Maternal Environment Research Articles

Host-gut microbiota interactions during pregnancy.

Mammalian pregnancy is characterized by a well-known suite of physiological changes that support fetal growth and development, thereby positively affecting both maternal and offspring fitness. However, mothers also experience trade-offs between current and future maternal reproductive success, and maternal responses to these trade-offs can result in mother-offspring fitness conflicts. Knowledge of the mechanisms through which these trade-offs operate, as well as the contexts in which they operate, is critical for understanding the evolution of reproduction. Historically, hormonal changes during pregnancy have been thought to play a pivotal role in these conflicts since they directly and indirectly influence maternal metabolism, immunity, fetal growth and other aspects of offspring development. However, recent research suggests that gut microbiota may also play an important role. Here, we create a foundation for exploring this role by constructing a mechanistic model linking changes in maternal hormones, immunity and metabolism during pregnancy to changes in the gut microbiota. We posit that marked changes in hormones alter maternal gut microbiome composition and function both directly and indirectly via impacts on the immune system. The gut microbiota then feeds back to influence maternal immunity and metabolism. We posit that these dynamics are likely to be involved in mediating maternal and offspring fitness as well as trade-offs in different aspects of maternal and offspring health and fitness during pregnancy. We also predict that the interactions we describe are likely to vary across populations in response to maternal environments. Moving forward, empirical studies that combine microbial functional data and maternal physiological data with health and fitness outcomes for both mothers and infants will allow us to test the evolutionary and fitness implications of the gestational microbiota, enriching our understanding of the ecology and evolution of reproductive physiology.

Gene-network based analysis of human placental trophoblast subtypes identifies critical genes as potential targets of therapeutic drugs.

During early pregnancy, extravillous trophoblasts (EVTs) play a crucial role in modifying the maternal uterine environment. Failures in EVT lineage formation and differentiation can lead to pregnancy complications such as preeclampsia, fetal growth restriction, and pregnancy loss. Despite recent advances, our knowledge on molecular and external factors that control and affect EVT development remains incomplete. Using trophoblast organoid in vitro models, we recently discovered that coordinated manipulation of the transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ) signaling is essential for EVT development. To further investigate gene networks involved in EVT function and development, we performed weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) on our RNA-Seq data. We identified 10 modules with a median module membership of over 0.8 and sizes ranging from 1005 (M1) to 72 (M27) network genes associated with TGFβ activation status or in vitro culturing, the latter being indicative for yet undiscovered factors that shape the EVT phenotypes. Lastly, we hypothesized that certain therapeutic drugs might unintentionally interfere with placentation by affecting EVT-specific gene expression. We used the STRING database to map correlations and the Drug-Gene Interaction database to identify drug targets. Our comprehensive dataset of drug-gene interactions provides insights into potential risks associated with certain drugs in early gestation.

Can social support mitigate the negative effects of maternal depression and family environment on child health and maternal care?

BackgroundChild health is a complex process affected by numerous risks and protective factors. This study examined how maternal depression, family environment, and social support affect a child's physical health and maternal care. MethodsThe retrospective cohort comprised 172 infants followed up during the first year of life in five longitudinal assessments. The Physical Health and Maternal Care Indicator (ISCM) was used to assess vaccination, nutrition, growth, diseases, and accidents during well-being consultations. We used a structural equation model (SEM) to examine the relationships between ISCM scores and family environment, maternal depression, and social support. ResultsMost children were born preterm (71.5 %) and with low birth weight (66.8 %). Most mothers were adults (89.6 %) and had a partner (63.4 %). In the latent variable of family environment, the following variables remained in the factor: single mothers, non-nuclear families, and inter-partner violence. Family environment was directly related to a higher occurrence of maternal depression (b = 1.20; p = 0.027) and worse scores on the ISCM (b = -0.24; p = 0.027). Maternal depression also negatively affected ISCM scores (b = 0.02, p = 0.003). Social support decreased maternal depressive symptoms and indirectly improved ISCM scores through maternal depression (b = 0.28; p = 0.04). LimitationLimited external generalization due to non-probabilistic sample. ConclusionsUnfavorable family environment, marked by violence against women, non-nuclear family composition, and single motherhood, negatively affected maternal mental health and child health in the first year of life. Social support received by the mother can mitigate the negative effects of maternal depression on the child's health, thereby improving the quality of maternal care.

