Amniotic fluid metabolomics and biochemistry analysis provides novel insights into the diet-regulated foetal growth in a pig model

Amniotic fluid metabolic fingerprinting contributes to shaping the unfavourable intrauterine environment in monochorionic diamniotic twins

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Amniotic fluid (AF) is the primary intrauterine environment for fetal growth throughout gestation. Selective fetal growth restriction (sFGR) is an adverse complication characterized by unequal growth in twins with nearly identical genetic makeup. However, the influence of AF-mediated intrauterine environment on the development and progression of sFGR remains unexplored.

METHODS

High-throughput targeted metabolomics analysis (G350) was performed on AF samples collected from sFGR (n = 18) and MCDA twins with birth weight concordance (MCDA-C, n = 20) cases. Weighted correlation network analysis (WGCNA) was used to identify clinical features that may influence the metabolite composition in AF. Subsequently, partial least-squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analyses were performed to compare the different types of sFGR and MCDA-C twins. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) and multivariate ROC curves were utilized to explore potential AF markers in twins with sFGR.

RESULTS

In our study, 182 metabolites were quantified in 76 AF samples. WGCNA indicated that the metabolite composition in late AF may not be influenced by gestational age. PLSDA demonstrated distinct variations between the metabolite profiles of AF in the sFGR and MCDA-C twins, with a significant emphasis on amino acids as the primary differential metabolite. The dissimilarities observed in sFGR twins were predominantly attributed to lipid metabolism-related metabolites. In particular, the KEGG enrichment metabolic pathway analysis revealed significant associations of both types of sFGR twins with central carbon metabolism in cancer. The multivariate ROC curves indicated that the combination of carnosine, sarcosine, l-alanine, beta-alanine, and alpha-n-phenylacetylglutamine significantly improved the AUC to 0.928. Notably, the ROC curves highlighted creatine (AUC:0.934) may be a potential biomarker for severe sFGR.

CONCLUSION

The data presented in this study offer a comprehensive metabolic map of the AF in cases of sFGR, shedding light on potential biomarkers associated with fetal growth and development in MCDA twins.

Effect of small peptide chelated iron on growth performance, immunity and intestinal health in weaned pigs

BACKGROUND

Small peptide chelated iron (SPCI), a novel iron supplementation in pig diets, owns growth-enhancing characteristics. Although a number of researches have been performed, there is no clear-cut evidence to show the exact relationship between the dose and effects of small peptide chelated minerals. Therefore, we investigated the effect of dietary supplementation of SPCI at different doses in the growth performance, immunity, and intestinal health in weaned pigs.

METHODS

Thirty weaned pigs were randomly assigned into five groups and feed with basal diet or the basal diet containing 50, 75, 100, or 125 mg/kg Fe as SPCI diets. The experiment lasted for 21 d and on day 22, blood samples were collected 1 h later. The tissue and intestinal mucosa samples were collected following.

