-49 y was eligible for inclusion. Studies were assessed for risk of bias according to the Cochrane guidelines. Included studies underwent qualitative and quantitative synthesis using random-effects model meta-analyses. Thirteen studies (12 cohort studies, 1 randomized controlled trial) reporting on 3638 participants (93% female) were included in the review. All studies had a moderate-high risk of bias. In individual studies, maternal adherence to 4 dietary patterns [Mediterranean diet (RR: 1.22; 95% CI: 1.05, 1.43), novel profertility diet (OR: 1.43; 95% CI: 1.19, 1.72), Iranian traditional medicine diet (OR: 3.9; 95% CI: 1.2, 12.8), Dutch national dietary recommendations diet (OR: 1.65; 95% CI: 1.08, 2.52)] was associated with increased likelihood of achieving a clinical pregnancy, while 2 dietary patterns [novel profertility diet (OR: 1.53; 95% CI: 1.26, 1.85), Mediterranean diet (RR: 1.25; 95% CI: 1.07, 1.45)] were associated with increased probability of live birth. Meta-analyses showed an association between adherence to the Mediterranean dietary pattern and live birth across 2 studies (OR: 1.98; 95% CI: 1.17, 3.35; I2 = 29%, n = 355), but no association with clinical pregnancy. As the relation between dietary patterns and ART outcomes is currently inconsistent, higher-quality nutrition research is required to further explore this emerging field of interest (PROSPERO registration: CRD42020188194).
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jake Le Cerf
- Monash University Department of Nutrition, Dietetics, and Food, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Fabrizzio Horta
- Monash Health Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia,Monash IVF, Clayton, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Aimee L Dordevic
- Monash University Department of Nutrition, Dietetics, and Food, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Christie J Bennett
- Monash University Department of Nutrition, Dietetics, and Food, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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Salas-Huetos A, Mínguez-Alarcón L, Mitsunami M, Arvizu M, Ford JB, Souter I, Yeste M, Chavarro JE. Paternal adherence to healthy dietary patterns in relation to sperm parameters and outcomes of assisted reproductive technologies. Fertil Steril 2022; 117:298-312. [PMID: 34920872 PMCID: PMC8821200 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2021.10.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Revised: 10/14/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate whether men's adherence to dietary patterns promoted for the prevention of cardiovascular disease is associated with semen parameters and couples' assisted reproductive technology (ART) outcomes. DESIGN Prospective cohort study. SETTING Fertility center at an academic medical center. PATIENT(S) A total of 245 men and their female partners who underwent 438 ART cycles between 2007 and 2020. INTERVENTION(S) Male pretreatment dietary intake was assessed with a 131-item food frequency questionnaire from which we calculated eight a priori defined scores: Trichopoulou Mediterranean, Alternate Mediterranean, Panagiotakos Mediterranean, Healthy Eating Index, Alternative Healthy Eating Index, American Heart Association, Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension, and Plant-based. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) The primary outcome was live births per treatment cycle. The secondary outcomes were fertilization, implantation, and clinical pregnancy and seminogram parameters. RESULT(S) There was an inverse association between greater adherence by men to the Panagiotakos Mediterranean diet and the American Heart Association dietary pattern and lower fertilization rate. However, there were no significant associations between men's adherence to any of the analyzed dietary patterns and the probabilities of implantation, clinical pregnancy, or live birth in multivariable-adjusted models. No significant differences in any of the semen parameters were found between participants of the lowest quartile and those of the highest quartile of the eight dietary patterns. CONCLUSION(S) These findings suggest that men's adherence to several a priori defined dietary scores with documented cardiovascular benefits is not related to major outcomes of infertility treatment with ART or semen quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Albert Salas-Huetos
- Department of Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Lidia Mínguez-Alarcón
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Makiko Mitsunami
- Department of Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Mariel Arvizu
- Department of Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jennifer B. Ford
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Irene Souter
- Massachusetts General Hospital Fertility Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Marc Yeste
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, Girona, Spain.,Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, Girona, Spain
| | - Jorge E. Chavarro
- Department of Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA.,Corresponding author: Jorge E. Chavarro, Department of Nutrition and Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, 655 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
