scholarly journals The influence of maternal nutrient restriction in early to mid-pregnancy on placental and fetal development in sheep

1999 ◽  
Vol 58 (2) ◽  
pp. 283-288 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. Heasman ◽  
L. Clarke ◽  
T. J. Stephenson ◽  
M. E. Symonds
Keyword(s):  
Fetal Development ◽  
Growth And Development ◽  
Maternal Nutrition ◽  
Placental Weight ◽  
Energy Requirements ◽  
Nutrient Restriction ◽  
Placental Development ◽  
Fetal Size ◽  
Size At Birth

Placental weight is a primary factor determining size at birth in many species. In sheep, placental weight peaks at approximately mid-gestation, with structural remodelling occurring over the second half of pregnancy to meet the increasing nutritional demands of the growing fetus. Numerous factors influence placental growth and development in sheep, and many workers (see Kelly, 1992) have investigated the role of maternal nutrition as a regulator of placental and fetal size. We have studied the effects of feeding ewes approximately 50 % of their recommended energy requirements during early to mid-pregnancy on fetal and placental indices measured at mid-gestation (i.e. 80 d) and close to term (i.e. 145 d). Maternal nutrient restriction is associated with a reduction in placental weight at 80 d, but an increase in placental weight at 145 d of gestation, compared with ewes fed adequately in early pregnancy. No significant effect on fetal weight was observed at either 80 or 145 d gestation, although differences in body dimensions and the insulin-like growth factor-1 axis were found in lambs from nutrient-restricted ewes delivered close to term. Maternal nutrition during pregnancy plays a pivotal role in the regulation of fetal and placental development in sheep, and therefore has the potential to influence both short- and longer-term health outcomes.

scholarly journals A Potential Role and Contribution of Androgens in Placental Development and Pregnancy

Life ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (7) ◽  
pp. 644
Author(s):  
Agata M. Parsons ◽  
Gerrit J. Bouma
Keyword(s):  
Fetal Development ◽  
Fetal Loss ◽  
Membrane Receptors ◽  
Placental Development ◽  
Placental Function ◽  
Fetal Physiology ◽  
Estrogen Synthesis ◽  
And Function ◽  
Pregnancy Disorders

Successful pregnancy requires the establishment of a highly regulated maternal–fetal environment. This is achieved through the harmonious regulation of steroid hormones, which modulate both maternal and fetal physiology, and are critical for pregnancy maintenance. Defects in steroidogenesis and steroid signaling can lead to pregnancy disorders or even fetal loss. The placenta is a multifunctional, transitory organ which develops at the maternal–fetal interface, and supports fetal development through endocrine signaling, the transport of nutrients and gas exchange. The placenta has the ability to adapt to adverse environments, including hormonal variations, trying to support fetal development. However, if placental function is impaired, or its capacity to adapt is exceeded, fetal development will be compromised. The goal of this review is to explore the relevance of androgens and androgen signaling during pregnancy, specifically in placental development and function. Often considered a mere precursor to placental estrogen synthesis, the placenta in fact secretes androgens throughout pregnancy, and not only contains the androgen steroid nuclear receptor, but also non-genomic membrane receptors for androgens, suggesting a role of androgen signaling in placental function. Moreover, a number of pregnancy disorders, including pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes, intrauterine growth restriction, and polycystic ovarian syndrome, are associated with abnormal androgen levels and androgen signaling. Understanding the role of androgens in the placenta will provide a greater understanding of the pathophysiology of pregnancy disorders associated with androgen elevation and its consequences.

Role of nutrition in preventing insulin resistance in children

2016 ◽  
Vol 29 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Annalisa Blasetti ◽  
Simone Franchini ◽  
Laura Comegna ◽  
Giovanni Prezioso ◽  
Francesco Chiarelli
Keyword(s):  
Insulin Resistance ◽  
Insulin Sensitivity ◽  
Fetal Development ◽  
Maternal Nutrition ◽  
Dietary Habits ◽  
Prenatal Period ◽  
Dietary Carbohydrates ◽  
Macro And Micronutrients

AbstractNutrition during prenatal, early postnatal and pubertal period is crucial for the development of insulin resistance and its consequences. During prenatal period fetal environment and nutrition seems to interfere with metabolism programming later in life. The type of dietary carbohydrates, glycemic index, protein, fat and micronutrient content in maternal nutrition could influence insulin sensitivity in the newborn. The effects of lactation on metabolism and nutritional behavior later in life have been studied. Dietary habits and quality of diet during puberty could prevent the onset of a pathological insulin resistance through an adequate distribution of macro- and micronutrients, a diet rich in fibers and vegetables and poor in saturated fats, proteins and sugars. We want to overview the latest evidences on the risk of insulin resistance later in life due to both nutritional behaviors and components during the aforementioned periods of life, following a chronological outline from fetal development to adolescence.

