Search Results (100)

Wine lees (WL) are one of the main byproducts generated during winemaking and are usually disposed of in landfills or incorporated into the soil as an organic amendment; nevertheless, these practices can have negative environmental impacts. Reusing agro-industrial byproducts is a key step toward more sustainable production cycles, and WL represent a promising alternative for formulating culture media for the production of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) biomass, microorganisms widely used in the food and wine industries. In this work, we aim to evaluate the ecotoxicity of WL using a bioassay with zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryos and to analyze their potential as a source of nitrogen and growth factors for the production of UNQLp 11 Lactiplantibacillus plantarum strain biomass in whey permeate. Trials conducted with zebrafish showed that embryos exposed to WL exhibited increased mortality in a concentration-dependent response and the appearance of sublethal effects, such as alterations in embryonic development. Regarding WL biotechnological application, the results obtained confirm that the growth of Lpb. plantarum depends largely on the composition of the culture medium. Whey permeate media (WP) without supplementation showed nutritional limitations, reflected in lower cell counts. While supplementation with WL significantly improved bacterial growth, in some cases reaching values comparable to those obtained with MRS. The results demonstrated that WL can act as an efficient nutrient source, with the potential to replace commercial yeast extract in Lpb. plantarum culture media. Full article

The intrauterine environment plays a critical role in shaping lifelong health, forming the foundation of the Developmental Origins of Health and Disease (DOHaD) paradigm. Increasing evidence suggests that maternal lifestyle factors, particularly physical activity and nutrition, can actively influence embryonic development; however, how exercise and dietary signals interact to regulate developmental programming remains insufficiently understood. In this review, we summarize emerging evidence that maternal exercise and nutrition function as interconnected regulators of embryonic organogenesis through coordinated maternal–placental–fetal communication. Exercise-induced metabolic, endocrine, and immunological adaptations are highly dependent on maternal nutritional status, while dietary composition provides essential substrates and signaling molecules that modulate exercise-mediated benefits. Through regulation of placental function, exerkines, microbiota-derived metabolites, epigenetic modifications, and nutrient-sensing pathways, the integrated exercise–nutrition axis shapes the development of multiple embryonic organ systems and influences offspring health trajectories. We further discuss current challenges in defining optimal combinations of maternal exercise patterns and nutritional strategies, highlighting the need to move beyond isolated interventions toward precision lifestyle approaches during pregnancy. This perspective establishes maternal exercise and nutrition as synergistic modulators of developmental programming and provides a conceptual framework for understanding how combined lifestyle interventions may enhance offspring developmental resilience and reduce the risk of chronic disease across generations. Full article

In ovo supplementation of bioactive substances represents an effective nutritional intervention for enhancing broiler development from the embryonic stage through market age. This study investigates the impact of injecting graded levels of in ovo BGB on the physiological and developmental trajectories of broiler chicks. The investigation spans from embryonic development to a 35-day post-hatch period, assessing hatchability characteristics, chick quality, physiological indices, and growth performance. Based on the results, BGB improved chick quality at hatch by increasing body weight (p = 0.0484), Pasgar score (p = 0.0296), and several blood biochemical indicators, such as serum protein (p = 0.0005) and thyroid hormone concentrations (T3, p = 0.0001), while reducing blood glucose levels (p = 0.0180). Most notably, BGB promoted substantial improvements in intestinal morphology, including greater villus height (p = 0.0001), villus surface area (p = 0.0001), and villus-to-crypt ratio (p = 0.0020), indicating enhanced digestive and absorptive capacity. These physiological and intestinal benefits translated into superior post-hatch growth performance, characterized by higher body weight gain (p = 0.0001) and improved feed conversion efficiency (p = 0.0001). Notably, dressing percentage was significantly affected by a quadratic response (p = 0.0448), where the 0.30% BGB concentration yielded the highest dressing yield (81.1%). Furthermore, humoral immunity was strongly enhanced; immunoglobulin G (IgG) levels demonstrated a highly significant quadratic response (p = 0.0004), maximizing at 11.23 mg/mL in the 0.30% BGB group. Overall, the findings demonstrate that in ovo BGB administration, particularly at the 0.30% level, acts as a powerful developmental programming strategy that supports intestinal maturation, metabolic function, immune response, carcass traits, and long-term growth performance in broiler chickens. Full article

Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) is a highly nutritious legume with significant potential as a food plant. With the advent of climate change and the challenge of feeding a growing population, strategies to produce high-nutrient crops are of utmost importance. In this context, this study describes how light intensity and wavelength affect the embryonic axis of chickpea sprout metabolism, using untargeted metabolomics. Chickpea sprouts were grown under varying light wavelengths (red—650, green—550, and blue—450 nm) at two intensities (75 and 275 µmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹). Analyses were restricted to the embryonic axis (hypocotyl), excluding the cotyledons, which are a reserve-rich tissue. Results showed that high-intensity red light (RH) increased phenolic content by more than 300% compared to controls. Green and blue light treatments significantly increased the protein content by more than twice that of the dark control. Antioxidant activity was significantly higher in sprouts grown under high-intensity blue light (BH). Additionally, the results suggested that pathway regulation is affected not only by wavelength but also by light intensity, with greater significance and effect under BH and RH treatments in isoflavonoid biosynthesis. High quercetin concentration found under BH is hypothesized to explain the high antioxidant activity when compared to the rest. For instance, these findings highlight the potential of light manipulation to modulate and enhance the nutritional and functional qualities of chickpea sprouts’ embryonic axis, contributing to food security and human health. Further studies need to be conducted to answer whether these metabolite changes directly translate to the nutritional quality of the whole edible sprouts. Full article

Reproductive inefficiency associated with impaired oocyte competence and embryonic loss remains a major limitation in livestock production. Although glycine is classified as a non-essential amino acid, its endogenous synthesis is often insufficient to meet increased metabolic demands during gestation and early embryonic development. This suggests that glycine has a conditionally essential role in reproductive physiology. However, the mechanisms through which glycine integrates metabolic and signaling processes to regulate reproductive outcomes are not fully understood. This review summarizes the recent advances in understanding glycine’s role in animal reproduction, emphasizing its function as a metabolic regulator rather than merely a structural component. Glycine contributes to reproductive processes by maintaining redox homeostasis, supporting mitochondrial function and stabilizing cellular environments as part of its osmolyte function during critical developmental stages. Additionally, glycine participates in one-carbon metabolism, influencing nucleotide synthesis and epigenetic regulation. Furthermore, emerging evidence suggests that glycine may modulate key signaling pathways, including the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)-mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) pathway. Consistent with these mechanistic roles, glycine supplementation has been associated with improvements in oocyte maturation and embryonic development, particularly in vitro. These findings highlight the potential of glycine as a dietary or culture medium supplement to enhance reproductive performance in livestock. However, most current evidence is derived from in vitro systems, and the translation of these findings into livestock production strategies requires validation through well-designed in vivo studies. Full article

Trypanosomiasis remains a major constraint to small ruminant production in sub-Saharan Africa, particularly among smallholder farmers. Although WAD goats are considered trypanotolerant because of their relatively low mortality during chronic infection, recent findings show that this survival is at the expense of reproductive efficiency. To back up this claim with scientific evidence, this review followed PRISMA guidelines and systematically searched PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science for important studies published between January 1980 and February 2026. Search terms included African animal trypanosomiasis, Trypanosoma spp., WAD goats, reproductive dysfunction, trypanotolerance, oxidative stress, and hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal axis. Of the 1245 retrieved articles, 14 met the inclusion criteria. Evidence from the included studies indicates that chronic trypanosome infection disrupts reproduction through interconnected mechanisms involving systemic inflammation, oxidative stress, endocrine imbalance, and impaired gonadal function. Available evidence suggests that T. brucei is frequently associated with ovarian dysfunction and embryonic loss, whereas T. congolense has been linked in some studies to uterine pathology and gestational reproductive disturbances. Female goats commonly exhibit irregular oestrous cycles, embryonic loss, and prolonged kidding intervals, while males develop impaired spermatogenesis, abnormal sperm morphology, and reduced testosterone levels. These reproductive impairments reduce kid output, milk yield, herd productivity, and household livelihood resilience. Integrated control strategies combining vector control, targeted chemotherapy, nutritional support, and selective breeding are essential for preserving both fertility and survival in trypanosome-endemic areas. Full article