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Peral-Sanchez I, Hojeij B, Ojeda DA, Steegers-Theunissen RPM, Willaime-Morawek S. Epigenetics in the Uterine Environment: How Maternal Diet and ART May Influence the Epigenome in the Offspring with Long-Term Health Consequences. Genes (Basel) 2021; 13:31. [PMID: 35052371 PMCID: PMC8774448 DOI: 10.3390/genes13010031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2021] [Revised: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The societal burden of non-communicable disease is closely linked with environmental exposures and lifestyle behaviours, including the adherence to a poor maternal diet from the earliest preimplantation period of the life course onwards. Epigenetic variations caused by a compromised maternal nutritional status can affect embryonic development. This review summarises the main epigenetic modifications in mammals, especially DNA methylation, histone modifications, and ncRNA. These epigenetic changes can compromise the health of the offspring later in life. We discuss different types of nutritional stressors in human and animal models, such as maternal undernutrition, seasonal diets, low-protein diet, high-fat diet, and synthetic folic acid supplement use, and how these nutritional exposures epigenetically affect target genes and their outcomes. In addition, we review the concept of thrifty genes during the preimplantation period, and some examples that relate to epigenetic change and diet. Finally, we discuss different examples of maternal diets, their effect on outcomes, and their relationship with assisted reproductive technology (ART), including their implications on epigenetic modifications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Peral-Sanchez
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK; (D.A.O.); (S.W.-M.)
| | - Batoul Hojeij
- Department Obstetrics and Gynecology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, 3000 CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands; (B.H.); (R.P.M.S.-T.)
| | - Diego A. Ojeda
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK; (D.A.O.); (S.W.-M.)
| | - Régine P. M. Steegers-Theunissen
- Department Obstetrics and Gynecology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, 3000 CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands; (B.H.); (R.P.M.S.-T.)
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Costa MMD, Andrade CB, Soares FVG, Belfort GP. The relationship between overweight and female infertility. REVISTA CIÊNCIAS EM SAÚDE 2021. [DOI: 10.21876/rcshci.v11i4.1167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Excessive weight seems to negatively influence fertility, and as it is a modifiable factor, understanding this relationship can contribute to infertility treatment. Adipose tissue is responsible for releasing several hormones and cytokines related to the reproductive system, such as leptin, TNF-a, and Interleukin-6, substances that can negatively impact female fertility. Additionally, a woman's diet and lifestyle can influence body weight and fertility. Food consumption, characterized by a high intake of foods with high energy density, high levels of sugar, saturated fat, and poor nutrients, as well as physical inactivity, can favor excessive weight. Thus, losing body weight obtained through a healthy diet associated with physical activity may restore fertility in overweight women.
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Setti AS, Halpern G, Braga DPDAF, Iaconelli A, Borges E. Maternal lifestyle and nutritional habits are associated with oocyte quality and ICSI clinical outcomes. Reprod Biomed Online 2021; 44:370-379. [PMID: 34857474 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2021.08.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2021] [Revised: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 08/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
RESEARCH QUESTION Do maternal lifestyle factors influence the incidence of oocyte dimorphisms and outcomes of intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) cycles? DESIGN A total of 752 female patients undergoing an ICSI cycle at a private university-affiliated IVF centre from January 2015 to December 2019 were included in this historical cohort study. Before starting ovarian stimulation, participants completed a questionnaire on cigarette smoking habits, consumption of alcoholic beverages, refined sugar, artificial sweeteners, soft drinks, fruits, legumes and vegetables, milk and dairy, and meat, as well as exercise frequency over the past 6 months. Oocyte morphology was evaluated before ICSI. The influence of maternal lifestyle factors on the incidence of oocyte dimorphisms and ICSI outcomes was evaluated by multivariate general linear models and generalized linear models, adjusted for potential confounders. The main outcome measures were the incidence of oocyte dimorphisms per cycle and clinical outcomes. RESULTS Lifestyle factors and nutritional habits such as cigarette smoking, and the consumption of alcohol, refined sugar and artificial sweeteners, were positively associated with incidence of several oocyte dimorphisms and negatively associated with the response to ovarian stimulation and embryo development. Negative relationships were also observed between these habits and clinical outcomes, apart from miscarriage rate, in which positive relationships were observed. Significant negative dose-dependent relationships between these habits and implantation rates were noted (P < 0.001). Alcoholic beverage consumption also showed inverse dose-dependent relationships with clinical pregnancy and live birth rates. Live birth rate was also negatively associated with cigarette smoking, in a dose-dependent manner. CONCLUSIONS Poor maternal habits were associated with reduced oocyte quality and ICSI outcomes in this study. Many of these associations were shown to be dose-dependent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Souza Setti
- Fertility Medical Group, Av. Brigadeiro Luis Antonio, 4545, São Paulo - SP 01401-002, Brazil; Sapientiae Institute - Centro de Estudos e Pesquisa em Reprodução Humana Assistida, Rua Vieira Maciel, 62, São Paulo - SP 04503-040, Brazil.