Cardiometabolic Risk Factors in Adolescent Women’s Health

Despite significant advances in diagnosis and treatment, cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains a major cause of mortality and morbidity for men and women. While disease rates are somewhat declining for men, risk for women, and earlier age at onset, is increasing. As with many common conditions, prevention and/or early intervention for those at risk, leads to better long-term outcome than treatment and secondary prevention. In order to better achieve reduction in disease in adulthood, we need to recognize critical periods of vulnerability for disease development. These include broadly the maternal environment, but also early childhood and adolescence, two periods with rapid growth and development, where environmental “insults” may have long-lasting impact. As suggested by the Developmental Origins of Adult Disease (DoAD) and the Dutch famine studies, the in-utero environment is a critical window. And maternal health leading into pregnancy, maternal health during pregnancy and any potential environmental exposures, will all impact childhood and likely adult health. Careful studies across childhood, particularly with emphasis on BMI and BMI trajectories and adverse social situations and abuse, are producing informative data regarding the importance of this critical time-period for both awareness and intervention. And, interventions, as simple as improving diet and sleep, may improve our ability for early intervention in simple ways to improve women’s health and longevity.

Management of PCOS in Adolescence - Can We Improve Future Fertility by Treating Before and in Adolescence

PCOS is a multifunctional disorder with an evolving concept. Various studies have shown that this condition affects 8-13% of women of Reproductive age with 5-15% of them being adolescent girls. The physiological pubertal changes can mask the features of PCOS, hence leading to a challenging and a delayed diagnosis during adolescence mainly due to overlapping of symptoms which are mixed with menstrual irregularities, cosmetic issues and anxiety dominating affected girls. Various causative factors have been implicated to cause PCOS, with interaction between genetics, intrauterine maternal environment, and lifestyle. A strong family history in first degree relatives in addition to epigenetic changes and obesity can influence the early onset of PCOS in adolescents. It is important to achieve a timely diagnosis & appropriate management during adolescence in order to tackle co-morbidities associated with PCOS and ensure a smooth transition to adulthood. Identifying at-risk adolescents can prevent PCOS in future and make patients aware of seeking timely treatment. As the adolescent matures into the phase of life when she would like to have children, she can be efficiently managed with lifestyle changes, oral contraceptive pills, androgens, and insulin sensitizers. Pre and Periconceptual management are of crucial importance in a woman having PCOS, as adverse influences on fetal development can cause diseases in the affected fetus due to epigenetic changes. Maternal factors like under/ over nutrition, obesity and Insulin Resistance can contribute to Impaired fetal nutrition and metabolic dysfunction. Hence correction of maternal insulin resistance and hyperandrogenism is important before conception, stressing the need of correct Nutrition during pregnancy to avoid transmission of PCOS to the fetus. There is an increased risk of PCOS in overweight girls between 7-13 yrs. of age, while being overweight after age 13, further worsens the chance of developing PCOS. Adolescents with BMI > 40 are known to have 23-fold increased risk of developing PCOS. Hence being mindful of weight during childhood and adolescence can go a long way in preventing the onset of PCOS across future generations.

Transgenerational plasticity of exploratory behavior and a hidden cost of mismatched risk environments between parental sexes

We require a better understanding of the relative contribution of different modes of non-genetic inheritance in behavioral trait development. Thus, we investigate variation in exploratory behavior, which is ecologically relevant and a target of selection. The metabolic hypothesis predicts exploratory behavior to be size-dependent across taxa. This size-dependency is cancelled out under high perceived risk, allowing us to determine the transgenerationally integrated estimated level of risk. Using fathead minnows Pimephales promelas, we manipulated perceived risk in mothers, fathers, caring males and offspring through continuous exposure to either conspecific alarm cues or to a control water treatment. In 1000 four-month old offspring, we determined body sizes and exploratory behavior. Perceived high risk in mothers, followed by personal risk, was most effective in eliminating size-dependent behavior whereas effects of paternal risk on offspring behavioral development were substantially weaker. When maternal risk is high, environmental mismatches between parents prevented offspring from responding appropriately to personal high risk. The environment of the caring male also impacted offspring behavior to a greater extent than that of its genetic parents. Our study highlights the high relative importance of maternal, personal and caring male risk environments and showcases potential costs of an environmental mismatch between parental sexes.

