Offspring Weight Research Articles

Zootechnical characteristics of the emerging lines of stallions of the Yakut breed in the Oymyakonsky ulus of Yakutia

Purpose: zootechnical characteristics of the developing lines of Yakut breed stallions in the breeding farm "Agricultural production cooperative "Tonor" of the Oymyakon ulus of Yakutia.Materials and methods. The study of the exterior indicators of the stallions was carried out by taking body measurements according to the instructions of the All-Russian Research Institute of Horse Breeding. The use of genotypic assessment methods for animals along with classical zootechnical assessment methods for pedigree, productive traits (live weight and meat productivity of offspring, milk production, fertility of daughters) was supplemented by the use of the method of selecting offspring based on their adaptability to herd conditions.Results. Long-term selection work in the breeding farm of the Oymyakon ulus is completed by the formation of six lines of outstanding Yakut breed stallions. In terms of live weight, both stallions and mares of the Oymyakon horse surpass stallions and mares of the Yana, Kolyma and indigenous types. Oymyakon stallions (n=20) weighed on average 483,7±3,55 kg, while stallions of the indigenous types weighed 446,3±4,75 kg (n=34), Kolyma types 449,1±3,42 kg (n=87) and Yana types 469,4±3,27 kg (n=128). Oymyakon horse mares (n=165) also surpassed mares of the indigenous type (401,6±2,00 kg (n=341)), Kolyma type (432,2±1,13 kg (n=1063) and Yang type (431,0±1,16 kg (n=881)) in average live weight of 453,8±2,19 kg. According to measurements of head, neck, chest, croup, occiput and withers, chest and croup width and their indices, Oymyakon horse stallions and mares are practically no different from indigenous type horses. The founder of the line with the most numerous followers is the outstanding stallion Kyurzhet, born in 1946. He came from local Yakut horses of the former Bolshevik collective farm. His line continues on the Tonor farm through his two descendants: his grandson Chalay, born in 1981, live weight 515 kg, and his great-grandson Tenkelekh, born in 1992, live weight 490 kg. The farm produced Kyurzhet's great-great-great-grandson Chalay and 6 great-great-great-great-grandchildren, and now produces 11 continuers of the line (3 great-great-great-great-grandchildren and 8 great-great-great-great-great-grandchildren), a total of 18 continuers of his line have been and are being produced.

Transuterine relocation of pregnant uterine horn segment in an exploratory rat model with implications for tubal ectopic pregnancy

Ectopic pregnancy affects ~ 2% of pregnancies annually in the United States, with no current treatments allowing for the continuation of the pregnancy. Thus, this study sought to initiate an investigation into the potential design of a surgical technique, in an animal model, that could serve as a foundation for future research into the potential of relocating an ectopic embryo into the uterus at the human level. Female Long-Evans rats were randomly assigned to one of two groups: Embryo Relocation (ER; n = 12; underwent embryo relocation surgery) and Normal Pregnancy (NP; n = 12; carried a normal pregnancy; no surgery). Eight rats/group were allowed to carry their pregnancy to term and deliver, while four had their uteri collected at the end of gestation. Briefly, for the ER group, a uterine horn containing 1–2 embryos was translocated to the contralateral horn, which had been incised and cleared of its contents, prior to being wrapped around the relocated horn. Rat weight, food consumption and vaginal impedance of the mothers were measured throughout the experiment. Ultrasounds were performed and fetal heart rates measured on day 20–21 of gestation. Additionally, rat weight of all offspring was measured at adulthood. Our findings indicate that, in the ER group, 15/15 (100%) of the relocated embryos had detectable heart rates at the end of gestation (within the normal range), 14/15 (93%) were delivered vaginally, and 12/14 (86%) survived until adulthood. A significant decrease in rat weight and food consumption was observed only on the day following surgery. Fertility, as measured by vaginal impedance, was minimally impacted by surgery. Moreover, there was no significant difference between groups in average body weight of offspring at adulthood. Histological analysis indicated a thicker placenta in the ER group, attributable to the fetal part of the placenta, potentially indicating compensatory mechanisms. Our findings reflect a successful transuterine embryo relocation followed by vaginal birth and survival of offspring to adulthood, in a rat model. Such findings lay the foundation for future preclinical research in higher animals, with potential implications on a procedure relevant to human ectopic embryo relocation.

The association of higher offspring early-childhood weight gain with prepregnancy metabolic and bariatric surgery.