| | - Gabriela Halpern
- Fertility Medical Group, Av. Brigadeiro Luis Antonio, 4545, São Paulo - SP 01401-002, Brazil
| | - Daniela Paes de Almeida Ferreira Braga
- Fertility Medical Group, Av. Brigadeiro Luis Antonio, 4545, São Paulo - SP 01401-002, Brazil; Sapientiae Institute - Centro de Estudos e Pesquisa em Reprodução Humana Assistida, Rua Vieira Maciel, 62, São Paulo - SP 04503-040, Brazil
| | - Assumpto Iaconelli
- Fertility Medical Group, Av. Brigadeiro Luis Antonio, 4545, São Paulo - SP 01401-002, Brazil; Sapientiae Institute - Centro de Estudos e Pesquisa em Reprodução Humana Assistida, Rua Vieira Maciel, 62, São Paulo - SP 04503-040, Brazil
| | - Edson Borges
- Fertility Medical Group, Av. Brigadeiro Luis Antonio, 4545, São Paulo - SP 01401-002, Brazil; Sapientiae Institute - Centro de Estudos e Pesquisa em Reprodução Humana Assistida, Rua Vieira Maciel, 62, São Paulo - SP 04503-040, Brazil
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Fawcett K, Martinez A, Crimmins M, Sims C, Børsheim E, Andres A. Effect of a dietary and exercise intervention in women with overweight and obesity undergoing fertility treatments: protocol for a randomized controlled trial. BMC Nutr 2021; 7:51. [PMID: 34399856 PMCID: PMC8367391 DOI: 10.1186/s40795-021-00454-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2020] [Accepted: 07/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Distinct molecular, inflammatory, and metabolic signatures are present in oocytes and follicular fluid derived from women with obesity when compared to those derived from normal weight women, which suggest existing signals that may program future offspring for metabolic diseases. This study aims to assess the feasibility and efficacy of a peri-conception nutrition and exercise intervention on mitigating obesity-associated changes in oocyte gene expression profiles and follicular fluid metabolites. METHODS This single blinded randomized control trial will include 120 women with a BMI of 25-45 kg/m2, ≥21 years of age, and undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatments. Participants will be randomized to standard of care (N = 60) or an intervention group (N = 60) in a block design by polycystic ovary syndrome status. The intervention will combine a dietary component (Mediterranean meal plan) with exercise prescription following the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans. Participants will be assessed pre- and post-intervention. The standard of care group will be offered to join the intervention group if the IVF treatments are unsuccessful as a cross over design. Recruitment is anticipated to start in July of 2021. Primary outcomes will include single oocyte gene expression profiles and follicular fluid metabolites. Mann-Whitney U nonparametric tests will be used to assess potential differences for each stratum. Follicular fluid and serum metabolites will be analyzed using a one-factor Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) at four levels, pair-wise comparisons using Tukey-Kramer post-hoc tests will be used to identify groups whose means differ significantly while retaining the family-wise error rate at 5%. When the design is balanced, two-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), or non-parametric Friedman test will be used in data analysis. Additionally, general linear models and ANCOVA may be used to control for covariates. Significance will be set at p < 0.05. Findings will be disseminated via peer-reviewed manuscripts and presentations at scientific conferences. DISCUSSION This study will provide novel data and key information on the impact of a dietary and exercise intervention on oocyte gene expression and follicular fluid content. Results will demonstrate the potential of such intervention in mitigating obesity-induced changes in oocyte gene expression and follicular fluid metabolites. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov ( NCT04273048 ): submitted November 13, 2019; posted February 17, 2020.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kindann Fawcett
