Abstract
BackgroundReproductive capacity can be altered by challenges experienced during critical periods of development, including fetal development and early neonatal life. Gossypol is a polyphenolic compound, commonly found in cotton seeds, that impairs male reproduction. Here, we investigated whether the exposure to gossypol in utero and during lactation alters male reproductive function in sheep. From conception until 60 days postpartum, ewes were randomly assigned to a control diet or a gossypol-rich diet based on cottonseed. Lamb testicles were removed at 60 days of age and subjected to RNA-sequencing.ResultsLambs derived from the maternal cottonseed diet showed significantly lower growth and lower testis weight as a proportion of the total body weight, and reduced testosterone levels. In addition, the testis transcriptome was significantly altered by the maternal cottonseed diet. Most of the altered genes are directly implicated in testis development and sperm biology, cell communication, iron ion metabolism, calcium homeostasis and signaling, among other functions. Interestingly, network analysis revealed that exposure to gossypol significantly disturbed coexpression patterns among spermatogenesis-related genes, suggesting a disruption in coregulation mechanisms.ConclusionsOur findings provide evidence that maternal exposure to gossypol alters male reproductive function in the offspring, with potential lasting or lifelong negative consequences.
Highlights
Reproductive capacity can be altered by challenges experienced during critical periods of development, including fetal development and early neonatal life
Lambs exposed to gossypol showed lower milk intake, lower body weight gain and lower gonadosomatic index when compared to lambs exposed to a control diet (P-value ≤0.05, Table 1)
These findings suggest that gestational and lactation exposure to gossypol impacts the development of the offspring, which in turn may have long-term consequences
Summary
Reproductive capacity can be altered by challenges experienced during critical periods of development, including fetal development and early neonatal life. Gossypol is a polyphenolic compound, commonly found in cotton seeds, that impairs male reproduction. A phenolic compound (C30H30O8), is found in the roots and foliage of the cotton plant, but its greatest concentration is in the seeds. This secondary plant compound has negative effects on mammalian cell metabolism [1]. The bound form is synthesized via covalent bonds between free gossypol and the free epsilon-amino groups from lysine and arginine [2].
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