RESULTS

Our results showed that the feed to gain ratio (F:G) decreased with different levels of SPCI addition (P < 0.05). The average daily gain (ADG) (P < 0.05) and digestibility of crude protein (P < 0.01) decreased with 125 mg/kg SPCI addition. With dietary different levels of SPCI addition, the serum concentrations of ferritin (quadratic, P < 0.001), transferrin (quadratic, P < 0.001), iron content in liver (quadratic, P < 0.05), gallbladder (quadratic, P < 0.01) and fecal (quadratic, P < 0.01) increased quadraticly. While the iron content in tibia (P < 0.01) increased by 100 mg/kg SPCI supplementation. Dietary 75 mg/kg SPCI addition increased the serum insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) (P < 0.01) and SPCI (75 ~ 100 mg/kg) addition also increased the serum content of IgA (P < 0.01). The serum concentrations of IgG (quadratic, P < 0.05) and IgM (quadratic, P < 0.01) increased quadraticly by different levels of SPCI supplementation. Moreover, different levels of SPCI supplementation decreased the serum concentration of D-lactic acid (P < 0.01). The serum glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) (P < 0.01) elevated but the malondialdehyde (MDA) (P < 0.05) decreased by 100 mg/kg SPCI addition. Interestingly, SPCI supplementation at 75 ~ 100 mg/kg improved the intestinal morphology and barrier function, as suggested by enhanced villus height (P < 0.01) and villus height/crypt depth (V/C) (P < 0.01) in duodenum, as well as jejunum epithelium tight-junction protein ZO-1 (P < 0.01). Moreover, SPCI supplementation at 75 ~ 100 mg/kg increased the activity of duodenal lactase (P < 0.01), jejunal sucrase (P < 0.01) and ileal maltase (P < 0.01). Importantly, the expression levels of divalent metal transporter-1(DMT1) decreased with different levels of SPCI addition (P < 0.01). In addition, dietary SPCI supplementation at 75 mg/kg elevated the expression levels of critical functional genes such as peptide transporter-1(PePT1) (P = 0.06) and zinc transporter 1 (ZnT1) (P < 0.01) in ileum. The expression levels of sodium/glucose co-transporter-1 (SGLT1) in ileum (quadratic, P < 0.05) increased quadraticly by different levels of SPCI addition and amino acid transporter-1 (CAT1) in jejunum(P < 0.05) also increased by 100 mg/kg SPCI addition.

CONCLUSIONS

Dietary SPCI supplementation at 75 ~ 100 mg/kg improved growth performance by elevated immunity and intestinal health.

Utilizing Amniotic Fluid Metabolomics to Monitor Fetal Well-Being: A Narrative Review of the Literature

Fetal and perinatal periods are critical phases for long-term development. Early diagnosis of maternal complications is challenging due to the great complexity of these conditions. In recent years, amniotic fluid has risen in a prominent position in the latest efforts to describe and characterize prenatal development. Amniotic fluid may provide real-time information on fetal development and metabolism throughout pregnancy as substances from the placenta, fetal skin, lungs, gastric fluid, and urine are transferred between the mother and the fetus. Applying metabolomics to monitor fetal well-being, in such a context, could help in the understanding, diagnosis, and treatment of these conditions and is a promising area of research. This review shines a spotlight on recent amniotic fluid metabolomics studies and their methods as an interesting tool for the assessment of many conditions and the identification of biomarkers. Platforms in use, such as proton nuclear magnetic resonance (¹H NMR) and ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC), have different merits, and a combinatorial approach could be valuable. Metabolomics may also be used in the quest for habitual diet-induced metabolic signals in amniotic fluid. Finally, analysis of amniotic fluid can provide information on exposure to exogenous substances by detecting the exact levels of metabolites carried to the fetus and associated metabolic effects.

Untargeted Metabolomics Pilot Study Using UHPLC-qTOF MS Profile in Sows' Urine Reveals Metabolites of Bladder Inflammation

Urinary tract infections (UTI) of sows (characterized by ascending infections of the urinary bladder (cyst), ureters, and renal pelvis), are major health issues with a significant economic impact to the swine industry. The current detection of UTI incidents lacks sensitivity; thus, UTIs remain largely under-diagnosed. The value of metabolomics in unraveling the mechanisms of sow UTI has not yet been established. This study aims to investigate the urine metabolome of sows for UTI biomarkers. Urine samples were collected from 58 culled sows from a farrow-to-finish herd in Greece. Urine metabolomic profiles in 31 healthy controls and in 27 inflammatory ones were evaluated. UHPLC-qTOF MS/MS was applied for the analysis with a combination of multivariate and univariate statistical analysis. Eighteen potential markers were found. The changes in several urine metabolites classes (nucleosides, indoles, isoflavones, and dipeptides), as well as amino-acids allowed for an adequate discrimination between the study groups. Identified metabolites were involved in purine metabolism; phenylalanine; tyrosine and tryptophan biosynthesis; and phenylalanine metabolism. Through ROC analysis it was shown that the 18 identified metabolite biomarkers exhibited good predictive accuracy. In summary, our study provided new information on the potential targets for predicting early and accurate diagnosis of UTI. Further, this information also sheds light on how it could be applied in live animals.