scholarly journals Maternal nutrition in early-mid gestation and placental size in sheep

1998 ◽  
Vol 79 (4) ◽  
pp. 359-364 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lynne Clarke ◽  
Lindsay Heasman ◽  
Darren T. Juniper ◽  
Michael E. Symonds
Keyword(s):  
Fatty Acids ◽  
Maternal Nutrition ◽  
Body Condition Score ◽  
Haemoglobin Concentration ◽  
Energy Requirements ◽  
Nutrient Restriction ◽  
Lower Plasma ◽  
Organ Weights ◽  
Esterified Fatty Acids ◽  
Condition Score

We investigated the influence of restricted maternal nutrition between 30 and 80 d gestation on placental growth. Singleton-bearing ewes were fed on either 0.6 (i.e. nutrient restricted) times their energy requirements or 2.25 times this amount (i.e. controls) up to 80 d gestation, when their placentas and fetuses were sampled and analysed. Nutrient-restricted ewes lost body condition score but not body weight and had lower plasma thyroid hormone concentrations than controls, but there were no differences in plasma glucose, non-esterified fatty acids or 3-hydroxybutyrate concentrations between groups. There was no effect of maternal nutrient restriction on fetal weight, conformation or organ weights with the exception of brain weight which was lower in nutrient-restricted ewes. Nutrient restriction had no effect on total placental weight, or proportion of inverted placentomes, but was associated with an increased abundance of small placentomes and decreased weight of the fetal but not maternal components of the placenta. Fetal cotyledons from nutrient-restricted ewes also had a lower DNA but higher haemoglobin concentration than those sampled from controls. The plasma concentration of triiodothyronine in umbilical cord plasma was also increased in fetuses from nutrient-restricted ewes. In conclusion, maternal nutrient restriction during early-mid gestation is associated with a smaller placenta.

Ewe nutrition in early and mid- to late pregnancy has few effects on fetal development

2012 ◽  
Vol 52 (7) ◽  
pp. 533 ◽  
Author(s):  
N. P. Martín ◽  
P. R. Kenyon ◽  
P. C. H. Morel ◽  
S. J. Pain ◽  
C. M. C. Jenkinson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Early Pregnancy ◽  
Fetal Development ◽  
Maternal Nutrition ◽  
Late Pregnancy ◽  
Mammary Glands ◽  
Placental Weight ◽  
Fetal Weight ◽  
Fetal Thyroid ◽  
Lifetime Effects

Maternal nutrition affects fetal development, with potential lifelong consequences. The study reported here compared the anatomical development (dimensions and organs) of twin fetuses at Day 140 of gestation, from 58 twin-bearing ewes fed at one of three different nutritional treatments in early pregnancy [Day 21–50, Low (LD21–50) versus Medium (MD21–50) versus High (HD21–50)] and one of two different nutritional treatments in mid- to late pregnancy (Day 50–140, Medium (MD50–140) versus High (HD50–140)]. There were no effects (P > 0.05) of either early or mid- to late pregnancy nutrition on placental weight and fetal bodyweight or size measurements at Day 140. Semitendinosus muscles from LD21–50-HD50–140 fetuses were heavier (P < 0.05) than those from LD21–50-MD50–140 and HD21–50-HD50–140 fetuses, and fetuses from LD21–50 dams had lighter (P < 0.05) mammary glands compared with those from MD21–50 and HD21–50 dams, even after adjustment for fetal weight. Maternal nutrition also affected (P < 0.05) the weights of the fetal thyroid and brain. These results suggest that farmers can limit ewe nutrition in early pregnancy with only minor effects on the fetus. To investigate potential lifetime effects, a larger cohort of these animals is currently being monitored.

scholarly journals The Role of NFκB in Healthy and Preeclamptic Placenta: Trophoblasts in the Spotlight

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (5) ◽  
pp. 1775 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brooke Armistead ◽  
Leena Kadam ◽  
Sascha Drewlo ◽  
Hamid-Reza Kohan-Ghadr
Keyword(s):  
Oxidative Stress ◽  
Fetal Growth ◽  
Fetal Growth Restriction ◽  
Growth And Development ◽  
Protein Family ◽  
Growth Restriction ◽  
Placental Development ◽  
Critical Organ ◽  
And Oxidative Stress