The objective of this study was to assess maternal gestational outcomes and offspring growth trajectories following prepregnancy metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS) compared with non-MBS controls. Single-center deliveries between January 2020 and March 2023 with prepregnancy Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (herein referred to as "bypass"), sleeve gastrectomy (herein referred to as "sleeve"), and non-MBS controls were included. Offspring growth trajectories were compared with the World Health Organization child growth standards. Linear mixed models assessed MBS-bypass and MBS-sleeve offspring weight, length, and BMI trajectories with a prepregnancy BMI 27 to 37 kg/m2 and propensity score-matched controls. The study included 440 participants with prepregnancy MBS (MBS-bypass, 185; MBS-sleeve, 225; 76% Hispanic/Latino) and 13,434 non-MBS controls. Gestational weight gain and gestational diabetes mellitus were similar, whereas hypertensive disorders of pregnancy were more common after MBS. The post-MBS offspring had lower birth weight but higher weight gain at 24 months (sleeve, +1.4 kg [95% CI: 1.0-1.9]; bypass, +0.5-0.7 kg [95% CI: 0.0-1.2]) compared with non-MBS groups. Male children had higher weight gain than females. The post-MBS-sleeve but not the post-MBS-bypass offspring had higher BMI z scores. The higher early-life weight gain and sex differences in the post-MBS-sleeve group compared with the post-MBS-bypass group provide a window toward elucidating pathways to mitigate intergenerational metabolic risk transfer.

Low Antenatal Care Number of Consultations Is Associated with Gestational Weight Gain and Birth Weight of Offspring of Teenage Mothers: A Study Based on Colombian and Mexican Cohorts.

More than 70% of pregnant adolescents in developing countries experience inappropriate gestational weight gain (GWG). To determine the association of the number of antenatal care visits (ANC) with GWG, birth weight, and their differences between two countries. A prospective study was conducted in two cohorts of adolescents, one from Mexico and one from Colombia. The study calculated pregestational body mass index (BMI), obtained GWG and birth weight, and collected socioeconomic characteristics. Birth weight was categorized according to gestational age. A total of 690 mother-child pairs were included, of which 42.6% were Colombian and 57.4% Mexican. The study found no association between socioeconomic characteristics and GWG or birth weight. Colombian adolescents were more likely to experience insufficient GWG (68%), compared with 36% of Mexican adolescents. Colombian adolescents who attended fewer than eight ANC visits were at increased risk of insufficient GWG, whereas Mexican adolescents were at increased risk of excessive GWG. Mexican adolescents who began their pregnancies overweight or obese were at increased risk of excessive GWG. Fewer than eight ANC visits were associated with small for gestational age (SGA) in the Mexican cohort. Inadequate numbers of ANC visits were associated with excessive and insufficient GWG, and SGA. Promoting ANC in adolescent pregnancy is essential to prevent suboptimal GWG and SGA. This study highlights the need for interventions targeting pregnant adolescents from low socioeconomic backgrounds, prioritizing early initiation of prenatal care (first trimester) and a drastic reduction in the high rates of cesarean sections in this group.

Study of combined multiple exposure and reproductive / developmental toxicity of 2-ethylhexanoic acid by screening method

Introduction. According to the normative and methodological documents of the Russian Federation, chemicals introduced into economic activities are subject to mandatory toxicological assessment and hygienic regulation. To substantiate the value of the hygienic standard of 2-ethylhexanoic acid, the production of which is planned in the country, additional test on its reproductive toxicity was required. The aim of the research was to determine the no-observed adverse effect levels of the 2-ethylhexanoic acid for maternal and reproductive toxicities in combined multiple exposure and the reproduction/developmental toxicity screening test (OECD 422). Materials and methods. The study was performed in accordance with the requirements of the OECD Test Guideline 422 «Combined repeated dose toxicity study with the reproduction/developmental toxicity screening test». Results. During the experiment no animal deaths or clinical symptoms of the toxic effect of 2-ethylhexanoic acid were observed at all tested doses (250, 500 and 1000 mg/kg b.w.). The assessment of behavioural responses using the open field method showed no differences in animals from experimental and control group. Histological examination indicated the acid at doses of 500 and 1000 mg/kg b.w. to cause significant changes in bladder (increased sclerosis in the submucosa), lungs (increased proportion of emphysematous altered parenchyma), adrenal gland (increased cell alterations and lipomatous inclusions), thyroid gland (increased loci of interfollicular tissue) in males and females’ rats. The total weight of offspring in the experimental groups was found to be statistically dose-dependent reduced on days 4 and 13 after birth compared with the control. Limitations. The study had no limitations. Conclusion. 2-Ethylhexanoic acid has no effect on the reproductive function in experimental animals. Developmental toxicity, expressed in a decrease in the total weight of offspring, was observed at the level of general toxic effects and is not specific. NOAELs were established at the level of 250 mg/kg b.w. for general toxic effect, > 1000 mg/kg b.w. for reprotoxic effect.