Characteristics of circRNAs expression profiles in the piglets intestine induced by oxidative stress

BACKGROUD

Oxidative stress (OS) can affect the expression of key genes and destroy the intestinal structure. However, it is unclear how OS regulates the expression of circular RNAs (circRNAs), microRNAs (miRNAs) and mRNAs.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to examine the expression of circRNAs, miRNAs and mRNAs exposed to OS.

METHODS

Piglets were exposed to diquat (DQ), a herbicide, and the activity of antioxidant enzymes and the morphology of the intestine were investigated. We utilized whole transcriptome sequencing to examine the global expression of circRNAs, miRNAs and mRNAs in the jejunum.

RESULTS

Compared to controls, 751 circRNAs, 731 miRNAs and 164 mRNAs were differentially expressed in diquat-treated piglets. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analysis indicated that oxidative phosphorylation, RNA degradation and ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis were closely associated with OS.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results indicated that diquat-induced OS alters the intestinal structure, resulting in the differential expression of circRNAs, miRNAs and mRNAs in the jejunum of piglets. Meanwhile, OS weakened the enzyme antioxidant system in serum of piglets. Our results provide a foundation for further studies on the mechanisms involved in the response to OS in the jejunum.

Amino Acid Composition of Amniotic Fluid during the Perinatal Period Reflects Mother's Fat and Carbohydrate Intake

Dietary content during pregnancy is important because it is necessary for the growth of the fetus. With the assumption that the nutritional status of the fetus can be monitored by measuring amino acid concentrations in the amniotic fluid, we investigated whether the habitual dietary intake of pregnant women affected the composition of the amniotic fluid and the significance of performing amniotic fluid analysis. The subjects were 34 mothers who delivered full-term babies by cesarean section. Three biological samples were collected from the mothers: blood, cord blood, and amniotic fluid. At the same time, the mothers' prenatal nutritional intake information was also recorded. When the amino acid contents of the samples were compared with the mothers' nutrient intake, many amino acids in the amniotic fluid were positively correlated with lipid intake, but not with protein intake. There was a negative correlation between lipid intake and carbohydrate intake, and the amino acid contents of the amniotic fluid were also negatively correlated with carbohydrate intake. The results of this study were consistent with those found in animal models, suggesting that the analysis of amniotic fluid may be a useful method to investigate the effects of habitual diet during human pregnancy on the fetus.

Daidzein supplementation enhances embryo survival by improving hormones, antioxidant capacity, and metabolic profiles of amniotic fluid in sows

Daidzein (DAI) is a kind of natural isoflavonic phytoestrogen with estrogenic activity. However, little is known about its influence on early fetal growth in mammalian animals. The current study aimed to explore the characteristics of amniotic fluid exposure to dietary DAI using ¹H NMR-based metabolomics and biochemical analysis. Here, we found that DAI supplementation at a dose of 200 mg kg^-1 significantly enhanced the number of viable embryos at the early gestation stage (P < 0.05). DAI significantly elevated the concentrations of estrogen (E) and insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) in the amniotic fluid (P < 0.05). Moreover, DAI tended to increase the concentration of progesterone, but decrease the concentration of tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) in the amniotic fluid (0.05 < P < 0.10). Interestingly, the activity of glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) was higher in the DAI group than in the CON group (P < 0.05). An ¹H NMR-based metabolomics analysis identified and quantified more than 30 compounds in the amniotic fluid, and some critical metabolites such as arginine, creatine, and citrate were found to be significantly elevated upon DAI supplementation (P < 0.05). Importantly, the metabolic pathways involved in arginine and proline metabolisms were found to be significantly affected by DAI. Collectively, dietary DAI may improve embryo survival by improving hormones, antioxidant capacity, and metabolic profiles in the maternal amniotic fluid.