The aquaculture of Octopus vulgaris faces high larval mortality, mainly due to nutritional limitations and susceptibility to pathogens, particularly Vibrio spp. As vaccination is not feasible in cephalopods, host-associated probiotics represent a promising and sustainable alternative to improve survival and reduce infections. This study evaluated bacteria from the Roseobacter clade as probiotic candidates during octopus embryonic and paralarval stages. Characterization of egg-associated microbiota revealed the absence of cultivable bacteria within eggs and a significantly lower bacterial load on egg surfaces under maternal care, highlighting the regulatory role of female cleaning behavior. No bacteria with antagonism against Vibrio lentus, a common pathogen to octopus, were isolated from egg surfaces. Therefore, selected Roseobacter clade strains were screened in vitro against relevant aquaculture pathogens. Phaeobacter strains showed strong inhibitory activity against Vibrio spp., including V. lentus, while Ruegeria strains exhibited higher specificity against Tenacibaculum maritimum. Based on these results, Phaeobacter sp. 4UAC3 was selected for in vivo assays. This strain successfully colonized eggs, water, and paralarvae; however, its application reduced hatching success in eggs by 33%, likely due to surface-associated accumulation of the bacteria linked to the administration method. In contrast, probiotic treatment significantly improved survival at the paralarval stage. Although high variability was observed, probably due to stressful rearing conditions, more than 50% was observed in treated vs. 0% in non-treated cases at day 6. Overall, Phaeobacter sp. 4UAC3 emerges as a promising probiotic candidate to improve O. vulgaris paralarvae survival, potentially contributing to solving this bottleneck in a sustainable way. Full article

The salivary gland is a key organ in insects that plays essential roles in food digestion, nutrient absorption, and energy metabolism, thereby highlighting the importance of studying salivary gland function for gaining a better understanding of nutritional utilization and insect–plant interactions. To date, however, a lack of salivary gland-specific promoters has limited functional analyses of salivary gland genes in Lepidoptera. In this study, based on microarray and salivary gland transcriptome data, we identified nine candidate genes characterized by high salivary gland expression. Semi-quantitative PCR analysis confirmed cholinesterase (BmCe, BGIBMGA010988) as the optimal candidate for promoter cloning. Temporal expression analysis revealed that the expression of BmCe reaches a peak during days 2–4 of the fifth larval instar. A 2152 bp fragment upstream of the transcription initiation site of BmCe was selected as the putative promoter sequence (designated BmCeP) and cloned to construct a piggyBac transgenic vector driving DsRed expression. Transgenic silkworms were obtained via embryonic microinjection and tissue expression analysis on day three of fifth-instar larvae revealed the predominant localization of DsRed expression in the salivary glands. In this study, we thus identified a gene promoter characterized by salivary gland-predominant expression in Bombyx mori, which we believe could serve as a valuable genetic tool for investigating the molecular mechanisms underlying silkworm nutritional utilization and interactions with its host plant, mulberry. Full article

Reproductive efficiency in female cattle is significantly influenced by micronutrient status, particularly the availability and balance of essential trace minerals. Selenium, copper, zinc, cobalt, and iron serve as critical components of enzymatic systems, antioxidant defense networks, hormone synthesis, and cellular metabolism, collectively sustaining reproductive health. This review integrates current research evidence on the physiological functions and molecular mechanisms through which these five trace minerals regulate reproductive performance in female cattle, with a specific focus on iron—an often overlooked element—highlighting the novelty of this synthesis. Both deficiency and excess of these minerals impair key reproductive outcomes such as estrous cyclicity, conception rate, and embryonic survival. Furthermore, complex interactions among minerals influence their bioavailability and physiological responses. Advances in mineral supplementation strategies, particularly the application of organic minerals and precision feeding technologies, offer promising solutions to improve reproductive performance. Elucidating these interrelationships provides a theoretical foundation for optimizing trace mineral nutrition, thereby enhancing female cattle fertility, reducing metabolic disorders and promoting the sustainable development of beef and dairy industries. Full article