MICROBIOME: The trials and errors of developing an experimental model to study the impact of maternal gut microbiome disruption on perinatal asphyxia.

Maternal gut microbiome impairment has garnered attention for its potential role in influencing neurodevelopmental outcomes in offspring, especially in situations that increase brain vulnerability such as perinatal asphyxia (PA). Maternal microbiome and fetal brain interplay emerge as a critical link between maternal health and offspring neurodevelopment. This study aims to generate a model to assess the impact of maternal dysbiosis triggered by gestational antibiotic administration and PA on offspring neurodevelopment. Wistar rats were subjected to antibiotics in drinking water from the 11th gestational day until birth. On the 6th postnatal day, pups were subjected to PA/normoxia, resulting in four experimental groups: control-normoxia, antibiotics-normoxia, control-asphyxia, and antibiotics-asphyxia. Early-life behavioral tests were conducted between postnatal days 7 and 9. The initial antimicrobial cocktail (ampicillin, vancomycin, neomycin, clindamycin, amphotericin-B) led to an increased number of miscarriages, poor weight gain during pregnancy, reduced offspring weight, and changes in the maternal gut microbiome compared to control. Offspring presented impaired neurodevelopmental reflexes in both PA and antibiotic groups and increased hippocampal neuroinflammation. Due to these detrimental effects, a more pregnancy-safe antibiotic cocktail was used for a second experiment (ampicillin, vancomycin, neomycin, meropenem). This resulted in no miscarriages or pregnancy-weight loss but was still linked to gut microbiome disruption. PA impaired neurodevelopmental reflexes and increased neuroinflammation, effects amplified by antibiotic administration. These preliminary findings reveal the cumulative potential of maternal dysbiosis and PA on neurodevelopment impairment, emphasizing caution in gestational antimicrobial use. Further investigations should include offspring long-term follow-up and maternal behavior and integrate probiotics to counteract antibiotic effects. This study investigates the impact of maternal gut microbiome disruptions caused by gestational antibiotic treatment and low oxygen exposure shortly after birth on the development of the rats' babies. We found that both antibiotic exposure and reduced oxygen levels led to changes in early behavior and increased inflammation of the nervous tissue in the baby rats. Although using a different, potentially safer antibiotic combination reduced pregnancy complications, it still changed the bacteria in the mother's gut and worsened early behavior. These findings show that antibiotics during pregnancy can affect the developing brain of baby rats and careful consideration should be used before prescribing them. Future research will explore longer-term effects and potential medicines.

8347 EARLY CHILDHOOD GROWTH FOLLOWING PRE-PREGNANCY METABOLIC AND BARIATRIC SURGERY

Abstract Disclosure: M.J. Hilaire: None. A. Babcock: None. G. White: None. C. Masson: None. C.A. LeDuc: None. V. Thaker: None. Background and Aims: Metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS) is known to improve metabolic profile. There is conflicting data on the effects of pre-pregnancy MBS on the offspring growth. We aimed to assess offspring early life growth trajectory born to mothers with MBS before conception compared to those who did not. Methods: Records from pregnancies of women who gave birth at Columbia University Irving Medical Center between January 2020 and March 2023 were collected from the clinical databases and electronic health records. The gestational conditions and offspring early life weight, length and BMI trajectory were compared for: pre-pregnancy BMI < 25, BMI 25-35, BMI > 35 and prior MBS. Mixed effect models were used to compare the longitudinal anthropometric trajectories. Sensitivity analyses was done with propensity matching of the pre-pregnancy MBS group by maternal age, parity, pre-pregnancy BMI and race/ethnicity. Results: Of the 22,111 deliveries with data (51% Hispanic/Latino), 455 (76% Hispanic/Latino) had pre-pregnancy MBS- predominantly sleeve gastrectomy (SG, 57%) or Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (RYGB, 41%). Antepartum BMI was 32.5 kg/m2 (SD 6.3) for those with pre-pregnancy MBS with 89.8% pregnancies occurring 1-10 years after surgery. There was a higher proportion of multiparous individuals (42% vs 19-31%) in the MBS group. Pre-pregnancy MBS was associated with lower gestational weight-gain, diabetes, and hypertension compared to those with BMI > 35. For offspring, there was no difference in the birth weight, proportion of SGA was higher (6.6% vs 2.5-2.7%, p < 0.01), LGA was lower (2.0% vs 3.6-5.6%, p < 0.01) and NICU admission rate was comparable (20% vs 15-25%). Offspring anthropometric data till age 36 months was available for approximately 50% of the births. Comparison of longitudinal weight trajectories showed no difference in the offspring between those born after RYGB and BMI < 25 kg/m2 (p =0.8), while those born after SG had persistent rise (p =0.04), adjusting for maternal age, parity, time since surgery and race/ethnicity. In the SG group, boys had higher weight trajectories compared to girls. (p < 0.001). The length trajectories and head circumference at birth were similar across groups. Conclusions: Gestational conditions improved with pre-pregnancy MBS. Pre-pregnancy RYGB, but not SG, was followed by favorable offspring weight trajectory that may have a role in long-term metabolic programming. This study is limited by lack of availability of information on pregnancy glycemic profiles, eating behaviors, dietary patterns, and other social determinants of health. Presentation: 6/3/2024