Amniotic fluid cell-free transcriptome: a glimpse into fetal development and placental cellular dynamics during normal pregnancy

Background

The amniotic fluid (AF) cell-free transcriptome is modulated by physiologic and pathologic processes during pregnancy. AF gene expression changes with advancing gestation reflect fetal development and organ maturation; yet, defining normal expression and splicing patterns for biomarker discovery in obstetrics requires larger heterogeneous cohorts, evaluation of potential confounding factors, and novel analytical approaches.

Methods

Women with a normal pregnancy who had an AF sample collected during midtrimester (n = 30) or at term gestation (n = 68) were included. Expression profiling at exon level resolution was performed using Human Transcriptome Arrays. Differential expression was based on moderated t-test adjusted p < 0.05 and fold change > 1.25; for differential splicing, a splicing index > 2 and adjusted p < 0.05 were required. Functional profiling was used to interpret differentially expressed or spliced genes. The expression of tissue-specific and cell-type specific signatures defined by single-cell genomics was quantified and correlated with covariates. In-silico validation studies were performed using publicly available datasets.

Results

1) 64,071 genes were detected in AF, with 11% of the coding and 6% of the non-coding genes being differentially expressed between midtrimester and term gestation. Expression changes were highly correlated with those previously reported (R > 0.79, p < 0.001) and featured increased expression of genes specific to the trachea, salivary glands, and lung and decreased expression of genes specific to the cardiac myocytes, uterus, and fetal liver, among others. 2) Single-cell RNA-seq signatures of the cytotrophoblast, Hofbauer cells, erythrocytes, monocytes, T and B cells, among others, showed complex patterns of modulation with gestation (adjusted p < 0.05). 3) In 17% of the genes detected, we found differential splicing with advancing gestation in genes related to brain development processes and immunity pathways, including some that were missed based on differential expression analysis alone.

Conclusions

This represents the largest AF transcriptomics study in normal pregnancy, reporting for the first time that single-cell genomic signatures can be tracked in the AF and display complex patterns of expression during gestation. We also demonstrate a role for alternative splicing in tissue-identity acquisition, organ development, and immune processes. The results herein may have implications for the development of fetal testing to assess placental function and fetal organ maturity.

Effects of Dietary Apple Polyphenols Supplementation on Hepatic Fat Deposition and Antioxidant Capacity in Finishing Pigs

Simple Summary

Excessive fat deposition (5–10%) in the liver could lead to liver damage and nonalcohol fatty liver disease (NAFLD). However, there is no satisfactory safe and effective measure of preventive and therapeutic treatments so far. Thus, the prevention of excessive fat deposition through diet modification might be a better strategy to protect humans from metabolic diseases. Due to the anatomical and physiological similarities between humans and pigs, the present study took the finishing pig as an animal model to investigate the effects of apple polyphenols on hepatic fat deposition and antioxidant capacity and their mechanisms. The present study indicated that apple polyphenols might be an effective dietary supplementation for decreasing the excessive fat deposition in liver tissue, improving lipid profiles and increasing the antioxidant capacity of finishing pigs. This study provides a better preventive strategy to protect humans from excessive fat deposition in the liver.

