Nutritional restriction in lactating primiparous sows selectively affects female embryo survival and overall litter development

2006 ◽  
Vol 18 (3) ◽  
pp. 347 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. D. Vinsky ◽  
S. Novak ◽  
W. T. Dixon ◽  
M. K. Dyck ◽  
G. R. Foxcroft
Keyword(s):  
Specific Effect ◽  
Net Energy ◽  
Female Embryo ◽  
Embryo Survival ◽  
Embryonic Survival ◽  
Crown Rump Length ◽  
Specific Effects ◽  
Embryonic Loss ◽  
Nutritional Restriction ◽  
Restricted Feed Intake

This study explored the possibility of sex-specific effects on embryonic survival in primiparous sows subjected to restricted feed intake during the last week of lactation and bred after weaning (Restrict; n = 16), compared with control sows fed close to ad libitum feed intakes (Control; n = 17). Restrict sows were in a substantial negative net energy balance at weaning, and lost 13% of estimated protein and 17% of fat mass during lactation, yet the weaning-to-oestrous interval and ovulation rate were not different between treatments. However, embryonic survival at Day 30 of gestation was lower (P < 0.05) in Restrict than Control sows, and selectively reduced the proportion of female embryos surviving (P < 0.01). A decrease in weight and crown–rump length of surviving female (P < 0.05) and male (P < 0.05) embryos was seen in Restrict litters. The mechanisms mediating this sex-specific effect on embryonic loss in feed-restricted sows are unclear. The data presented here indicate that feed-restriction during the last week of lactation in primiparous sows causes a selective decrease in survival of female embryos and limits the growth of all surviving embryos.

Altered epigenetic variance in surviving litters from nutritionally restricted lactating primiparous sows

2007 ◽  
Vol 19 (3) ◽  
pp. 430 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. D. Vinsky ◽  
G. K. Murdoch ◽  
W. T. Dixon ◽  
M. K. Dyck ◽  
G. R. Foxcroft
Keyword(s):  
Dna Methylation ◽  
Epigenetic Changes ◽  
Xist Expression ◽  
Embryo Viability ◽  
Female Embryo ◽  
Embryo Survival ◽  
Male Embryo ◽  
Prediction Variance ◽  
Embryonic Loss ◽  
The Difference

Feed restriction of primiparous sows during the last week of lactation has been shown to decrease embryonic growth and female embryo survival to Day 30 of gestation. This study sought to determine whether global DNA methylation and epigenetic gene expression of the candidate genes Igf2, Igf2r, and Xist were associated with these treatment effects. Given that these epigenetic traits are expected to be important for embryo viability, changes in variance for these traits at Day 30 were predicted to be reflected in the loss of abnormal embryos at this time. Consistent with this prediction, variance in DNA methylation was reduced (P < 0.001) in Restrict male embryo, and there was a tendency for reduced variance (P < 0.06) in Restrict female embryos. Variation in DNA methylation tended to be correlated (R = 0.42, P < 0.1) with the difference in variance of embryo weights between treatments (P < 0.01), suggesting a relationship between epigenetic changes and embryonic development. Variance in Igf2r expression tended to decrease (P < 0.07) in Restrict female embryos while variance in Xist expression tended to decrease in Restrict male embryos (P < 0.08), suggesting that maternally inherited epigenetic defects may cause female embryonic loss and reduced growth before Day 30 of gestation.

Ontogeny of metabolic effects on embryonic development in lactating and weaned primiparous sows

2007 ◽  
Vol 19 (5) ◽  
pp. 603 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. D. Vinsky ◽  
F. Paradis ◽  
W. T. Dixon ◽  
M. K. Dyck ◽  
G. R. Foxcroft
Keyword(s):  
Embryonic Development ◽  
Metabolic Effects ◽  
Net Energy ◽  
Female Embryo ◽  
Embryo Survival ◽  
Global Methylation ◽  
Specific Loss ◽  
Embryo Recovery ◽  
Stage Of Development ◽  
Gender Specific