Interpregnancy maternal weight change is not associated with offspring weight and obesity at age 2 years.

Weight retention between pregnancies is associated with increased risk of perinatal complications, but it is unclear whether there is an association with offspring weight status. This study aimed to determine whether maternal interpregnancy weight change is associated with offspring overweight/obesity, controlling for confounding variables. Routinely collected linked data from perinatal and child datasets, in Flanders, Belgium were used. Women having their first and second live births between 2009-2018 were included. The association between maternal interpregnancy weight change and overweight/obesity in the second child at 2 years was examined by logistical regression models. A total of 33,172 women were included. 52.7% (n = 17478) had a stable interpregnancy BMI, 24.1% (n = 8024) and 8.5% (n = 2821) had moderate and substantial BMI increases respectively. At 2 years, 91.6% (n = 30383) of the second offspring had a healthy weight, 0.6% (n = 210), 7.0% (n = 2312) and 0.8% (n = 267) were in the underweight, overweight and obesity BMI categories respectively. Multivariate analysis showed no statistical evidence that maternal interpregnancy BMI change is independently associated with overweight/obesity in the second child. The strongest independent factors were the first child (sibling) being in the obesity category at 2 years (odds ratio [OR] 7.2, [95% CI, 5.49-9.45] and being born Large for Gestational Age (LGA) (2.13 [1.92-2.37]). The following variables were also independently associated with the outcome measure: maternal African origin (1.90 [1.59-2.26]), maternal obesity at start of first pregnancy (1.33 [1.16-1.53]), excessive gestational weight gain in the second pregnancy (1.15 [1.04-1.28]), being born after a < 1-year interpregnancy time interval (1.17 [1.05-1.30]) and not being exclusively breastfed at 12 weeks old (1.29 [1.10-1.52]). Sibling obesity and being born LGA were most strongly independently associated with overweight/obesity at 2 years. This supports the need for family interventions and to address risk factors for development of LGA infants. There was no independent association with interpregnancy weight gain, contrary to what was hypothesised.

Maternal exposure to polystyrene nanoplastics induces sex-specific cardiotoxicity in offspring mice

Globally, plastic pollution threatens human health, particularly affecting the hearts of offspring exposed to maternal environmental factors early in development. Few studies have specifically addressed sex-specific cardiac injury in offspring resulting from maternal exposure to polystyrene nanoplastics (PS-NPs). This study investigates the potential cardiac injury in offspring following maternal exposure to 1 mg/L PS-NPs. Pregnant C57BL/6J mice were exposed to PS-NPs until 3 weeks postpartum to establish a maternal exposure model. Heart tissues were collected and weighed, and the transcriptomes of the offspring hearts were sequenced and analyzed using high-throughput RNA sequencing. Immunohistochemical staining was performed to assess the effects of PS-NPs on cardiac immune infiltration, fibrosis, and apoptosis in the offspring. PS-NPs caused a significant reduction in heart and body weight in female offspring compared to males. Additionally, PS-NPs induced sex-specific transcriptional reprogramming and metabolic disruptions in the offspring. PS-NPs also induced significant fibrosis, apoptosis, and increased CD68+ macrophage infiltration in offspring hearts. Notably, PS-NPs induced distinct cardiovascular diseases in the offspring. Fluid shear stress and atherosclerosis were significantly enriched in PS-NP-treated male offspring, while viral myocarditis was predominantly enriched in PS-NP-treated females. Our findings suggest that PS-NPs induce cardiotoxicity in offspring by disrupting metabolism, impairing immunity, and triggering fibrosis and apoptosis, with sex-specific differences. This study provides novel insights and a foundation for understanding sex-specific pharmacological differences and interventions in PS-NP-induced cardiovascular disease in offspring.