Abstract

Excessive fat deposition in the liver could lead to fatty liver and an increased risk of many metabolic diseases. Apple polyphenols (APPs), the major antioxidants in apples, possess wide-ranging beneficial biological functions. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of APPs on hepatic fat deposition and antioxidant capacity in finishing pigs, and their mechanisms. Results showed that APPs improved lipid profiles, increased antioxidant enzyme activities and reduced the fat deposition in the liver. In the liver, SOD1, CAT, GPX1, GST, NF-E2-related nuclear factor 2 (Nrf2), hormone sensitive lipase (HSL), carnitine palmitoyl transferase-1b (CPT1b), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPARα), cholesterol 7α-hydroxylase (CYP7A1) and low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDL-R) mRNA levels were increased by APPs, while Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1) mRNA level, C16:0 and C20:4n-6 proportions and Δ9-18 dehydrogenase activity were decreased. In conclusion, this study indicated that APPs might be an effective dietary supplementation for improving lipid profiles, increasing antioxidant capacities and decreasing fat deposition in the liver.

The Effects of the Combination of Oral Lactoferrin and Iron Injection on Iron Homestasis, Antioxidative Abilities and Cytokines Activities of Suckling Piglets

Simple Summary

Previous studies have shown that an iron injection alleviates iron deficiency in suckling piglets, but decreases the fractional iron absorption and causes acute poisoning with poor efficiency of antioxidant system, and has other undesirable side effects. Lactoferrin is a critical regulator of iron absorption and oxidative stress. The present results showed that the combination of oral lactoferrin and iron injection is a more effective method to improve iron level, enhance antioxidant ability and modulate the cytokine activity in the suckling piglets.

Abstract

Iron deficiency is considered a common nutritional problem for suckling piglets. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of the combination of oral lactoferrin and iron injection on iron levels, antioxidant ability and cytokine activity in suckling piglets. A total of sixty suckling piglets taken from six sows (10 piglets per litter) with a similar parity were chosen. The lactoferrin (LF) group was orally administrated with lactoferrin solution (0.5 g/kg body weight per day) for a week, the CON group was orally administrated with the same dose of physiological saline. Each piglet (all groups) was given 100 mg of iron dextran (FeDex) by intramuscular injection at the third day of age. Six piglets (n = 6) from each group were euthanized on days 8 and 21. The oral lactoferrin improved the iron level of suckling piglets by increasing the concentrations of serum hemoglobin and hepatic iron on day 8. Gene expression of lactoferrin receptor (LFR) was significantly increased in the LF group piglets on day 8, while duodenal protein expression of the divalent metal transporter 1 (DMT1) was significantly reduced in the LF group on day 8. In addition, oral lactoferrin enhanced serum T-AOC activities and duodenal SOD activities on day 21. The LF piglets had a significantly increased serum concentration of IL-10 on day 8. These results indicated that a combination of oral lactoferrin and iron injection is a more effective method of improving the iron level by up-regulating the expression of the LFR gene, enhancing the antioxidant ability and modulating the cytokine activity in the suckling piglets.

Effects of isomaltooligosaccharide and Bacillus supplementation on sow performance, serum metabolites, and serum and placental oxidative status

This study investigated the effects of isomaltooligosaccharide (IMO) and Bacillus supplementation on sow performance, serum metabolites, and serum and placental oxidative status. Multiparous gestating sows (n = 130) with similar body conditions were randomly allocated to five groups (n = 26) receiving a basal diet (CON group) or a basal diet supplemented with 0.5% IMO (IMO group); 0.5% IMO and 0.02% Bacillus subtilis (IMO + S group); 0.5% IMO and 0.02% Bacillus licheniformis (IMO + L group); or 0.5% IMO, 0.02% Bacillus subtilis, and 0.02% Bacillus licheniformis (IMO + S+L group). There were no significant differences in the litter sizes among all dietary groups. The average piglet birth weight was improved in all treatment groups, and the placental efficiency was greater in the IMO + S and IMO + S+L groups than in the CON group (P < 0.05). The IMO + S+L group had increased the low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and reduced the total cholesterol in umbilical venous serum (P <  0.05). Additionally, the malondialdehyde concentrations were greater in umbilical venous serum of piglets in all treatment groups relative to that in the CON piglets (P <  0.05). The placental total antioxidant capacity was increased in the IMO+L and IMO+S+L groups (P <  0.05). Furthermore, the growth hormone concentration in umbilical venous serum was greater (P <  0.05) in all treatment groups. Overall, IMO and Bacillus supplementation during late gestation resulted in a changed metabolism of sows, improved the placental antioxidant capacity, and increased the growth hormone concentrations in umbilical venous serum, which ultimately improved the piglet birth weight and placental efficiency.