Using an established experimental paradigm, feed restriction during the last week of lactation in primiparous sows reduces embryonic growth and development and produces female-specific embryonic mortality by Day 30 of gestation. Because this gender-specific loss of embryos at Day 30 was associated with changes in the variation of markers of epigenetic imprinting, the present study sought to establish the ontogeny of such epigenetic affects. Leucocyte DNA of restrict-fed sows exhibited decreased global methylation during the last week of lactation and during the return to oestrus (P < 0.05), but no associated changes in plasma folate and vitamin B12. Furthermore, no changes in methylation of blastocyst DNA, embryonic sex ratios or development were evident at Day 6 of gestation that would characterise the underlying defects that reduced female embryo survival by Day 30. However, regardless of treatment, embryo recovery rates and synchrony in embryonic development were associated with the stage of development of the recovered embryos (r = 0.68; P < 0.001). The subset of sows classified as bearing litters with superior embryonic development had lower net energy balance over lactation (P < 0.01) and higher ovulation rates (P < 0.005) compared with sows classified as having poorer embryonic development. Collectively, these data suggest that a subset of litters within restrict-fed sows will be most sensitive to the latent epigenetic mechanisms that ultimately trigger gender-specific loss of embryos by Day 30 of gestation, but that these selective mechanisms are not evident by Day 6 of gestation.

scholarly journals Common and specific effects of the two major forms of prolactin in the rat testis

2007 ◽  
Vol 293 (6) ◽  
pp. E1795-E1803 ◽  
Author(s):  
Valencia L. Williams ◽  
Ariel DeGuzman ◽  
Hong Dang ◽  
Mitsumori Kawaminami ◽  
Timothy W. C. Ho ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Luteinizing Hormone ◽  
Fas Ligand ◽  
Regulatory Protein ◽  
Specific Effect ◽  
Serum Testosterone ◽  
Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase ◽  
Luteinizing Hormone Receptor ◽  
Male Rats ◽  
Terminal Deoxynucleotidyl Transferase ◽  
Specific Effects

Prolactin (PRL) has both stimulatory and inhibitory effects on testicular function, a finding we hypothesized may be related in some part to the form of the hormone present or administered. In the analysis of the pituitary secretion profiles of early pubescent vs. mature male rats, we found PRL released from early pubescent pituitaries had about twice the degree of phosphorylation. Treatment of mature males with either unmodified PRL (U-PRL) or phosphorylated PRL (via the molecular mimic S179D PRL) for a period of 4 wk (circulating level of ∼50 ng/ml) showed serum testosterone decreased by ∼35% only by treatment with the phospho-mimic S179D PRL. Given the specificity of this effect, it was initially surprising that both forms of PRL decreased testicular expression of 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase and steroidogenic acute regulatory protein. Both forms also increased expression of the luteinizing hormone receptor, but only S179D PRL increased the ratio of short to long PRL receptors. Endogenous PRL and luteinizing hormone levels were unchanged in all groups in this time frame, suggesting that effects on steroidogenic gene expression were directly on the testis. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate nick end-labeling analysis combined with staining for 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase and morphometric analysis showed that S179D PRL, but not U-PRL, increased apoptosis of Leydig cells, a finding supported by increased staining for Fas and Fas ligand in the testicular interstitium, providing an explanation for the specific effect on testosterone. S179D PRL, but not U-PRL, also increased apoptosis of primary spermatogonia, and U-PRL, but not S179D PRL, decreased apoptosis of elongating spermatids. Thus, in mature males, hyperprolactinemic levels of both forms of PRL have common effects on steroidogenic proteins, but specific effects on the apoptosis of Leydig and germ cells.

Did ‘the Princess on the Pea— Suffer from Fibromyalgia Syndrome?

2007 ◽  
Vol 25 (4) ◽  
pp. 184-197 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas Lundeberg ◽  
Iréne Lund
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Dysfunction ◽  
Sleep Disturbances ◽  
Fibromyalgia Syndrome ◽  
Short Term Memory ◽  
Treatment Strategies ◽  
Specific Effect ◽  
Pain Syndrome ◽  
Individual Variability ◽  
Specific Effects ◽  
Systematic Effects

Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is a chronic pain syndrome characterised by central sensitisation resulting in hypersentivity of the skin and deeper tissues as well as fatigue. Possibly the princess in Hans Christian Andersen's ‘The Princess and the Pea’ suffered from FMS since chronic sleep disturbances are typical in FMS. These sleep disturbances have been attributed to a dysfunction in the systems regulating sleep and wakefulness resulting in loss of deep sleep. In addition, many patients with FMS experience cognitive dysfunction, characterised by impaired concentration and short term memory consolidation, a complaint also commonly reported in other sleep disorders. In recent reviews evaluating the efficacy of acupuncture in FMS it has been concluded that acupuncture has no specific effect. A prerequisite for this conclusion is that all the major symptoms in the syndrome have been assessed. However, previous studies have generally focused on the pain alleviating effect of acupuncture in FMS. We have observed that not only pain but also sleep and cognitive dysfunction may be ameliorated in response to acupuncture, suggesting that these variables should be taken into account when evaluating the effects of acupuncture in FMS. Furthermore, the results demonstrated great individual variability apart from the systematic effects related to the group, indicating that individually performed treatment strategies are required. Our suggestion is supported by experimental and clinical studies showing that acupuncture may affect in somnia and alertness, and that there may be neurophysiologic bases for these specific effects.