- Arkansas Children's Nutrition Center, 15 Children's Way, Slot 512-20B, Little Rock, AR, 72202, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Audrey Martinez
- Arkansas Children's Nutrition Center, 15 Children's Way, Slot 512-20B, Little Rock, AR, 72202, USA
| | - Meghan Crimmins
- Arkansas Children's Nutrition Center, 15 Children's Way, Slot 512-20B, Little Rock, AR, 72202, USA
| | - Clark Sims
- Arkansas Children's Nutrition Center, 15 Children's Way, Slot 512-20B, Little Rock, AR, 72202, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Elisabet Børsheim
- Arkansas Children's Nutrition Center, 15 Children's Way, Slot 512-20B, Little Rock, AR, 72202, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA.,Arkansas Children's Research Institute, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Aline Andres
- Arkansas Children's Nutrition Center, 15 Children's Way, Slot 512-20B, Little Rock, AR, 72202, USA. .,Department of Pediatrics, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA. .,Arkansas Children's Research Institute, Little Rock, AR, USA.
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Do dietary patterns and morbidities have a relationship with primary infertility among women? A study from NFHS-4 (2015-16), India. J Biosoc Sci 2021; 54:682-697. [PMID: 34140048 DOI: 10.1017/s0021932021000274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
This study assessed the rate of primary infertility and its associated factors among 402,807 currently married women aged 20-49 years in India using National Family Health Survey-4 data collected in 2015-2016. Dietary patterns and selected morbidities were included as independent variables, and socioeconomic variables were considered as covariates. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were done to estimate the prevalence of primary infertility and assess its association with the selected variables, respectively. The rate of primary infertility among currently married women in India in 2015-16 was 1.9% and this was significantly associated with younger age (<35 years), higher age at marriage (≥18 years), urban residence, higher secondary or above education and poverty. The consumption of dairy products (OR = 0.79, CI = 0.73-0.86), dark green leafy vegetables (OR = 0.57, CI = 0.39-0.81) and fruit (OR = 0.88, CI = 0.77-1.01) significantly reduced the odds of primary infertility. Daily consumption of fish and aerated drinks was related to 1.06-1.21 times higher odds of primary infertility. Overweight/obesity, high blood pressure and high blood glucose levels were associated with 1.08-1.21 times elevated odds of primary infertility. Thyroid disorder (OR = 1.38, CI = 1.21-1.60), heart disease (OR = 1.17, CI = 1.16-1.19) and severe anaemia (OR = 1.24, CI = 1.00-1.53) were associated with an increased likelihood of primary infertility among women (OR 1.17-1.39, CI 1.00-1.60). The findings provide compelling evidence that primary infertility among women is related to dietary patterns and morbidities. Interventions and programmes targeting the promotion of healthy diets and lifestyles could be beneficial in addressing the issue of primary infertility among women.