Maternal ketone supplementation throughout gestation improves neonatal cardiac dysfunction caused by perinatal iron deficiency.

Iron deficiency (ID) is common during gestation and in early infancy and has been shown to adversely affect cardiac development and function, which could lead to lasting cardiovascular consequences. Ketone supplementation has been shown to confer cardioprotective effects in numerous disease models. Here, we tested the hypothesis that maternal ketone supplementation during gestation would mitigate cardiac dysfunction in ID neonates. Female Sprague-Dawley rats were fed an iron-restricted or iron-replete diet before and throughout pregnancy. Throughout gestation, iron-restricted dams were given either a daily subcutaneous injection of ketone solution (containing β-hydroxybutyrate [βOHB]) or saline (vehicle). Neonatal offspring cardiac function was assessed by echocardiography at postnatal days (PD)3 and 13. Hearts and livers were collected post-mortem for assessments of mitochondrial function and gene expression profiles of markers oxidative stress and inflammation. Maternal iron restriction caused neonatal anemia and asymmetric growth restriction at all time points assessed, and maternal βOHB treatment had no effect on these outcomes. Echocardiography revealed reduced ejection fraction despite enlarged hearts (relative to body weight) in ID offspring, resulting in impaired oxygen delivery, which was attenuated by maternal βOHB supplementation. Further, maternal ketone supplementation affected biochemical markers of mitochondrial function, oxidative stress and inflammation in hearts of neonates, implicating these pathways in the protective effects conferred by βOHB. In summary, βOHB supplementation confers protection against cardiac dysfunction in ID neonates and could have implications for the treatment of anemic babies.

Developmental programming of reproduction in sheep and goat: Association of fraternity size and sex ratio with reproductive performance of ewes and does at the first pregnancy

Various prenatal factors including the number of littermates (fraternity size) and exposure to male littermate (fraternity sex ratio) during fetal period have been reported to influence postnatal fertility in the mammals. The present research was conducted to study the association of fraternity size and sex ratio with reproductive performance of nulliparous ewes and does. To this end, data associated with number of littermates, exposure to male littermate, birth weight, age at first pregnancy, as well as litter size, sex ratio of offspring, litter weight, and birth weight of female and male offspring after the first parturition retrieved from the database of sheep (n = 536 Romane and 289 Blanche du Massif Central ewes) and goat (n = 174 Alpine and 267 Saanen does) flocks. Fraternity size was negatively associated with birth weight of ewes and does (P < 0.05). Exposure to male littermate during fetal period was associated with younger age at first pregnancy and larger litter size in the does (P < 0.05), but not in the ewes (P > 0.05). Exposure to male littermate during fetal period was positively associated with the odds of male-biased litters in the ewes and does (P < 0.05). Fraternity size was positively associated with litter weight in the does (P < 0.05), but not in the ewes (P > 0.05). In conclusion, the present study showed that the number and sex of littermates during fetal period could impact postnatal reproduction of ewes and does. In this context, some associations, particularly those related to exposure to male littermate during fetal period, were only observed in does, which implicates that the effect of androgens on developmental programming of reproduction may be species-specific.

Research on the Improvement of Endothelial Cell Function and Trophoblast Apoptosis in Rats with Preeclampsia by Tanshinone IIA

Background Preeclampsia is a pregnancy complication characterized by high blood pressure and signs of damage to another organ system, often the kidneys. Recent studies suggest that endothelial dysfunction and trophoblast apoptosis are involved in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia. Purpose To investigate the effects of tanshinone IIA (TIIA) on clinical symptoms, vascular endothelial function, and placental trophoblast apoptosis in preeclampsia rats. Materials and Methods Twenty-four pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats, between 8 and 10 weeks old, were randomly divided and allocated into three groups: Control, model, and treatment, with each group consisting of 8 rats. The control group received normal saline injections via the tail vein; the model group received NG-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (l-NAME) to induce preeclampsia, followed by normal saline injections; and the treatment group received TIIA (10 mg/kg) via tail vein injection after preeclampsia induction with l-NAME. Various parameters were measured, including tail artery systolic pressure, 24-hour proteinuria, offspring and placental weight, levels of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), endothelin-1 (ET-1), placental growth factor (PLGF), and soluble FMS-like tyrosine kinase 1 (sFlt-1) in serum, and expression of B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) and Bcl-2-related X protein (Bax) in placental trophoblasts. Results TIIA treatment led to decreased tail artery systolic pressure and 24-hour urine protein levels, increased body and placental weights of offspring, and favorable changes in serum levels of ET-1, sFlt-1, eNOS, and PLGF. Moreover, TIIA treatment resulted in decreased Bax levels and apoptosis in placental trophoblasts, along with increased Bcl-2 levels. Conclusion TIIA can improve the clinical symptoms of preeclampsia in rats induced by l-NAME, alleviate the apoptosis of placental trophoblast cells, and improve vascular endothelial function.