scholarly journals Peri-Conceptional undernutrition in twin bearing ewes: Effect on early fetal growth and birth weight

2017 ◽  
Vol 4 (12) ◽  
pp. 419
Author(s):  
Ricardo Vicente-Pérez ◽  
Yolanda Osorio-Marín ◽  
María De los Angeles López-Baca ◽  
Leonel Avendaño-Reyes ◽  
Abelardo Correa-Calderón ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Birth Weight ◽  
Body Condition ◽  
Fetal Growth ◽  
Body Condition Score ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Maternal Body ◽  
Crown Rump Length ◽  
Condition Score ◽  
Nutritional Restriction ◽  
Mating Time

A total of 48 Katahdin x Pelibuey multiparous ewes were used to evaluate the e ect of nutritional restriction (40 %) before (30 d, RT), after (50 d, TR) or both periods (80 d, RR) compared with a control group on maternal body status, early fetal growth and lamb birth weights. Only twin bearing ewes were selected at d 50 of pregnancy for fetal measurements by ultrasonography and record of birth weight. Compared with control ewes, lower (p < 0.05) weight and body condition score had RT and RR ewes at mating time, likewise, TR and RR ewes at d 50 post-conception. There were mainly di erences between fetuses from control and RT ewes, being higher (p < 0.05) the vesicular, abdominal and fetal area, as well as crown-rump length and birth weight for RT fetuses. In conclusion, preconception undernutrition positively altered the early fetal growth and lamb birth weights in hair ewes pregnant with twins. 

scholarly journals Municipal Residence Level of Long-Term PM10 Exposure Associated with Obesity among Young Adults in Seoul, Korea

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jayeun Kim ◽  
Kyuhyun Yoon
Keyword(s):  
Young Adults ◽  
Specific Effect ◽  
Life Time ◽  
Total Study Population ◽  
Logistic Regression Models ◽  
Specific Effects ◽  
Study Population ◽  
Socio Demographic Factors ◽  
Pm10 Exposure

Background: The associations between long-term exposure to particulate matters (PM) in residential ambiance and obesity are comparatively less elucidated among young adults. Methods: Using 2017 Community Health Survey data with aged 19&minus;29 participants in 25 communities, Seoul, the relationship between obesity and long&minus;term PM10 levels of living district was examined. We defined obesity as overweight (25&le;BMI&amp;lt;30) or obese (30&le;BMI) using Body Mass Index (BMI) from self-reported anthropometric information. Analysis was conducted sampling weighted logistic regression models by fitting municipal PM10 levels according to individual residence periods with 10 years and more residing in a current municipality. Socio-demographic factors were adjusted over all models and age&minus;specific effect was explored among aged 19&ndash;24 and 25&ndash;29. Results: Total study population are 3,655 [men 1,680 (46.0%) and aged 19&ndash;24 1,933 (52.9%)] individuals. Among the communities with greater level of PM10; 2001&ndash;2005, associations with obesity were increased for overall with residence period; 10 years &le; [Odds ratio, OR 1.071, 95% Confidence interval (CI) 0.969&ndash;1.185], 15 years &le; [OR 1.118, 95% CI 1.004&ndash;1.245], and 20 years &le; [OR 1.156, 95% CI 1.032&ndash;1.294]. However, decreased associations were detected for PM10; 2006&ndash;2010, and age&ndash;specific effects were modified according to the residence period. Conclusions: Although currently PM10 levels are decreasing, higher levels of PM10 exposure at the residential area during the earlier life-time may contribute in increasing obesity among young adults.

scholarly journals Reporting and misreporting of sex differences in the biological sciences

eLife ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yesenia Garcia-Sifuentes ◽  
Donna L Maney
Keyword(s):  
Biological Sciences ◽  
Sex Differences ◽  
Biomedical Research ◽  
Specific Effect ◽  
National Institutes Of Health ◽  
Specific Effects ◽  
Biological Variable ◽  
Males And Females ◽  
Increasing Risk ◽  
Do So

