Maternal nutrition affects the composition of follicular fluid and transcript content in gilt oocytes

Abstract

Metabolomics focused on reproduction have been the subject of special interest in the past decade. Metabolite profiling provides detailed information on the status of follicular fluid and follicular cells which accompany the growing oocyte. Although nutrients present in the diet reach oocytes via the follicular fluid, it is not evident whether oocyte/embryo quality can be predicted based on the follicular fluid composition. Since this phenomenon has not yet been investigated in the pig, the aim of the present study was to investigate associations between diet composition and (1) selected markers related to developmental potential of oocytes (brilliant cresyl blue -BCB test, relative transcript abundance of EEF1A1 and ATP5A1 marker genes) and (2) fatty acid profile in the follicular fluid. Gilts were fed control and experimental diets which differed in composition and fatty acid profiles. The experimental diet used in this study comprised mainly locally grown grains (barley and rye) traditionally used for fattening pigs in Poland. Cumulus-oocyte complexes were aspirated from individual pairs of ovaries after animal slaughter, evaluated morphologically and subjected to the BCB test. Relative transcript abundance for the two marker genes was monitored by real-time PCR in oocytes of both categories (BCB + and BCB -). Fatty acid profile in follicular fluid was analyzed by gas chromatography. We show that the experimental diet rich in n-3 fatty acid significantly influences fatty acid composition of the follicular fluid. The fatty acid profile of the follicular fluid of gilts fed the experimental diet differed from that of the control females. The content of saturated fatty acids was higher in the experimental group, whereas unsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids were more abundant in the control group (P < 0.05). With regard to individual fatty acids, only C16:0 (palmitic acid), C18:2n-6 (linoleic acid) and C22:6 (docosahexaenoic acid) differed significantly. The abundance of ATP5A1 mRNA was influenced neither by diet composition nor by oocyte category (BCB + /BCB -) whereas that of the EEF1A1 was affected by both factors. Since higher mRNA level of the EEF1A1 gene was noted in BCB + oocytes this may be considered as a marker of oocyte quality in the pig. Maternal nutrition is one of the main factors affecting developmental competence of mammalian oocytes and embryos. Diet composition may alter the maternal environment of the oocyte and embryo growth through metabolic and endocrine modifications. Zak et al. (1997) showed that feed intake influenced the meiotic competence of porcine oocytes. They claimed that maternal under-nutrition may reduce the follicle's ability to support maturation of oocytes and thus their quality. Follicular fluid (FF) as an endogenous medium participates in transmitting nutrition signals to the

The role of fatty acids on ICSI outcomes: a prospective cohort study

“…In contrast the findings of this study and previous research, some researchers highlighted the vital role and beneficial effects of palmitic acid on oocyte maturation [29, 30]. …”

“…They suggested modifications in the types of consumed fats in these patients [37]. Another study showed an association between trans-unsaturated fat consumption and incidence of endometriosis [29]. Further studies with larger sample size are, hence, required to assess the correlations of serum and follicular fluid levels of FAs with diet and severity of endometriosis among infertile women.…”

Metabolite Profiling in the Pursuit of Biomarkers for IVF Outcome: The Case for Metabolomics Studies

“…Metabolite profiling studies have been conducted on FF to investigate the effects of diet on oocyte quality. Warzych et al [ 147 ] measured FF levels of fatty acids, using gas chromatography (GC), in pigs fed either a control diet or a diet with elevated fatty acid levels. They found that diet had a significant influence on the fatty acid content of FF and suggested that the alterations in certain fatty acids had a positive impact on oocyte quality [ 147 ].…”

“…Warzych et al [ 147 ] measured FF levels of fatty acids, using gas chromatography (GC), in pigs fed either a control diet or a diet with elevated fatty acid levels. They found that diet had a significant influence on the fatty acid content of FF and suggested that the alterations in certain fatty acids had a positive impact on oocyte quality [ 147 ]. Contradicting this, Sinclair et al [ 135 ] found FF fatty acid composition had no predictive value with regard to oocyte quality in cows.…”

Impact of contrasting fish oil concentrations in the diet on ovine embryo development <i>in vivo</i> and of corresponding diet-specific derivative sera during <i>in vitro</i> culture

“…The study by Zeron et al (2002) demonstrating greater numbers of high quality oocytes with improved membrane integrity on chilling when ewes received diets supplemented with fish oil adds credence to this anticipation of specific benefits. So too does the recent observation by Warzych et al (2011) of enhanced expression of a marker gene (EEF1A1) for oocyte competence in the oocytes of pigs given a dietary supplement of docosahexaenoic acid.…”