Intra-uterine programming of future fertility.

The developmental origins of health and disease (DOHaD) shows that a relationship exists between parental environment at large, foeto-placental development and the risk for the offspring to develop non-transmittable disease(s) in adulthood. This concept has been validated in both humans and livestock. In mammals, after fertilization and time spent free in the maternal reproductive tract, the embryo develops a placenta that, in close relationship with maternal endometrium, is the organ responsible for exchanges between dam and foetus. Any modification of the maternal environment can lead to adaptive mechanisms affecting placental morphology, blood flow, foetal-maternal exchanges (transporters) and/or endocrine function, ultimately modifying placental efficiency. Among deleterious environments, undernutrition, protein restriction, overnutrition, micronutrient deficiencies and food contaminants can be outlined. When placental adaptive capacities become insufficient, foetal growth and organ formation is no longer optimal, including foetal gonadal formation and maturation, which can affect subsequent offspring fertility. Since epigenetic mechanisms have been shown to be key to foetal programming, epigenetic modifications of the gametes may also occur, leading to inter-generational effects. After briefly describing normal gonadal development in domestic species and inter-species differences, this review highlights the current knowledge on intra-uterine programming of offspring fertility with a focus on domestic animals and underlines the importance to assess transgenerational effects on offspring fertility at a time when new breeding systems are developed to face the current climate changes.

Kinin B1 receptor controls maternal adiponectin levels and influences offspring weight gain

Given the importance of the kinin B1 receptor in insulin and leptin hormonal regulation, which in turn is crucial in maternal adaptations to ensure nutrient supply to the fetus, we investigated the role of this receptor in maternal metabolism and fetoplacental development. Wild-type and kinin B1 receptor-deficient (B1KO) female mice were mated with male mice of the opposite genotype. Consequently, the entire litter was heterozygous for kinin B1 receptor, ensuring that there would be no influence of offspring genotype on the maternal phenotype. Maternal kinin B1 receptor blockade reduces adiponectin secretion by adipose tissue exvivo, consistent with lower adiponectin levels in pregnant B1KO mice. Furthermore, fasting insulinemia also increased, which was associated with placental insulin resistance, reduced placental glycogen accumulation, and heavier offspring. Therefore, we propose the combination of chronic hyperinsulinemia and reduced adiponectin secretion in B1KO female mice create a maternal obesogenic environment that results in heavier pups.

PSXI-2 Preliminary Investigations into Developmental Origins of Pulmonary Arterial Pressure in Beef Cattle

Abstract High pulmonary arterial pressure (PAP) is a predisposing factor in the development of high mountain disease in cattle. Since PAP testing is often used to prevent disease, a better understanding of the genotype X environmental interactions that drive PAP may lead to the development of additional management and selection strategies. Hypoxia during gestation promotes adaptive fetal programming, a hallmark of which is altered cardiovascular development and disease. However, to our knowledge, no studies have investigated the link between maternal gestational environment and offspring cardiovascular performance as indicated by PAP score. Thus, the objective of this preliminary study was to evaluate the impact of temperature during gestation on yearling PAP in offspring from cattle residing at high altitudes. Yearling PAP data from Colorado State University’s Beef Improvement Center located near Saratoga, Wyoming (7,200 m elevation) was used in the analysis. Data were collected on individual Angus animals born from 1993 to 2021. There were 8,080 individuals with PAP phenotypes averaging 42.23 ± 9.59 mmHg. PAP testing was performed in individuals at an average age of 338.1 ± 46.4 d. Local historical temperature data from September to March, representing the time frame of middle to late gestation, were collected from the [National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) database] and averaged. This historical average was compared with the yearly mid- to late gestational average temperatures to classify whether an individual animal went through gestation in an above or below-average temperature year. To determine the influence of temperature during gestation on PAP, a single trait linear regression model was used to regress PAP on age at PAP, sex, and temperature classification. The effects of age (P < 0.005), sex (P < 0.0005), and temperature classification (P < 0.05) all accounted for a significant amount of variation in PAP. The least-square means for temperature classification were 42.8 ± 0.51 and 42.3 ± 0.17 for above and below-average temperatures, respectively, which suggests that cows experiencing colder temperatures during gestation produce calves with lower yearling PAPs versus those from cows experiencing warmer temperatures. The internalization of maternal blood during cold temperatures may protect fetal oxygen and nutrient delivery, promoting normal heart development in a high-altitude environment.