The choice of amniotic fluid in metabolomics for the monitoring of fetus health - update

Introduction: In recent years, several studies have highlighted the promising role of metabolomics in the analysis of amniotic fluid (AF), to describe and characterize the interactions occurring between the mother and the fetus during prenatal development. Among the available biological fluids, AF represents an ideal substrate to provide dynamic information regarding fetal organogenesis and metabolism through pregnancy, since it originates from both maternal and fetal tissues and contains substances derived from placenta, fetal skin, lungs, gastric fluid, and fetal urine. Areas covered: In this paper, we provide an update reporting the most recent results on AF metabolomics in the assessment of feto-maternal health, regarding physiological pregnancies but even fields such as prematurity, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, fetal malformations, chromosomopathies, maternal diseases, placental inflammation or infections, maternal diet or exposure to exogenous substances, according to the literature found on MEDLINE since 2015. Expert opinion: Metabolomics shows a promising role in describing both physiology and disease; the goal would be the identification of biomarkers able to precociously and efficaciously detect pathological conditions, allowing the identification of complicated pregnancy and improving their management. However, this field is under development and its reliability still needs to be clarified, especially through more numerous and accurate studies.

Skeletal muscle metabolomics and blood biochemistry analysis reveal metabolic changes associated with dietary amino acid supplementation in dairy calves

The effects of different amino acid (AA) supplementations of milk protein-based milk replacers in pre-ruminant calves from 3 days to 7 weeks of age were studied. Animals were divided into 4 groups: Ctrl) Control group fed with milk protein-based milk replacer without supplementation; GP) supplementation with 0.1% glycine and 0.3% proline; FY) supplementation with 0.2% phenylalanine and 0.2% tyrosine; MKT) supplementation with 0.62% lysine, 0.22% methionine and 0.61% threonine. For statistical analysis, t-test was used to compare AA-supplemented animals to the Ctrl group. At week 7, body weight and average daily gain (ADG) were measured and blood samples and skeletal muscle biopsies were taken. Blood biochemistry analytes related to energy metabolism were determined and it was shown that MKT group had higher serum creatinine and higher plasma concentration of three supplemented AAs as well as arginine compared with the Ctrl group. GP group had similar glycine/proline plasma concentration compared with the other groups while in FY group only plasma phenylalanine concentration was higher compared with Control. Although the AA supplementations in the GP and FY groups did not affect average daily gain and metabolic health profile from serum, the metabolome analysis from skeletal muscle biopsy revealed several differences between the GP-FY groups and the Ctrl-MKT groups, suggesting a metabolic adaptation especially in GP and FY groups.

Alginate oligosaccharide-induced intestinal morphology, barrier function and epithelium apoptosis modifications have beneficial effects on the growth performance of weaned pigs

Background

Alginate oligosaccharide (AOS), produced from alginate by alginate lyase-mediated depolymerisation, is a potential substitute for antibiotics and possesses growth-enhancing effects. Nevertheless, the mechanisms by which AOS regulates porcine growth remain to be elucidated. Therefore, we investigated the AOS-mediated changes in the growth performance of weaned pigs by determining the intestinal morphology, barrier function, as well as epithelium apoptosis.

Methods

Twenty-four weaned pigs were distributed into two groups (n = 12) and received either a basal diet (control group) or the same diet supplemented with 100 mg/kg AOS. On d 15, D-xylose (0.1 g/kg body weight) was orally administrated to eight randomly selected pigs per treatment, and their serum and intestinal mucosa samples were collected 1 h later.