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Kudesia R, Alexander M, Gulati M, Kennard A, Tollefson M. Dietary Approaches to Women's Sexual and Reproductive Health. Am J Lifestyle Med 2021; 15:414-424. [PMID: 34366740 DOI: 10.1177/15598276211007113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2021] [Revised: 03/11/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Over the course of the reproductive life span, it is common for women to experience one or more of the most common gynecologic conditions, including sexual dysfunction, polycystic ovary syndrome, fibroids, endometriosis, and infertility. Although current management guidelines often turn to the established pharmaceutical approaches for each of these diagnoses, the scientific literature also supports an evidence-based approach rooted in the paradigm of food as medicine. Achieving healthy dietary patterns is a core goal of lifestyle medicine, and a plant-forward approach akin to the Mediterranean diet holds great promise for improving many chronic gynecologic diseases. Furthermore, creating an optimal preconception environment from a nutritional standpoint may facilitate epigenetic signaling, thus improving the health of future generations. This state-of-the-art review explores the literature connecting diet with sexual and reproductive health in premenopausal women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rashmi Kudesia
- Houston Methodist Hospital and CCRM Fertility Houston, Texas
| | | | - Mahima Gulati
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, Middlesex Health, Middletown, Connecticut
| | - Anne Kennard
- Marian Regional Medical Center, San Luis Obispo, California
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Hartman TJ, Fung JL, Hsiao PY, Fan W, Mitchell DC, Goldman MB. Dietary Energy Density and Fertility: Results from the Lifestyle and Fertility Study. Curr Dev Nutr 2021; 5:nzab075. [PMID: 34084994 PMCID: PMC8163416 DOI: 10.1093/cdn/nzab075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2021] [Revised: 04/20/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Diet is a modifiable lifestyle factor linked with fertility in a growing number of studies. OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to evaluate the association between dietary energy density (ED), a summary measure of diet quality that estimates the amount of energy per unit food (kcal/g) consumed, and conception and pregnancy outcomes. METHODS A prospective cohort study of couples planning their first pregnancy was conducted in the Northeast region of the USA. Dietary data were collected prior to conception via 3 unannounced interviewer-administered 24-h dietary recalls. Multivariable-adjusted logistic regression (ORs and Cox proportional hazards models [RR] and 95% CIs) were estimated for continuous and categorical (tertile [T]) variables of dietary ED. RESULTS The majority of women (n = 80; 61%) achieved clinical pregnancy. Median time to conception of a clincal pregnancy(TTC) for those who conceived was 4.64 mo with an IQR of 4.37 mo. ED modeled as a continuous variable was not associated with clinical pregnancy, live birth, or TTC after controlling for race, physical activity, and male partner's ED. When ED was categorized to consider nonlinear associations, 60%, 73%, and 50% of the participants in the tertiles (from lowest ED to highest) achieved clinical pregnancy. In multivariable logistic analyses with the middle group as the referent (ED = 1.37-1.60), membership in the highest ED group (ED >1.60) was associated with lower odds of clinical pregnancy (OR = 0.30; 95% CI: 0.11, 0.81, P = 0.02). In Cox proportional hazards analyses, membership in the highest ED group was associated with significantly longer TTC compared with the middle category (HR = 0.41; 95% CI: 0.21,0.82, P = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that high dietary ED is associated with reduced fertility.This study evaluated associations between dietary energy density and the probability of conceiving clinical pregnancy, having a live birth, and the time to conception among couples planning pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Terryl J Hartman
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Emory Prevention Research Center , Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - June L Fung
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH, USA
| | - Pao Ying Hsiao
- Department of Food and Nutrition, Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Indiana, PA, USA
| | - Wenyi Fan
- Department of Biostatistics, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Diane C Mitchell
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
| | - Marlene B Goldman
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH, USA
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Guards! Guards! How innate lymphoid cells ensure local law and order. Biomed J 2021; 44:105-111. [PMID: 33994144 PMCID: PMC8178564 DOI: 10.1016/j.bj.2021.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
This special issue of the Biomedical Journal is dedicated to the latest official recruits in the field of immunology: innate lymphoid cells, the tissue-resident sentinels and first responders to damage or invasion. Subsequently, we consider extracellular vesicle release during bacterial infection, how immunomodulation can avoid compromising Mycobacterium tuberculosis clearance, and how innate immunity jeopardises the organism during rheumatoid arthritis. Moreover, we ponder over the predictive value of cardiac troponin in influenza, the virtues of cashew nuts and bilirubin, as well as holes in the heart. Finally, we learn that mandibular movement during swallowing increases with the vertical dimension of occlusion, and that early controlled relaxation incisions restore the blood supply to the extremities in harlequin ichthyosis neonates.