How storage circumstance alters the quality of seeds of Lallemantia iberica and Lallemantia royleana produced under maternal drought stress

Seed production underpins the agricultural industry and is impacted by the maternal environment during maturation. In addition, inappropriate post-harvest storage conditions can affect seed quality, by accelerating viability loss and reducing seed longevity. The objective of this research was to investigate the impact of storage conditions on the germination and physiological and biochemical processes of seeds of Lallemantia iberica and L. royleana under drought stress. Seeds were matured under maternal plant irrigation regimes of 30% (I30) and 60% (I60) of soil available water depletion and subjected to different storage conditions: control, natural aging (NA), controlled deterioration (CD), elevated partial pressure of oxygen (EPPO), and elevated partial pressure of nitrogen (EPPN). Seeds of both species matured under water deficit I60 had enhanced germination index, unsaturated and saturated fatty acid contents, total soluble sugar, sucrose and starch contents, and α- and β-amylase activities. This treatment also resulted in reduced seed electrical conductivity (EC), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), and malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations. The different seed storage conditions had negative effects on germination index, storage compounds, and fatty acids, with the smaller and greater changes under NA and EPPO aging, respectively. During the different aging conditions, it was noted that L. iberica seeds showed greater deterioration compared to L. royleana seeds. In conclusion, post-harvest conditions impact seed quality, with mild stress of the maternal environment increasing the seed longevity of both Lallemantia species.

LITERATURE REVIEW: FAKTOR- FAKTOR PEMBERIAN MPASI DALAM KEJADIAN STUNTING


 
 
 
 Malnutrition is a significant problem in Indonesia. There are several conditions that affect the nutrition of children aged under five, namely stunting, low weight, and wasting. This condition occurs as a result of nutrition that is not in accordance with the life stages of the child. This condition is very influential for the health and survival of children in the long term. The purpose of this literature review study is to prove and study more deeply the use of KIA books in the provision of MPASI to prevent stunting. The method used in searching for the author's article uses the study literature review method, a search used using a database in the form of google scholar and pubmed, with the keywords "KIA Book", "complementary feeding", "Stunting". Articles obtained for review as many as 9 articles that fit the criteria, namely 6 national articles and 3 international articles. The results of MPASI giving factors that result in stunting are maternal factors in terms of education, knowledge (type of food given, frequency and amount of MPASI given), maternal KEK history, parenting, and social environment.
 
 
 

Bovine oviductal organoids: a multi-omics approach to capture the cellular and extracellular molecular response of the oviduct to heat stress