As part of an initiative to improve rigor and reproducibility in biomedical research, the U.S. National Institutes of Health now requires the consideration of sex as a biological variable in preclinical studies. This new policy has been interpreted by some as a call to compare males and females with each other. Researchers testing for sex differences may not be trained to do so, however, increasing risk for misinterpretation of results. Using a list of recently published articles curated by Woitowich et al. (eLife, 2020; 9:e56344), we examined reports of sex differences and non-differences across nine biological disciplines. Sex differences were claimed in the majority of the 147 articles we analyzed; however, statistical evidence supporting those differences was often missing. For example, when a sex-specific effect of a manipulation was claimed, authors usually had not tested statistically whether females and males responded differently. Thus, sex-specific effects may be over-reported. In contrast, we also encountered practices that could mask sex differences, such as pooling the sexes without first testing for a difference. Our findings support the need for continuing efforts to train researchers how to test for and report sex differences in order to promote rigor and reproducibility in biomedical research.

scholarly journals Specific effects of antitumor active norspermidine on the structure and function of DNA

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Takashi Nishio ◽  
Yuko Yoshikawa ◽  
Chwen-Yang Shew ◽  
Naoki Umezawa ◽  
Tsunehiko Higuchi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Cell Function ◽  
Specific Effect ◽  
Underlying Mechanism ◽  
Chemical Structures ◽  
Specific Effects ◽  
Methylene Groups ◽  
And Function ◽  
Dna Measurements

Abstract We compared the effects of trivalent polyamines, spermidine (SPD) and norspermidine (NSPD), a chemical homologue of SPD, on the structure of DNA and gene expression. The chemical structures of SPD and NSPD are different only with the number of methylene groups between amine groups, [N-3-N-4-N] and [N-3-N-3-N], respectively. SPD plays vital roles in cell function and survival, including in mammals. On the other hand, NSPD has antitumor activity and is found in some species of plants, bacteria and algae, but not in humans. We found that both polyamines exhibit biphasic effect; enhancement and inhibition on in vitro gene expression, where SPD shows definitely higher potency in enhancement but NSPD causes stronger inhibition. Based on the results of AFM (atomic force microscopy) observations together with single DNA measurements with fluorescence microscopy, it becomes clear that SPD tends to align DNA orientation, whereas NSPD induces shrinkage with a greater potency. The measurement of binding equilibrium by NMR indicates that NSPD shows 4–5 times higher affinity to DNA than SPD. Our theoretical study with Monte Carlo simulation provides the insights into the underlying mechanism of the specific effect of NSPD on DNA.

scholarly journals Disentangling the Effects of Multiple Stressors on Large Rivers Using Benthic Invertebrates—A Study of Southeastern European Large Rivers with Implications for Management

Water ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 621 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gorazd Urbanič ◽  
Zlatko Mihaljević ◽  
Vesna Petkovska ◽  
Maja Pavlin Urbanič
Keyword(s):  
Water Quality ◽  
Land Use ◽  
Multiple Stressors ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Specific Effect ◽  
Benthic Invertebrate ◽  
Large Rivers ◽  
Specific Effects ◽  
Land Use Effects ◽  
Invertebrate Assemblages

Predicting anthropogenic actions resulting in undesirable changes in aquatic systems is crucial for the development of effective and sustainable water management strategies. Due to the co-occurrence of stressors and a lack of appropriate data, the effects on large rivers are difficult to elucidate. To overcome this problem, we developed a partial canonical correspondence analyses (pCCA) model using 292 benthic invertebrate taxa from 104 sites that incorporated the effects of three stressors groups: hydromorphology, land use, and water quality. The data covered an environmental gradient from near-natural to heavily altered sites in five large rivers in Southeastern Europe. Prior to developing the multi-stressor model, we assessed the importance of natural characteristics on individual stressor groups. Stressors proved to be the dominant factors in shaping benthic invertebrate assemblages. The pCCA among stressor-groups showed that unique effects dominated over joint effects. Thus, benthic invertebrate assemblages were suitable for disentangling the specific effect of each of the three stressor groups. While the effects of hydromorphology were dominant, both water quality and land use effects were nearly equally important. Quantifying the specific effects of hydromorphological alterations, water quality, and land use will allow water managers to better understand how large rivers have changed and to better define expectations for ecosystem conditions in the future.

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