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Jardim NS, Müller SG, Nogueira CW. Swimming training mitigates the sex-specific hepatic disruption caused by a high-calorie diet: The putative modulation of Nrf2/Keap-1 pathway in male mice. Cell Biochem Funct 2021; 39:646-657. [PMID: 33720434 DOI: 10.1002/cbf.3631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2020] [Revised: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
This study investigated whether swimming protocol induces adaptations to sex-specific oxidative stress and Nrf2/Keap-1 pathway in the liver of mice fed a high-calorie diet (HCD) during the early life period. Male and female Swiss mice were fed a standard or high-calorie (enriched with 20% lard and 20% corn syrup) diets, and the trained mice were subjected to a swimming protocol (5 days/week) from 21st to 49th postnatal days. Males fed a HCD had more pronounced alterations in all parameters evaluated than females. Although there was no increase in body weight, the fat deposition was higher in male mice exposed to diet. The intake of HCD induced dyslipidemia mainly in males. In a sex-dependent manner, the hepatic markers of oxidative damage, antioxidant defences, and a sensitive sulfhydryl protein were altered in mice fed a HCD. Swimming counteracted dyslipidemia, hepatic oxidative stress, and the Nrf2/Keap-1 signalling downregulation, in a sex-dependent manner, in mice exposed to a HCD. These findings demonstrate that a non-pharmacological therapy, swimming protocol, contributed to adaptations of sex-specific hepatic oxidative stress and Nrf2/Keap-1 regulation in male mice fed a HCD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natália Silva Jardim
- Laboratório de Síntese, Reatividade e Avaliação Farmacológica e Toxicológica de Organocalcogênios, Centro de Ciências Naturais e Exatas, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Santa Maria, Brazil
| | - Sabrina Grendene Müller
- Laboratório de Síntese, Reatividade e Avaliação Farmacológica e Toxicológica de Organocalcogênios, Centro de Ciências Naturais e Exatas, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Santa Maria, Brazil
| | - Cristina Wayne Nogueira
- Laboratório de Síntese, Reatividade e Avaliação Farmacológica e Toxicológica de Organocalcogênios, Centro de Ciências Naturais e Exatas, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Santa Maria, Brazil
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Finger DS, Whitehead KM, Phipps DN, Ables ET. Nuclear receptors linking physiology and germline stem cells in Drosophila. VITAMINS AND HORMONES 2021; 116:327-362. [PMID: 33752824 PMCID: PMC8063499 DOI: 10.1016/bs.vh.2020.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Maternal nutrition and physiology are intimately associated with reproductive success in diverse organisms. Despite decades of study, the molecular mechanisms linking maternal diet to the production and quality of oocytes remain poorly defined. Nuclear receptors (NRs) link nutritional signals to cellular responses and are essential for oocyte development. The fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster, is an excellent genetically tractable model to study the relationship between NR signaling and oocyte production. In this review, we explore how NRs in Drosophila regulate the earliest stages of oocyte development. Long-recognized as an essential mediator of developmental transitions, we focus on the intrinsic roles of the Ecdysone Receptor and its ligand, ecdysone, in oogenesis. We also review recent studies suggesting broader roles for NRs as regulators of maternal physiology and their impact specifically on oocyte production. We propose that NRs form the molecular basis of a broad physiological surveillance network linking maternal diet with oocyte production. Given the functional conservation between Drosophila and humans, continued experimental investigation into the molecular mechanisms by which NRs promote oogenesis will likely aid our understanding of human fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle S Finger
- Department of Biology, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, United States
| | - Kaitlin M Whitehead
- Department of Biology, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, United States
| | - Daniel N Phipps
- Department of Biology, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, United States
| | - Elizabeth T Ables
- Department of Biology, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, United States.