BackgroundThe mammalian oviduct is a complex, fibromuscular organ known for its role in orchestrating a series of timely and dynamic changes to suitably support early embryogenesis. Climate change-induced heat stress (HS) is one of the largest single stressors compromising reproductive function in humans and farm animals via systemic changes in the redox status of the maternal environment, adversely affecting fertilization and early embryonic development. Oviductal organoids represent a unique 3-dimensional, biomimetic model to study the physiology of the oviduct and its subsequent impact on embryo development under various environmental conditions.ResultsOur study is the first to demonstrate an innovative approach to understanding the cascade of molecular changes sustained by bovine oviductal organoids under HS and the subsequent maternal signals harnessed within their secreted extracellular vesicles (EVs). Transcriptomic analysis of oviductal organoids exposed to HS revealed 2,570 differentially expressed genes (1,222 up‐ and 1,348 downregulated), while EV-coupled miRNome analysis disclosed 18 miRNAs with significant differential expression (12 up- and 6 downregulated) in EVs from thermally stressed organoids compared to EVs released from organoids cultured under thermoneutral conditions. Genes activated in oviductal organoids in response to thermal stress, include: COX1, ACTB, CST6, TPT1, and HSPB1, while miR-1246, miR-148a, miR21-5p, miR-451, and miR-92a represent the top highly abundant EV-coupled miRNAs released in response to HS. Pathway analysis of genes enriched in organoids exposed to thermal stress showed the enrichment of endocrine resistance, cellular senescence, and notch signaling pathways. Similarly, EV-coupled miRNAs released from thermally stressed organoids showed their potential regulation of genes involved in cellular senescence, p53 signaling, and TGF-beta signaling pathways.ConclusionsIn conclusion, the cellular and extracellular response of bovine oviductal organoids to in vitro HS conditions reveal the prospective impact of environmental HS on the physiology of the oviduct and the probable subsequent impacts on oocyte fertilization and early embryo development. Future studies elucidating the potential impact of HS-associated EVs from oviductal organoids on oocyte fertilization and preimplantation embryo development, would justify the use of an organoid model to optimally understand the oviduct-embryo communication under suboptimal environments.

Maternal Environment and Priming Agents Effect Germination and Seedling Quality in Pitaya under Salt Stress

Lack of water and salinity are common problems in many parts of the world. Therefore, some types of cacti can present as promising crops. Therefore, the ability of cactus species to survive and adapt under natural stress conditions should be evaluated. The experiment was aimed at evaluating the effect of salt stress on germination and emergence of pitaya seeds obtained from different species (Hyloceresu undatus (Haw.) Britton and Rose and Hylocereus polyrhizus (Lem.) Britton and Rose), priming with plant growth regulators, namely salicylic acid (SA), oxalic acid (OA) and mepiquat chloride (MC). The experiment had a completely randomized design with a 2 × 4 × 3 factorial scheme corresponding to two pitaya cultivars (white- and red-fleshed), four NaCl concentrations (0, 2500, 5000 and 10,000 ppm), and three PGRs (150 ppm/MC, SA, OC). According to the results, the maternal environment of the seed was important in salt stress resistance, while seeds matured in the environment with red fruit flesh were more tolerant to salt stress. Although Pitaya species are relatively salt-tolerant, growth (about 30%) was significantly reduced above 2500 ppm and germination (about 45%) above 5000 ppm. Germination percentage stood out as the most important trait determining seed quality and had positive effects on the germination stress tolerance index (r: 0.63), seedling length (r: 0.74) and fresh seedling weight (r: 0.56). This is the first study of how maternal environment affects germination and seedling quality under saline conditions in Hylocereus. The results obtained may contribute to pitaya cultivation and breeding.