Paternal zinc deficiency alters offspring metabolic status in Drosophila melanogaster

BackgroundThis study delves into the understudied yet potentially crucial role of paternal zinc deficiency in programming offspring metabolic outcomes. By examining paternal zinc deficiency, we aim to shed light on a previously unexplored avenue with the potential to significantly impact future generations. We investigated the intergenerational effects of paternal zinc deficiency on metabolic parameters in Drosophila melanogaster. MethodsDietary zinc deficiency was induced by supplementing the diet of Drosophila F0 male flies with TPEN (N,N,N′,N′-tetrakis(2-pyridylmethyl)ethylenediamine) from egg stage. The F0 male flies after eclosion were mated with age-matched virgin female flies from the control group, resulting in the F1 offspring generation. The F1 generation were then cultured on a standard diet for subsequent metabolic analyses, including assessments of body weight, locomotion, and levels of glucose, trehalose, glycogen, and triglycerides as well as the expression of related genes. ResultsWe observed an increase (p<0.05) in body weight in male parent flies and female offspring. Negative geotaxis performance was also impaired in the female offspring. Paternal zinc deficiency exerted distinct effects on carbohydrate and lipid metabolism, as evidenced by a significant (p<0.05) increase in trehalose and triglyceride levels in both parent and offspring. Additionally, zinc deficiency led to alterations in the expression of key metabolic genes, including significant (p<0.05) increase in DILP2 mRNA levels, highlighting potential links to insulin signaling. Also, there were reduced mRNA levels of SOD1 and CAT in both parental and offspring generations. Parental zinc deficiency also increased the expression of Eiger and UPD2 mRNA in the offspring, suggesting potential perturbations in the immune response system. ConclusionThese findings underscore the link between zinc status and various physiological and molecular processes, revealing both immediate and intergenerational impacts on metabolic, antioxidant, and inflammatory pathways and providing valuable insights on the implications of paternal zinc deficiency in Drosophila melanogaster.

Why do preconception and pregnancy lifestyle interventions demonstrate limited success in preventing overweight and obesity in children? A scoping review investigating intervention complexity, process evaluation components, and author interpretations.

Preventing childhood obesity from early life is considered essential. However, evidence from recent systematic reviews has highlighted inconsistent results and limited effectiveness of preconception and pregnancy lifestyle interventions regarding offspring weight outcomes and adiposity. Therefore, to improve our understanding regarding the mixed success of these early life interventions, we conducted a scoping review examining intervention complexity, process evaluation components, and authors' statements. Eligible articles (preconception or pregnancy lifestyle trials with offspring data beyond 1month of age) were identified by searching databases (PubMed, Embase, and CENTRAL), previous reviews, and performing CLUSTER searches. The Intervention Complexity Assessment Tool for Systematic Reviews (iCAT_SR) was used to evaluate intervention complexity. A thematic analysis provided insight into process evaluation components and authors' interpretations. Finally, an expert consultation on the results was conducted. We identified 40 eligible publications corresponding to 27 trials. Only two trials started before conception. Potential reasons for interventions' limited success included the late intervention initiation, short intervention duration, and insufficient sample size. Few studies reported process evaluations and included stakeholder involvement, which are essential according to the expert group. We discuss current limitations and outline suggestions for future interventions in this field of research.

Prochloraz induced alterations in the expression of mRNA in the reproductive system of male offspring mice.