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Supporting maternal and child nutrition: views from community members in rural Northern Ghana. Public Health Nutr 2020; 24:3719-3726. [PMID: 32972484 DOI: 10.1017/s136898002000302x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Despite efforts to improve maternal and child nutrition, undernutrition remains a major public health challenge in Ghana. The current study explored community perceptions of undernutrition and context-specific interventions that could improve maternal and child nutrition in rural Northern Ghana. DESIGN This exploratory qualitative study used ten focus group discussions to gather primary data. The discussions were recorded, transcribed and coded into themes using Nvivo 12 software to aid thematic analysis. SETTING The study was conducted in rural Kassena-Nankana Districts of Northern Ghana. STUDY PARTICIPANTS Thirty-three men and fifty-one women aged 18-50 years were randomly selected from the community. RESULTS Most participants reported poverty, lack of irrigated agricultural land and poor harvests as the main barriers to optimal nutrition. To improve maternal and child nutrition, study participants suggested that the construction of dams at the community level would facilitate all year round farming including rearing of animals. Participants perceived that the provision of agricultural materials such as high yield seedlings, pesticides and fertiliser would help boost agricultural productivity. They also recommended community-based nutrition education by trained health volunteers, focused on types of locally produced foods and appropriate ways to prepare them to help improve maternal and child nutrition. CONCLUSION Drawing on these findings and existing literature, we argue that supporting community initiated nutrition interventions such as improved irrigation for dry season farming, provision of agricultural inputs and community education could improve maternal and child nutrition.
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Moulton MJ, Humphreys GB, Kim A, Letsou A. O-GlcNAcylation Dampens Dpp/BMP Signaling to Ensure Proper Drosophila Embryonic Development. Dev Cell 2020; 53:330-343.e3. [DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2020.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2019] [Revised: 01/15/2020] [Accepted: 03/31/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
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Franzago M, Santurbano D, Vitacolonna E, Stuppia L. Genes and Diet in the Prevention of Chronic Diseases in Future Generations. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21072633. [PMID: 32290086 PMCID: PMC7178197 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21072633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2020] [Revised: 03/30/2020] [Accepted: 04/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Nutrition is a modifiable key factor that is able to interact with both the genome and epigenome to influence human health and fertility. In particular, specific genetic variants can influence the response to dietary components and nutrient requirements, and conversely, the diet itself is able to modulate gene expression. In this context and the era of precision medicine, nutrigenetic and nutrigenomic studies offer significant opportunities to improve the prevention of metabolic disturbances, such as Type 2 diabetes, gestational diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular diseases, even with transgenerational effects. The present review takes into account the interactions between diet, genes and human health, and provides an overview of the role of nutrigenetics, nutrigenomics and epigenetics in the prevention of non-communicable diseases. Moreover, we focus our attention on the mechanism of intergenerational or transgenerational transmission of the susceptibility to metabolic disturbances, and underline that the reversibility of epigenetic modifications through dietary intervention could counteract perturbations induced by lifestyle and environmental factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marica Franzago
- Department of Medicine and Aging, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, ‘G. d’Annunzio’ University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), ‘G. d’Annunzio’ University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | | | - Ester Vitacolonna
- Department of Medicine and Aging, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, ‘G. d’Annunzio’ University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), ‘G. d’Annunzio’ University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
- Correspondence:
| | - Liborio Stuppia
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), ‘G. d’Annunzio’ University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
- Department of Psychological, Health and Territorial Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, ‘G. d’Annunzio’ University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