Intrauterine Growth and Offspring Neurodevelopmental Traits

Conventional epidemiological analyses have suggested that lower birth weight is associated with later neurodevelopmental difficulties; however, it is unclear whether this association is causal. To investigate the relationship between intrauterine growth and offspring neurodevelopmental difficulties. MoBa is a population-based pregnancy cohort that recruited pregnant women from June 1999 to December 2008 included approximately 114 500 children, 95 200 mothers, and 75 200 fathers. Observational associations between birth weight and neurodevelopmental difficulties were assessed with a conventional epidemiological approach. Mendelian randomization analyses were performed to investigate the potential causal association between maternal allele scores for birth weight and offspring neurodevelopmental difficulties conditional on offspring allele scores. Birth weight and maternal allele scores for birth weight (derived from genetic variants robustly associated with birth weight) were the exposures in the observational and mendelian randomization analyses, respectively. Clinically relevant maternal ratings of offspring neurodevelopmental difficulties at 6 months, 18 months, 3 years, 5 years, and 8 years of age assessing language and motor difficulties, inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity, social communication difficulties, and repetitive behaviors. The conventional epidemiological sample included up to 46 970 offspring, whereas the mendelian randomization sample included up to 44 134 offspring (median offspring birth year, 2005 [range, 1999-2009]; mean [SD] maternal age at birth, 30.1 [4.5] years; mean [SD] paternal age at birth, 32.5 [5.1] years). The conventional epidemiological analyses found evidence that birth weight was negatively associated with several domains at multiple offspring ages (outcome of autism-related trait scores: Social Communication Questionnaire [SCQ]-full at 3 years, β = -0.046 [95% CI, -0.057 to -0.034]; SCQ-Restricted and Repetitive Behaviors subscale at 3 years, β = -0.049 [95% CI, -0.060 to -0.038]; attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder [ADHD] trait scores: Child Behavior Checklist [CBCL]-ADHD subscale at 18 months, β = -0.035 [95% CI, -0.045 to -0.024]; CBCL-ADHD at 3 years, β = -0.032 [95% CI, -0.043 to -0.021]; CBCL-ADHD at 5 years, β = -0.050 [95% CI, -0.064 to -0.037]; Rating Scale for Disruptive Behavior Disorders [RS-DBD]-ADHD at 8 years, β = -0.036 [95% CI, -0.049 to -0.023]; RS-DBD-Inattention at 8 years, β = -0.037 [95% CI, -0.050 to -0.024]; RS-DBD-Hyperactive-Impulsive Behavior at 8 years, β = -0.027 [95% CI, -0.040 to -0.014]; Conners Parent Rating Scale-Revised [Short Form] at 5 years, β = -0.041 [95% CI, -0.054 to -0.028]; motor scores: Ages and Stages Questionnaire-Motor Difficulty [ASQ-MOTOR] at 18 months, β = -0.025 [95% CI, -0.035 to -0.015]; ASQ-MOTOR at 3 years, β = -0.029 [95% CI, -0.040 to -0.018]; and Child Development Inventory-Gross and Fine Motor Skills at 5 years, β = -0.028 [95% CI, -0.042 to -0.015]). Mendelian randomization analyses did not find any evidence for an association between maternal allele scores for birth weight and offspring neurodevelopmental difficulties. This study found that the maternal intrauterine environment, as proxied by maternal birth weight genetic variants, is unlikely to be a major determinant of offspring neurodevelopmental outcomes.

Social inheritance of avoidances shapes the structure of animal social networks.

Social structure can have significant effects on selection, affecting both individual fitness traits and population-level processes. As such, research into its dynamics and evolution has spiked in the last decade, where theoretical and computational advances in social network analysis have increased our understanding of its ecological and inheritance underpinnings. Yet, the processes that shape the formation of structure within social networks are poorly understood and the role of social avoidances unknown. Social avoidances are an alternate of social affiliation in animal societies, which, although invisible, likely play a role in shaping animal social networks. Assuming social avoidances evolve under similar constraints as affiliative behavior, we extended a previous model of social inheritance of affiliations to investigate the impact of social inheritance of avoidances on social network structure. We modeled avoidances as relationships that individuals can copy from their mothers or from their mother's social environment and varied the degrees to which individuals inherit social affiliates and avoidances to test their combined influence on social network structure. We found that inheriting avoidances via maternal social environments made social networks less dense and more modular, thereby demonstrating how social avoidance can shape the evolution of animal social networks.

Seed Germination and Seedling Growth in Suaeda salsa (Linn.) Pall. (Amaranthaceae) Demonstrate Varying Salinity Tolerance among Different Provenances.