Broodstock nutrition is a key determinant of reproductive output in marine fishes because lipids support yolk formation, embryonic development, and early larval viability. However, the allocation of lipid classes between fertilized eggs and the egg envelope (chorion) remains poorly characterized for many tropical species. In this study, we performed a comparative lipidomic analysis of dechorionated fertilized egg contents and isolated chorion from three tropical marine fishes (Trachinotus ovatus, Platax teira, and Plectropomus leopardus) using UHPLC–Q Exactive Orbitrap MS/MS. Multivariate analyses revealed clear tissue- and species-specific lipid patterns. Dechorionated eggs were enriched in energy-storage lipids, dominated by triacylglycerols and essential polyunsaturated fatty acids, whereas chorion tissues contained higher levels of structural and signaling lipids, including phosphatidylinositols and sphingolipids. Each species exhibited a distinct lipid signature, with T. ovatus characterized by higher secosteroids and free fatty acids, P. teira by glycerophosphoethanolamines and phosphoinositols, and P. leopardus by abundant triradylglycerols. Pathway enrichment highlighted glycerophospholipid metabolism and sphingolipid signaling as prominent processes during early development. These findings clarify lipid partitioning between dechorionated fertilized egg contents and the chorion and provide a biochemical rationale for optimizing species-specific broodstock diets to enhance egg quality in tropical marine aquaculture. Full article

The present review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the current literature on Adams–Oliver syndrome (AOS), synthesizing information on its clinical features, genetic and molecular underpinnings, nutritional aspects, and key nursing care considerations. AOS is a rare congenital disorder. Its genetic basis is heterogeneous, involving mutations in at least six key genes (ARHGAP31, RBPJ, NOTCH1, DLL4, DOCK6, and EOGT), which primarily affect vascular development through pathways like Notch signaling and Rho GTPase regulation. The management of AOS is complex and requires a multidisciplinary approach. The clinical presentation of AOS is highly variable, ranging from mild to severe and includes a wide spectrum of clinical manifestations, most notably aplasia cutis congenita and terminal transverse limb defects. The underlying molecular mechanisms predominantly point towards vasculopathy, disrupting embryonic development. Emerging evidence also highlights the presence of nutritional issues, such as poor feeding and growth failure, which are often overlooked. Management demands an integrated, multidisciplinary management approach, requiring coordinated effort from specialists in pediatrics, genetics, molecular biology, cardiology, surgery, and nutrition. Specialized nursing care is crucial for managing complex symptoms, particularly wound care for aplasia cutis, and for providing family support. Full article

Cellular memory, or epigenetic memory, represents the capacity for cells to retain information beyond the underlying DNA sequence. This heritable characteristic is primarily governed by epigenetic mechanisms which enable cells to maintain specialized characteristics across divisions. This persistent cellular state is essential for fundamental biological processes, such as maintaining tissue identity and facilitating cell differentiation, especially embryonic cells. Early-stage perturbations such as assisted reproductive technologies (ART) and nutritional stress links embryonic exposures to adult health and disease within the Developmental Origins of Health and Disease (DOHaD) framework. Crucially, memory established during early embryogenesis links these epigenetic modifications to adult long-term phenotypes related to metabolic disorders. These modifications—including DNA methylation, histone modifications, and non-coding RNAs—support cellular memory transmission across cell divisions, and in certain organisms, can be transmitted across generations without alterations to the DNA sequence. This review synthesizes recent advances in epigenetic pathways that mediate cellular memory, highlights critical preimplantation windows of vulnerability and outlines gaps necessary for mammalian developing interventions that safeguard future generations. Full article

In viviparous teleosts, the lack of oviducts defines intraovarian gestation, with the ovary being the site for oogenesis but also the site for insemination, fertilization, and gestation. Consequently, intraovarian gestation is a complex and exceptional type of reproduction among vertebrates. The analysis of the morphological and physiological components of intraovarian gestation documents the evolutionary process of nutrition in viviparous species. Two types of embryonic nutrition may occur during gestation: (a) lecithotrophy, when most nutrients for the embryo come from the abundant yolk stored during oogenesis, and (b) matrotrophy, when nutrients for the embryo with scarce yolk must be obtained during gestation by additional maternal provisioning, developing a placenta. Then, investment of maternal nutrients for the embryo is greater during oogenesis in lecithotrophic species, and investment of maternal resources for the nutrition of the embryo is greater during gestation in matrotrophic species. Microscopic techniques allow for proper observation of maternal and embryonic structures involved in both types of nutrition during the development of embryos. Specifically, we focused on the morphology of placental structures associated with embryonic nutrition at different stages of development, which are the yolk sac and the pericardial sac. The oocytes of Poecilia latipinna contain a large amount of yolk (an average oocyte diameter of 1.9 mm); in contrast, the oocytes of Heterandria formosa contain extremely reduced amounts of yolk (an average oocyte diameter of 0.4 mm). Therefore, these species represent appropriate models for studying the strategy of two different types of embryonic nutrition, lecithotrophy and matrotrophy, in viviparous teleosts. Full article