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Stoffel W, Schmidt-Soltau I, Binczek E, Thomas A, Thevis M, Wegner I. Dietary ω3-and ω6-Polyunsaturated fatty acids reconstitute fertility of Juvenile and adult Fads2-Deficient mice. Mol Metab 2020; 36:100974. [PMID: 32272092 PMCID: PMC7153284 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmet.2020.100974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2020] [Revised: 03/06/2020] [Accepted: 03/06/2020] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), including essential fatty acids linoleic and α-linolenic acid and derived long chain and very long chain ω3-and ω6-polyunsaturated fatty acids, are vital structures in mammalian membrane systems and signaling molecules, pivotal in brain development, lipid, and energy metabolism and in female and male fertility during human evolution. Numerous nutritional studies suggest imbalance of PUFA metabolism as a critical factor in the pathogenesis of several human lifestyle diseases: dyslipoproteinemia, obesity, cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases, and infertility. The lack of unbiased animal models impedes molecular interpretation of the role of synthesized and dietary supplied PUFAs in these conditions. In this study, we used a Δ6 fatty acid desaturase (FADS2) deficient mouse mutant lacking key enzyme activity in the biosynthesis of ω3-and ω6-PUFAs from EFAs to address the molecular role of PUFAs in female and male fertility. Infertility is a hallmark of the pleiotropic but auxotrophic fads2−/− phenotype and is therefore helpful for stringent dietary studies on the role of individual PUFAs. Methods Feeding regimens: Age- and gender-matched infertile fads2−/− mice were maintained on defined diets, normal diet containing essential fatty acids, and supplemented with ω6-arachidonic acid, ω3-docosahexaenoic acid, and arachidonic/docosahexaenoic acid, starting (a) after weaning and (b) initiated in 4-month-old female and male fads2−/− mice. Phospho- and sphingolipidomes of ovarian and testicular membrane lipid bilayers in each cohort were established and the impact on the expression and topology of membrane marker proteins, membrane morphology, germ cell development, and female and male fertility in the respective cohorts was elaborated. Results PUFA synthesis deficiency caused a halt to folliculogenesis, atresia of oocytes, and infertility of fads2−/− female mice. A PUFA-deficient membrane lipid bilayer core structure led to the disassembly of the gap junction network of the follicular granulosa cells. In fads2−/− testis, the blood-testis barrier was disrupted and spermatogenesis arrested, leading to infertility. Sustained supply of combined AA and DHA remodeled the PUFA-deficient ovarian and testicular membrane lipidomes, facilitating the reassembly of the functional gap junction network for regular ovarian cycles and the reconstitution of the blood-testis barrier in Sertoli cells, reconstituting fertility not only in developing newborns, but surprisingly also in adult infertile fads2−/− mice. Conclusions These findings demonstrate the previously unrecognized membrane structure-based molecular link between nutrient ω3-and ω6-PUFAs, gonadal membrane structures, and female and male fertility and might foster studies of the pivotal role of dietary PUFAs in human fertility. PUFA-depletion disrupts membrane lipid scaffolds of ovarian GJ- and TJ-complexes of the testicular BTB Nutrient AA/DHA reconstitute the gonadal membrane bilayer architecture in auxotrophioc fads2-/- mice AA/DHA replenished lipid-bilayers promote the assembly of follicular GJ- and BTB-protein complexes in fads2-/- mice Nutrient AA/DHA release arrest of oo- and spermatogenesis, restoring fertility of newborn and adult fads2-/- mice
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Affiliation(s)
- Wilhelm Stoffel
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, Institute of Biochemistry, University of Cologne, 50931, Cologne, Germany; CMMC (Center for Molecular Medicine), Faculty of Medicine, University of Cologne, 50931, Cologne, Germany; CECAD (Cluster of Excellence: Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases), University of Cologne, 50931, Cologne, Germany.
| | - Inga Schmidt-Soltau
- CMMC (Center for Molecular Medicine), Faculty of Medicine, University of Cologne, 50931, Cologne, Germany
| | - Erika Binczek
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, Institute of Biochemistry, University of Cologne, 50931, Cologne, Germany
| | - Andreas Thomas
- Institute of Biochemistry, Deutsche Sporthochschule Cologne, 50933, Cologne, Germany
| | - Mario Thevis
- Institute of Biochemistry, Deutsche Sporthochschule Cologne, 50933, Cologne, Germany
| | - Ina Wegner
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, Institute of Biochemistry, University of Cologne, 50931, Cologne, Germany
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