Salinity is a pressing and widespread abiotic stress, adversely affecting agriculture productivity and plant growth worldwide. Seed germination is the most critical stage to seedling growth and establishing plant species in harsh environments, including saline stress. However, seed germination characteristics and stress tolerance may vary among geographical locations, such as various provenances. Suaeda salsa (Linn.) Pall. (S. salsa) is a halophytic plant that exhibits high salt tolerance and is often considered a pioneer species for the restoration of grasslands. Understanding the germination characteristics and stress tolerance of the species could be helpful in the vegetation restoration of saline-alkali land. In this study, we collected S. salsa seeds from seven different saline-alkali habitats (S1-S7) in the Songnen Plain region to assess the germination and seedling growth responses to NaCl, Na2CO3, and NaHCO3, and to observe the recovery of seed germination after relieving the salt stress. We observed significant differences in germination and seedling growth under three salt stresses and among seven provenances. Resistance to Na2CO3 and NaHCO3 stress was considerably higher during seedling growth than seed germination, while the opposite responses were observed for NaCl resistance. Seeds from S1 and S7 showed the highest tolerance to all three salt stress treatments, while S6 exhibited the lowest tolerance. Seeds from S2 exhibited low germination under control conditions, while low NaCl concentration and pretreatment improved germination. Ungerminated seeds under high salt concentrations germinated after relieving the salt stress. Germination of ungerminated seeds after the abatement of salt stress is an important adaptation strategy for black S. salsa seeds. While seeds from most provenances regerminated under NaCl, under Na2CO3 and NaHCO3, only seeds from S4 and S7 regerminated. These findings highlight the importance of soil salinity in the maternal environment for successful seed germination and seedling growth under various salinity-alkali stresses. Therefore, seed sources and provenance should be considered for vegetation restoration.

OR09-03 Loss of Inhibin Negative Feedback In The Pituitary Leads To Enhanced Ovulation But Pregnancy Failure In Mice

Abstract Disclosure: Y. Lin: None. E. Brule: None. M. Cowan: None. U. Boehm: None. D.J. Bernard: None. Loss of inhibin negative feedback in the pituitary leads to enhanced ovulation but pregnancy failure in mice Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) is an essential regulator of gonadal function, particularly in females. Inhibins are TGFβ family ligands made in the gonads that suppress FSH synthesis. Inhibins require a co-receptor, betaglycan or TGFBR3L, to mediate their actions in pituitary gonadotrope cells. Female mice with a gonadotrope-specific knockout of betaglycan or global deletion of Tgfbr3l exhibit increased ovarian follicle development, numbers of ovulated eggs, and litter sizes compared to controls. Females with both co-receptors knocked out (hereafter dKO) show dramatic increases in FSH levels, numbers of antral follicles and corpora lutea, serum progesterone levels, and ovarian aromatase expression. They ovulate 3-4 times as many eggs in natural cycles compared to control females. dKO females can become pregnant and show an increased number of implanted embryos at 7.5 days post coitum (7.5 dpc). Nevertheless, dKO females do not give birth to live offspring. By 10.5 dpc, the weight of the fetoplacental unit is decreased in dKO females, and many embryos display morphological abnormalities. By 14.5 dpc, most embryos in dKO females are either dead or resorbing. Wild-type surrogates give birth to live young following transplantation of embryos from control or dKO females. Conversely, control but not dKO females carry wild-type embryos to term. These data suggest that the maternal environment in dKO mice cannot support full-term pregnancies. Based on the hormonal profile of the cycling females, we suspected a deleterious effect of elevated estrogens. Consistent with this idea, treatment with the aromatase inhibitor anastrozole increased fetal survival in some dKO mice, suggesting a role for estrogens in embryo death. We are currently more thoroughly characterizing the maternal hormonal environment throughout gestation and investigating placental structure/function to gain more insight into the precise nature of the pregnancy failure. Our results will show how loss of inhibin action in the pituitary impede embryo survival and whether pregnancy loss is linked to increases in FSH. Presentation: Friday, June 16, 2023

Alteration of the embryonic microenvironment and sex-specific responses of the preimplantation embryo related to a maternal high-fat diet in the rabbit model.