The NFκB protein family regulates numerous pathways within the cell—including inflammation, hypoxia, angiogenesis and oxidative stress—all of which are implicated in placental development. The placenta is a critical organ that develops during pregnancy that primarily functions to supply and transport the nutrients required for fetal growth and development. Abnormal placental development can be observed in numerous disorders during pregnancy, including fetal growth restriction, miscarriage, and preeclampsia (PE). NFκB is highly expressed in the placentas of women with PE, however its contributions to the syndrome are not fully understood. In this review we discuss the molecular actions and related pathways of NFκB in the placenta and highlight areas of research that need attention

scholarly journals Maternal nutritional manipulation of placental growth and glucose transporter 1 (GLUT-1) abundance in sheep

Reproduction ◽  
2001 ◽  
pp. 793-800 ◽  
Author(s):  
J Dandrea ◽  
V Wilson ◽  
G Gopalakrishnan ◽  
L Heasman ◽  
H Budge ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Glucose Transporter ◽  
Maternal Nutrition ◽  
Metabolizable Energy ◽  
Fetal Weight ◽  
Energy Requirements ◽  
Nutrient Restriction ◽  
Glucose Transporter 1 ◽  
Glut 1 ◽  
Restricted Group ◽  
Near Term

Glucose transporter 1 (GLUT-1) is the predominant glucose transporter in the placenta but the extent to which its abundance is nutritionally regulated is unknown. This study investigated the effects of restricted maternal nutrition between day 28 and day 80 of gestation followed by re-feeding to either meet or to exceed the total energy requirements on placental size and GLUT-1 abundance at mid-gestation (that is, day 80) and near to term (that is, days 140-145 of gestation; term = 147 days). Singleton bearing ewes either consumed 8.7-9.9 MJ day(-1) of metabolizable energy (that is, well fed) or 3.2-3.8 MJ day(-1) of metabolizable energy (that is, nutrient restricted) from day 28 to day 80 of gestation, after which stage they consumed either 6.5-7.5 MJ day(-1) (that is, adequately fed) or 8.0-10.9 MJ day(-1) (that is, well fed) of metabolizable energy until near to term. In all ewes, at both sampling dates, the abundance of GLUT-1 was higher in the maternal component than in the fetal component of the placenta. Immunohistochemistry confirmed that GLUT-1 was located in the maternal uterine syncytium. At day 80 of gestation, placental mass was lower (P < 0.05) in the nutrient restricted group, but there was no difference in the abundance of GLUT-1 between the nutrient restricted group and the well fed group. At near term, placental mass was greater (P < 0.05) in ewes that were nutrient restricted during early to mid-gestation and then adequately fed up to term compared with ewes that were well fed during early to mid-gestation. This increase was associated with a higher (P < 0.05) abundance of total placental GLUT-1 and a larger fetus. There was no effect of previous nutrient restriction on placental mass, fetal weight or GLUT-1 abundance at term, when ewes were well fed in the second half of gestation. In conclusion, maternal nutrient restriction between early to mid-gestation alters placental growth but has no effect on placental GLUT-1 abundance. Increasing maternal feed intake to meet calculated energy requirements in previously nutrient restricted ewes during the second half of gestation, increases placental mass and fetal weight, and the abundance of GLUT-1, an adaptation not observed if maternal food intake is increased above requirements.

110 BARLEY SUPPLEMENTATION AT MID-GESTATION IN BROODMARES DOES NOT AFFECT FETAL DEVELOPMENT AND IS ACCOMPANIED BY MINIMAL PLACENTAL ADAPTATIONS

2015 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
pp. 147 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Robles ◽  
P. Peugnet ◽  
C. Dubois ◽  
L. Wimel ◽  
A. Tarrade ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Growth Factor ◽  
Body Condition ◽  
Fetal Development ◽  
Growth And Development ◽  
Maternal Nutrition ◽  
Body Condition Score ◽  
Plasma Concentrations ◽  
Nonesterified Fatty Acid ◽  
Insulin Like Growth Factor ◽  
Condition Score