Results

Our results showed that inclusion of AOS in the diet for 2 wk increased (P < 0.05) the average daily body weight gain in weaned pigs. Notably, AOS supplementation ameliorated the intestinal morphology and barrier function, as suggested by the enhanced (P < 0.05) intestinal villus height, secretory immunoglobulin A content and goblet cell counts. Compared to the control group, AOS ingestion both decreased (P < 0.05) the total apoptotic percentage and increased (P < 0.05) the proportion of S phase in the intestinal epithelial cells. Furthermore, AOS not only up-regulated (P < 0.05) the B-cell lymphoma-2 (BCL2) transcriptional level but also down-regulated (P < 0.05) the B-cell lymphoma-2-associated X protein (BAX), cysteinyl aspartate-specific proteinase-3 (caspase-3) and caspase-9 transcriptional levels in the small intestine.

Conclusions

In summary, this study provides evidence that supplemental AOS beneficially affects the growth performance of weaned pigs, which may result from the improved intestinal morphology and barrier function, as well as the inhibited enterocyte death, through reducing apoptosis via mitochondria-dependent apoptosis.

Metabolomics of the amniotic fluid: Is it a feasible approach to evaluate the safety of Chinese medicine during pregnancy?

The use of Chinese medicines (CMs) during pregnancy has long been a major public health concern. Although CMs have been shown to be effective in treating infertility and preventing miscarriage, their use has been restricted, mainly because of limited knowledge of their potential toxicity. Accurate toxicology data are urgently required to assess whether these CMs are safe for maternal health and fetal development. Amniotic fluid (AF) contains carbohydrates, lipids and phospholipids, urea and proteins, all of which aid in the growth of the fetus and reflect the mother's health status as well. The changes in metabolomic patterns of AF are related to pathophysiological occurrences during the course of pregnancy. In this review, we provide a summary of the research performed in recent years on metabolomic AF samples, and use our previous study as an example to explore the feasibility of metabolomics of AF to evaluate the safety of CMs during pregnancy. We believe that metabolomics of AF play a far more important role than traditional morphology methods in the safety evaluation of CMs for pregnancy, with a higher sensitivity and correlation.

1H NMR-based metabolomics reveals the effect of maternal habitual dietary patterns on human amniotic fluid profile

Maternal diet may influence offspring’s health, even within well-nourished populations. Amniotic fluid (AF) provides a rational compartment for studies on fetal metabolism. Evidence in animal models indicates that maternal diet affects AF metabolic profile; however, data from human studies are scarce. Therefore, we have explored whether AF content may be influenced by maternal diet, using a validated food-frequency questionnaire and implementing NMR-based metabolomics. Sixty-five AF specimens, from women undergoing second-trimester amniocentesis for prenatal diagnosis, were analysed. Complementary, maternal serum and urine samples were profiled. Hierarchical cluster analysis identified 2 dietary patterns, cluster 1 (C1, n = 33) and cluster 2 (C2, n = 32). C1 was characterized by significantly higher percentages of energy derived from refined cereals, yellow cheese, red meat, poultry, and “ready-to-eat” foods, while C2 by higher (P < 0.05) whole cereals, vegetables, fruits, legumes, and nuts. ¹H NMR spectra allowed the identification of metabolites associated with these dietary patterns; glucose, alanine, tyrosine, valine, citrate, cis-acotinate, and formate were the key discriminatory metabolites elevated in C1 AF specimens. This is the first evidence to suggest that the composition of AF is influenced by maternal habitual dietary patterns. Our results highlight the need to broaden the knowledge on the importance of maternal nutrition during pregnancy.

Effect of dietary chitosan oligosaccharide supplementation on the pig ovary transcriptome

Fecundity improvement is one of the most important economic traits for the swine industry. In this study, we identified 486 differentially expressed genes associated with sow prolificacy from COS administrated sow ovaries by RNA-seq.