The maternal metabolic environment can be detrimental to the health of the offspring. In a previous work, we showed that maternal high-fat (HH) feeding in rabbit induced sex-dependent metabolic adaptation in the fetus and led to metabolic syndrome in adult offspring. As early development representing a critical window of susceptibility, in the present work we aimed to explore the effects of the HH diet on the oocyte, preimplantation embryo and its microenvironment. In oocytes from females on HH diet, transcriptomic analysis revealed a weak modification in the content of transcripts mainly involved in meiosis and translational control. The effect of maternal HH diet on the embryonic microenvironment was investigated by identifying the metabolite composition of uterine and embryonic fluids collected in vivo by biomicroscopy. Metabolomic analysis revealed differences in the HH uterine fluid surrounding the embryo, with increased pyruvate concentration. Within the blastocoelic fluid, metabolomic profiles showed decreased glucose and alanine concentrations. In addition, the blastocyst transcriptome showed under-expression of genes and pathways involved in lipid, glucose and amino acid transport and metabolism, most pronounced in female embryos. This work demonstrates that the maternal HH diet disrupts the in vivo composition of the embryonic microenvironment, where the presence of nutrients is increased. In contrast to this nutrient-rich environment, the embryo presents a decrease in nutrient sensing and metabolism suggesting a potential protective process. In addition, this work identifies a very early sex-specific response to the maternal HH diet, from the blastocyst stage.

Analysis of gut bacteriome of in utero arsenic-exposed mice using 16S rRNA-based metagenomic approach.

Approximately 200 million people worldwide are affected by arsenic toxicity emanating from the consumption of drinking water containing inorganic arsenic above the prescribed maximum contaminant level. The current investigation deals with the role of prenatal arsenic exposure in modulating the gut microbial community and functional pathways of the host. 16S rRNA-based next-generation sequencing was carried out to understand the effects of in utero 0.04 mg/kg (LD) and 0.4 mg/kg (HD) of arsenic exposure. This was carried out from gestational day 15 (GD-15) until the birth of pups to understand the alterations in bacterial diversity. The study focused on gestational exposure to arsenic and the altered gut microbial community at phyla and genus levels, along with diversity indices. A significant decrease in firmicutes was observed in the gut microbiome of mice treated with arsenic. Functional analysis revealed that a shift in genes involved in crucial pathways such as insulin signaling and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease pathways may lead to metabolic diseases in the host. The present investigation may hypothesize that in utero arsenic exposure can perturb the gut bacterial composition significantly as well as the functional pathways of the gestationally treated pups. This research paves the way to further investigate the probable mechanistic insights in the field of maternal exposure environments, which may play a key role in epigenetic modulations in developing various disease endpoints in the progeny.

Significance of Selected Environmental and Biological Factors on the Risk of FASD in Women Who Drink Alcohol during Pregnancy.

Prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE), which refers to alcohol consumption by pregnant women, is associated with the risk of numerous severe complications during fetal development. The State Agency for Alcohol Problem Solving reports that the incidence of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) in Poland's general population is over 1.7%, and the incidence of fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) is estimated at more than 0.5%. This study aimed to evaluate the significance of alcohol exposure and focused on the pattern of alcohol intoxication exhibited by the mother during pregnancy and other environmental factors of the maternal environment contributing to the development of FASD. The study covered 554 subjects, including 251 mothers and 303 children (213 girls and 90 boys). The mother's drinking problem was determined based on the information obtained from the case history. All children qualified for the study fulfilled the h-PAE (high alcohol exposure) criteria during their fetal life. The clinical diagnosis of FAS and pFAS (occurrence of morphological symptoms of fetal alcohol syndrome) was made using a four-digit diagnostic questionnaire validated in the Polish version of the Washington Questionnaire for the assessment of the spectrum of alcohol-related neurodevelopmental disorders or alcohol-related cognitive impairment (ARND/C). Statistical analysis of the obtained research results was developed using statistical software-STATISTICA PL, version 13.1 (StatSoft, Inc., Szczecin, Poland 2016, STATISTICA-data analysis software system, version 13.1). The most destructive drinking behaviors are compulsive intoxication (BD, binge drinking) during the first 6 weeks of pregnancy and chronic addiction throughout its duration (CHD, chronic drinking). Chronic alcohol intoxication (CHD) leads to a poorer nutritional status in mothers, which is reflected in a lower body mass index (BMI) (<18 kg/m2).