Prochloraz is a widely used fungicide worldwide. It is classified as an endocrine disrupting pesticide that affects the reproductive system. This study aimed to examine the impact of exposure to prochloraz of male mice on the reproductive system of their offspring male mice. Male father mice were intragastrically administered different dosages of prochloraz (group MA: 0 mg/kg/day; MB: 53.33 mg/kg/day; MD:160mg/kg/day). Then, the testicular average weight of male offspring in the dose groups was found to be significantly lower than those in the control group (MB:0.312g, MD:0.294g, and MA:0.355 g; P<0.05). Additionally, the testicular coefficient index in the MB and MD groups was also lower than that of the control group. Secondly,we observed that there were significantly different expressed genes clustered in groups B and D, in contrast to the control. Finally, the findings demonstrated a significant alteration in the response of male mice reproductive relative genes to prochloraz invasion. Two genes (Mt-nd6 and Slc12a4) were found to be involved in the regulation of sperm mitochondria function and six genes (Greb1, Esrrb, Catsperb, Mospd2, Sohlh1 and Specc1) were closely linked to sperm functions and estrogen response. The study revealed a significant impact of prochloraz on the reproductive system of male mice, thereby supporting further investigation into the reproductive toxicological effects of the drug.

Maternal Exposure to Low-Dose BDE-47 Induced Weight Gain and Impaired Insulin Sensitivity in the Offspring.

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), commonly used as synthetic flame retardants, are present in a variety of consumer products, including electronics, polyurethane foams, textiles, and building materials. Initial evidence from epidemiological and experimental studies suggests that maternal PBDE exposure may be associated with a higher BMI in children, with disturbance of energy metabolism and an increased risk of Type 2 diabetes. However, the causality between early exposure to real-life PBDE concentrations and increased weight as well as mechanisms underlying impaired metabolic pathways in the offspring remain elusive. Here, using a mouse model we examined the effect of maternal exposure to 2,2',4,4'-tetrabrominated diphenyl ether (BDE-47), the most abundant congener in human samples, on offspring weight gain and energy homeostasis using a mouse model. Maternal exposure to BDE-47 at low dose resulted in weight gain in female offspring together with an impaired glucose and insulin tolerance in both female and male mice. In vitro and in vivo data suggest increased adipogenesis induced by BDE-47, possibly mediated by DNA hypermethylation. Furthermore, mRNA data suggest that neuronal dysregulation of energy homeostasis, driven via a disturbed leptin signaling may contribute to the observed weight gain as well as impaired insulin and glucose tolerance.

ASPG and DAD1 are potential placental-derived biomarkers for ASD-like symptom severity levels in male/female offspring

IntroductionAn early evaluating system for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) severity is crucial. Questionnaire survey is challenging for accurately assessing the severity levels for ASD in children. MethodsOffspring with ASD-like phenotypes were induced by treating pregnant mice with Poly (I:C) at GD12.5 and the placentae corresponding to the offspring were obtained by caesarean. The autism severity composite score (ASCS) for offspring was calculated through behavioral tests. HE staining and immunohistochemistry were used to observe the morphology of placenta. Candidate biomarkers were identified by weighted protein co-expression network analysis (WPCNA) combined with machine learning and further validated by ELISA. Sperman's was used to analyze the correlation between biomarkers and metabolome. ResultsThe placental weight and mean vascular area of male offspring with ASD-like phenotypes were significantly decreased compared with typical mice. According to the WPCNA, four modules were identified and significantly correlated with ASCS of offspring. Two biomarkers (ASPG and DAD1) with high correlation with ASCS in offspring were identified. DiscussionVEGF pathway may contribute to sexual dimorphism in placental morphology within mice with ASD-like phenotypes in term. The placental ASPG and DAD1 levels could reflect ASD-like symptom severity levels in male/female mice offspring.

Developmental programming of production and reproduction in dairy cows: V. Association of the main and interactive effects of maternal level of milk production and milk fat to protein ratio with offspring's birth weight, survival, and productive and reproductive performance from birth to the first lactation period

Level of dam milk production (DMP) and dam milk fat to protein ratio (DFPR), as an indicator of metabolic status in dairy cows, have been identified to be associated with productive and reproductive performance of the offspring. Yet whether the interaction of DMP by DFPR can be associated with performance of the offspring have not been studied to our knowledge. Therefore, the present study was conducted to investigate the association of the main and interactive effects of DMP and DFPR with offspring's birth weight, survival, milk yield and fertility. To this end, data of birth weight, culling rate, milk yield and reproductive variables of offspring born to lactating dams (n = 14,582) and data associated with DMP and DFPR during 305-day lactation were retrieved. Afterwards, offspring were classified in three categories of DMP, including DMP1 (dams with <10.00 × 103 kg of 305-day milk production), DMP2 (dams with ≥10.00 × 103 kg and <14.00 × 103 kg of 305-day milk production), DMP3 (dams with ≥14.00 × 103 kg of 305-day milk production), and three categories of DFPR, including DFPR1 (offspring born to dams with <1.00 FPR), DFPR2 (offspring born to dams with ≥1.00 and < 1.40 FPR) and DFPR3 (offspring born to dams with ≥1.40 FPR). Statistical analysis revealed no association of the interaction effect of DMP by DFPR with investigated variables in the offspring (P > 0.05). However, the main effect of DMP was positively associated with milk yield, but negatively associated with survival, age at first insemination and conception during nulliparity, and transgenerational improvement in milk yield in the offspring (P < 0.05). Moreover, the main effect of DFPR was positively associated with birth weight, survival and first service conception rate during nulliparity, but negatively associated with metabolic status and reproductive performance during primiparity in the offspring (P < 0.05). In conclusion, the present study did not find any interaction effect of DMP by DFPR on productive and reproductive variables in the offspring. This finding implicates the association of DMP with milk production in the offspring was regardless of DFPR. Moreover, this finding implies the association of DFPR with postpartum metabolic status and reproductive performance in the offspring was regardless of DMP.