As mitochondria play an important role in nutritional/energy metabolism, nutritional disturbances may affect animal growth, development and performance through modulating mitochondrial structure and function. This study aimed to elucidate the effects of nutritional disturbances on mitochondrial structure and function, oxidative stress, and fat deposition in the hepatocytes of chickens with A or E mitochondrial haplogroups (referred to as A-group and E-group). For in vivo experiments, white-feathered broiler chickens were fasted for 12 h or refed for 2 h after 10 h fasting. For in vitro experiments, chicken embryonic primary hepatocytes were treated with 50 mmol/L glucose or 0.25 mmol/L oleic acid. Data indicated that compared to fasted chickens, fat content (p < 0.01), the number of aggregated ribosomes (p < 0.05), and mitochondrial membrane potential (p < 0.05) were increased in the refed chickens of both haplogroups. However, the number of mitochondria was reduced (p < 0.01) and ROS level was increased (p < 0.05) in the refed E-group chickens, and the protein levels of MFN2 and SOD2 were reduced (p < 0.05) in the refed A-group chickens. Moreover, compared to the control cells, triglyceride content was increased in the cells of both haplogroups (p < 0.01), ROS level was reduced in the E-group cells (p < 0.01), and mitochondrial membrane potential was reduced (p < 0.05) and CYTB protein content was increased (p < 0.05) in the A-group cells after treatment with oleic acid. In addition, mitochondrial membrane potential was increased in the A-group cells after treatment with glucose (p < 0.01). These results indicate that nutritional disturbances affected fat deposition, mitochondrial membrane potential, the number of aggregated ribosomes, and ROS level in chicken liver cells. Moreover, ROS level, mitochondrial number, mitochondrial membrane potential, and the abundance of certain mitochondrial proteins were different between the A- and E-groups or between glucose and oleic acid treatments. These findings provide references for improving animal physiological functions and production performance by adjusting nutritional levels. Full article

Background/Objectives: Selenoproteins play indispensable roles in embryonic development, with their dysregulation linked to various metabolic and neurological disorders. This study aims to systematically quantify the mRNA expression levels of all 24 selenoprotein genes in murine heart, brain, liver, and kidney tissues across embryonic (E8.5, E12.5, E18.5) and postnatal (P7, P30, P90) developmental stages, in order to elucidate the regulatory landscape of selenium metabolism during development. Methods: We collected tissues from mice at six developmental stages and performed RNA extraction followed by quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) to measure the expression of all 24 selenoprotein genes. Data were normalized using the geometric mean of ActB and Gapdh, and statistical analyses were conducted using one-way ANOVA with Duncan’s post hoc test. Results: Our analysis reveals three principal findings: (1) Distinct expression patterns emerge among selenoprotein families—deiodinases (Dio1-3) and thioredoxin reductases (Txnrd1-3) exhibit limited embryonic expression (<20-fold changes), while glutathione peroxidases (Gpx1, Gpx3, Gpx4) and biosynthesis-related genes (Selenop, Msrb1) show substantial postnatal upregulation (up to 600-fold increases); (2) Selenoproteins essential for embryonic survival (Gpx4, Txnrd1, Txnrd2, Selenoi, Selenot) display expression profiles concordant with their essential developmental functions; (3) Selenop and Msrb1, involved in selenium transport and redox regulation, demonstrate early embryonic upregulation with further increases during postnatal development. Conclusions: These spatiotemporal expression patterns elucidate the regulatory landscape of selenium metabolism during development and provide mechanistic insights into the phenotypes associated with selenium deficiency. The findings offer valuable implications for human nutritional interventions and developmental health. Full article