Modifications of maternal environment could alter fetal growth and development through the placenta and thus health in adulthood. The developmental origins of health and disease suggest that maternal nutrition during pregnancy may affect offspring development and subsequent energy metabolism. To understand the effect of common feeding practices during gestation, 24 saddlebred mares were allocated to 1 of 2 groups: group B was supplemented twice a day with barley (B) and group F was fed only with fodder (F) between month 7 of gestation and foaling. B mares maintained an optimal body condition score through gestation, with an increase in glycaemia and insulinemia after each meal and insulin resistance in month 9 of gestation. F mares lost condition as assessed by body condition score in the last part of gestation, leading to a moderate undernutrition and a transitional increase in nonesterified fatty acid plasma concentrations. Diets had no effect on feto-placental biometry or on placental structure. In contrast, an increase in microcotyledonary vessel volume was observed in F placentas, indicating placental adaptation, possibly to increase fetomaternal exchanges. There was no overall difference in the expression of genes involved in vascularization, nutrient transfer, growth, and development between placentas from B and F mares. Nevertheless, as seen in other species, sex-specific effects of maternal nutrition were observed in placentas from female foals, with differences in the expression of endogline, kinase insert domain receptor, insulin-like growth factor 2 and insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor genes. This study demonstrates that breeding practices such as supplementation in concentrate at mid-gestation do not seem to affect fetal development. More work is ongoing to evaluate postnatal health.

scholarly journals Mechanical Properties of the Chick Embryo Spinal Cord

2007 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ragi A. I. Elias ◽  
Jason Maikos ◽  
David I. Shreiber
Keyword(s):  
Mechanical Properties ◽  
Spinal Cord ◽  
Fetal Development ◽  
Growth And Development ◽  
Axon Growth ◽  
Neural Precursor ◽  
Mechanical Environment ◽  
Embryonic And Fetal Development ◽  
Cord Injury

Determining the mechanical properties of the spinal cord are useful to identify its response to sub-injurious loading experienced during normal motion, to evaluate the biomechanics of spinal cord injury (SCI) [1], and to understand the role of the changing mechanical environment in growth and development. While an array of studies have focused on the mechanical properties of adult spinal cords, those properties may not be the same as pediatric spinal cords, which undergoes significant changes during development. Additionally, during embryonic and fetal development, axon growth and neural precursor differentiation into neurons are at their peak.

scholarly journals Identifying Stabilin-1 and Stabilin-2 Double Knockouts in Reproduction and Placentation: A Descriptive Study

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (19) ◽  
pp. 7235
Author(s):  
Soon-Young Kim ◽  
Eun-Hye Lee ◽  
Eun Na Kim ◽  
Woo-Chan Son ◽  
Yeo Hyang Kim ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Endothelial Cells ◽  
Fetal Development ◽  
Knockout Mouse ◽  
Descriptive Study ◽  
Reproductive Capacity ◽  
Placental Development ◽  
Phenotypic Characteristics ◽  
Double Knockout ◽  
Study Offer

The placenta undergoes reconstruction at different times during fetal development to supply oxygen and nutrients required throughout pregnancy. To accommodate the rapid growth of the fetus, small spiral arteries undergo remodeling in the placenta. This remodeling includes apoptosis of endothelial cells that line spiral arteries, which are replaced by trophoblasts of fetal origin. Removal of dead cells is critical during this process. Stabilin-1 (Stab1) and stabilin-2 (Stab2) are important receptors expressed on scavenger cells that absorb and degrade apoptotic cells, and Stab1 is expressed in specific cells of the placenta. However, the role of Stab1 and Stab2 in placental development and maintenance remain unclear. In this study, we assessed Stab1 and Stab2 expression in the placenta and examined the reproductive capacity and placental development using a double-knockout mouse strain lacking both Stab1 and Stab2 (Stab1/2 dKO mice). Most pregnant Stab1/2 dKO female mice did not produce offspring and exhibited placental defects, including decidual hemorrhage and necrosis. Findings of this study offer the first description of the phenotypic characteristics of placentas and embryos of Stab1/2 dKO females during pregnancy, suggesting that Stab1 and Stab2 are involved in placental development and maintenance.

scholarly journals Androgen Signaling in the Placenta

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Agata M. Parsons Aubone ◽  
River Evans ◽  
Gerrit J. Bouma
Keyword(s):  
Gas Exchange ◽  
Signaling Pathways ◽  
Growth And Development ◽  
Current Status ◽  
Placental Development ◽  
Waste Gas ◽  
And Function ◽  
Endocrine Signaling

The placenta is a multifunctional, transitory organ that mediates transport of nutrients and waste, gas exchange, and endocrine signaling. In fact, placental secretion of hormones is critical for maintenance of pregnancy, as well as growth and development of healthy offspring. In this chapter, the role of androgens in placental development and function is highlighted. First, a brief summary will be provided on the different mammalian placental types followed by an overview of placental steroidogenesis. Next, the chapter will focus on genomic and non-genomic androgen signaling pathways. Finally, an overview will be provided on the current status of androgen signaling in the placenta during normal and abnormal pregnancies.

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