Childhood obesity from the genes to the epigenome.

The prevalence of obesity and its associated comorbidities has surged dramatically in recent decades. Especially concerning is the increased rate of childhood obesity, resulting in diseases traditionally associated only with adulthood. While obesity fundamentally arises from energy imbalance, emerging evidence over the past decade has revealed the involvement of additional factors. Epidemiological and murine studies have provided extensive evidence linking parental obesity to increased offspring weight and subsequent cardiometabolic complications in adulthood. Offspring exposed to an obese environment during conception, pregnancy, and/or lactation often exhibit increased body weight and long-term metabolic health issues, suggesting a transgenerational inheritance of disease susceptibility through epigenetic mechanisms rather than solely classic genetic mutations. In this review, we explore the current understanding of the mechanisms mediating transgenerational and intergenerational transmission of obesity. We delve into recent findings regarding both paternal and maternal obesity, shedding light on the underlying mechanisms and potential sex differences in offspring outcomes. A deeper understanding of the mechanisms behind obesity inheritance holds promise for enhancing clinical management strategies in offspring and breaking the cycle of increased metabolic risk across generations.

O-191 Delayed fetal growth in pregnant women with polycystic ovary syndrome using serial ultrasonographic biometry

Abstract Study question To investigate the effect of maternal polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) on intrauterine growth and perinatal outcome of offspring. Summary answer Maternal PCOS might have an adverse impact on fetal growth, represented by serial biometric measurements, and consequently lower the birth weight. What is known already Women with PCOS often have low fertility and high risk of certain pregnancy complications, including miscarriage, gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) and preterm birth (PTB). In addition, the offspring of PCOS mothers are susceptible to short- and long-term health consequences, such as metabolic diseases and neuropsychiatric disorders. And the suboptimal intrauterine environment caused by maternal PCOS condition might be the origin of impaired long-term health of the offspring. Study design, size, duration A total of 1153 pregnant women with pregestational diagnosis of PCOS and 1383 non-PCOS controls were included in the retrospective case-control study for clinical record and ultrasonographic database at women’s hospital, school of medicine, Zhejiang university over a 6-year period. Participants/materials, setting, methods Maternal demographic data, fetal biometric measurements with ultrasound, obstetrical and neonatal outcomes were analyzed. A meta-analysis of birth weight in PCOS offspring in the literature was performed to assess the relationship between the maternal PCOS and neonatal growth. Main results and the role of chance After adjustment for potential confounding variables, we found that biparietal diameter (BPD) and femur length (FL) were notably smaller in fetuses of women with PCOS than controls across the entire gestation. This effect still existed after excluding three major pregnancy complications of PCOS, including GDM, HDP and PTB. Although other fetal biometry including estimated fetal weight and birth weight in PCOS offspring were comparable with controls in our study, the meta-analysis of 22 studies showed that the birth weight in offspring of women with PCOS was lower than controls (WMD -37.813, 95%CL [-69.713, -5.913]), especially for offspring in South America (WMD -84.69, 95%CL [-166.69, -2.68]). Limitations, reasons for caution First, data of other fetal parameters like abdominal and head circumference was scanty. Second, neonatal anthropometric parameters apart from the birth weight were not included. Lastly, we did not have the long-term follow-up results of the offspring to explore the potential effect of delayed fetal biometry in their later life. Wider implications of the findings More attention needs to be paid to the smaller-than-average fetuses in PCOS mothers, and proper management may be needed during and after pregnancy. Further studies are needed to confirm the intrauterine growth pattern of the PCOS offspring and its clinical significance in the neonatal period and beyond. Trial registration number N/A